asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many people in Dundee are employed in short-time working schemes; how this figure compares with May 1979; and what has been the percentage change.

On 13 May 1981, 1,178 potentially redundant employees in Dundee were being supported by the temporary short-time working compensation scheme. In May 1979 no establishments in Dundee were in receipt of assistance under the scheme which opened for applications on 1 April of that year.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what has been the percentage of those employed on the youth opportunities programme going on into full-time employment in Dundee and Scotland in the latest available year.

Information is not available in the form requested. According to a survey carried out between August and September 1980, 59·3 per cent. of the young people who had entered the youth opportunities programme in Scotland in September and October 1979 had obtained full-time employment by the time of the survey and a further 11·0 per cent. had gone on to full-time education or training. Separate figures are not available for individual areas within Scotland.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what has been the number of bus passengers carried by local authority bus services in each of the four Scottish cities in each of the past four years.

Table 13.7(b)> of the Scottish Abstract of Statistics 1980 gives the number of passenger journeys from 1975–76 to 1978–79.The information for 1979–80 is as follows:

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has information as to the cost per (a) one mile, (b) two miles, (c) three miles, (d) four miles and (e) five miles journey in each of the local authority bus services provided in the four Scottish cities in each of the past four years.

The information available to my Department is as follows:

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what action he proposes to take after having considered the replies to the consultative document on the powers and procedures of children's hearings.

I should first like to express the Government's thanks to the very large number of persons and bodies—nearly 170 in all—who commented on the consultative memorandum.. The comments have been carefully considered, and it will be evident from what follows that the Government have paid heed to the views expressed.The children's hearings system has now been working effectively for 10 years, and the consultations have confirmed my view that no fundamental changes should be made in the system. I have considered with particular care what was said in response to the consultative memorandum about two possible changes which would have had a significant effect on the system, namely, the proposal that parents might be required to find caution for the good behaviour of their children and the suggestion that children's hearings might have power to impose fines. The weight of opinion of those who replied was heavily against both of these changes, and I shall take no further action on either of them.Many of the proposals in the consultative memorandum were, on the other hand, well supported. One of these concerned voluntary reparation, and we shall give greater encouragement to the use by children's hearings of voluntary reparation as a suitable method of treatment.There was general support for the recommendation by the Dunpark committee that all offenders over 16 should be considered for prosecution in the courts. Pending legislation on the powers of children's hearings in this field the Lord Advocate is considering instructing procurators-fiscal to take steps to bring those young people over 16 who commit offences before the courts unless there are special circumstances indicating that they should be brought before hearings.We have given further consideration to the proposal to transfer to the children's hearings my present responsibilities for children committed by the courts for residential training under section 413 of the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1975. In the light of the views expressed I consider it right to examine further with those concerned the extent to which it may be necessary or desirable for the courts to continue to have a power to make a residential order of this kind, and to assess the practical effects of continuing or discontinuing it. I am therefore arranging for further consultations to be held before I reach a decision on this matter.I propose that there should be further consultations with those concerned about the suggestion that a hearing should be able to defer its disposal of a case up to six months. We think that this proposal could be useful, but, while it was supported by the majority of those who replied, it is now evident that there are certain practical issues which will require further discussion.The consultative memorandum invited views on amendments to the grounds on which a child may be referred to the reporter to the children's panel, in particular to cover cases of child abuse and of glue-sniffing and other self-destructive practices. In the case of child abuse, comments stressed the need for the grounds of referral to be as comprehensive as possible, and this is a matter to which we attach a great deal of importance, in order that the grounds should in practice be adequate to offer the degree of protection to which every child has a right. The central advisory service of the Social Work Services Group has recently issued a report which discusses a number of issues relating to the role of the reporter in dealing with child abuse cases; and this report, which is being discussed with those concerned, will provide useful material for our proposed further examination of the grounds for referral in such cases. I should emphasise that we are committed to ensuring that the grounds of referral for child abuse are as comprehensive as necessary, and it is for this reason that we intend to have further consultations with the aim of removing any areas of doubt.I regard it as important that there should be an effective means of bringing children who engage in self-destructive practices such as glue-sniffing to the attention of reporters. In view of the very wide range of views which were expressed I think it necessary to consider further how extended grounds of referral to cover such behaviour could best be formulated. I am concerned about this practice and will continue to explore any possibilities which might offer an effective approach to this problem.There was general support for the proposal that when an offence has involved weapons a hearing should be able to order their surrender. I remain in favour of this proposal, and I shall consult further about the arrangements that might be made to put it into effect.When an opportunity arises for amending legislation, I propose to make provision for the division of regional panels into area panels where this is appropriate: chairmen and deputy chairmen of children's panels will continue to be appointed by me. Provision would also be made for extension from seven to 14 days of the period for which a child may be detained pending a sheriff's finding on the grounds for his referral to a hearing, and for his detention if necessary for three days thereafter for a hearing to be convened. I also propose to empower hearings to take note of further offences committed by children on supervision with a view to improving their behaviour; in framing any provisions on this subject I shall however take careful note of the implications for the discretion of reporters.I propose to issue guidance in due course on those measures which can be taken by administrative action. I cannot yet say however when it will be possible to introduce legislation to give effect to the other changes.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what action he proposes to take with regard to charging for tuition in musical instruments in schools in Scotland, following the recent judgment in the High Court in England that Hereford and Worcester county council could not charge parents for such tuition.

The judgment by Mr. Justice Forbes to which my hon. Friend refers was, of course, given in the context of the Education Act 1944, which applies in England and Wales only. Nevertheless, given that the Scottish legislation contains provisions of apparently similar effect, the same issues could arise in Scotland and I am inviting the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities to discuss the question with my officials. I have no plans to amend the Education (Scotland) Bill currently before Parliament to deal with this issue.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade what is the Japanese share of the car market in each of the member States of the European Economic Community; and what is his estimate of the figure attainable compatible with a viable European Community industry.

The following are the market shares for 1980—unless stated otherwise—in percentage terms:

asked the Secretary of State for Trade if he is satisfied with the arrangements for monitoring aircraft noise at Ringway airport.

Yes. Ringway airport has not been designated under section 29 of the Civil Aviation Act, 1971, thus it is for the airport management, in consultation with the local interests affected, to decide what arrangements for monitoring aircraft noise are appropriate.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade what consideration he has given to the application for a European regional development fund grant for the scheme to improve and extend the runway at Manchester international airport; what action he is taking; and if he will make a statement.

As a result of a successful application to the European regional development fund in respect of improvements to the runway at Manchester airport, a grant of over £1·8 million was paid to the Greater Manchester county council earlier this year. A further application for ERDF grant in respect of a runway extension has been received and is being considered, together with applications from other infrastructure authorities, by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment. The Department of Trade has already designated this as a project of national or regional importance and has granted the appropriate capital expenditure authorisation for 1981–82.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade how many people were employed by the nationalised industries consumer councils in December 1978, December 1979 and December 1980.

The numbers, including part-time employees, were as follows:

asked the Secretary of State for Trade (1) if he will publish in the Official Report the numbers and flags of substandard ships detained in United Kingdom ports, identifying the ports in question, in each of the years 1976 to 1980 and up to the present time in 1981;(2) if he will outline in the

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

asked the Secretary of State for Trade if he will publish in the Official Report a resumé of the number of prosecutions for offences in connection with pollution at sea, the names of the defendants, the charges brought, the courts in which such cases were tried and the results of such prosecutions over the last two years.

Details of prosecutions brought by the Department in 1979 and 1980 under section 1 of the Prevention of Oil Pollution Act 1971 are as follows:

asked the Secretary of State for Trade if he will list each type of glass product manufactured in the United Kingdom for export; and to what extent United Kingdom glass manufacturers have improved their export figures in each year since 1975.

The following types of glass product appear in the export figures of the United Kingdom: flat glass, mirrors, safety glass, optical glass, glass containers, domestic and ornamental glass, vacuum ware, glass envelopes—for electric lamps and electronic valves—balls, tubing and rods for further processing, laboratory hygenic and pharmaceutical glass ware, electrical insulators and insulating fittings, illuminating and signalling glassware, glass fibre products, glass bricks, tiles, blocks and squares, clock and watch glasses and blanks for sun glasses, waste glass (cullet), glass in the mass and enamel glass. As reported in business monitor MQ 10—overseas trade analysed in terms of industries—the value of glass products exported in £ million was:

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the extent of the police practice of taking photographs of people attending lawful public processions and demonstrations.

Whether particular events are filmed or not is an operational matter for chief officers of police, and there is no central record of the practice.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what rules apply to the privacy of conversations between prisoners and visiting relatives.

The prison rules provide generally for visits to a prisoner to be in the sight and hearing of a prison officer. The degree of supervision given to any visit depends principally on security considerations.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what allowance is available from public funds to assist immigrants from the New Commonwealth and Pakistan in respect of their luggage and belongings when they take advantage of the Government's repatriation scheme.

The assistance available under section 29 of the Immigration Act 1971 covers fares and incidental travelling expenses, including the cost of transporting baggage.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people were employed by the Equal Opportunities Commission in December 1978, December 1979 and December 1980.

I understand from the commission that the numbers of staff employed at 31 December were as follows:

• 1978 — 135 staff (including 11 on a part-time basis)
• 1979 — 148 staff (including 11 on a part-time basis)
• 1980 — 173 staff (including 18 on a part-time basis)

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people were employed by the Commission for Racial Equality in December 1978, December 1979 and December 1980.

I understand from the commission that the number of staff employed at 31 December were as follows:

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will update the figures given in appendices 4 and 5 to the Home Office memorandum published with the second report of the Home Affairs Sub-Committee on race relations and the "sus" law for the years 1979 and 1980.

I shall reply as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he intends to publish a report of his Department's study of direct broadcasting by satellite.

On 13 March last year I announced that I was initiating a study of the options for, and the implications of, direct broadcasting by satellite for the United Kingdom. I am publishing the report of this study today, and have placed copies in the Library and in the Vote Office.In the forward to the report I have given an indication of the way in which the Government consider that this complex and important subject might be developed, and I have invited comments on the report by the end of July. I shall, with permission, circulate a copy of the foreword in the

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what has been the total value of the reduction in income tax payable by those earning £10,000 a year or more in 1979 in Scotland in the financial years for which figures are available; and if he will express figures at current prices;(2) what is the current value of an average salary of £10,000 a year in 1979 in Scotland.

Estimates of total income tax paid in Scotland are available only up to 1978–79, but the hon. Member may like to consider the change in 1979 and subsequently in the burden of income tax on an individual married man earning £10,000. At this level of income, tax payable—in Scotland as elsewhere in the United Kingdom—would have been 27·7 per cent. of gross income in 1978–79 and 23·6 per cent. in 1981–82. However, the current value of a salary of £10,000 is around £14,750—extrapolating to January 1981, the most recent month available, using a centred three-month moving average of the whole economy average earnings index, seasonally adjusted. At this level, 26·6 per cent. of gross income would be payable in tax in 1981–82.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what has been the effect of the Civil Service industrial dispute on the compilation of value added tax trade statistics; and whether he is satisfied that it will eventually prove possible to achieve complete statistical records for the period of the dispute.

Since industrial action began in March it has not been possible to produce computer-based information about the amounts of VAT paid by persons registered in the various trade classifications. I am not yet able to say what effects the dispute will eventually have upon statistical records.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his assessment of the time it will take after the end of the Civil Service industrial action at the value added tax headquarters in Southend before normal value added tax enforcement will be possible.

The time it will take to resume normal value added tax enforcement will depend on the length of the dispute. At this stage it is not possible to give a reliable estimate.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is satisfied that, despite Civil Service industrial action at value added tax headquarters in Southend, total recovery of value added tax will be possible.

Yes, apart from the usual cases of insolvency where a trader has insufficient funds to pay his creditors.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what impact the loss of revenue caused by the Civil Service dispute has had on the public sector borrowing requirement and other monetary indicators such as sterling M3.

The major impact of the loss of revenue caused by the Civil Sevice dispute has been temporarily to increase the central Government borrowing requirement. It is estimated that the central Government borrowing requirement in April was some £1 ¼ to £1 ½ billion higher than it might otherwise have been as a result of the Civil Service dispute, bringing the estimated cumulative effect since the strike began to between £2 and £2½ billion. In the banking month of April—19 March to 15 April—of the 2 per cent. growth in sterling M3, a possible 1¼ per cent. can be attributed to the strike. A large proportion of the increase in M1 in April was also due to the dispute. These effects are temporary and will unwind when the dispute is over and the outstanding revenue is paid into the Exchequer.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many individual United Kingdom export and import transactions took place in the latest year for which figures are available.

Some 7·6 million export and 5·9 million import items were entered with Her Majesty's Customs and Excise during 1980.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will seek to legislate to compel building societies to publish in their accounts the proportion of their funds that is provided by investment money from professional services on commission.

Building societies are always required to disclose the amount of their expenditure on commission and agency fees in the annual return they are required to make to the Chief Registrar, and could be required to disclose the information in question, if it were thought necessary, under the powers contained in section 88(3) of the Building Societies Act 1962. Further legislation is therefore unnecessary.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will seek to legislate to prevent building societies paying commission to attract investment money.

No, but this and other matters will be considered when building society legislation is next proposed.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will introduce legislation to seek to require advertisements for building societies to contain a warning to non-taxpayers about the financial disadvantages to them of such an investment.

No. Section 57 of the Building Societies Act 1962 already contains power to make regulations about building societies' advertisements should it be considered necessary.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will prepare and publish a Green Paper as a prelude to building society legislation at an early date.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the member for Lichfield and Tamworth (Mr. Heddle) on 17 February 1981.—[Vol. 999, c. 85.]

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make arrangements for any zero rated company to whom repayments of value added tax are due and are held up as a result of an industrial dispute to withhold payments of pay-as-you-earn income tax and national insurance.

I refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Enfield, North (Mr. Eggar) on 6 April 1981.—[Vol. 2, c. 186.]

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what percentage of the gross domestic product was accounted for by the nationalised industries in April 1979 and in April 1981.

The percentage of the gross domestic product at factor cost accounted for by the nationalised industries in the year 1979 was 9·4 per cent. The corresponding figure for 1980, based on provisional data, is estimated to be 9·1 per cent. This information is not available for months or quarters.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the United Kingdom contribution to the European Community 1981–82 budget will represent as a rate in the £ sterling of domestic public expenditure for the same year.

The estimated United Kingdom net contribution to the Community budget in 1981–82 is £450 million: representing about ½p in the £ of the planning total of public expenditure for that year on the definitions used in "The Government's Expenditure Plans 1981–82 to 1983–84" (Cmnd. 8175).

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what proportion of earnings for a man on average earnings is available after tax and national insurance and with the addition of child benefit to (a) a single man, (b) a married man with one child and (c) a married man with two, three, four or five children, both in absolute terms and per head of members of the family.

[pursuant to his reply, 15 May 1981, c. 373]: The figures for 1981–82, assuming the budget proposals are implemented, are as follows:

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will seek to ensure that succession to a tenancy of agricultural property in Scotland for agricultural purposes shall not be a transfer of value unless it occurs for consideration in money or moneys' worth, when the amount of such consideration shall be charged as capital transfer tax as an asset on the estate of the deceased.

[pursuant to his reply, 11 May 1981, c. 189]: No. Where a tenancy can be bequeathed as part of an estate I see no reason why the normal capital transfer tax consequences should not follow.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what representations he has received as to the feasibility of employers being able to implement the proposals in clause 64(2) of the Finance Bill 1981 that employers should be required to determine the cash equivalent of certain benefits and to apply the normal pay-as-you-earn procedures to them without the receipt of a specific notice of a change in coding from Her Majesty's inspector of taxes;(2) what representations he has received as to the ability of employers to bear the compliance costs of implementing clause 64(2) of the Finance Bill 1981, and whether he has formed any conclusions in respect of those representations;(3) what representations have been received by Her Majesty's Treasury or by the Inland Revenue in response to the two consultative papers on benefits in kind, namely, the "Taxation of Cars and Petrol as Benefits in Kind" of 17 August 1979 and "Benefits in Kind—Consultations" of 30 May 1980; and whether he has formed any conclusions in respect of those representations.

[pursuant to his reply, 30 April 1981, c. 454]: A number of representations were received in response to the two consultative papers. The relevant provisions of the 1980 Finance Act and this year's Finance Bill indicate the main conclusions reached in respect of those representations.Some informal representations have been received about clause 64 of the Finance Bill and its effect on employers' costs, and these are now under consideration prior to Standing Committee when the clause and its implications for employers can be examined in detail.

asked the Prime Minister what recent representations she has received regarding the Government's policy of buying British for de fence equipment; and what action she has taken in that regard.

I have received a number of such representations in recent months.It is already the policy and practice of the Ministry of Defence to buy weapons and equipment in this country wherever it is sensible and practicable to do so. Currently about 90 per cent. of Ministry of Defence equipment expenditure is placed with British industry, either directly or through our share of collaborative programmes.

asked the Prime Minister whether she will list her official engagements for 19 May.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 19 May.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 19 May.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 19 May.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 19 May.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 19 May.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 19 May.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 19 May.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 19 May.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 19 May.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 19 May.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 19 May.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 19 May.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 19 May.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 19 May.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 19 May.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 19 May.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 19 May.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 19 May.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 19 May.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 19 May.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 19 May.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 19 May.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 19 May.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 19 May.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 19 May.

asked the Prime Minister whether she will list her official engagements for 19 May.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 19 May.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 19 May.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 19 May.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 19 May.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 19 May.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 19 May.

This morning I had meetings with ministerial colleagues and others. In addition to my duties in this House, I shall be having further meetings later today. This evening I hope to have an audience of Her Majesty the Queen.

asked the Prime Minister when next she expects to meet the leader of the Greater London Council.

I have at present no plans to do so

asked the Prime Minister if she is satisfied with the co-ordination between Governments Departments on the planning and progress of the gas gathering pipeline system.

On this important project all interested Departments are involved in discussions of issues relevant to their responsibility and are kept closely informed of progress.

asked the Prime Minister how many hon. Members she has seen on matters relating to factory closures since she last answered oral questions; and how many jobs are expected to be lost in the closures discussed.

One, and some 500.

asked the Prime Minister if she is satisfied with the co-ordination between the Department of Employment, the Manpower Services Commission and the Department of Education and Science about the "Open Tech" proposals.

Yes. The Manpower Services Commission published its proposals for an "Open Tech" programme in a consultative document on 14 May. The proposals were developed in close consultation with the Department of Employment and the Department of Education and Science.

asked the Prime Minister if she and other Ministers will meet those taking part in the people's march against unemployment from Liverpool to London; and if she will make a statement.

I can understand the frustration arising from unemployment which causes people to support the march. But actions of this kind contribute nothing to the real task which faces us, that of improving our industrial performance so as to create more jobs on a permanent basis. No useful purpose would therefore be served if I were to meet those taking part in the march.

asked the Prime Minister if she will make available the report by the Advisory Council for Applied Research and Development on the exploitation of inventions, which was discussed at her seminar-reception for inventors and financiers on 26 January.

I have placed a copy of the report in the Library of the House.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether any additional funds are to be made available to local education authorities specifically for providing for the implementation of the Warnock report recommendations as accepted by Her Majesty's Government; and if he will make a statement.

The Warnock committee envisaged that full implementation of its recommendations might stretch towards the end of this century and beyond. The Government have accepted the need to reform the statutory basis on which special educational provision is made and the proposed changes are contained in the Education Bill currently before the House. No specific provision has been made in the Government's expenditure plans because these changes should not give rise to significant additional expenditure.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will give the latest available figures in the United Kingdom for the Government's funding of higher education compared with similar governmental provisions in (a) the European Economic Community and (b) Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development countries.

The information required is given in the "UNESCO Statistical Yearbook 1980", a copy of which is available in the House of Commons Library.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what are the latest available figures for the educational activities of young people in European Economic Community countries following their compulsory schooling in (a) full-time general education, (b) full-time vocational education and (c) apprenticeships.

Comparisons which have been made of European Economic Community countries educational participation rates by young people in their post-school year are seriously limited by variations in the educational systems and statistical incompatibilities. It would be misleading to quote the comparisons which currently exist.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what representations he has received from teachers' and head teachers' organisations concerning the numbers of pupils leaving school at Easter prior to public examinations for which they were entered.

The Department has received 16 letters from teachers' and head teachers' organisations, at local, regional and national level, expressing concern that some pupils eligible to leave at Easter will choose to do so instead of sitting O-level and CSE examinations.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether any legislation is envisaged to act as an incentive to young persons to remain at school after the age of 16 years.

There are no plans at present to change the existing forms of support for young people in full-time education.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he will make a statement on the future of the committee of inquiry into the education of children from ethnic minority groups.

With the submission of its report on West Indian children, the committee has successfully completed the first stage of its task. The chairman, Mr. Anthony Rampton, has tendered his resignation because of the greater demand of the committee's future work on his time. I am profoundly grateful to Mr. Rampton for the great personal effort he devoted to the work of the committee. I have appointed Lord Swann FRS, provost of Oriel college, Oxford, to chair the committee for the remaining stages of its important task.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he proposes any change in the law affecting charges for instrumental music tuition.

I have at present no plans for legislation to allow charging for instrumental music tuition. I recognise that the present scale of instrumental music tuition is at risk in some parts of the country, a fact which must be a cause for concern because of the importance of young people's music-making in our national life; and I am arranging for my Department to discuss local education authorities' present practices and intentions with the local authority associations.

asked the Lord Privy Seal what is his policy towards the announcement by the United States Government that they intend to resume negotiations with the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics on the control of long-range nuclear missiles in Europe.

Her Majesty's Government welcome the announcement as a step by the new United States' Administration towards the negotiation of limits on long-range theatre nuclear forces, as foreseen in NATO's decision in 1979 to pursue such negotiations with the Soviet Union.

asked the Lord Privy Seal if he has any plans to consult with his United States counterpart to bring about a conference with the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics on the reduction of nuclear weapons.

In our frequent contacts with our American counterparts we regularly discuss the possibilities for nuclear arms control. Following consultations with us and their other NATO Allies the Americans recently announced their intention to hold negotiations with the Soviet Union, on limiting theatre nuclear forces, by the end of the year. We hope that these negotiations will lead to reductions.

asked the Lord Privy Seal if he will make a statement on his response to the report "The Overseas Student Question" sponsored by the Overseas Students' Trust.

The Government have read with much interest the trust's report and we have been in touch with it about the development of the implications of its studies. The trust intends to embark on the examination of a range of options. We understand that in doing so it will consult with the many organisations which have an interest in the matter. We welcome this development and while, because of economic circumstances, no new money can be made available, we have indicated our readiness to co-operate with the trust in this exercise.

asked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will set out in convenient tabular form for the latest year for which figures are available and by each recognised sector of energy use: the proportion of final energy consumption, the amount allocated from public funds to conservation in that year, and the estimated range of ultimate savings in 10 years in millions of tons of oil equivalent.

The following table sets out, by sector of energy use, the proportion of final energy consumption and central Government expenditure on separately indentifiable energy conservation programmes, for the financial year 1979–80.

asked the Secretary of State for Energy whether he proposes to hive off the oil producing interests of the British Gas Corporation both on and offshore; and whether a joint venture is contemplated.

The future of the BGC's oil assets, both onshore and offshore, is still under consideration. No final decisions have yet been taken.

asked the Secretary of State for Energy how much was spent by the British Gas Corporation on advertising in each of the last five years.

This is a matter for the corporation, as part of its day-to-day management responsibilities. I shall ask the chairman to write to my hon. Friend.

asked the Secretary of State for Energy whether he is satisfied that under current legislation those property owners, landowners or tenants who are likely to be affected by the possibility of subsidence caused by coal mining are given adequate means of notice of the commencement of such operations by the National Coal Board; and what methods are used to serve such notices.

[pursuant to his reply, 16 April 1981, c. 259]: The National Coal Board is required by section 2 of the Coal Industry Act 1975 to publish a notice which indicates the land from which support is to be withdrawn. The notice is published in the London Gazette and on two successive weeks in newspapers circulating in the district. In addition, notice is served on every local planning authority in whose area any part of the land lies and copies are placed conspicuously on the land to which the notice relates. I am satisfied that these arrangements are adequate.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what steps he is taking to monitor the levels of lead in water.

In 1977 the Department published the results of its survey in Great Britain of levels of lead in drinking water. The Department's lead in potable water sub-committee reviewed these results and concluded that there was a need for national sampling guidelines for water authorities and water companies in order that they could monitor lead in water content and identify those water supply zones requiring early and detailed investigation. The Department issued such guidelines in March 1980. Some water authorities and water companies have substantially completed these identification exercises; others are in progress. The results of these exercises are being reported to the Department.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will consider regarding horse breeding as a non-agricultural use of land when applying planning guidelines.

In planning legislation the use of land for agriculture is not development requiring planning permission. Agriculture includes

"the breeding and keeping of livestock (including any creature kept for the production of food, wool, skins or fur, or for the purpose of its use in the farming of land)."

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many people were employed by each of the nine English water authorities in December 1978, December 1979 and December 1980.

Water authority quarterly manpower figures prior to March 1979 were calculated on a different basis from later figures. The following information therefore relates to 31 March 1979, 31 December 1979 and 31 December 1980. Figures are for full time equivalents of permanent and temporary employees.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what consideration he has given to the application for a European regional development fund grant for the scheme to improve and extend the runway at Manchester international airport; what action he is taking; and if he will make a statement.

I refer to the answer given to the hon. Member today by my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Trade. My Department is currently considering applicaions for submission to the European Commission later this year in respect of infrastructure projects in the English assisted areas. As in previous years there are many more eligible projects than can be submitted within the limited quota of grant commitment available. In accordance with the regulation, projects in special development and development areas are regarded as having a higher priority than those in intermediate areas.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what will happen to the Crown property modernised at a cost of £120,000 at 1977 prices to house the Glasgow outstation of the Laboratory of the Government Chemist, after the laboratory is closed.

As it is uneconomic at present to convert the accommodation to alternative uses, efforts will continue to find an appropriate scientific tenant for the laboratory.

asked the Secretary of State for the environment whether he will take steps to ensure that any reduction in domestic rateable value reduces the liability of domestic rates and water charges from the same date and to rectify the anomaly produced by the introduction of the General Rate Act 1967 and the Water Act 1973.

I have no plans to do so, but water undertakings can if they wish apply fo an order amending their local enactments to bring their provisions in line with those of the General Rate Act 1967.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what machinery exists for (a) achieving an integrated and efficient transport system in Wales and (b) consultations between the South Wales traffic area and the North-Western area; and what proposals he has for improving the latter link.

County councils are responsible for planning and developing public transport and are statutorily required to consult public transport service operators, district councils and, where appropriate, other county councils. In discharging these duties authorities keep in mind that the Transport Act 1980 was designed to promote efficiency in public transport by encouraging competition and innovation. Matters concerning traffic areas are the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Transport.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales, further to his answer of 16 February, Official Report, c. 39–40, regarding rent assessment panel members, what steps were taken by his Department to ensure that any clash of financial interests did not occur.

Given the need for the rent assessment panel to include professionally qualified people it would scarcely be possible to constitute it in such a way as totally to eliminate the theoretical possibility of conflicts of interest. This has to be done instead through the selection by the panel's president of the panel members to serve on particular tribunals. He has recently reminded panel members of the need to advise him of any circumstances in which conflicts of interest could arise so that he can ensure that they are not selected when these circumstances might apply.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what is the reduction in Exchequer subsidies and rate fund contributions to housing in Wales for 1981–82, compared with 1980–81.

The current estimate of the reduction in Exchequer subsidies and rate fund contributions to housing in Wales in respect of local authorities in Wales for 1981–82, compared with 1980–81, at constant prices, is 43 per cent.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will set out at constant prices how subsidies and capital investment in housing in Wales have moved from 1975–76 to 1981–82, showing the subsidies expressed as a percentage of investment.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the hon. Member for Salford, East (Mr. Allaun) on 13 April which sets out at constant prices the detailed breakdown of the figures for housing subsidies and capital expenditure in Wales from 1975–76 to 1981–82.—[Vol. 3, c. 18–26.] The percentages requested are as follows:

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what is his estimate of the average gross and rebated rent for 1980–81 and his estimate of the average increase for the current year, stating the estimated effect on the increase in rent rebates.

The estimated average local authority gross and rebated rents in Wales for 1980–81 were £8·13 and £6·07 per dwelling per week respectively. The estimated increases for 1981–82 are £3·25 and £1·90 respectively. The figures for rebated rents in 1980–81 and for the increase in rebated rents for 1981–82 both take account of payments in respect of rent made by the Department of Health and Social Security to supplementary benefit claimants.The greater part of the estimated average increase in rebates of £1·35 per dwelling per week can be attributed to the estimated increase in gross rents.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what proposals he has put forward on behalf of Welsh producers to reform the common agricultural policy; and if he will make a statement.

The interests of all United Kingdom producers are fully borne in mind during the Government's continuing negotiations to improve the common agricultural policy.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what recommendations he has received from his marketing advisers on the subject of improving the marketing of agricultural produce in Wales; and if he will make a statement.

The Government's commitment to improved marketing is well known. My officials continue to work closely with all bodies concerned with the marketing of agricultural produce in Wales and keep me fully informed.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many factories have closed down on Merseyside since May 1979.

There are no comprehensive statistics of factory closures. The number of closures of establishments, involving redundancies of 10 or more employees, so far reported to the Manpower Services Commisson as due to occur in the Merseyside special development area since May 1979 is 168.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will state the comparative gross and net costs to maintain one young person for one year in the youth opportunities programme and community industry, respectively, showing the breakdown of these costs where information is available.

Comparative information is not available in the form requested. The two programmes are differently organised and the youth opportunities programme includes a variety of schemes providing different forms of training and work experience. Average length of stay of young people varies accordingly. The estimated average gross and net cost per entrant of YOP in 1979–80 was £760 and £440 and the corresponding figures for CI were £1,662 and £670 respectively—£1,767 and £768 including local authority costs.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many people were employed by the Industrial Training Board directly in December 1978, December 1979 and December 1980.

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

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many people were employed by the Health and Safety Executive in December 1978, December 1979 and December 1980.

On 1 January 1979 the Health and Safety Executive employed 4,242 permanent staff, including 248 part-time staff. The figures for 1 January 1980 were 4,260 and 234 respectively, and for 1 January 1981, 4,039 and 221.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many civil servants were employed by the Manpower Services Commission in December 1978, December 1979 and December 1980.

I am informed by the Manpower Services Commission that the numbers of civil servants employed by it on 1 January 1979, 1 January 1980 and 1 January 1981, the nearest dates on which the information sought is available, were:

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what proportion of places in work experience programmes on employers' premises are with firms which employ between 500 and 1,000 employees.

The estimated proportion of places offered by such firms participating is 4 per cent.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment whether the Manpower Services Commission growth programme, currently working in the North-East, will be expanded throughout the rest of the United Kingdom.

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

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what percentage of youth opportunities programme participants had (a) no qualifications, (b) CSE, (c) at least one O-level, (d) more than five O-levels, and (e) A-level passes in (i) the United Kingdom, (ii) the

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will publish for each industrial training board the amount of money paid to further education colleges for each year since 1974.

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

asked the Secretary of State for Employment whether he will publish in the Official Report(a) the national average wage, (b) the average wage in the Northern region, (c) the average wage in Durham county, (d) the median national wage and (e) the percentage of full-time workers who received less than that figure in each case for each of the last five years.

Information on average weekly earnings for adult male employees is given in the following table. Differences in average earnings in particular areas within Great Britain will reflect differences in industrial and occupational structures of employment, and do not necessarily correspond to differences in pay for comparable jobs.Northern region, and (iii) the Bishop Auckland constituency for the latest available date and for each year since the programme's inception.

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

asked the Secretary of State for Industry (1) if, further to the reply he gave to the hon. Member for South Ayrshire (Mr. Foulkes) on 7 July 1980, Official Report, columns 29–31, he is now in a position to give a breakdown of the annual operating costs of the headquarters of the Laboratory of the Government Chemist and the outstations in England, Wales and Scotland;