Written Answers

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Written Answers To Questions

Tuesday 15 July 1980

Trade

Japanese Motor Cars

asked the Secretary of State for Trade whether the Government have any plans to ask Japanese motor manufacturers to restrict their share of the United Kingdom's domestic market to below 10 per cent.

No. The Japanese share of the United Kingdom market for the first half of 1980 was 10·64 per cent. very much in line with recent years. However, we have noted recent relatively high shipments from Japan against the back-ground of a declining market and we have explained to the Japanese authorities our concern that their industry should continue its policy of restraint in its sales to this country.

Manufactured Imports

asked the Secretary of State for Trade if he will publish in the Official Report a table showing for each SITC division in manufactures imports as a percentage of exports in or close to the years 1954, 1964, 1974 and 1979.

The information is as follows:

SITC (Rev 1)	Imports as a percentage of exports
Division	1954	1964	1974
51	67	94	97
52	6	46	123
53	29	28	37
54	27	12	31
55	30	39	52
56	115	318	123
57	13	5	29
58	43	72	99
59	152	60	59
61	123	91	64
62	4	24	53
63	1,346	1,091	914
64	170	274	364
65	22	62	92
66	47	78	92
67	21	49	130
68	265	223	147
69	7	27	61
71	18	38	64
72	9	37	89
73	7	14	51
81	11	55	73
82	17	66	101
83	25	135	332
84	26	165	175
85	45	164	231
86	40	72	89
89	32	73	97

SITC (Rev 2)	Imports as a percentage of exports
Division	1974	1979
51	92	82
52	99	66
53	37	43
54	31	36
55	52	43
56	123	166
57	23	22
58	99	107
59	58	62
61	64	88
62	53	71
63	917	612
64	364	285
65	90	126
66	92	90
67	130	95
68	148	137
69	63	65
71	50	48
72	49	55
73	84	107
74	66	69
75	113	114
76	106	109
77	87	97
78	48	125
79	70	77
81	66	90
82	101	110
83	332	553
84	176	159
85	231	311
87	78	81
88	110	139
89	96	102

Notes>

(i)The descriptions and compositions of the divisions of the second revision of the SIT classification (SITC (Rev 2)) can be significantly different from the corresponding Divisions of the previous classification (SITC (Rev 1)).

(ii) The figures for 1954 do not include re-exports of imported merchandise, but the resulting discontinuity is believed to be small.

Data Protection

asked the Secretary of State for Trade what would be the cost to his Department of implementing the recommendation set out in the Lindop report on data protection

The cost to the Department of Trade of implementing the Lindop report recommendations for protection of personal information would vary depending on the depth of protection it was decided would apply and the manner of its application. Until fundamental decisions of this kind are made about the application of the Lindop recommendations the costs cannot be estimated.

Matches>

asked the Secretary of State for Trade what was the volume or value of match imports into the United Kingdom during the past year for which figures are available compared with the previous year.

Details of imports of matches are published under SITC/R2 item 899·32 in table III of the monthly Overseas Trade Statistics of the United Kingdom, copies of which are in the Library. Figures for the first seven months of 1979 may have been distorted by the effects of industrial disputes.

Offshore Oil Terminals (Travel Accidents)

asked the Secretary of State for Trade if he will provide a list of fatal and serious accident figures for men in transit from or to their departure point for offshore work in fixed wing aircraft, from 1969 to 1979.

In the period from 1969 to 1979 inclusive, there have been four accidents to United Kingdom-registered fixed-wing aircraft operating non-scheduled flights to and from aerodromes serving at terminals for offshore installations. In one of these accidents 15 passengers and two crew were killed, two passengers seriously injured and 27 passengers with one crew member uninjured. In the other three accidents there were no injuries. Many of the passengers on these flights are likely to have been in transit to or from offshore installations, but information is not readily available on the reasons for which passengers travel. During the same period there were no accidents to United Kingdom-registered aircraft operating scheduled services to such transit terminals.

National Film Finance Corporation

asked the Secretary of State for Trade what provision is being made in his Department's Vote for 1980–81 to meet the payment of a grant of £1 million to the National Film Finance Corporation on enactment of the Films Bill.

Parliamentary approval to this new service will be sought in the winter Supplementary Estimates for an increase of £1 million in the cash limit on class IV Vote 8 within my Department's total programme. Pending that approval the necessary expenditure will be met by a repayable advance from the Contingencies Fund.

Overseas Development

Bangladesh

asked the Lord Privy Seal what pledges were given by Her Majesty's Government in the Bangladesh consortium meetings in January 1979 and in January 1980; if the pledge given in January 1979 was reduced, and at what date; and what aid to Bangladesh has been committed since May 1979 to new, as distinct from ongoing, projects.

At the Bangladesh aid consortium meeting in January 1979 the United Kingdom pledged £30 million for project aid, £15 million for commodity aid, £2 million for invisible services, £2 million for food aid and £1 million for the Shilpa Bank.The January 1980 consortium meeting was called at the request of the Bangladesh Government to consider food aid requirements and policy. No United Kingdom pledge was made at that meeting. At the consortium meeting in May 1980 the United Kingdom pledged 28,000 tonnes of food aid at an estimated cost of £3 million.The 1979 pledges have not been reduced.Since May 1979, in addition to food aid, aid totalling approximately £2·7 million has been committed to the following new projects:

a. the drilling of a fifth well on the Titas gas field;

b.an aeromagnetic survey of Western Bangladesh to facilitate exploration for natural gas.

A project to supply a demineralisation plant for the power station at Khulna at an estimated cost of £900,000 is at present under consideration.

Employment

School Leavers

asked the Secretary of State for Employment whether the Manpower Services Commission will be empowered to authorise fresh projects after September of the current year so as to respond to the needs of this year's school leavers.

I am informed by the Manpower Services Commission that the original plans for the youth opportunities programme in 1980–81 will enable between 250,000 and 260,000 young people, including some 160,000 1980 school leavers, to enter the programme.When the MSC submitted to the Government plans for YOP in 1980–81 it indicated that it might approach the Government again if the average level of unemployment in 1980–81 rose above 1·65 million. If such an approach were made it would be carefully and sympathetically considered. So far this year

						Projects sponsored by
						Private industry	Nationalised industries
1977–78 (The Job Creation Programme)	…	…	…	…	…	500	20
1978–79 (The Special Temporary Employment Programme)				…	…	100	8
1979–80 (The Special Temporary Employment Programme)				…	…	60	5

Unemployed Persons

asked the Secretary of State for Employment (1) what is the estimated number of men over the age of 55 years in the United Kingdom who are currently unemployed;(2) what is the estimated number of men under the age of 25 years in the United Kingdom who are currently unemployed.

At 10 April, the latest date for which an age analysis of the unemployed is available, the numbers of males registered as unemployed in the United Kingdom aged 55 years and over and aged under 25 years were 221,461 and 316,369, respectively.

Youth Opportunities Programme (Medway)

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what has been the increase in 1980–81 over 1979–80 in the allocation by the Manpower Services Commission to the Medway travel-to-work area for the youth opportunities programme; and if he will set up a special training centre for the young unemployed in Rochester and Chatham.

I am informed by the Manpower Services Commission (MSC)

entrants to the programme have increased by about a fifth over the corresponding period last year, a level of increase anticipated by the plans for the programme in 1980–81

Job Creation Projects

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many Job creation projects have been sponsored by (a) private industry and (b) nationalised industries in the years 1977–78, 1978–79 and 1979–80.

I am informed by the Manpower Services Commission that the numbers of job creation projects sponsored by private industry and nationalised industries during the years in question were as follows:that plans for 1980–81 provide for an increase of 40 per cent. over last year's places in the youth opportunities programme in the Medway travel-to-work area. MSC area staff are confident that existing provision in the programme will be sufficient to meet the needs of those young people in the area unable to obtain permanent employment.

Manchester

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what allocation of money has been made for the Manchester county under the job creation programme.

Annual plans for special programmes for the unemployed—the special temporary employment programme for certain unemployed adults and the youth opportunities programme for unemployed young people—are prepared by the 28 area boards which cover convenient geographical areas.I am informed by the Manpower Services Commission that the area board for Greater Manchester, in common with all others throughout Great Britain, has no budget of its own. Budgets were allocated to area boards as part of the planning process during the first year of operation of special programmes. For the second and this financial year area boards were asked to prepare plans which would meet the needs of unemployed young people in terms of both scale and types of provision. No financial limitations were imposed at area level. The plan submitted by the Manchester board was approved.

Disablement Resettlement Service (Derbyshire)

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will give an assurance that no reduction of the disablement resettlement service will take place in the county of Derbyshire.

I cannot give the hon. Member the open-ended assurance he is seeking. I can, however, reaffirm my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Employment's commitment to the resettlement and employment services for disabled people and refer him to my hon. Friend's undertaking to the House on 22 January, when, in relation to cuts in public expenditure, he made it clear that we would seek to protect disabled people in every way we could, and that if in some particular he was able to do so entirely he would inform the House.

Derbyshire

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many 19 to 24-year-olds are unemployed in the county of Derbyshire.

At 10 April, the latest date for which an age analysis of the unemployed is available, there were 3·769 people aged 19 to 24 years registered as unemployed in the county of Derbyshire.

Pay Awards (Backdating)

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will seek to amend wages council legislation so as to prevent the backdating of pay awards.

I have no plans to do so at present. The responsibility for fixing the effective date of increases in statutory minimum rates rests with the wages councils, on which employers' and workers' interests are fully represented.

Employer-Employee Relations (Code Of Practice)

asked the Secretary of State for Employment whether, in view of his intention to produce a code of practice for good employer-employee relations, he will liaise with the Commission for Racial Equality and the Equal Opportunities Commission to ensure for the greater convenience of all concerned that one single code of practice can be prepared and issued jointly.

I have no plans to issue a code of practice for good employer-employee relations.

Foreign Students (Work Permits)

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many work permits were issued to foreign students during each of the last five years; upon what basis the decision is made as to whether or not a work permit is to be issued; and what is the maximum period specified in such permits.

In 1979 and in 1978, 1,051 and 804 overseas students respectively were given permission for the first time to take employment during their vacations or in their spare time. The numbers for earlier years and the numbers of students who were given permission to change employment cannot be obtained other than at disproportionate cost.Permission is given to a student for a specific job only when there is no suitable resident labour available for it, when the wages and conditions being offered to him are not less favourable than those obtaining in the area for similar work and when the institution at which he is studying has confirmed that the particular employment will not interfere with his studies.The maximum period authorised will vary from case to case and will normally be either the period for which the employer requires him or the period of the student's vacation, but in all cases will be no longer than the period of stay in this country as a student approved by the Home Office.

Local Authorities (Disabled Persons Quota)

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will list in the Official Report, the local authorities in Great Britain which do not satisfy the 3 per cent. disablement quota and, in each case, state the proportion of their total work-force which is registered disabled.

I am informed by the Manpower Services Commission that it conducts an annual inquiry into quota complaints, but information for 1980 is not yet available. Tables showing the numbers of registered disabled people employed by all individual local authorities, and the proportions of their total staffs represented by those numbers, have been published in the November issues of the Department of Employment Gazette since 1976. Copies are made available to Members in the Library.

West Midlands

asked the Secretary of State for Employment (1) how many adults and young people have been unemployed for one year and for two years in Wolverhampton and in the West Midlands;(2) how many men, women, young people and school leavers, respectively, are currently unemployed in Wolverhampton and in the West Midlands as a whole; and how many vacancies there are for each group in each area.

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

Accidents (Pipelaying Barges)

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will provide a list of fatal and serious accident figures for men working on pipelaying barges in the United Kingdom sector of the North Sea from 1969 to 1979.

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

Temporary Short-Time Working Compensation Scheme

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what are his estimates of the net Exchequer cost or benefit of every £100 million gross per annum spent on the temporary short-time working compensation scheme, on a range of assumptions about benefit flow back; and if he will also state those assumptions.

[pursuant to his reply, 10 July 1980, c. 249]: I estimate that for every £100 million annual gross ex- penditure on the temporary short-time working compensation scheme, after allowing for taxes and national insurance contributions which continue to be paid by those who would otherwise have become unemployed, and after allowance for the amount saved in payments of unemployment benefits to those who would have registered as unemployed, the net cost to the Exchequer is about £30 million per year. The estimate is based on assumptions about the average earnings and taxes paid by those in the scheme, the average level of unemployment benefits paid during the course of a year and the extent to which those who would become redundant in the absence of the scheme would on average register as unemployed. Because there is no detailed information on the personal characteristics of the group of workers who would have become redundant in the hypothetical absence of the scheme, there is no basis for the calculation of a range of estimates which would be other than arbitrary.

Wolverhampton

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what is the number of employment vacancies in the Wolverhampton travel-to-work area; and what was the number at the same time in 1979.

[pursuant to his reply, 11 July 1980, c. 317]: At 6 June 1980 the numbers of notified vacancies remaining unfilled at employment offices and careers offices in the Wolverhampton travel-to-work area were 329 and 78, respectively. The corresponding figures at 8 June 1979 were 634 and 128. Vacancies notified to employment offices are estimated to be about one-third of all vacancies in the country as a whole. Because of possible duplication the figures for employment offices and careers offices should not be added together.

Carlisle

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many new jobs he envisages in the next 12 months in the Carlisle employment area.

[pursuant to his reply, 14 July 1980]: I regret that comprehensive information about the number of new jobs likely to be created over the next 12 months is not available to my Department.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many new jobs have been created in the Carlisle employment exchange area over the past 12 months.

[pursuant to his reply, 14 July 1980]: I regret that comprehensive information about the number of jobs created is not available to my Department.

Careers Officers

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will list those local education authorities in England which have not made provision in their own establishment for the employment of careers officers with special responsibility for work with handicapped young people.

[pursuant to his reply, 11 July 1980, c. 317]: On 1 April 1980, the latest date for which information is available, one local education authority in England, Wirral, had not made provision in its establishment for the employment of a careers officer with special responsibility for work with handicapped young people.This authority has arranged for all its careers officers to take their share of work with handicapped young people.

Sheltered Workshops

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will take steps to safeguard the employment of employees at the blind workshops in Stoke-on-Trent and if he will seek to improve the flow of orders to these and other sheltered workshops elsewhere.

[pursuant to his reply, 14 July 1980]: I am informed by the Manpower Services Commission (MSC), that there is only one workshop for the blind in Stoke-on-Trent. The MSC's responsibilities in respect of sheltered workshop employees relate to severely disabled people and at present there is no threat to the jobs of such people employed at that workshop. Obtaining sufficient orders has always been a problem for sheltered workshops. To assist with that problem the priority suppliers scheme, which is designed to help workshops to compete for central Government orders, has been improved and a special organisation the sheltered employment procurement and consultancy service has been established. The duty of that service is to assist with the procurement of work and to seek to improve the efficiency of sheltered workshops so that they are better fitted to compete for contracts.

Scotland

Tracy O'day

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he intends to hold an inquiry under section 99 of the Children Act 1975 into the circumstances of the death of Tracy O'Day on 3 July 1979; and whether he will make a statement.

I received a detailed formal application on behalf of Mrs. Janice O'Day, the mother of Tracy O'Day, requesting that an inquiry should be held under section 99 of the Children Act 1975 into the facts and circumstances of her daughter's death for which the child's father was subsequently sentenced to life imprisonment. At the time of her death Tracy O'Day was subject to a supervision requirement made by a children's hearing under section 44(1)(a) of the Social Work (Scotland) Act 1968. The application for an inquiry, which was supported by certain detailed documents, was based on a number of grounds, the two main grounds being related to the decision to return the child to her family without adequate inquiry and to the supervision undertaking after the child's return to her family.To assist me in my consideration of the application, I have had available advice and information on relevant social work and health service matters from my own departmental officers and also reports and observations from the Central regional council, the local authority whose social work department was involved in the case.I have given very careful consideration to the wide range of material which has been placed at my disposal. I have concluded that the circumstances in the case of Tracy O'Day are not such as would justify my causing an inquiry to be held under section 99 of the Children Act 1975; such an inquiry would not in my view serve any useful purpose.

I am informed that all the social work and Health Service professional interests concerned in the case had several opportunities to express their views at the case conferences and to agree upon the most appropriate action for the care of the child: it appears that all concerned were at the time acting in what was, in their professional judgment, in the best interests of the child and her family in making their recommendation to the children's hearing about the return of Tracy O'Day to her home. Those taking part in the case conferences were aware that a court appearance by the father was pending. The application submitted to me for an inquiry made particular reference to the absence of a psychiatric report on the father. I take the view that it would have been helpful to the case conferences, when they were considering plans for and assessing potential risks in returning the child to her family, if fuller information about the social history of Peter O'Day, the child's father, had been available to them. If a psychiatric report had been available, this could have provided some assessment of Peter O'Day's personality, medical history and behaviour. But whereas a court or the procurator fiscal may obtain a psychiatric report on a person charged with a criminal offence it is not open to a local authority or health board to require such a person to undergo psychiatric assessment. I have been informed by the Lord Advocate that he has instructed that, in all criminal cases involving a charge of injury or abuse to a child, the procurator fiscal should obtain a psychiatric report on the person so charged. I am considering with the Lord Advocate whether any guidance might be given on procedures for a social work department—and, through it, a case conference—involved with a child abuse case to seek information about a psychiatric assessment where this course of action would be appropriate.

The course of action for the care of the child following her return home called for regular and frequent visits to the home by the social worker and the health visitor. There was also, from 31 May 1979, a probation order in respect of Peter O'Day which required him to be supervised by the social work department. Social work supervision in the home is by its nature limited in its scope; but, from the information available, the supervision undertaken by the social work department after the child's return to her family appears, overall, to have been adequate and the frequency of contact by the social work department appears to have been at a reasonable level; throughout that period, the child was also being seen regularly at home or at a clinic by a health visitor. But the existence of a probation order for Peter O'Day indicated that he should be a focus of attention in his own right. I consider that the social work department should have foreseen that there could be difficulties for a social worker in carrying out what were, in effect, three simultaneous tasks by having to work not only with the family as a unit but also in respect of the safety of the child and separately in relation to the father's probation order.

I take the view that there is always scope for the improvement and development of any service, and I do not share the publicly reported view of the Central regional council that there were no lessons to be learnt from the case of Tracy O'Day. Examination of incidents of serious child abuse shows that each individual case is likely to contain some pointers, of varying degrees of significance, to areas in which improvement in social work or other professional practice and procedures may usefully be made. There are, for example, aspects of training in social work and other services to deal with child abuse cases which deserve renewed attention and my Department is examining these further in a number of ways. I have indicated to Central regional council that I expect it to ensure that appropriate training is available for staff likely to be engaged in cases of child abuse.

I have also asked my Department to give further consideration, in conjunction with local authorities, to the matter of how local authorities might, depending on the circumstances in each case, appropriately investigate cases of non-accidental injury to a child for whom the authority had some responsibility under the Social Work (Scotland) Act 1968.

More generally, I fully appreciate the public concern which has been expressed about child abuse matters, particularly in the light of the death of Tracy O'Day and other cases which have recently been brought to my attention. When I have completed my present consideration of some other matters concerning child abuse, I intend to examine ways in which we in central Government might give further assistance to local authorities, health boards and other agencies involved in child abuse cases in their efforts to reduce the incidence of child abuse and to do all that is humanly possible to try to prevent such tragic cases occurring.

British Youth Council

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is satisfied that his offer of an increase of some 160 per cent. in his Department's grant to the British Youth Council (Scotland) is in line with Government policy to cut public expenditure; if he will now withdraw his offer of this amount of grant; on what basis the increase of 160 per cent. was made; and what steps he takes to monitor how this grant is spent.

The British Youth Council (Scotland) was designated as an approved organisation for receiving grant in October 1979, and the figures for 1979–80 therefore covered only a five-

SCOTTISH EDUCATION DEPARTMENT
UNDER SECTION OF THE SOCIAL WORK (SCOTLAND) ACT 1968
									1979–80	1980–81 to 30 June
									£	£
Scottish Council for Spastics			…	…	…	…	…	…	1,500	—
Disablement Income Group			…	…	…	…	…	…	1,130	1,655
Braille Press	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	6,591	—
Scottish National Federation for the Welfare of the Blind								…	250	—
Age Concern Scotland		…	…	…	…	…	…	…	48,786	—
St. Vincent's Centre for the Deaf				…	…	…	…	…	10,854	619
Samaritans	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	4,800	—
Area 5 Action Group		…	…	…	…	…	…	…	9,023	—
Scottish Association for Mental Health					…	…	…	…	8,500	—
Garvald Training Centre			…	…	…	…	…	…	8,657	1,755
Barony Housing Association			…	…	…	…	…	…	12,244	2,208
Talbot Association		…	…	…	…	…	…	…	6,996	19,534
Scottish Catholic Marriage Advisory Council						…	…	…	1,860	—
Scottish Marriage Guidance Council					…	…	…	…	19,575	6,748
Scottish Council for Single Parents				…	…	…	…	…	16,046	—
Gingerbread	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	9,444	2,000
Scottish Women's Aid Federation				…	…	…	…	…	9,433	3,011
Community Service Volunteers				…	…	…	…	…	24,142	—
Voluntary Organisations Regional Advisory Group—Fife								…	3,744	736
Voluntary Organisations Regional Advisory Group—Lothian								…	9,502	—
St. Euphrasia's	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	76,858	16,068
Glasgow Volunteer Bureau			…	…	…	…	…	…	13,039	—
Scottish Council for Single Homeless					…	…	…	…	5,175	—
Scottish Council of Social Service				…	…	…	…	…	252,295	60,000
Scottish Pre-School Playgroups Association						…	…	…	49,358	12,646
Scottish Association of Voluntary Child Care Organisations								…	8,865	6,010
Royal Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children								…	63,693	27,762
International Year of the Child				…	…	…	…	…	3,750	—
Guild of Service	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	2,331	1,195
Iona Community		…	…	…	…	…	…	…	8,624	—
Adventure Sailing Trust			…	…	…	…	…	…	400	—
Canongate Youth Project			…	…	…	…	…	…	38,137	8,856
Scottish Association of Boys Clubs				…	…	…	…	…	44,541	9,808

month period. These comprised a recurrent grant of £4,875 and a non-recurrent grant of £598 towards the cost of items of office equipment.

The offer of a recurrent grant not exceeding £13,400 for the full financial year 1980–81 represents an increase on a full year's basis on the recurrent grant for 1979–80 of approximately 14·5 per cent.

My Department receives copies of the council's annual report and audited accounts and will obtain any further information it may require about the council's expenditure.

Voluntary Bodies (Funds)

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the names of all voluntary bodies to which his Department gave funds in 1979 and in the current year; and how much went to each individual body last year and in the current year.

Grants paid to voluntary organisations by my Department in the year to 31 March 1980 and in the period 1 April to 30 June 1980 are as follows:

									1979–80	1980–81 to 30 June
									£	£
Six Circle Group	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	£	£
Pilton Youth Programme			…	…	…	…	…	…	15,249	3,227
Seal Association	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	18,370	4,586
Grampian Allelon Association			…	…	…	…	…	…	17,736	—
Edinburgh Cyrenians		…	…	…	…	…	…	…	1,093	—
Scottish Association for the Care and Resettlement of Offenders									53,378	40,191
Catholic Child Care Office			…	…	…	…	…	…	13,752	1,939
Church of Scotland		…	…	…	…	…	…	…	17,742	7,350
Voluntary Service Aberdeen			…	…	…	…	…	…	13,384	3,515
Northern Counties Institution for the Blind					…	…	…	…	4,473	1,170
Quarrier's Homes		…	…	…	…	…	…	…	19,131	2,939
Scottish Spina Bifida Association				…	…	…	…	…	2,700	—
Family Fund	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	300,000	330,000
Scottish Institute for Human Relations					…	…	…	…	2,250	—
L'Arche	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	2,000	—
Dr. Barnardo's		…	…	…	…	…	…	…	23,125	1,385
Glasgow and West Scotland Society for the Deaf						…	…	…	3,017	1,190
Tayside, Highlands and Islands Association for the Deaf							…	…	4,911	1,397
Edinburgh and East of Scotland Society for the Deaf							…	…	7,950	3,201
Brook Advisory Service		…	…	…	…	…	…	…	1,907	—
Edinburgh Lodging House Association					…	…	…	…	1,852	1,308
Toy Libraries Association			…	…	…	…	…	…	3,000	—
Ark Housing Association			…	…	…	…	…	…	1,654	—
Edinburgh Council of Social Service (Volunteer Bureau)							…	…	6,626	—
Scottish Council for Civil Liberties				…	…	…	…	…	3,600	—
Scottish Association for Counselling				…	…	…	…	…	2,032	—
Association of British Adoption and Fostering Agencies							…	…	15,875	—
National Foster Care Association				…	…	…	…	…	3,000	—
National Childminders Association				…	…	…	…	…	1,000	—
Gibshill Youth Project		…	…	…	…	…	…	…	1,295	—
Burnfoot Intermediate Treatment Project (Hawick)						…	…	…	11,771	6,303
Crossroads (Dundee)		…	…	…	…	…	…	…	4,500	500
Crossroads (Scotland)		…	…	…	…	…	…	…	7,425	2,475
Help Levenmouth Council of Social Service					…	…	…	…	29,873	11,098
Buchan Foundation Council			…	…	…	…	…	…	4,000	—
Craigmillar Festival Society			…	…	…	…	…	…	4,850	—
The Salvation Army		…	…	…	…	…	…	…	16,114	2,808
Atholl Baptist Centre Pitlochry			…	…	…	…	…	…	8,220	7,837
Beleisle Centre	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	10,900	—
Scottish Society for the Mentally Handicapped						…	…	…	1,296	—
Key Housing Association			…	…	…	…	…	…	10,238	—
Aberdeen Presbetery: Day Centre for Alcoholics						…	…	…	636	—
Local Councils of Social Service				…	…	…	…	…	113,661	88,748
TOTAL		…	…	…	…	…	…	…	1,577,329	706,785

UNDER SECTION 9 OF THE SOCIAL WORK (SCOTLAND) ACT 1968
The Elms Children's Home			…	…	…	…	…	…	93	58
Church of Scotland		…	…	…	…	…	…	…	975	738
St. Euphrasia's Centre		…	…	…	…	…	…	…	101	39
Dr. Barnardo's	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	15,218	242
Voluntary Service Aberdeen			…	…	…	…	…	…	18,885	6,365
Save the Children Fund (Harmeny School)					…	…	…	…	107	66
The Aberlour Child Care Trust			…	…	…	…	…	…	208	99
Catholic Child Care		…	…	…	…	…	…	…	9,363	1,559
The Guild of Service Family Care				…	…	…	…	…	10,267	6,507
Scottish Branch British Red Cross Society					…	…	…	…	19	121
The Salvation Army		…	…	…	…	…	…	…	172	49
Garvald Training Centre			…	…	…	…	…	…	153	3
Quarrier's Homes	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	1,075	412
Crossroads Youth Community Association					…	…	…	…	26,853	11,397
Glasgow University Settlement			…	…	…	…	…	…	6,807	375
Edinburgh Council of Social Service				…	…	…	…	…	666	6,959
Edinburgh Family Service Unit.			…	…	…	…	…	…	5,506	1,469
Dundee Association for Social Service				…	…	…	…	…	—	882
Scottish Pre-School Playgroup's Association					…	…	…	…	7,500	1,850
Scottish Marriage Guidance Council				…	…	…	…	…	1,500	659
Royal Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children								…	1,926	69

							1979–80	1980–81 to 30 June
							£	£
Scottish Institute of Human Relations			…	…	…	…	2,000	—
Scottish Council on Alcoholism		…	…	…	…	…	11,000	4,454
Assistance to other Voluntary Organisations				…	…	…	8,526	2,721
TOTAL	…	…	…	…	…	…	128,920	47,093

UNDER SECTION 75 OF THE EDUCATION (SCOTLAND) ACT 1962 (AS AMENDED) AND THE FURTHER EDUCATION (SCOTLAND) REGULATIONS 1959–1979
									Grant paid in 1979–80	Grant offers for 1980–81
									£	£
National Voluntary Organisations
Abernethy Outdoor Centre			…	…	…	…	…	…	1,000	1,170
An Comunn Gaidhealach			…	…	…	…	…	…	31,410	43,000
Army Cadet Force Association				…	…	…	…	…	2,240	2,610
Boys' Brigade	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	16,330	19,020
British Red Cross Society			…	…	…	…	…	…	1,700	1,700
British Youth Council (Scotland)				…	…	…	…	…	4,875	13,400
Church of Scotland Committee on Parish Education							…	…	9,960	11,600
Community Service Volunteers				…	…	…	…	…	14,990	15,720
Conservation Corps		…	…	…	…	…	…	…	3,410	3,970
Co-operative Union		…	…	…	…	…	…	…	1,980	2,310
Crusaders Union		…	…	…	…	…	…	…	340	400
Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme				…	…	…	…	…	8,500	9,900
Endeavour Training		…	…	…	…	…	…	…	2,325	6,200
Episcopal Church Youth Committee					…	…	…	…	1,140	1,330
Fair Play for Children		…	…	…	…	…	…	…	4,200	4,200
Girls Brigade	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	6,000	6,990
Girl Guide Association			…	…	…	…	…	…	6,190	7,210
Girls Nautical Training Corps				…	…	…	…	…	460	540
Iona Community		…	…	…	…	…	…	…	800	930
Loch Eil Outward Bound			…	…	…	…	…	…	9,500	11,070
Sabhal Mor Ostaig		…	…	…	…	…	…	…	6,600	7,690
Scottish Amateur Music Association					…	…	…	…	1,270	1,480
Scottish Association of Boys Clubs				…	…	…	…	…	31,300	35,840
Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs						…	…	…	26,408	27,810
Scottish Association of Youth Clubs						…	…	…	26,408	27,810
Scottish Centre for Tuition of Disabled					…	…	…	…	7,500	8,740
Scottish Chess Association			…	…	…	…	…	…	4,000	6,165
Scottish Community Drama Association					…	…	…	…	16,500	16,500
Scottish Community Education Centre					…	…	…	…	134,200	121,300
Scottish Council of Social Service				…	…	…	…	…	1,180	1,380
Scottish Field Studies Association					…	…	…	…	2,750	3,000
Scottish Girls Venture Corps			…	…	…	…	…	…	4,100	—
Scottish National Camps Association					…	…	…	…	59,400	65,010
Scottish National Council of YMCA's					…	…	…	…	26,047	25,740
Scottish Pipe Band Association				…	…	…	…	…	4,910	5,720
Scottish Schoolboys Clubs			…	…	…	…	…	…	3,360	3,440
Scottish Standing Conference of VYO's					…	…	…	…	11,266	12,580
Scottish Women's Rural Institutes				…	…	…	…	…	16,980	19,780
Scottish Youth Hostels Association				…	…	…	…	…	2,910	3,390
Scottish Youth Theatre			…	…	…	…	…	…	10,000	11,650
Scripture Union		…	…	…	…	…	…	…	3,130	2,480
Sea Cadet Corps		…	…	…	…	…	…	…	370	430
The Scout Association		…	…	…	…	…	…	…	18,740	16,590
YWCA of Great Britain			…	…	…	…	…	…	22,102	20,970
YWCA of Scotland		…	…	…	…	…	…	…	1,000	1,170
TOTAL			…	…	…	…	…	…	584,406	627,565
Adult Education Organisations
Aberdeen University		…	…	…	…	…	…	…	11,500	13,400
Dundee University		…	…	…	…	…	…	…	7,670	8,940
Edinburgh University		…	…	…	…	…	…	…	14,230	16,580
Glasgow University		…	…	…	…	…	…	…	2,040	2,380
Co-operative Union		…	…	…	…	…	…	…	1,730	2,020
National Federation for Welfare of the Blind						…	…	…	50	50
Newbattle Abbey College			…	…	…	…	…	…	162,100	179,280
Scottish Adult Basic Education Unit					…	…	…	…	54,000	60,000

						Grant paid in 1979–80	Grant offers for 1980–81
						£	£
Scottish Institute of Adult Education	…	…	…	…	…	13,822	9,740
Scottish Trade Union Congress	…	…	…	…	…	28,500	33,000
Trade Union Congress	…	…	…	…	…	8,500	9,900
WEA North of Scotland	…	…	…	…	…	22,785	21,980
WEA South East of Scotland	…	…	…	…	…	22,347	23,770
WEA West of Scotland	…	…	…	…	…	36,880	31,500
TOTAL	…	…	…	…	…	386,154	412,540
GRAND TOTAL	…	…	…	…	…	970,560	1,040,105^*
Capital grants for youth and community facilities (these are grants paid to organisations such as village hall committees and a separate list is not maintained)						400,000	213,000

									1979–80	1980–81 to 30 June
									£	£
SCOTTISH HOME AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT
UNDER SECTION 64 OF THE HEALTH SERVICES AND PUBLIC HEALTH ACT 1968
Scottish Catholic Marriage Advisory Council						…	…	…	450	—
Scottish Council on Alcoholism				…	…	…	…	…	40,000	10,000
Family Planning Association			…	…	…	…	…	…	15,890	4,545
Community Service Volunteers				…	…	…	…	…	9,175	—
Chest, Heart and Stroke Association					…	…	…	…	1,568	375
Action on Smoking and Health				…	…	…	…	…	2,103	3,190
Scottish National Blood Transfusion Association						…	…	…	1,785	1,365
Scottish Council on Disability				…	…	…	…	…	43,545	4,443
Royal Sanitary Association			…	…	…	…	…	…	1,007	878
RSSPCC "Battered Child" Unit				…	…	…	…	…	11,106	—
Arthritis and Rheumatism Council				…	…	…	…	…	6,703	1,530
Scottish Association for Mental Health					…	…	…	…	3,375	1,375
Age Concern Scotland		…	…	…	…	…	…	…	3,839	900
Toy Libraries Association			…	…	…	…	…	…	1,500	1,500
Scottish Pre-School Playgroups Association						…	…	…	10,580	—
British Association of Immediate Care Schemes						…	…	…	500	—
One to One Organisation			…	…	…	…	…	…	900	—
Natural Family Planning Group				…	…	…	…	…	180	—
National Association for the Welfare of Children in Hospital								…	503	195
Scottish Council for Single Homeless					…	…	…	…	326	—
Brook Advisory Centres			…	…	…	…	…	…	985	—
British Red Cross Society—Cosmetic Camouflage						…	…	…	225	—
Miscellaneous	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	60	—
Motability†	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	—	28,519
TOTAL			…	…	…	…	…	…	156,305	58,815

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES FOR SCOTLAND
UNDER THE SMALL LANDHOLDERS (SCOTLAND) ACT 1911
Scottish Agricultural Organisation Society Ltd.				…	…	…	66,000	21,000
UNDER THE AGRICULTURE (SCOTLAND) ACT 1948
Fox Destruction Clubs	…	…	…	…	…	…	20,633 (30 clubs)	7,527 (12 clubs)

SCOTTISH DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
UNDER SECTION 13 OF THE HOUSING (HOMELESS PERSONS) ACT 1977
Scottish Council for Single Homeless				…	…	…	…	9,135	2,031
Scottish Women's Aid	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	5,451	975
TOTAL		…	…	…	…	…	…	14,586	3,006

								1979–80	1980–81 to 30 June
								£	£
UNDER SECTION 5 OF THE HOUSING FINANCIAL PROVISIONS (SCOTLAND) ACT 1978
Scottish Consumer Council	…	…	…	…	…	…	8,280
Scottish Association of Citizen's Advice Bureaux					…	…	…	9,000
Institute of Housing	…	…	…	…	…	…	6,862
Age Concern Scotland	…	…	…	…	…	…	9,664
TOTAL		…	…	…	…	…	…	33,806
^* The amount of recurrent grant actually paid in the financial year 1980–81 is £203,000.
† Included in 1979–80 with the Scottish Council on Disability.

Electricity Disconnections

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what are the figures for the last 12 months for disconnection of supply in (a) the South of Scotland Electricity Board area and (b) the North of Scotland Hydro-Electric Board area.

This is a matter for which each of the Scottish electricity boards is responsible within its own area. I shall ask the chairmen of the boards to write to the hon. Member.

Northern Ireland

Lear Fan 2100

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what has been the aggregate cost to public funds of money committed to date to the production of the Lear Fan 2100; what were the respective shares of Her Majesty's Government and LearAvia in the initial investment in the project and their respective proportions of the equity and why; what is his latest estimate of the final cost of their venture and the proportion to be borne by public funds; and what is the number currently employed upon it at Alder-grove, the numbers to be employed at peak production, and the date at which that phase is expected to be reached.

[pursuant to his reply, 9 July 1980 c. 220]: As I announced on 14 February 1980 the LearAvia Corporation of the USA intends, with the support of the Government, to establish production in Northern Ireland of the Lear Fan business aircraft now under development. A new United Kingdom company, Lear Fan Limited, has been formed with a Government contribution in the form of option payments totalling $3·4 million and a bridging loan of $5 million. A similar amount has been invested by the LearAvia Corporation. The Government's contribution will either be repaid at twice its face value in the form of royalties on aircraft delivered, or converted into shares in the Lear Fan company. Conversion would result in 49 per cent. equity, so that even in this event the predominantly private sector character of the project would be maintained. In addition, $30 million private funds have been invested in research and development through a United States limited partnership agreement. It is not the Government's normal practice to disclose the amount and form of industrial development assistance to individual companies in Northern Ireland and I therefore regret that I cannot provide this information. However, my hon. Friend will know that the Government's policy in this respect is under review.Only a few people are employed at present, but the company's recruitment and training programme is proceeding satisfactorily and it is estimated that some 1,250 people will be employed within about four years from now.

Northern Ireland

Harland And Wolff

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will publish in the Official Report statistics of overall productivity per man employed in the Harland and Wolff shipyards in each of the last 10 years.

[pursuant to his reply, 7 July 1980, c 83]: I regret it is not technically possible to comply with my hon. Friend's request in any meaningful way. Shipbuilding, is such a complex operation that the only fully objective productivity measurement which exists is man-hour per tonne in steelwork production, which itself offers a valid comparison only between vessels of the same type, and of course covers only part of the total work content. The wide variation between ships in steelwork content thus makes any year on year comparison very misleading, and not just in terms of sheer quantity—steelwork for a ferry can require more than three times the man-hours per tonne than steelwork for a tanker. One method of attempting to reconcile these differences is to use a measured performance index, and by this standard steelwork productivity had fallen by last year to about 72 per cent. of the relatively high level reached in 1977. So far this year it has risen to about 88 per cent. of the 1977 level.

Northern Ireland Assembly (Elections)

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland why he proposes that elections to the proposed Northern Ireland Assembly should be by proportional representation; and why he has chosen the single transferable vote system.

In the light of the consultations which took place following publication of the conference working paper, I believe that this method of election is widely accepted throughout Northern Ireland. It is well-established and familiar to the electorate and is particularly appropriate given the special political considerations that apply in the Province.

Home Department

Police Complaints Board

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he proposes to publish the triennial review report of the Police Complaints Board; and if he will make a statement.

The triennial review report of the Police Complaints Board is being published today. Copies are being placed in the Libraries of both Houses.I welcome this report, based as it is on the board's detailed examination of over 30,000 matters of complaint against police officers over a period of almost three years, and the most careful consideration of the important issues involved. The main recommendation, contained in chapter V of the report, is that complaints of serious injury should be investigated by a specialist body of investigating officers answerable to an independent lawyer, preferably one who has excercised judicial office. The board recognises that before a final decision is taken on the recommendation a number of important issues need to be considered further. They include, in particluar, the relationship between the proposed investigating body, the Director of Public Prosecutions, chief officers of police and the complaints board. I am therefore inviting representatives of the professional police associations to join the Director of Public Prosecutions and representatives of the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis, of the complaints board and of my Department in a working party to consider in detail how it might be possible to implement the recommendation. I am glad to announce that Lord Plowden has accepted my invitation to chair the working party, in a personal capacity. I hope that the working party's report will be available by the end of the year so that in consultation with the Police Advisory Board an early decision can be taken.The board's other main recommendation, in chapter VII of its report, is that the role of the Director of Public Prosecutions in complaints cases should be modified so as to provide that within a specified range of minor criminal offences the deputy chief constable would be free to bring criminal proceedings without reference to the Director: alternatively, he would be required to refer the papers to the board with his assessment of the case for bringing disciplinary charges. The process of and responsibility for the prosecution of criminal offences is at present under review by the Royal Commission on criminal procedure. It would not in my view be appropriate to consider changes in the prosecution arrangements in respect of possible offences by police officers in isolation from the wider issue. Before considering this recommendation further, I therefore propose to await the Royal Commission's report, which I understand should be available by the end of the year.The Police Complaints Board's triennial review report contains in addition to those to which I have already referred a number of subsidiary but important recommendations for other improvements in the existing complaints system. My Department will be consulting direct the organisations concerned about the possible implementation of these proposals.I should welcome comments on the board's report, from Members of Parliament and from the general public.

Prisoners (Statistics)

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the number of men and women who were serving a prison sentence of six months or less on 1 July.

Figures for 1 July are not yet available. On 31 May 1980, the most recent date for which figures are available, the number of prisoners serving sentences of six months or less was 4,634 males—including 932 young prisoners—and 298 females—including 63 young prisoners.

Shotgun Licences

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the present number of shotgun licences that have been issued in the Greater London Council area.

In the Metropolitan Police district there were 30,259 shotgun certificates in force on 31 December 1979. Separate figures for the Greater London Council area are not readily available.

Autogiros

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what trial, assessments and reports have been made of the value of autogiros to police forces.

So far as the Home Office is aware, no published reports are available. However, officials and police officers attended demonstrations of flying by autogiros in 1970 and 1976.

Hypnotism (Stage Performances)

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he proposes to seek powers to control stage performances by hypnotists.

Under the Hypnotism Act 1952 the authorities which issue licences for the regulation of public dancing, singing, music or public entertainments of like kind are empowered to attach to those licences conditions regulating or prohibiting exhibitions, demonstrations or performances of hypnotism. I have considered representations which I have received from my hon. Friend and from my noble Friend the Earl of Kinnoull, that the provisions of the Act should extend to performances at present outside its control. The Government have no plans for legislation in this area, but the Home Office has asked representatives of the stage hypnotists to consider formulating a code of practice to govern such performances.

Registration Costs

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the current average cost to the public per application of dealing with applications for registration as a British subject; and what charge is made for registration.

Applications for registration as a citizen of the United Kingdom and Colonies are of various types, some requiring more inquiries than others. The estimated average cost to the public of processing a successful application in the year 1979–80 was about £60 for the simpler type of registration and about £180 for the type requiring detailed inquiries. The current fees payable by a Successful adult applicant are £50 and £150 respectively.

Parliamentary Boundary Commissions

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, further to the reply to the hon. Member for Dundee, East (Mr. Wilson) Official Report, 2 July, c. 571–72, what steps he is taking to ensure an early announcement of the Parliamentary Boundary Commission for Wales, especially in regard to the community council areas in Ogwr borough and of the county of Mid-Glamorgan electoral areas within the Ogmore constituency; and when he expects to be able to indicate the new parliamentary area of Ogmore.

We expect to announce very shortly the new membership of the Parliamentary Boundary Commission for Wales. As the commission has not yet commenced its general review, we cannot say when it is likely to publish provisional recommendations for any particular constituency. Under the present provisions, however, the commission is obliged to submit reports on its reviews of both Westminister and European Parliament constituencies in Wales by May 1984.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department by what percentage the level of fees payable to the assistant commissioners to the Parliamentary Boundary Commissions was increased for 1980–81 compared with 1979–80.

These fees, which had been unchanged since 1 January 1978, were increased by 53 per cent. with effect from 1 January 1980 and by a further 7 per cent. with effect from 1 April 1980.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many local inquiries were held by the Parliamentary Boundary Commission for England during the year 1979–80.

I understand that the Parliamentary Boundary Commission for England held 15 local inquiries during the financial year 1979x2013;80.

Mr A Din

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will publish the letter sent to him on 16 June by the hon. Member for Newham, North-West containing a communication from Mr. A. Din of Forest Gate, E7; what was contained in this letter requesting information on immigration which could and should not have been sent by 8 July; and when a reply may be expected.

No. A reply was sent to the hon. Member's general inquiry about aspects of the new rules on 9 July. Given the level of correspondence from hon. Members on immigration and nationality matters and the need to give priority to cases where a person is detained pending my review of representations I do not consider that there was any unreasonable delay in dealing with this matter. It remains my wish to reply as quickly as practicable.

Model Aircraft

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will allocate a wavelength to model aircraft users; and if he will make a statement.

Two frequency bands are already available to model aircraft users, and we are considering whether a third exclusive frequency can be allocated.

Citizens Band Radio

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if, in his consideration of legalising citizens band radio, he will protect the interests of existing users of the 27MHz hand.

We will certainly take full account of the interests of authorised users of this band.

Art Sponsorship Advisory Committee

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he will explain the reasons which led him to appoint Mr. Colin Knowles and Mr. Peter Sanguinette to the Arts Sponsorship Advisory Committee.

All the people I have invited to join me in a committee of honour on business sponsorship of the arts have experience that is relevant to the subject and can make a contribution in advising me about the encouragement of business sponsorship of the arts.

House Of Commons

Private Members' Legislation

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he will refer the procedures relating to Private Members' legislation to a Select Committee on Procedure; and whether he will make a statement.

The terms of reference of a future Committee on Procedure would be a matter for the House to decide.

Foreign And Commonwealth Affairs

Cruise Missiles

40.

asked the Lord Privy Seal what steps he has taken to verify the evidence put to him by a number of hon. Members in the defence debate that the Russian leaders are prepared to negotiate a multinational balanced force reduction in Europe provided the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation is prepared to suspend the deployment of cruise missiles in Europe.

The Russians appear now to have dropped their unacceptable precondition that NATO's theatre nuclear force modernisation decision should be suspended before they were prepared to negotiate on theatre nuclear forces.

British Youth Council

asked the Lord Privy Seal how much money his Department gave last year to the British Youth Council; what monitoring of the way this money was used was carried out by his Department; how the money was used; what grant in total his office is giving in the current year; and whether he is satisfied that this grant is compatible with the Government policy to reduce public expenditure.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office grant to the British Youth Council in 1979–80 was £27,873. Monitoring of this grant was effected through the submission by the council of estimates, including details of projects, showing how it was intended to use the money; discussions of changes in the course of the year; representation by the Foreign and Commonwealth office at council meetings; and the provision by the council of audited statements of accounts. The money was used to meet administrative expenditure and membership dues of the Council of European National Youth Committees and the cost of project activity in the Commonwealth, in Western and Eastern Europe and in the Third world. The amount of the grant in the current year is £34,400. We are satisfied that a grant of this order to the British Youth Council is warranted.

Prime Minister (Engagements)

Q5.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official duties for Tuesday 15 July.

Q7.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 15 July.

Q8.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 15 July.

Q9.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 15 July.

Q11.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 15 July.

Q12.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 15 July.

Q14.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 15 July.

Q15.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 15 July.

Q16.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 15 July.

Q17.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 15 July.

Q18.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 15 July.

Q19.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 15 July.

Q21.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 15 July.

Q22.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 15 July.

Q23.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 15 July.

Q25.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 15 July.

Q26.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 15 July.

Q31.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 15 July.

Q32

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 15 July.

Q34.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 15 July.

Q35.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 15 July.

Q36.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 15 July.

Q37.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 15 July.

Q38.

asked the Prime Minister whether she will list her official engagements for 15 July.

Q39.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 15 July.

Q40.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 15 July.

Q41.

asked the Prime Minister if she will state her official engagements for Tuesday 15 July.

Q42.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 15 July.

Q43.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 15 July.

Q45.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 15 July.

Q47.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 15 July.

Q49.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 15 July.

Q50.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 15 July.

Q51.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 15 July.

Q52.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 15 July.

Q53.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 15 July.

Q54.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 15 July.

Q56.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 15 July.

I refer my hon. Friends and the hon. Members to the reply which I gave earlier today to the hon. Member for Edinburgh, Central (Mr. Cook),

Arms Control

Q6.

asked the Prime Minister if she will make proposals to President Carter and the Russian President to negotiate a reduction in medium-range missiles in Europe.

Q27.

asked the Prime Minister if she intends to make any proposals in the near future to Presidents Carter and Brezhnev regarding the reduction of medium-range nuclear missiles in Europe.

Q28.

asked the Prime Minister if she will make proposals to Mr. Carter and Mr. Brezhnev to negotiate the reduction of medium-range missiles in Europe.

Q30.

asked the Prime Minister if she will make proposals to Mr. Carter and Mr. Brezhnev to negotiate the reduction of medium-range missiles in Europe.

Q48.

asked the Prime Minister if she will take the initiative in calling for talks between East and West to seek to secure an agreement not to deploy the new generation of theatre nuclear weapons on either side.

Q55.

asked the Prime Minister if it is her intention to initiate a meeting with Mr. Carter and Mr. Brezhnev with a view to reaching agreement on a reduction in medium-range missiles in Europe.

asked the Prime Minister what international initiatives Her Majesty's Government are taking to get the arms race under control at a time before new weapon systems have been established.

I refer the hon. Members to the reply which I gave earlier today to the hon. Member for Stockport, North (Mr. Bennett).

Uganda

Q10.

asked the Prime Minister when she intends next to visit Uganda.

I have no plans to do so.

European Economic Community (President)

Q13.

asked the Prime Minister when she plans to meet the President of the European Economic Community.

I have at present no plans to meet Mr. Jenkins.

National Economic Development Council

Q20.

asked the Prime Minister when next she intends to take the chair at the National Economic Development Council.

Q29.

asked the Prime Minister when next she is going to chair the National Economic Development Council.

No dates have been arranged.

Economic Forum

Q24.

asked the Prime Minister if she has considered the representations of the Confederation of British Industry and the British Institute of Management about the establishment of an economic forum.

I said in my answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Carshalton (Mr. Forman) on 13 November 1979 that I hoped that discussions of economic matters could be pursued principally through the National Economic Development Council which embraces the Government, CBI, TUC and other important interests. Since then the council has taken the initiative of holding wide-ranging discussions of economic policy, priorities and constraints on four occasions. I believe that all the participants have found these discussions helpful, and we hope that they will continue on a regular basis.

Ussr

Q33.

asked the Prime Minister what new initiatives she is planning in regard to the establishment of friendly relations with the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics.

The Soviet Union has damaged British—Soviet relations and East—West relations by invading Afghanistan. It is for Moscow to create the necessary conditions for an improvements in relations by completely withdrawing its troops from that country.

Saxmundham

Q44.

asked the Prime Minister whether she has any plans to visit Saxmundham.

I have at present no plans to do so.

Tuc

Q46.

asked the Prime Minister when she next intends to meet the Trades Union Congress.

I meet representatives of the TUC at NEDC and on other occasions. No further special meetings have been arranged.

Commission Of The European Communities (President's Salary)

Q57.

asked the Prime Minister why she will not, at the next summit discussions of the European Economic Community to discuss the budget, propose a reduction in the £68,000 tax-free salary plus expenses paid to the President of the Commission, Mr. Roy Jenkins.

Because I do not consider such a proposal appropriate.

Armed Forces (Pay)

Q58.

asked the Prime Minister if she will confirm without qualification her commitment to honour recommendations of the Armed Forces Pay Review Board in respect of the pay of members of the Armed Forces.

I have nothing to add to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member on 10 July.

Doctors And Dentists (Pay)

asked the Prime Minister what undertakings have been given about acceptance by Her Majesty's Government of the findings of the next report of the Doctors' and Dentists' Pay Review Body.

This Government, like their predecessors, have undertaken to implement the Review Body's recommendations unless there are clear and compelling reasons for not doing so.

Boyle Committee

asked the Prime Minister if the Boyle Committee on Members' and Ministers' salaries is now precluded from making any recommendations in 1981 in respect of increases in the cost of living in the preceding 12 months.

No.

Maud, East Aberdeenshire

asked the Prime Minister if she has any plans to visit the village of Maud in East Aberdeenshire.

I have at present no plans to do so.

Government Departments (Purchasing Policy)

asked the Prime Minister whether she will require all Government Departments to adopt a "Buy British" policy.

It is the Government's policy to seek ways of using public purchasing more effectively to enhance the competitiveness of British industry. Government Departments have a good record of buying from British sources wherever possible, and obtain over 90 per cent. of their requirements from them. Industry must respond by producing the goods required competitively.

House Of Lords (Members' Pay)

asked the Prime Minister why it is proposed to implement in full the proposals of the Top Salaries Review Body in respect of the allowances of Members of the House of Lords.

The allowances are related to the expenses incurred and we considered it right to increase them in line with costs as the review body recommended. Members of the House of Lords may claim only the expenditure they have actually incurred within the limits of these allowances.

Defence

Neutron Bombs

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he has any plans to develop, together with the French or otherwise, a neutron bomb as part of the United Kingdom's tactical nuclear defences.

I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave earlier today to the hon. Members for Sheffield, Hillsborough (Mr. Flannery) and for Aberdare (Mr. Evans).

Trident

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he is now able to estimate the cost of Trident.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what will be the purchase price of the Trident ballistic missile; and what will be the running costs for 10 years.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will estimate the total costs of replacing the Polaris nuclear deterrent by Trident at current prices; and what is the period of time over which this would be spread.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the cost of the installation of Trident; and what is the estimated cost of its retention and maintenance over the next five years.

I hope to make a statement later this afternoon.

Zimbabwe

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the United Kingdom's military involvement in Zimbabwe.

At the request of the Zimbabwe Government, a British military advisory and training team is helping with the amalgamation of the Armed Forces in Zimbabwe. The Service personnel forming the training team will number about 130 by the autumn. Other military assistance, mainly in the form of training courses and visits, is also being arranged.

Pensions

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will review the pension arrangements made in respect of retired Service men.

The provisions of the Armed Forces pension scheme are kept under periodic review.

North Atlantic Treaty Organisation

asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he will discuss with the other North Atlantic Treaty Organisation Defence Ministers the possibility of issuing a joint publication for widespread distribution explaining the important contribution that the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation Alliance has made to world peace.

NATO already publishes information on various aspects of its organisation, its role and the important part which it has to play in the maintenance of peace. Individual NATO nations, including the United Kingdom, also issue publications on the importance of the Alliance.

North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (Defence Planning)

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the machinery for co-ordination on defence planning between the members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation.

Machinery exists within NATO to enable continuous consultation to take place between member nations on all aspects of defence planning. The aim of such consultation is to make the most effective use of the resources available for defence of the Alliance, by collaborative and co-operative action.

Territorial Army (Newark)

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will ensure that when the rebuilding of the Territorial Army centre at Sherwood Avenue, Newark is completed, the Territorial Army battalion headquarters will continue to be located at that centre.

The operational needs of the 3rd (Volunteer) Battalion The Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Regiment are under study by all interested parties with a view to achieving the best possible deployment for recruiting and efficient training. At this stage I am unable to give the assurance asked for.

Cammel Laird Shipyard

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what naval contracts have been placed at Cammel Laird shipyard, Birkenhead, since last May.

No further naval contracts have been placed at Cammel Laird since my answer to a similar question from the hon. Member on 17 June—[Vol. 986, c. 470–71.] However, as announced on 9 July, we propose, subject to the negotiation of satisfactory terms, to charter a new 30,000-ton STAT ship modified to the requirements of an RFA, to be built by Cammell Laird.

Conventional Forces (Improvements)

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what improvements in United Kingdom conventional forces he expects as a result of the decision to increase defence spending by 13 per cent. in real terms between 1979ߝ80 and 1983–84.

I refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer I gave to his hon. Friend the Member for Penistone (Mr. McKay) on 17 April.—[Vol. 982, c. 700.]

Service And Defence Establishments (Civilian Staff)

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what representations his Department has received concerning the reduction in civilian staff operating within the Services and defence establishments; and if he will make a statement.

:The Secretary of State has received deputations from the departmental staff side and from the Defence Police Federation, and the Minister of State has received one from the departmental trade unions. All three expressed concern about the size of the reductions and their implementation. The Government are committed to reducing the size of the Civil Service and we are determined that the Ministry of Defence, which employs about one-third of the total, should contribute its fair share by such measures as increasing efficiency and ensuring that it does not carry out work which can be done more efficiently elsewhere.

Royal Ordnance Factory, Bishopston, Glasgow

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement about the industrial dispute at the Royal ordnance factory, Bishopston, Glasgow, and the effects on the British defence industry of the consequential delays in the supply of propellants.

As a result of the refusal of non-industrial staff at ROF Bishopston to implement a new incentive scheme for some industrial workers 43 non-industrial staff have been temporarily relieved from duty without pay and 1,600 industrial workers laid off with pay.Although negotiations are continuing, production at the factory has ceased; but the effects of the consequential delays in the supply of propellants on the British defence industry have so far been minimised by using stockholdings and purchases from abroad.

Northern Ireland

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement about the work of the Armed Forces of the Crown in Northern Ireland.

In addition to operations involving patrols and checkpoints by regular and UDR units, both to protect the public from terrorist attack and to deter and arrest the terrorist, the armed forces provide a range of specialist services in support of the Royal Ulster Constabulary. These include Army bomb disposal teams, of whom particular mention was made in the 1980 Defence White Paper; specialist search teams, whose work is often equally demanding and dangerous, involving as it does the ever-present danger of explosive booby traps; air reconnaissance and air support provided by the Royal Air Force and Army Air Corps; and Royal Navy offshore patrols against arms smuggling.

Cruise Missiles

asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he is satisfied with his Department's information to the public on the nature of the cruise missile and the siting of these weapons on British soil.

Yes. I refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer I gave earlier today to my hon. Friend the Member for Christchurch and Lymington (Mr. Adley).

Housing (Chippenham)

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will agree to lease some of his Department's 630 houses currently vacant in the Chippenham constituency to the local authority.

Our policy is to pass surplus houses to the PSA for disposal as soon as possible. One hundred and three houses in the Chippenham constituency are already in the process of disposal and we hope to dispose of a further 215 this year and others later. Vacant houses can be leased to local authorities if they are likely to be vacant for some time pending a specific longer term defence need.

Transport Command Aircraft

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what provision has been made within the Defence Estimates for the installation of station-keeping radar in aircraft of Transport Command.

None, as yet, but this is one of a number of measures being considered to enhance the ability of United Kingdom forces to operate outside the NATO area. No decision has yet been reached on the implementation of these measures; details will be announced in due course.

Av8b

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on Anglo-American co-operation on the AV8B and successor aircraft projects.

As regards the AV8B, I have at present nothing to add to the reply I gave my hon. Friend on 13 May; a decision will be announced as soon as possible. It is too early to speculate about successor projects.—[Vol. 984, c. 414.]

Social Services

Captain Nigel Windsor Waite

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he has received the communication from the hon. Member for Newham, North-West concerning the case of Captain Nigel Windsor Waite, who drew social security benefits to which he was not entitled for 10 years; why it took so long to deal with the case; and whether he will make a statement.

I have received the communication from the hon. Member and was already aware of this case. It will not be possible to say anything more, however, until all the relevant documents have been examined after they have been returned by the police.

Health And Personal Social Services

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what was programme expenditure as a percentage of total health and personal social services current and capital spending in 1979–80 on the same basis as the headings used on page 16 of "The Way Forward", published by his Department in 1977.

An analysis of total health and personal social services current and capital expenditure in 1979–80, on the same basis as the programme headings used on page 16 of "The Way Forward", is not yet available. Provisional figures for 1978–79 are set out in the table below. However, the 1978–79 figures have been calculated on a November 1978 price base and are not strictly comparable with the figures given in "The Way Forward" based on November 1975 prices. The costs of some components of the health and personal social services total—for example, family practitioner services—have risen more rapidly over the period than the rest, thus increasing the corresponding shares of total expenditure when moving

HEALTH AND PERSONAL SOCIAL SERVICES CURRENT AND CAPITAL EXPENDITURE (ENGLAND): PROGRAMME EXPENDITURE AS A PERCENTAGE OF TOTAL
November 1978 prices
							Percentage of total
Programme							1975–76 out-turn	1979–80 illustrative projection	1978–79 provisional
							(as given in "The Way Forward" revalued)
							per cent.	per cent.	per cent.
General and acute hospital (including maternity)							40·3	38·4	39·5
Primary Care		…	…	…	…	…	19·2	20·3	20·0
Services mainly for the elderly and physically
handicapped		…	…	…	…	…	13·3	13·4	13·3
Services mainly for children				…	…	…	5·3	5·6	5·5
Services for the mentally ill				…	…	…	7·4	7·8	7·4
Services for the mentally handicapped				…	…	…	4·4	4·5	4·3
Other	…	…	…	…	…	…	10·1	10·0	10·0
Total	…	…	…	…	…	…	100·0	100·0	100·0

Mental Hospital Patients (Pornographic Material)

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many patients in National Health Service mental hospitals have been subject to treatment or taken part in experiments in which they have been shown pornographic materials loaned for the purpose by the Director of Public Prosecutions during the last year; and whether any of these patients had no record of sexual offences.

No patients have so far been shown the material loaned during the last year by the Director of Public Prosecutions. I have no record of patients who may during the last year, as part of their treatment or assessment by professional staff in the NHS, have been shown pornographic material loaned by the Director of Public Prosecutions earlier.

Exceptional Needs Payments (Hot Water Tank Insulation)

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will ensure that long-term supplementary benefit recipients are able to claim

to a new price base. To ease comparison, the 1975–76 out-turn and projected 1979–80 programme shares given in "The Way Forward" have bean recalculated on a November 1978 price base and these are included in the table below.

exceptional needs payments to meet the cost of providing hot water tank insulation.

I shall bear in mind the suggestion of helping with the cost of providing hot water tank insulation through the supplementary benefits scheme. This will be considered in the context of the study currently in progress on ways of helping the elderly and the disabled to save fuel by insulating and draught-proofing their homes and making better use of heating appliances.

Prescriptions (Legibility)

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what steps he plans to take to further the objective that general practitioners' prescriptions should always be clearly legible.

This is a question of professional standards in which I do not think it would be useful or appropriate for me to intervene.

Geriatric And Psychiatric Patients

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services, in view of the shortage of accommodation for geriatric patients and psychiatric beds in the South-West of England and the restraint on public spending, if he will introduce proposals which would result in saving through changes in the structure of the National Health Service so that more money may be provided for the treatment of patients.

I shall shortly be announcing the Government's policy for simplifying the structure of the National Health Service which, after transitional costs have been met, should lead to a significant reduction in management costs. Any resources so released will be available for services to patients, though at this stage I cannot anticipate their extent, either nationally or in the South-West region, or the services that might benefit. I intend, however, to issue guidance in the autumn on policy objectives for the health and personal social services, including services which treat or care for the elderly and the mentally ill.

Hospital Waiting Lists

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the average length of waiting time for admission to hospital in the county of Derbyshire for patients with conditions defined as non-urgent.

The information requested is not available centrally. However, the hon. Member may wish to approach the Derbyshire area health authority which may be able to provide the information.

Home Help Service

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what criteria are used by a local council in allocating a home help;(2) what jobs a home help is allowed to do when allocated to an elderly person.

The duties of home helps and the criteria for allocating them are settled by individual authorities according to local circumstances, and are not laid down centrally.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will list the number of home helps employed in each of the 32 London boroughs and the agreed establishment of each borough.

Information about agreed home helps establishments is not available centrally.The last year for which comprehensive figures of the number of home helps employed by London boroughs are available ended on 30 September 1977. These are given below in whole-time equivalents.

Barking	185·0
Barnet	183·7
Bexley	207·0
Brent	179·3
Bromley	191·9
Camden	373·0
Croydon	163·6
Ealing	220·7
Enfield	197·2
Greenwich	366·9
Hackney	390·2
Hammersmith	245·9
Haringey	400·8
Southwark	414·5
Tower Hamlets	212·8
Wandsworth	400·7
Harrow	120·5
Havering	205·3
Hillingdon	205·0
Hounslow	113·8
Islington	209·5
Kensington	132·0
Kingston upon Thames	67·5
Lambeth	413·0
Lewisham	452·0
Merton	219·9
Newham	304·3
Redbridge	180·6
Richmond-on-Thames	57·0
Sutton	112·5
Waltham Forest	302·0
Westminster	245·0

Geriatric Patients (Derbyshire)

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many geriatric patients have died in the county of Derbyshire while waiting for admission to hospital in 1978, 1979 and recorded months of the current year.

The information requested is not available.

Hexachlorophene

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if, in view of its contamination with 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin, he will ask the Committee on the Safety of Medicines to carry out a review on the use of hexachlorophene as a bactericide for direct use on the person, particularly the female person, and of its use as an antiseptic in hospitals and in dental practice.

No. I am not aware of any fresh evidence which would justify a further review.

Private Health Insurance

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what discussions he has had with the British Medical Association regarding private health insurance.

I have had no discussions with the British Medical Association regarding private health insurance.

Social Workers (Training)

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will take steps to ensure that social workers are adequately trained in the skills of caring for disabled people; and if he will make a statement.

Statutory and voluntary employers of social workers are responsible for ensuring that their staffs have adequate training or experience for their duties. The Central Council for Education and Training in Social Work which has statutory responsibility for promoting social work training tries to ensure that the special needs of various client groups, including the disabled, are adequately covered within the range of courses it approves.Courses leading to the basic social work qualifications are concerned largely with general skills and should equip social workers to work with a range of client groups. The council also promotes courses of further study for qualified social workers, some of which are specifically aimed at enlarging students' knowledge of practice with particular client groups, including the disabled.

National Playbus Association

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will reexamine the funding provided by his Department to the National Playbus Association which totals £19,500 spread over three years ending in 1981, with a view to increasing it to £29,000.

I refer my hon. Friend to my reply to the hon. Member For Easington (Mr. Dormand) 1 July.—[Vol. 987, c. 482.]

Elderly And Disabled Persons

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what effect the removal of services for elderly and disabled passengers from British airports will have on the Access to the Skies programme.

I am not aware that any services for elderly and disabled passengers have been removed from British airports. If the hon. Member will let me have details of any particular problem I will have inquiries made.

Non-Contributory Invalidity Pension

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what recommendations the National Insurance Advisory Committee has made on the question relating to the household duties test for non-contributory invalidity pension for married women, HNCIP; and what response he proposes to make.

The main point to emerge from the committee's report published today—"Report of the National Insurance Advisory Committee on a Question relating to the household duties test for non-contributory invalidity pension for married women (HNCIP)" Cmnd. 7955—is the committee's acceptance that the amendment regulations introduced in 1978 restored the effect of the household duties test to what was originally intended. However, the committee has recommended that the Department should consider the possibility of an alternative to the household duties test or, possibly, some method of phasing it out.I have noted what the committee has said about the amendment regulations and I should like to thank it for its detailed consideration of this very complicated subject. I am aware that, ever since the benefit was introduced, the household duties test has been controversial and we accept the committee's recommendation that consideration should be given to an alternative test. I therefore propose to ask officials of the Department to examine the committee's suggestions together with other possibilities, drawing on the experience of other countries which have broadly comparable provisions.

Pleural Mesothelioma

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether the Pneumoconiosis etc. (Workers' Compensation) Act 1979 covers pleural mesothelioma; and what steps are taken to advise those affected of their rights to compensation.

I have been asked to reply.The diseases covered by the Pneumoconiosis etc. (Workers' Compensation) Act 1979 include diffuse mesothelioma. Three press notices about the Act have been issued during the past 12 months, and information has been supplied to those trade unions most likely to have members afflicted by these diseases, and to certain employers associations and other interested bodies.

Mentally Handicapped Children

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will seek legislation to permit the transfer of National Health Service funds to encourage local authorities to set up locally-based small homes for mentally handicapped children.

The Health Services Bill, now before Parliament, seeks to provide a statutory basis for the joint financing arrangements under which NHS funds can be employed to build or acquire premises for use by local authorities for any locally agreed personal social services scheme, and to support the running costs for a limited period.

Liverpool (Minister Of State's Visit)

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make a statement on the Minister of State's recent visit to Liverpool.

I visited Liverpool on 4 July where, accompanied by the hon. Member and other local hon. Members, I had meetings with representatives of Health Service staff and of the two community health councils. I also met members of the Liverpool area health authority (teaching) and their chairman and senior officers of the authority. Various problems affecting the Health Service in Liverpool were discussed at all these meetings and I found my visit most useful in giving me a better understanding of the current situation. It is clear that the authority faces difficulties, and will have to act promptly and effectively if it is to contain its level of spending within its cash allocation.I shall be meeting the hon. Member, together with the other hon. Members who were present on 4 July, to discuss the problems facing Liverpool further.

Mobility Allowance

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many people in each year since the introduction of mobility allowance have been refused the allowance on the grounds that their condition would not permit them to benefit from enhanced facilities for locomotion; how many such decisions were reversed on appeal each year; and if he will make a statement.

The numbers refused the allowance on the grounds that their condition would not allow them to benefit enhanced facilities for locomotion are as follows:

1976	41
1977	75
1978	48
1979	89
1980 (to date)	75

We do not keep records of the number of appeals made in these cases nor, consequently, of the outcome.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what are the costs for 1979–80 and a full financial year of phasing in the mobility allowance for people between 60 and 65 years of age in one tranche instead of two as was previously proposed.

The previous Administration had not announced the dates on which they were intending to introduce the final two stages of the phasing-in of mobility allowance. It is not possible, therefore, to make the estimates requested.

Sickness And Invalidity Benefits

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many recipients of sickness and invalidity benefits reside in (a) Scotland and (b) the Strathclyde region.

It is estimated that at 2 June 1979 the latest date for which figures are available, 52,900 recipients of sickness benefit and 75,700 recipients of invalidity benefit were residing in Scotland. Comparable details for the Strathclyde region are not available.

Industrial Injuries Benefit

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many recipients of industrial benefit re-side in (a) Scotland and (b) the Strathclyde region.

The estimated number of beneficiaries in Scotland, on 2 June 1979 (the latest date for which information is available), was:

	Injury benefit
Men	4,000
Women	1,100
All persons	5,100

It is not possible to provide separate figures in respect of the Strathclyde region.

National Health Service (Essex)

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he has received the communication from the hon. Member for Newham, North-West dated 9 July enclosing a letter from Mr. R. M. Hartley, publicity officer of NALGO, regarding the structure and management of the National Health Service in Essex; what reply he has sent or intends sending to Mr. Hartley and the hon. Member for Newham, North-West; and whether he will make a statement.

The hon. Member's letter has been received and I shall be replying to him shortly.

Environment

Olympic Games

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the funding of compensatory events for those sporting bodies who will not be attending the Moscow Olympics.

I welcome this opportunity to put an end to reports that the Government have earmarked £50 million for the purpose. I can tell my hon. Friend that the final figure will be less than 1 per cent. of this.

As I informed my hon. Friend the Member for Brighouse and Spenborough (Mr. Waller) in response to a written question on 4 July, only the equestrian and hockey sports have so far indicated that they are to be involved in such events. The amount mentioned in my answer shows that only modest sums are involved and that these will not exceed the total we have earmarked for them—[Vol. 987, c. 746–47.]

Jubilee Hall, Covent Garden

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will now call in the proposed redevelopment of the Jubilee Hall, Covent Garden, as a matter for his own consideration and decision in view of the conflict between the two planning authorities, the Greater London Council and Westminster city council, which are responsible.

Any proposed redevelopment which involved demolishing the hall would require listed building consent. Now that the hall has been listed, any application for such consent would need to be referred to me if the local planning authority was minded to grant it.

Rates

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will introduce a Bill to limit the power of local authorities to increase rates.

Such a proposal would have serious implications for the independent responsibility of local authorities, and we have no plans to do so.

Wisley Airfield

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what was the price at which the Property Services Agency recently sold Wisley airfield; and whether the contract for sale imposed any covenants, restrictions or limitations as to use.

The sale price is commercially confidential and cannot be disclosed. The sale contract did not impose any restrictions on the use of the land.

Voluntary Bodies (Funds)

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list the names of all voluntary bodies to which his Department gave funds in 1979 and in the current year; and how much went to

									1979–80 Grant awarded	1980–81 Grant approved (to date)
									£	£
Advisory Committee for the Education of Romany and other
Travellers	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	7,150	8,300
After Six Housing Advisory Service				…	…	…	…	…	27,500	33,400
Ancient Monuments Society			…	…	…	…	…	…	5,000	5,000
Association for Neighbourhood Councils					…	…	…	…	12,000	12,000
British Trust for Conservation Volunteers					…	…	…	…	26,900	25,000
Campaign for Homeless and Rootless					…	…	…	…	20,000	20,000
Civic Trust Administration			…	…	…	…	…	…	25,000	25,000
Civic Trust for the North East				…	…	…	…	…	7,067	—
Civic Trust Heritage Education				…	…	…	…	…	27,500	23,000
Civic Trust: Project Development				…	…	…	…	…	3,500	—
Council for British Archaeology				…	…	…	…	…	1,250	1,250
Council for Environmental Education					…	…	…	…	15,000	18,000
Council for Urban Studies Centres				…	…	…	…	…	3,125	4,500
East Anglian Gypsy Council			…	…	…	…	…	…	550	600
Georgian Group		…	…	…	…	…	…	…	5,000	5,000
Inter-Action Trust City Farm Advisory Service						…	…	…	12,000	15,000
Keep Britain Tidy Group			…	…	…	…	…	…	275,000	250,000
Life Care and Housing Trust			…	…	…	…	…	…	5,500	7,500
London Tenants' Organisation (formerly Association of London
Housing Estates)		…	…	…	…	…	…	…	5,843	—
Mutual Aid Centre Ltd			…	…	…	…	…	…	6,519	1,207
National Association for the Care and Resettlement of Offenders—
(i) Tenant Participation in council estate improvements								…	1,4800	15,000
(ii) Development Officers				…	…	…	…	…	7,000	—
National Association of Voluntary Hostels					…	…	…	…	16,500	—
National Council for Voluntary Organisations (formerly National
Council of Social Service)—
(i) Inner City Advisory Unit				…	…	…	…	…	15,880	17,550
(ii) Wasteland Forum			…	…	…	…	…	…	500	1,000
National Gypsy Council			…	…	…	…	…	…	6,930	7,600
National Trust Acorn Camps				…	…	…	…	…	7,600	7,000
Ramblers Association		…	…	…	…	…	…	…	—	1,000
Romany Guild	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	3,850	5,400
SHAC (The London Housing Aid Centre)					…	…	…	…	78,000	94,000
Shelter National Housing Aid Trust				…	…	…	…	…	14,000	—
Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings						…	…	…	5,000	5,000
Town and Country Planning Association—Planning Aid Unit								…	4,250	5,000
Tree Council	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	8,750	5,000
Underwater Conservation Society				…	…	…	…	…	—	5,000
Victorian Society		…	…	…	…	…	…	…	5,000	5,000

Note: As accounting years of voluntary bodies differ some figures are the closest available approximation to the financial year.

For some voluntary bodies the level of grant 1980–81 is as yet undetermined.

Local Authorities (Small Shopkeepers Partnership Schemes)

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will bring forward legislation to enable local authorities in the United Kingdom to enter into partnership schemes with small shop-keepers designed to ensure their continued expansion in rural and sparsely populated urban areas.

each individual body last year and in the Voluntary Bodies (Funds) current year.

Grants awarded to voluntary bodies, other than housing associations, in 1979–80 and approved for 1980–81 are attached.

My right hon. Friend has no plans to bring forward legislation on the lines suggested.

Somerset House (Art Exhibitions)

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether, in view of the recent bequest by Count Seilers of paintings and drawings to the Courtauld Institute of Art, London university, he will sympathetically explore the possibility of facilities being made available at Somerset House for the public to have access to that collection.

As I indicated in my previous answer to the hon. Member's question of 2 June, we are studying the feasibility of using the Strand Block of Somerset House as the permanent home of a major art collection.—[Vol. 985, c. 583.]

Common Land

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when he proposes to introduce further legislation to give effect to the Royal Commission on common land.

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales and I recognise the desirability of further legislation to clarify the position in relation to the public's right of access to common land and to make it easier to secure the better management of such land, but this is a complex subject and the preparation of legislation would make heavy demands on staff resources which are not currently available. We have therefore decided not to propose any legislation on this matter for at least the next two years.

Housing Expenditure

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what is the maximum number of local authority new housing starts for 1980–81 consistent with the allocation of £1,916 million total local authority gross capital expenditure shown at table 2.7 of Cmnd. 7841 on the assumption that the proportionate balance be-

							Year of registration
Health Authority of residence							1974	1975	1976	1977	1978^*
Clwyd	…	…	…	…	…	…	1	2	2	3	2
Dyfed	…	…	…	…	…	…	5	1	4	5	3
Gwent	…	…	…	…	…	…	6	6	1	2	2
Gwynedd		…	…	…	…	…	2	1	2	2	2
Mid Glamorgan			…	…	…	…	6	5	5	4	4
Powys	…	…	…	…	…	…	—	—	—	—	—
South Glamorgan			…	…	…	…	—	3	1	3	2
West Glamorgan			…	…	…	…	4	2	6	2	2
Total		…	…	…	…	…	24	20	21	21	17
^* Provisional.

Leasehold Valuation Panels

asked the Secretary of State for Wales when he expects the

tween such expenditure on new dwellings and other items of capital expenditure, including improvement, is similar to the allocation for 1979–80 shown in table 2.7;

(2) how many new dwelling starts were represented by the sum of £1,036 million shown as local authority capital expenditure on new dwellings for 1979–80 in table 2.7 of Cmnd. 7841;

(3) what is ( a) the average cost of a new local authority dwelling, including land, ( b) the average cost of existing dwellings acquired by local authorities, ( c) the average investment per dwelling on improvements and ( d) the average improvement grant per dwelling in England and Wales at 1979 survey prices.

I will answer these questions shortly.

Wales

Leukaemia

asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list for each area health authority, the incidence of leukaemia in young children in each of the years between 1970 and 1979.

The numbers of children aged 0–14 registered as suffering from leukaemia are listed in the following table. Data for years prior to NHS re-organisation, 1970–73, are not readily available. The 1978 figures are provisional and may exclude a few late notifications. Data for 1979 will be available later in the year.leasehold valuation panels established under the Housing Bill to begin working.

The provision relating to leasehold valuation tribunals will be brought into force by commencement order after the Bill is enacted and as soon as the necessary administrative arrangements have been completed. I am not yet able to say when this will be.

Energy

Energy Strategy

asked the Secretary of State for Energy who are the members of the Department of Energy's working group on energy strategy and what individual responsibilities they have.

The current membership of the working group on energy strategy is as follows:

Mr. D. le B. Jones—Department of Energy, Chairman
Mr. F. E. Bonner—Central Electricity Generating Board
Mr. G. G. Campbell, Finance and Nationalised Industry Division, Department of Energy.
Mrs. D. E. F. Carter—Energy Conservation Division, Department of Energy
Mr. G. Corti—British National Oil Corporation
Mr. D. J. Essery—Scottish Economic Planning Department
Mr. J. R. S. Guinness—Energy Policy Division, Department of Energy
Mr. F. B. Harrison—National Coal Board.
Mr. J. A. Jukes—Central Electricity Generating Board
Mr. I. T. Manley—Atomic Energy Division, Department of Energy
Mr. D. J. Miller—South of Scotland Electricity Board
Mr. N. Monck—H M Treasury
Mr. G. W. Monger—Coal Division, Department of Energy
Mr. D. I. Morphet—Electricity Division, Department of Energy
Mr. R. L. R. Nicholson—United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority
Mr. R. W. Orson—Electricity Council
Mr. M. J. Parker—National Coal Board
Mr. E. H. M. Price—Economics and Statistics Division, Department of Energy
Mr. R. J. Priddle—Oil Policy Division, Department of Energy
Mr. J. H. Smith—British Gas Corporation
Mr. S. W. Spain—Gas Division, Department of Energy

							Anthracite (£/tonne)	Steam coal (£/tonne)	Coking coal (£/tonne)
Federal Republic of Germany				…	…	…	78·2	—	—
Australia	…	…	…	…	…	…	—	27·1	27·4
United States of America				…	…	…	54·4^*	32·1	26·6
Poland	…	…	…	…	…	…	—	29·2	38·2
National Coal Board			…	…	…	…	64·80	31·60	45·00
^* April 1980.

There were no imports of coal from Canada or East Germany in the period January to May 1980.

Energy industry members' responsibilities include corporate planning within their industries.

Coal Industry

asked the Secretary of State for Energy whether he will now encourage investment in coal preparation, screening and washing plants; and if he will make a statement.

It is for NCB to strike a balance between different types of investment in the light of the needs of the industry as a whole.

Oil Companies (Extension Of Operations)

asked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will list the changes in legislation which would be necessary to enable an oil company to enter the coalmining industry by opening up new coalmines.

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

Coal (Imports)

asked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will indicate, from sources available to him, the price per ton of coal fob United Kingdom port imported from Australia, Canada, the United States of America, West Germany, East Germany and Poland; what is the current equivalent price from the National Coal Board; and by what percentage each imported country's coal is cheaper or more expensive than British mined coal.

The declared average values—cif United Kingdom port—taken from Customs and Excise returns of coal imported in May 1980, and average pithead list prices for National Coal Board coal are set out below:These values cannot be compared with each other because of the wide variations in the quality and value of coals within the broad categories.

Home Insulation (Elderly And Disabled Persons)

asked the Secretary of State for Energy when he expects to complete his consultations with voluntary organisations on insulation schemes for the elderly and disabled.

The National Council for Voluntary Organisations has been consulted in the course of the interdepartmental study into ways of helping the old and disabled to save fuel. I hope to announce the results of this study before the recess.

Industry

Prestel

asked the Secretary of State for Industry what research information will be made available for the British electronics industry to develop, manufacture and supply adaptors to enable television sets to be used for Prestel.

This is a matter for the Post Office. However, I understand that all information relevant to the development of adaptors is made available by the Post Office to any interested company.

Data Protection

asked the Secretary of State for Industry what would be the cost to his Department of implementing the recommendations of the Lindop report on data protection.

The cost to the Department of Industry of implementing the Lindop report recommendations for protection of personal information would vary depending on the depth of protection it was decided would apply and the manner of its application. Until fundamental decisions of this kind are made about the application of the Lindop recommendations the costs cannot be estimated.

Massachusetts Institute Of Technology (Report)

asked the Secretary of State for Industry how many copies of the report commissioned from the Centre for Policy Alternatives at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and de- livered in early 1979 have been distributed, and to whom; and what response he has had.

Up to the end of June 1980, 1,032 copies were distributed of the report "microprocessor Applications: Cases and Observations" Commissioned by the Department of Industry from the Centre for Policy Alternatives at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Distribution was restricted to United Kingdom organizations. The report was issued as part of the microprocessor applications project to increase awareness and understanding of the benefits of applying microelectronics. Responses from recipients of the report have been very favourable.

asked the Secretary of State for Industry if he will now arrange for the report commissioned from the Centre for Policy Alternatives at the Massachusetts institute of Technology and delivered in early 1979 to be made publicly available; and if he will make statement.

Arrangements have already been made for Her Majesty's Stationery Office to publish the report "Microprocessor Applications: Cases and Observations" commissioned by the Department of Industry from the Centre for Policy Alternatives at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, It will, therefore, be publicly available in due course.

British Shipbuilders

asked the Secretary of State for Industry if the intervention fund is large enough to enable British Shipbuilders to compete for multipurpose support vessel and emergency support vessel semi-submersible orders in addition to conventional ships.

Yes. It is for BS to decide, in the first instance, on what orders to seek assistance from the intervention fund available.

Education And Science

Secondary Education (Comparative Costs)

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is the cost per pupil of secondary education in inner London; and how it compares with the cost in Liverpool and Manchester.

The figures are as follows:

NET INSTITUTIONAL RECURRENT COST PER PUPIL IN MAINTAINED SECONDARY SCHOOLS
Financial year 1978–79	£ at 1980 survey prices
Inner London Education Authority	891
Manchester	722
Liverpool	650

Inner London Education Authority

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science (1) how many representations he had received by 30 June about transferring responsibility for education from the Inner London Education Authority to the London boroughs; and how many were in favour and how many were against the proposal;(2) if he will list, in the

Official Report, all the individuals and organisations which, by 30 June, had made representations about the future of education in London indicating whether they favoured or opposed the break-up of the Inner London Education Authority.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many letters he had received by 30 June commenting on proposals to break up the Inner London Education Authority; and how many of these letters expressed broad agreement with these proposals and how many expressed opposition to them.

By 30 June my Department had received about 9,000 letters from organisations and individuals, and a substantial number of petitions and common form letters. The large majority were in favour of retaining the Inner London Education Authority. I am not prepared to publish the names of those who have written individually, and the organisations which have made representations could not be listed except at disproportionate cost.

Local Education Authorities (Purchasing Policy)

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will seek to obtain and publish statistics of the number of cash registers purchased in 1979–80 by local education authorities and of the number of those purchased which were of British manufacture.

No. Local authorities are free to make their own purchasing decisions as they see fit, bearing in mind the need to secure the best possible value for money.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will issue a circular to local education authorities advising them that they should, wherever possible, buy British-made goods.

No. Local authorities are generally free to determine their own purchasing policies and the Government have no power to intervene in their choice of goods. Local authorities must always be ready to justify their purchasing decisions and the Government hope that they do in fact buy British products wherever possible.

Insurance Costs

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how much in total his Department will pay in insurance during the current financial year; and if he will publish a functional breakdown of the total amount.

It is long-established Government policy not to pay a commercial insurance premium unless there is a statutory or contractual obligation or a particular advantage—such as specialist services—over and above the possible receipt of compensation for loss. For this reason, my Department does not expect to incur directly any expenditure on insurance in the current financial year.

"A Better Start In Working Life"

the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will list the organisations that submitted evidence in response to consultative document "A Better Start in Working Life".

The consultative paper asked for views to be sent to my Department, the Department of Employment, the Scottish Economic Planning Department or the Welsh Office. The total list of respondents is:A. MAIN EDUCATION COMMITTEES

Advisory Council for Adult and Continuing Education
Association of Metropolitan Authorities
Association of County Councils
Association of Principals of Colleges
Association of University Teachers
Association of Vice-Principals of Colleges
National Association of Head Teachers
National Association of Schoolmasters/Union of Women Teachers
National Association of Teachers in Further and Higher Education
National Union of Students
National Union of Teachers
Secondary Heads Association
Society of Education Officers
Welsh Secondary Schools Association

B. INDIVIDUAL LOCAL EDUCATION AUTHORITIES

Bolton
Bradford Cornwall Enfield
Inner London
Kent
Oxfordshire
Redbridge
Sheffield
Sunderland
Surrey
Walsall

C. SCHOOLS, FURTHER EDUCATION COLLEGES AND REGIONAL ADVISORY COUNCILS

Ashfield School, Nottingham
Avery Hill College
Aylesbury College of Further Education and Agriculture
Bedford College
Bexleyheath School
Bletchley College of Further Education
Bradford Metropolitan Council Standing Academic Planning Board for Further & Higher Education
Charles Keene College of Further Education
Doncaster Metropolitan Institute of Higher Education
East Midlands Regional Advisory Council
Hillfoot Hey County School
Huddersfield Polytechnic
Loughborough Technical College
National Institute of Adult Education
Northern Advisory Council for Further Education
North West Regional Advisory Council for Further Education
Southern Regional Council for Further Education
Walsall College of Technology
West Midlands Advisory Council for Further Education
Wigan College of Technology
Yorkshire and Humberside Council for Further Education

D. EMPLOYERS

Birmingham Chamber of Industry and Commerce
Brick Development Association
British Gas

British Home Stores Ltd
British Multiple Retailers Association—Personnel & Training Committee
BP Oil Limited
Charles Clark & Son Ltd
Chemical Industries Association Ltd
Confederation of British Industry Welsh Council
Confederation of British Industry
Coventry & District Engineering Employers Association
Dairy Industry Training and Education Committee
Electricity Supply Industry Training Committee
Engineering Employers Federation
Food Manufacturers Federation
Glass Manufacturers Federation
Gresham Lion Electronics Ltd.
Guildford Educational Services Ltd.
Halfords Ltd.
Imperial Chemical Industries Ltd.
Isle of Wight Engineering Training Advisory and Consultative Committee
Littlewoods Organisation Ltd.
National Association of Master Bakers, Confectioners and Caterers
National Computing Centre
National Federation of Building Trades Employers
Nottinghamshire County Council: Views of Committee for Industry and Commerce
Pilkington Bros Ltd.
Portsmouth Engineering Training Association Management Committee
South West Midlands Training Group (Engineering)
Unilever UK Holdings Ltd.
Watkin, Starbuck & Jones

E. INDUSTRY TRAINING BOARDS

Air Transport and Travel (young persons committee)
Agricultural
Carpet
Clothing and Allied Products
Construction
Distributive
Engineering Industrial Training Board Finance & General Purposes Committee
Engineering Industrial Training Board Special Training Committee
Food, Drink and Tobacco
Furniture and Timber
Hotel and Catering
Inter-Industrial Training Board Young People's Group
Man-made Fibres
Paper and Paper Products
Petroleum
Printing and Publishing
Rubber and Plastics Processing
Wool, Jute and Flax

F. TRADES UNIONS

Confederation of Shipbuilding and Engineering Unions
National and Local Government Officers Association
Trades Union Congress

G. YOUTH AND CAREERS SERVICE

B. Barking Local Education Authority, Careers Sub-Committee
Community Service Volunteers

Cornwall Careers Service
Development Training Advisory Group Dorset County Youth Office
Gosport Careers Office, Hampshire
Greater Manchester Youth Association
Hereford & Worcester County Council, Careers Service
Isle of Wight Youth Opportunities Project Lindley Lodge Educational Trust Ltd
National Youth Bureau
North Surrey Careers Advisory Service
South Tyneside Borough Council, Careers Service Sub-Committee
The Institute of Careers Officers
Wakefield Metropolitan District Council: Views of Careers Officers
West Sussex County Council, Careers Service Advisory Committee
Wiltshire County Council: Views of careers teachers
Wolverhampton Careers Committee
Wyre District Youth Service
Young Enterprise
Youthaid
Youth at Work Service

H. OTHERS

City and Guilds of London Institute
Gordon Ette Esq. MBE
Equal Opportunities Commission
Further Education Curriculum Review and Development Unit
Fawcett Society
Eric Hills Esq
Institute of Personnel Management
G Kealey Esq
National Federation of Womens' Institutes
National Institute of Economic & Social Research
Manpower Services Commission: Northants and North Bucks District Manpower Committee.
Manpower Services Commission, London Regional Office
Post Office: Management Development Department
Quaker Industry & Work Committee
Royal Society of Arts
R Telkman Esq
George Ward, John Harris, Ray Thorogood (Unified Vocational Preparation, Field Organisers)

I. ADDITIONAL RESPONSES RECEIVED BY WELSH OFFICE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT

Careers Service Advisory Council for Wales
Gwent LEA
Mid-Glamorgan LEA
Penglais School
Schools Council Committee for Wales

J. ADDITIONAL RESPONSES RECEIVED BY THE SCOTTISH OFFICE

Aberdeen College of Commerce
Anniesland College
Ayr & District Trades Council
Catholic Education Commission
Central Regional Council
Convention of Scottish Local Authorities
Dundee & Tayside Chamber of Commerce & Industry
Fife Regional Council

Highland Regional Council
James Watt College, Greenock
Jordanhill College of Education
Notre Dame College of Education
School of FE, Jordanhill College of Education
Scottish Further Education Association
Scottish Secondary Teachers Association
Tayside Regional Council
The Educational Institute of Scotland
The Principal, Henderson Technical College
The Scottish Business Education Council
Lothian Regional Council.

16 To 18 Year-Olds

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will publish in the Official Report the terms of reference of the review group under the chairmanship of the Under-Secretary of State, on 16 to 19-year-old education and describe its method of work.

The terms of reference of the joint group education for 16 to 19-year-olds which I chair are as follows:

To review the educational provision made by local authorities for the 16–19 age group in England and Wales, with due regard to factors affecting the demand for this provision and to the impact of related types of provision; and to report to the Government and the local authority associations.

Within this general remit:
(a) To take account of the effect on the demand for various types of education of:
(i) the expectations of young people and their families;
(ii) the perceived requirements of employers and Industrial Training Boards;
(iii) expected technological change and levels of economic activity;
(iv) co-existent training and apprenticeship provision;
(v) known demographic trends to the mid-1990s;
(vi) geographically and socially disparate rates of participation in 16+ education;
(vii) the financial policies of Central and Local Government;
(b) to consider, from the point of view of the providers of education, the relationship between education and training agencies;
(c) to examine the relationship between schools and further education, and in this connection:
(i) the compatibility of the legislative framework associated with the sectoral divisions in education; college and school structures, articles of Government;
(ii) manpower;
(iii) LEA's allocation of resources to secondary and further education;
(iv) provision of systematic vocational guidance, careers education and information;
(d) to survey work already done by LEAs and groups of LEAs in rationalising 16–19 education, and to assess the evidence of cost-effectiveness of existing provision.

The group was set up at the suggestion of the Council of Local Education Authorities and comprises members and officers of local education authorities and representatives of the Department of Education and Science, the Welsh Office and Her Majesty's Inspectorate. It held its first meeting in November 1979 and has since held two further meetings. My Department proposes to invite comments on any recommendations that it makes when it reports at the end of the year.A supporting group of officials, which has so far met on seven occasions, includes representatives of local education authorities, the Department of Education and Science, the Department of Employment, Her Majesty's Treasury, the Welsh Office and the Manpower Services Commission. Both groups have been aided in their work by a consideration of the responses which have been received to the consultative papers "Providing Education Opportunities for 16–18 Year Olds" and "A Better Start in Working Life".

Tuc (Education And Training Grants)

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science, if he will publish in the Official Report, or place in the Library, a copy of the memorandum of arrangements between his Department and the Trades Union Congress, setting out the education and training activities eligible for grants from his Department and that of the Department of Employment.

I have placed in the Library today a copy of the current memorandum of arrangements agreed with the Trades Union Congress for the purposes of Government grants towards expenditure on trade union education and training.

Teacher Recruitment (Shortage Subjects)

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science, following his reply to the hon. Member for Birmingham, Handsworth on 8 July, if he will include the teachers' organisations in his discussions on the shortfall in recruitment to the shortage subjects of mathematics, science and foreign languages; and if he will report to the House on their conclusions.

My right hon. and learned Friend will be glad to consider any proposals which any of the teachers' organisations may have for reducing teacher shortages. He will also be looking for advice on the problem from the Advisory Committee on the Supply and Education of Teachers, on which teachers are strongly represented. The House will be informed of any conclusions on future action which are agreed.

Transport

M63 (Carrington Spur Road)

asked the Minister of Transport if, in view of the dangers involved in the high volume of tankers carrying inflammable, corrosive, and or explosive loads through residential areas, he will authorise the Carrington spur road of the M63 motorway to start as soon as possible; and if he will make a statement.

Carrington spur would be a local road and it is for the county council to bring forward proposals. We are considering the problems with it.

Roads (Maintenance)

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will issue new guidelines to local authorities covering the state of maintenance and repair of roads.

It is for each local authority to determine its own priorities within the resources available to it. My right hon. Friend has no intention of advising authorities how they should order their priorities for road maintenance or any other local transport activity.

M66 Motorway

asked the Minister of Transport how many representations he has received from the public concerning his transport policy decision about the proposed extension of the M66; and what have been the main themes of these representations.

The scheme continues to be controversial and representations for and against it continue to reach me steadily.

House Of Commons

Expenditure

asked the right hon. Member for Middlesbrough, as representing the House of Commons Commission, what are the running costs of the House together with associated facilities, per hour on an average working day.

I regret that the work involved in extracting the information necessary to give a comprehensive answer, particularly that involving Votes for which the Commission is not responsible, means that the hon. Member's question cannot be answered without incurring disproportionate costs.

Defence

Autogiros

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what trials and assessments have been made of the value of autogiros.

A number of proposals relating to autogiros have been examined in recent years, but none has been found to have military application.

Officers (Purchase Of Release)

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what counselling is available to military personnel who wish to buy out their commissions.

Officers do not buy out their commissions but can normally apply for premature voluntary release. Careers guidance is readily available on request to all officers at any time throughout their career and this includes specific advice on a decision to apply for premature retirement.

Ulster Defence Regiment

asked the Secretary of State for Defence how many applicants for the Ulster Defence Regiment have had their application forms returned in each of the last two years because the wrong colour of ink was used by the applicant.

Applications to the Ulster Defence Regiment are reduced to microfilm and, as this process requires that the original form be completed in black ink, applicants are clearly asked to use this colour. Forms not completed in black ink were returned to the applicants until last month, but the problem is now overcome in other ways. I am afraid no record has been kept of the number of returned applications.

Industrial Staff (Pay)

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the current basic rate of pay of (a) skilled and (b) unskilled industrial staff employed at Ministry of Defence establishments in the Greater London area; what increase has been proposed as a result of the Pay Research Unit study; and what increases have been proposed by Her Majesty's Government.

The national rates of basic pay for skilled and unskilled industrial employees of the Ministry of Defence are £72·25 and £54·50 a week respectively. Employees in the London area are paid a London weighting of £14·94 a week in the inner London area or £6·23 a week in the outer London areas. Most industrial employees also receive a bonus under a locally-negotiated productivity scheme.The 1980 settlement is still under negotiation and no formal offer has yet been made.

National Finance

Voluntary Bodies (Funds)

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the names of all voluntary bodies to which his Department gave funds in 1979 and in the current year; and how much went to each individual body last year and in the current year.

None of the organisations which receive funds from the Treasury correspond closely to what most people understand by "voluntary bodies". Bodies which receive grants are shown, with the relevant sums, in the Departmental Vote (Class XIII Vote 4).

Trustee Investment Act 1961

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he plans to seek to amend the Trustee Investment Act 1961 to allow British investors to take advantage of investment opportunities offered in the international bond and share markets; and, if so, when.

We have no plans to amend the Trustee Investment Act 1961 in the manner suggested.

Tax Allowances

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what would be the net savings if all tax allowances were allowed only at the standard rate of tax.

[pursuant to his reply, 11 July 1980, c. 317]: If the personal allowances were given only at the basic rate, the estimated yield for a full year at 1980–81 income levels would be about £230 million.

Local Government And Health Service Expenditure

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will publish in the Official Report the current cost indicator index level on which the cash limit is based for local government or Health Service expenditure; if he will give the figure at the beginning of the financial year; and if he will give an undertaking to publish the index or indices monthly.

The provision for cost increases on current expenditure between 1979–80 and 1980–81 contained in the 1980–81 cash limits was published in "Supply Estimates 1980–81". This provision was not linked to any specific price index. In his Budget Statement my right hon. and learned Friend said that inflation may be a point or two higher than the provision on which Estimates are based.

Tax Thresholds

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) if he will update the, answer given to the Member for Norfolk, North (Mr. Howell) Official Report, 27 July 1979, columns 557–8, on tax thresholds;(2) if he will update for the year 1980–81 the answer given to the hon. Member for Birkenhead,

Official Report, 21 December 1979, column 451, on tax thresholds.

[pursuant to his reply, 10 July 1980, c. 243]: Although the previous answers refer to "tax thresholds", the figures related to what is now described as "tax free income". "Tax free income" is the amount of income that can be received before liability to tax arises. For years up to 1976–77 it is the single or married tax allowance plusߞwhere appropriateߞchild tax allowances less family allowance deduction (clawback). For years from 1977–78 it is the amount of the tax allowances, plus child benefit for families with children. The "tax threshold" is now defined as the amount that can be earned before liability to tax arises, and is currently equal to the amount of the tax allowances.The figures in the two previous answers to which the hon. Member refers related in the case of families with two and four children, to children of different ages.Figures for tax free income as a proportion of average manual earnings are as table A below.The revised figures for 1978–79 are based on the average of the new earnings survey estimates of the earnings of full time adult male manual workers for April at the start and finish of the tax year. To give an estimate for 1979–80 the figure from the April 1979 new earnings survey has been updated to October 1979 by the monthly index of average earnings. No comparable figures for 1980–81 are available at present.Figures for tax free income as on index in money terms and at 1974–75 prices are as table B below.The figures for 1979–80 have been recalculated now that the average general index of retail prices (all items) for that financial year is available. For 1980–81 an increase of 16½per cent. over 1979–80 in the retail prices index has been assumed—this is the increase between the fourth quarter of 1979 and the fourth quarter 1980 as forecast in the Financial Statement and Budget Report.

TABLE A

TAX FREE INCOME AS A PERCENTAGE OF AVERAGE MANUAL EARNINGS

Single person per cent.

Married couple per cent.

Two wage married couple per cent.

Married couple with 1 child under 11 per cent.

Married couple with 2 children aged 12 and 8 per cent.

Married couple with 3 children aged 14, 12 and 8 per cent.

Married couple with 4 children aged 16, 14, 12 and 8 per cent.

1978–79

…

21·8

34·0

55·8

38·0

42·6

46·9

51·6

1979–80

…

22·1

34·5

56·6

36·9

39·3

41·4

43·4

TABLE B
TAX FREE INCOME 1974–75 — 100
				Single		Married		Married 1 child aged under 11		Married 2 children aged under 11		Married 4 children 2 aged under 11, 2 11–16
				Money terms	At 1974–75 prices	Money terms	At 1974–75 prices	Money terms	At 1974–75 prices	Money terms	At 1974–75 prices	Money terms	At 1974–75 prices
1974–75	…	…	…	100	100	100	100	100	100	100	100	100	100
1979–80	…	…	…	186	91	210	102	183	89	173	84	152	74
1980–81	…	…	…	220	92	248	104	214	89	200	84	174	73

Building Societies

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate has been made by the Inland Revenue of the administrative cost, cash flow and other savings achieved by operating the composite tax rate system with building societies, rather than seeking to deduct tax from individual account holders through their tax returns.

I refer my hon. Friend to the remarks made by my hon. Friend the Financial Secretary on this subject during the debate in Standing Committee A on 1 July 1980.—[c. 1020–29.]

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the estimated revenue likely to be forgone as a result of clause 57 of the Finance (No. 2) Bill.

[pursuant to his reply, 14 July 1980, c. 418]: I refer my hon. Friend to the remarks made by my hon. Friend the Financial Secretary on 1 July 1980 in the course of the debate on this clause in Standing Committee A.—[c. 1020–29.]

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his estimate of the tax lost in each of the tax years 1976 to 1980 on the assumption that the composite tax rate paid by building societies for each of those years was that contained in the 1979 survey.

[pursuant to his reply, 14 July 1980, c. 419]: I assume that the survey to which my hon. Friend refers is the latest of the periodic statistical surveys carried out by the Inland Revenue, the results of which form the basis for the annual determination of the composite rate of income tax. Compilation of the results of the latest survey, relating to the tax liabilities and personal circumstances of a sample of building society investors in 1978–79, has yet to be concluded and it is not therefore possible to provide the information requested.

Importation (Definition)

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will make an immediate reply to the letters of 20 May and 25 June from the hon. Member for Luton, West to the Minister of State, Treasury regarding the United kingdom definition of importation.

:I regret that my hon. Friend has not yet received a substantive reply. The proposed change of a ruling by the Court of Justice, the implications of which are being considered urgently. I shall write to my hon. Friend as soon as a conclusion has been reached.

Value Added Tax

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what revenue the Treasury currently receives from the imposition of 15 per cent. value added tax on sanitary towels and tampons.

Because traders registered for VAT are not required to make returns of the VAT charged on particular goods and services this information is not available. But from other sources it is estimated that the net yield of VAT from the sale of all types of sanitary protection is about £10 million a year.

Income Tax

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is satisfied that writers and other artistic creators are treated equally for tax purposes with salaried workers, in view of their gross fluctuations of income from one year to the next; and if he will introduce a progressive averaging of professional income for such creators over periods of seven years at a time.

[pursuant to his reply, 11 July 1980, c. 318]: There are already special provisions enabling authors and artists to spread certain lump sum payments for tax purposes over more than one year. I have noted this suggestion, but in general I believe the better course is to continue our policy of reducing tax rates generally when economic circumstances permit.

Building Society Depositors (Tax Liability)

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will publish an estimate of income tax forwarded to the Inland Revenue in respect of building society depositors who have no tax liability.

[pursuant to his reply, 14 July 1980, c. 417]: The available information on the liability to income tax of the investors in building societies is derived from periodic statistical surveys carried out by the Inland Revenue, in order to provide a base for determining the composite rate of income tax payable by building societies on behalf of all their investors under the arrangements referred to in section 343 of the Taxes Act. The latest survey for which results are currently available relates to the year 1975–76, when about £565 million was paid in tax at the composite rate. The survey indicated that in that year about 20 per cent, of the interest was paid to investors who would not have been liable to tax on it if the arrangements had not operated.

Government Departments (Purchasing Policy)

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, as a means of saving hard currency and assisting the balance of payments, he will take steps to

					1964	1980	Percentage increase
Industrial workers	…	…	…	…	£970	£5,580 (April)	475
NHS Doctors and Dentists—
Junior houseman (minimum)			…	…	£770	£5,400 (June)	601
Consultant (maximum)		…	…	…	£4,445	£19,870 (June)	347
School teachers	…	…	…	…	£1,133	£6,030 (June)	432
Judges—
High Court Judge	…	…	…	…	£8,000	£32,000 (June)	300
County/Crown Court Judge			…	…	£5,300	£22,000 (June)	315

Over the period May 1964 to May 1980, the retail prices index rose by 372 per cent.

Notes. The salary given under "Industrial Workers" represents the average wage received by an adult male manual worker in manufacturing industry. The salary under "School teachers" represents the average received by class teachers in primary and secondary schools.

North Sea Oil And Gas (Taxation)

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many oil companies have appealed against the Inland Revenue's market valuation of their North Sea oil for tax purposes; and whether they were successful.

[pursuant to his reply, 11 July 1980, c. 318]: Where oil valuations are not agreed before assessment ensure that in every case where British goods are available these should be purchased by Government Departments in preference to foreign goods.

I do not believe that an indiscriminatory "Buy British" policy would be of general benefit to industry, nor would it serve our balance of payments strategy. It would also be contrary to our international obligations. Our policy is to use public purchasing more effectively to improve industry's competitiveness.

Wages And Salaries

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how the salaries or wages paid to industrial workers and to doctors, teachers, dentists and judges compare in real terms with those paid in 1964.

[pursuant to his reply, 3 July 1980, c. 679]: The basic salaries received in 1964 and 1980 by members of the groups mentioned in the question were as follows:the Inland Revenue makes an estimated valuation. 11 companies have specified valuation as a ground of appeal against PRT assessments. In six such cases the Inland Revenue's estimated valuation has been subsequently reduced.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the period of time allowed between the production of North Sea oil and gas and payment of corporation tax; and how many companies currently are in breach of such agreement.

[pursuant to his reply, 11 July 1980, c. 318]: Corporation tax is normally payable within nine months from the end of the accounting period, or within 30 days of the issue of a notice of assessment if later. Advance corporation tax, in respect of distributions, is payable within 14 days of the end of the quarter in which the distribution is made.There are no current corporation tax liabilities relating to North Sea oil and gas production which are unpaid, but where corporation tax assessments are under appeal the tax in dispute may be held over pending determination of the appeal.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the period of time allowed between production of North Sea oil and gas and payment of petroleum revenue tax; and how many companies currently are in breach of such agreement on payments.

[pursuant to his reply, 11 July 1980, c. 318]: Under existing law, a payment on account of PRT for each chargeable period is due two months after the end of the period. Where the tax assessed for the period is greater than the payment on account, the excess is payable four months after the end of the period or 30 days after the making

£ million
									1978–79	1979–80	1980–81 (estimate)
Conveyances, leases and transfers of land and property other than
stocks and shares		…	…	…	…	…	…	…	208	352	400
Transfers of stocks and shares; contract notes						…	…	…	176	215	210
Capital duty	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	27	27	30
Other duties	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	22	27	30
TOTAL		…	…	…	…	…	…	…	433	621	670

of the assessment, if later. On appeal against an assessment, the tax in dispute may be withheld pending determination of the appeal, but there are safeguards against companies' withholding tax unreasonably. No PRT currently payable is outstanding at present.

Advance payment of PRT, payable within two months of the beginning of each chargeable period, is proposed in the Finance (No. 2) Bill 1980.

Stamp Duty

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the total revenue from stamp duties for 1978–79 and 1979–80; what is his estimate for 1980–81; and if he will give an analysis of these figures as between stamp duties on property transactions, stamp duties on share transfers and other stock exchange transactions, capital duty and stamp duties on other transactions, respectively.

[pursuant to his reply, 14 July 1980, c. 417]: The information is as follows:

Volume 988: debated on Tuesday 15 July 1980

Written Answers To Questions

Trade

Japanese Motor Cars

Manufactured Imports

Data Protection

Matches>

Offshore Oil Terminals (Travel Accidents)

National Film Finance Corporation

Overseas Development

Bangladesh

Employment

School Leavers

Unemployed Persons

Youth Opportunities Programme (Medway)

Job Creation Projects

Manchester

Disablement Resettlement Service (Derbyshire)

Derbyshire

Pay Awards (Backdating)

Employer-Employee Relations (Code Of Practice)

Foreign Students (Work Permits)

Local Authorities (Disabled Persons Quota)

West Midlands

Accidents (Pipelaying Barges)

Temporary Short-Time Working Compensation Scheme

Wolverhampton

Carlisle

Careers Officers

Sheltered Workshops

Scotland

Tracy O'day

British Youth Council

Voluntary Bodies (Funds)

Electricity Disconnections

Northern Ireland

Lear Fan 2100

Northern Ireland

Harland And Wolff

Northern Ireland Assembly (Elections)

Home Department

Police Complaints Board

Prisoners (Statistics)

Shotgun Licences

Autogiros

Hypnotism (Stage Performances)

Registration Costs

Parliamentary Boundary Commissions

Mr A Din

Model Aircraft

Citizens Band Radio

Art Sponsorship Advisory Committee

House Of Commons

Private Members' Legislation

Foreign And Commonwealth Affairs

Cruise Missiles

British Youth Council

Prime Minister (Engagements)

Arms Control

Uganda

European Economic Community (President)

National Economic Development Council

Economic Forum

Ussr

Saxmundham

Tuc

Commission Of The European Communities (President's Salary)

Armed Forces (Pay)

Doctors And Dentists (Pay)

Boyle Committee

Maud, East Aberdeenshire

Government Departments (Purchasing Policy)

House Of Lords (Members' Pay)

Defence

Neutron Bombs

Trident

Zimbabwe

Pensions

North Atlantic Treaty Organisation