asked the Lord Privy Seal when the 1980 annual report and accounts of the Crown Agents for Oversea Governments and Administrations will be published.

The report and accounts will be published on 26 May and copies will be laid before the House. I shall arrange for copies to be placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

asked the Attorney-General whether he will introduce legislation to prevent former Attorneys-General from publishing their memoirs on activities as the Crown prosecutors at criminal trials until they have left office for five years or more.

No.

asked the Attorney-General what was the total amount paid by way of professional fees to counsel nominated by him to conduct prosecutions on behalf of the Director of Public Prosecutions and other Government Departments (a) during the financial year 1979–80 and (b) during the financial year 1980–81.

(a) £2,693,168; (b) £3,178,484.

asked the Attorney-General what was the total cost of running the department of the Director of Public Prosecutions (a) during the financial year 1979–80 and (b) during the financial year 1980–81.

This information can be obtained from the Appropriation Accounts, which are published in January and February each year in respect of the previous financial year.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade if he will publish his inspectors' report into the grounding of the fishing vessel "Junella"; and what action he took arising from the report.

No. Successive Administrations have decided that inspectors' reports on investigations into shipping incidents are not published. However, if there are any points in relation to the minor incident to which the hon. Gentleman wishes to draw my attention I should be happy to look at them.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade how many new firms started up in the United Kingdom in the financial years 1978–79 and 1980–81; and how many firms went out of existence during the same years.

Although these statistics do not provide an accurate indication of the number of firms starting or ceasing to trade, the available figures for the United Kingdom are as follows:

	1978–79	1980–81
Number of companies registered	60,321	69,148
Number of businesses registered under the Registration of Business Names Act (1916)—only sole traders and partnerships using names other than their own	140,757	153,259
Company liquidations (including members voluntary liquidations which do not involve insolvency)	9,339	13,117
Sole traders and partnerships going into bankruptcy	3,996	4,625

asked the Secretary of State for Trade whether, pursuant to the answer of the right hon. Member for Gloucester (Mrs. Oppenheim) of 6 May, Official Report, c. 48, he will take steps, including an official survey if necessary, to satisfy himself of the accuracy of the petroleum industry's estimate that 60 per cent. of all petrol pumps cannot register prices greater than 99p per gallon.

I am satisfied that all reasonable and adequate steps have been taken to obtain this information. If my hon. Friend has specific evidence that the estimate given may be incorrect I would be grateful if he would write to me.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade how much was earned in foreign exchange from the exporting of British television programmes in each of the years 1970 to 1980; and what was the cost of imported television programmes for each year.

The latest available information was published in an article entitled "Overseas transactions in films and television material in 1979", in British Business, 19–26 December 1980, a copy of which is in the House of Commons Library.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade whether any action has been taken by the Registrar of Companies on matters covered by the proposals in the Companies (No.2) Bill relating to the screening of company names; and if he will make a statement.

A consultative document was sent by my Department on 8 May to a number of organisations with a particular interest in these provisions. It invited their views on two alternative possibilities for amendments to the Companies (No. 2) Bill, now before the House. The Government will wish to consider the response to this document before reaching a final view on amendments. Copies have been placed in the Library.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade if he will make a further statement on the current state of the negotiations relating to the siting of the European trade marks registry.

There are still no negotiations in prospect on the siting of the European Community trade mark office as the European Commission has yet to make a specific proposal on this subject to the Council. The Government are, however, aware of the need, in advance of such proposal, to amplify the United Kingdom bid to bring the office to London, which was confirmed in Brussels in June of last year. At present, therefore, the provision of a suitable choice of sites in London is being considered by my Department.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade if he will list those provisions of the Companies (No. 2) Bill [Lords] that flow directly from European legislation, detailing the relevant European measure in each case.

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

asked the Secretary of State for Trade when the report by the Monopolies and Mergers Commission on the Central Electricity Generating Board will be published; and whether he will make a statement.

My right hon. Friend has laid before Parliament and published this report today. It is a very thorough and valuable report which brings out a number of important issues.The commission has seriously criticised certain aspects of the board's operations where there is significant scope for reductions in cost and for improved efficiency.

Flag	1976	1977	1978	1979	1980	1981
UK	3	2	4	1	5	—
Gibraltar	1	—	—	—	—	—
Cyprus	1	3	2	1	2	—
Greek	—	2	4	2	3	—
Dutch	—	—	1	—	1	—
Singapore	—	—	1	—	—	—
Panama	—	—	5	—	5	—
Cayman	—	—	—	—	1	1

The above detentions occurred at the following ports: Southampton (5), London (5), Liverpool (4), Grimsby (4), Belfast (4), Cardiff (3), Newcastle (3), Hull (3), Bristol (2) and one each at Rochester, Dover, Swansea, Milford Haven, Newport, Avonmouth, Colchester, Wisbech, Grangemouth, Mostyn, Garston, Hartlepool, Sunderland, Middlesbrough, Aberdeen, Leith, Inverness and Shetland.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade if he will outline in the Official Report the steps

asked the Secretary of State for Trade (1) if he will publish in the Official Report the numbers and flags of sub-standard 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

[pursuant to his reply, 19 May 1981, c. 50]: Ships in United Kingdom ports are subject to random general inspections for compliance with national and international safety requirements. There were no prosecutions in the years 1979–80, but 51 vessels were detained on safety grounds in the years 1976–81 to date as follows:which are currently taken by officials in his Department to examine, in respect of ships calling at British ports, certificates of competency relating to members of the crews of such ships; and how many were found to be invalid or to have expired over the last two years.

[pursuant to his reply, 19 May 1981, c. 50]: For United Kingdom registered ships checks on certificates of competency are effected through on-board inspections and in-office examinations of crew agreements. Certificates of competency remain valid unless suspended or withdrawn. No central record is maintained of certification deficiencies and the information could not be obtained without disproportionate cost.For foreign registered ships, regulations to permit the inspection of certificates of competency are in the course of preparation in accordance with the United Kingdom's commitments following ratification of the international convention on standards of training and watchkeeping.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will investigate the reason for the delay of the refund of £760·36 of value added tax alleged to be due to Mr. Peter Read of 20 Hillside, Borrowcop, Lichfield, Staffordshire VAT No. 3139857 39; and by what date any refund due will be made.

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 Secretary of State for Energy if he will list the alternative energy strategies stating the projected expenditure on each; and whether it is the Government's intention to discontinue further research and development of any one of them.

The aim of the R and D programme on renewable forms of energy is to assess the nature and scale of the various resources and the extent to which they might contribute to the United Kingdom energy supplies economically. The estimated outturn expenditure on renewable R and D projects in 1980–81 is:

	£'000's
Wind	772
Wave	3,316
Geothermal	2,248
Solar	789
Tidal	1,409
Conservation R and D	229
Biofuels	242
Total	9,005

The work of the Severn Barrage committee is now complete. No further work on tidal power will be initiated until the committee's report has been considered thoroughly. My Department has no plans to reduce expenditure on any of the other topics. Detailed projections of expenditure are not available because it is the nature of R and D programmes that priorities should be reviewed continuously in the light of progress.

asked the Secretary of State for Energy whether the Government intend to take over the funding of the International Energy Agency research project—fluidised bed combustion—at Grimethorpe, Yorkshire, following relinquishment by the United States Government.

The United States Government are still considering whether to continue to support the project. Should they decide to withdraw we shall discuss how best to proceed with our other partners in the project, the Federal German Government.

asked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will make a statement on the access which the United States of America will have to research findings on work carried out in the joint funded experimental International Energy Agency Grimethorpe coal plant testing advance pressurised fluidised bed boiler systems; and if he will make a statement.

Under the terms of the project implementing agreement the United States of America will have access only to research findings generated whilst it remains a participant.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will seek to repeal prison rule 47 (12), under which prisoners can be punished for making complaints when these are deemed false and malicious.

No.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many of the houses previously occupied by the Royal Air Force and subsequently modified at public expense for the use of prison officers at Her Majesty's prison, Highpoint, Suffolk, are at present unoccupied; and why.

Married quarters are provided for prison officers as part of their conditions of service. Where staff choose to make their own arrangements, surplus quarters are usually sold.At Highpoint, 41 of the 86 married quarters are vacant. However, the prison is being extended, and a new young offender establishment is under construction nearby at Northridge. Each establishment will require additional staff, whose own requirements will determine the extent of the need for these quarters.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what guidance is given to prison governors authorising the restriction of certain prisoners' special letters, including letters to Members of Parliament, to a single small sheet of paper; and what is the reason for this restriction.

Prison department standing orders provide that a letter to a Member of Parliament should count against the prisoner's normal allowance of letters unless the governor considers that the circumstances justify a special letter. The normal allowance depends on the staff resources available at the establishment to deal with correspondence, but is a minimum of two double letter sheets each week. The amount of paper allowed for a special letter is a matter for the discretion of the Governor.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prisoners were moved from one gaol to another, under circular instruction No. 10, in each year since 1974; and what is his estimate of the annual costs of the escort duties involved in such moves.

The information is not held centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the purpose of his visit to Jersey during May; and what action he intends in relation to the petition of which he already has a draft copy and the supporting evidence.

The purpose of my right hon. Friend's visit to Jersey is to meet the elected representatives and officials and other members of the Jersey community, and to renew the close and cordial links which have traditonally existed between the island and the United Kingdom Government.Any petition which is submitted will be considered in the normal way.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether cases No. 4 and 11 quoted in the Minister of State's written reply, 10 December 1980, Official Report, c. 650, have yet been found hospital places; or when it is anticipated that places will be found.

The prisoner identified as case No. 4 was transferred to hospital on 10 April 1981. The prisoner identified as case No. 11 was released at the end of his sentence on 20 March 1981.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will set out the number of fines between 0–£5·00, £5·01 and £10·00, £10·01 and £25·00, £25·01 and £50, £50·01 and £100, £100·01 and£150, and£150·01 and £200 levied so far on those involved in the Brixton riots.

Following is the information requested, in respect of the 25 fines imposed by 18 May on persons convicted of offences committed during the serious disorder at Brixton on 10 to 12 April:

Number of fines and Range of fine (inclusive figures)
	£
6	0–5
2	6–10
4	11–25

	£
8	26–50
3	51–100
0	101–150
2	151–200

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the number of occasions on which firearms were issued to policemen in each of the police authorities in England and Wales in 1978, 1979 and 1980; and what was the number of occasions on which they were used.

[pursuant to his reply, 13 April 1981, c. 15]: The total number of occasions on which firearms were issued to police officers for particular incidents involving criminals or others known or believed to be armed is as follows:

FORCE	1978	1979	1980
Avon and Somerset	49	21	32
Bedfordshire	20	32	20
Cambridgeshire	4	7	6
Cheshire	11	31	21
Cleveland	15	14	11
City of London	141	182	74
Cumbria	2	10	12
Derbyshire	5	8	5
Devon and Cornwall	29	34	48
Dorset	9	19	11
Durham	3	7	1
Essex	48	51	93
Gloucester	18	21	12
Greater Manchester	57	75	73
Hampshire	100	96	42
Hertfordshire	34	39	14
Humberside	19	15	8
Kent	116	69	34
Lancashire	49	23	34
Leicestershire	24	21	19
Lincolnshire	12	5	7
Merseyside	101	74	96
Metropolitan	5,835	6,647	5,968
Norfolk	19	17	16
Northants	27	20	18
Northumbria	32	17	24
North Yorkshire	10	13	14
Nottinghamshire	24	40	29
South Yorkshire	35	20	63
Staffordshire	18	21	20
Suffolk	9	23	13
Surrey	23	18	27
Sussex	49	41	42
Thames Valley	28	29	46
Warwickshire	13	19	11
West Mercia	13	33	46
West Midlands	113	92	105
West Yorkshire	75	77	90
Wiltshire	13	34	14
Dyfed/Powys	2	4	2
Gwent	1	2	5
North Wales	8	15	9
South Wales	20	72	40
TOTALS	7,233	8,108	7,275

Firearms were used by police officers on three occasions in 1978, three in 1979 and nine in 1980. In addition, firearms were used on a number of occasions to destroy injured or dangerous animals.

asked Secretary of State for Industry if he will make a statement on discussions between his Department and Tate and Lyle Ltd. on the future of the refinery building at Love Lane, Liverpool.

There have been a number of discussions between the Department of Industry and Tate and Lyle to explore ways in which the Love Lane site can be redeveloped following the closure of the company's sugar refinery. The company announced on 5 May that it had commissioned a study of the possibilities for small business developments on the site and that it intended to implement a programme of action as soon as suitable opportunities for job creation were indentified. I welcome the company's initiative and wish it every success.

asked Secretary of State for Industry how many assistant scientific officers have been trained in the Glasgow outstation of the Laboratory of the Government Chemist in comparison to outstations in England and Wales.

[pursuant to his reply, 19 May 1981]: The Laboratory of the Government Chemist is not a training institution, and in accordance with departmental practice, assistant scientific officers normally receive their basic training at a local college of further education. In the past two years one such officer of the Glasgow outstation has received such training. The corresponding figures for the Liverpool and Gosport outstations are four and eight assistant scientific officers respectively.

asked Secretary of State for Industry what percentage of funds allocated to BL in the last three years from public funds had been spent on the purchase of imported equipment.

[pursuant to his reply, 19 May 1981]: BL pays its suppliers by drawing on funds from both the private sector and Government as well as on cash generated internally. BL says that nearly 95 per cent. of its total purchases are sourced in the United Kingdom and that, as a recent example, United Kingdom goods accounted for more than 80 per cent. of the cost of the Metro factory although some of its equipment was only available abroad.

asked Secretary of State for Industry how many vehicles in the United Kingdom use liquid petroleum gas as a fuel; and what is the amount of duty charged.

I have been asked to reply.The Department's vehicle licensing records indicate that approximately 7,000 vehicles use liquefied petroleum gas or dual-fuel—LPG and petrol—systems. This figure underestimates the total number of road vehicles using LPG, since many are conversions of existing vehicles and these are not always notified. Duty on LPG for use as a road fuel is half the rate applied to petrol—that is, 6·91p per litre. Vehicle excise duty on vehicles using LPG is levied on the same basis as that on vehicles using petrol or derv.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will provide the latest youth unemployment figures for each employment exchange area in Wales for the latest available date, together with the numbers at that date engaged on the youth opportunities programme.

The information is not readily available in the form requested and could only be produced at disproportionate cost. At county level the information is as follows:

January 1981
	Numbers of registered unemployed aged under 20 years	Numbers of participants on Youth Opportunity Programmes
South Glamorgan	3,551	1,596
Mid Glamorgan	6,417	3,461
West Glamorgan	4,222	1,737
Gwent	4,772	2,518
Dyfed	2,325	1,182
Powys	434	391
Gwynedd	1,634	914
Clwyd	3,120	2,211

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what is the present estimate of the number of beef cows in Wales compared with 1970 and 1975; and if he will make a statement.

The information requested is as follows:

	Number of beef cows ('000s)
December 1970	176
December 1975	214
December 1980	189

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what is the level of damage caused by the recent snowstorms to the sheep industry in Wales; and if he will make a statement.

Damage was not so serious as was first feared, though I am aware of a few scattered cases where losses were severe. With an above-average lamb crop expected this year losses in Wales are unlikely to have a significant effect on total numbers.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether his Department has undertaken any studies about the impact of rising unemployment on the demand for personal social services.

No. This aspect is not covered in the Department's current research. The Department is considering what further research is required into the relationship between unemployment and health and use of health and personal social services.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services, further to the answer of the hon. Member for Ealing, Acton (Sir G. Young) on 5 May, Official Report, c. 7, regarding the maintenance of spending upon personal social services by local authorities for 1980–81 at the 1979–80 level, whether this is in absolute terms; and, if not, what is his estimate of the percentage increase in population (a) in total and (b) over 75 years of age over the two years concerned.

Local authority spending on the personal social services in 1980–81 is expected to be at about the same level at constant prices as in 1979–80. Details of actual expenditure will not become available until the early autumn.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will provide the following information for each of the supplementary benefit offices at Cheltenham, Rivershill House, Thames North, Scarborough Street, London, E1, and Thames South, Marshalsea Road, London, SE1, respectively: (a) the number of full time officers employed at these offices to investigate possible fraudulent social security claims during the last year for which figures are available, (b) the total number of social security fraud cases at these offices for which convictions were obtained in that year, (c) the total amount of social security benefits involved in those cases of fraud for which convictions were obtained in that year, (d) the total number of social security claims received at these offices in that year and (e) the total amount of money paid out in social security benefits during that year.

The available information is as follows: the other information requested could only be produced at disproportionate costs.

	Thames North Year ending 14 April 1981	Thames South Year ending 14 April 1981	Cheltenham Year ending 30 November 1981
(a) Number of full time officers employed to investigate possible fraud	3	2	5
(b) Total number of fraud cases for which convictions were obtained	*79	*118	†87
(d) Total number of social security claims received	75,607	40,693	‡42,327
* All cases taken by Police under Theft Act.
† 77 Supplementary benefit and 10 Contributory benefit. Majority of cases taken under Supplementary Benefits Act and National Insurance Acts.
‡ 13,280 Supplementary benefit and 29,047 Contributory benefit.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services when his Department will publish that part of the second stage of the review of supplementary benefit which concerns the special offices for lodging house residents in London and Glasgow.

The supplementary benefit review team has now been disbanded, but I am at present considering, in the light of recent legislative changes and other developments since 1978, how best to carry forward its proposals for a review of various aspects of policy on people without a settled way of life.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he has made any estimate of the number of young people who will be affected as a result of the proposed change in the Department of Health and Social Security's regulations which will deny supplementary benefit to school leavers until the September of the year in which they leave school.

With a few exceptions, the new rules which defer entitlement to supplementary benefit until the end of the vacation following the term in which they leave school will apply to all school leavers.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will appoint a Registrar General for Wales.

No. The law governing marriages and the registration of births and deaths is uniform throughout England and Wales. Fresh legislation would be needed to establish a separate office of Registrar General for Wales and a separately administered local registration service. This would not be justified on legal, administrative or economic grounds, nor can it be foreseen that it would offer any practical advantage to the public in Wales.

asked the Lord Privy Seal if he will make a statement on the reconvened Helsinki review conference in Madrid.

asked the Lord Privy Seal if he will make a statement on the Madrid review conference.

The Madrid meeting reconvened on 5 May. Drafting work on the final document continues and we remain determined to do what we can to secure a substantial and balanced outcome. To achieve this will require real progress to be made over the next few weeks; it would damage the continuing value of the CSCE process if the meeting were to drag on interminably and fruitlessly.

asked the Lord Privy Seal if he will make a further statement about the policy of Her Majesty's Government with regard to the future of Namibia.

asked the Lord Privy Seal what further modifications in the United Nations plan for the independence of Namibia are now contemplated by the five Western powers.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether he will make a statement about Her Majesty's Government's policy towards new initiatives on Namibia.

I refer my hon. Friends and the hon. Member to the reply I gave earlier today to the hon. Member for Chester-le-Street (Mr. Radice).

asked the Lord Privy Seal what are his plans for the development of British Middle Eastern policy when the United Kingdom takes over the Presidency of the EEC.

The situation in the area is constantly changing and we cannot predict now how the Ten will wish to take European efforts forward during our Presidency. We are determined to make a positive and helpful contribution if we can. The basis of our policy will remain the balanced principles of the Venice declaration of 13 June 1980.

asked the Lord Privy Seal what progress has been made on the European Economic Community initiative to achieve peace in the Middle East.

Mr. van der Klaauw, representing the Dutch Presidency, has seen the Arab League secretary general, and visited Iraq, Syria, Jordon, Tunisia, Morocco, Lebanon, Egypt, the PLO leadership, the United States, Israel and Saudi Arabia. He has discussed with them the practical implications of the principles set out in the Venice declaration. He has yet to consult other Arab States before reporting to his colleagues.

asked the Lord Privy Seal if Her Majesty's Government, as guarantors of the integrity of Cyprus, are satisfied with the progress of the inter-communal talks between the representatives of the Turkish and Greek Cypriots.

The intercommunal talks are continuing, and the atmosphere remains good. The recent progress made on missing persons is encouraging. I very much hope that real progress towards an overall settlement will be achieved once elections in Cyprus are over. We shall continue to give our full support to the United Nations' efforts.

asked the Lord Privy Seal what further action he has taken to achieve a settlement in Cyprus.

Intercommunal talks under the auspices of the United Nations, which both parties agree are the only practical way forward, continue in Nicosia. We stand ready to help in any way the United Nations or the parties would find useful.

asked the Lord Privy Seal what arrangements were made by the British High Commission to assist His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales during his recent visit to Australia.

Since Australia is one of Her Majesty's realms, all arrangements for the Prince of Wales' visit to Australia were made by the Australian authorities.

asked the Lord Privy Seal what further progress has been made in the implementation of the Lisbon agreement, dated 10 April 1980, relative to the cessation of restrictions placed upon the territory of Gibraltar by the Spanish Government.

I much regret that there has been no substantive development since I answered my hon. Friend's question on this subject on 15 April.—[Vol. 3, c. 312–13.]

asked the Lord Privy Seal if he will raise at the United Nations the blacklisting of sportsmen and the policy of the United Nations towards the activities of the South African Non-Racial Olympic Committee in this connection.

The United. Kingdom is not a member of the United Nations Special Committee Against Apartheid, but the committee can be in no doubt about our views. Although we remain committed to the principle of non-discrimination in sport, we cannot condone measures such as the blacklisting of sportsmen as advocated by the South African Non-Racial Olympic Committee, which do not contribute to the solution of a sensitive problem.

asked the Lord Privy Seal if he will make a statement about progress towards a complete nuclear test ban treaty.

Negotiations between the United Kingdom, United States and the USSR aimed at achieving a comprehensive test ban began in 1977. The latest round finished in November 1980. The new United States Administration are reviewing their policy on all aspects of arms control and disarmament, including the comprehensive test ban. At present no date has been set for the resumption of the negotiations.

asked the Lord Privy Seal what is the policy of Her Majesty's Government towards the intention of the United States of America and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics to open negotiations on the need for tactical nuclear arms control.

Her Majesty's Government welcome the United States Government's intention to hold negotiations by the end of this year and hope that these will eventually lead to a balanced and verifiable arms control agreement that improves the security of Britain and her NATO Allies.

asked the Lord Privy Seal what consultations he has had with the United States Secretary of State on the question of the civil war in El Salvador; and if he will make a statement.

I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave earlier today to the hon. Member for Harlow (Mr. Newens).

asked the Lord Privy Seal what consultations were held at the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation Foreign Ministers meeting about the use of rapid deployment forces.

There were no detailed consultations on this matter. However, Foreign Ministers agreed that the Allies would continue to consult among themselves and work together with others to encourage stability and reduce the risks of crisis in the Third world. The council also noted that a number of allied countries possess, or are determined to acquire, a capability to deploy forces outside the NATO area in order to deter aggression and to respond to requests by nations for help in resisting threats to their security or independence.

asked the Lord Privy Seal if he will make a statement on relations between Her Majesty's Government and the Government of Lebanon.

Our relations with the Government of Lebanon are close and friendly. We have remained in particularly close contact with them during the present crisis. They know our view that respect for Lebanese sovereignty and strengthening the authority of the legitimate Government of Lebanon are essential for a solution to the present crisis.

asked the Lord Privy Seal if he will take initiatives in the United Nations to propose international action for the preservation of the integrity of the State of Lebanon.

We have no plans to do so, nor have the Government of Lebanon asked for action in the United Nations at this time. Negotiations continue for a peaceful solution of various aspects of the crisis in Lebanon. They have our full support and we hope they will succeed.

asked the Lord Privy Seal what British proposals will be put forward for discussions at the forthcoming Mexico summit in October.

Preparations for the Mexico summit will be discussed at a meeting of Foreign Ministers in early August. Meanwhile, it is too early to speak about possible proposals.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether, in view of United Nations resolutions relating to the political situation in Turkey and the continued occupation of parts of Cyprus, Her Majesty's Government will dissociate themselves from the agreement reached between the United States Secretary of State and the President of the European Council relating to military and economic aid to Turkey.

I am not aware of any such agreement.

asked the Lord Privy Seal what arrangements have been made to ensure that the Turkish-Cypriot community is represented, informed and consulted in any discussions which may be held by Her Majesty's Government with the Government of the Republic of Cyprus relating to sovereign base areas.

Informal discussions of the aid claim began between officials in London on 15 May. The discussins did not relate to the sovereign base areas. The Government have official dealings only with the Government of the Republic of Cyprus, but informal contacts with representatives of the Turkish Cypriot community offer ample opportunity to exchange information and views. The Government have consistently maintained that any British assistance to Cyprus should benefit both communities.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether he will meet representatives of the United States Government to discuss joint policy towards the situation in El Salvador.

We are, and will continue to be, in close and regular touch with the United States Government over events in El Salvador.

asked the Lord Privy Seal if he will publish in the Official Report a list of the United Kingdom representatives at the North Atlantic Assembly.

The following represent the United Kingdom at the North Atlantic Assembly:

From the Government: my hon. Friends the Members for Haltemprice (Mr. Wall), Harrogate (Mr. Banks), Aldershot (Mr. Critchley), St. Albans (Mr. Goodhew), East Grinstead (Mr. Johnson Smith), Brentwood and Ongar (Mr. McCrindle), Harwich (Sir J. Ridsdale), Gosport (Mr. Viggers) and my noble Friends the Earl of Kimberley and Lord Lucas of Chilworth;

From the Labour Party: the right hon. Member for Greenock and Port Glasgow (Dr. Mabon), the hon. Members for Manchester, Gorton (Mr. Marks), Sheffield, Attercliffe (Mr. Duffy), Erith and Crayford (Mr. Wellbeloved), Edinburgh, Central (Mr. Cook), and Lord Wynne-Jones;

From the Liberal Party: The hon. Member for the Isle of Wight (>Mr. Ross);

From the Social Democratic Party: the hon. Member for Woolwich, East (Mr. Cartwright).

asked the Lord Privy Seal if he will make a statement about those internal United Kingdom subjects that are within the competence of the European Parliament.

As my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister told my hon. Friend the Member for Northampton, North (Mr. Marlow) on 11 May, under its rules of procedure the European Parliament may choose its own subjects for debate but its conclusions have no

asked the Lord Privy Seal if he will make a statement on the outcome of the Foreign Affairs Council held on 18 and 19 May.

I represented the United Kingdom at this Council. My hon. Friend the Minister for Trade attended for discussions on Japan and United States textiles.During the Council there was a meeting with the Portuguese Secretary of State for European Integration in the context of Portugal's negotiations for accession to the Community, in the course of which the Community made declarations on transport and Community secondary legislation and there was a general exchange of views about the progress of the negotiations.The Council failed to agree on a Community mandate for negotiations with Yugoslavia on a Protocol to adapt the European Community/Yugoslavia co-operation agreement of 1980 to take account of Greek accession to the Community. Member States were unable to agree on future levels of Yugoslav baby-beef exports to Greece and existing temporary autonomous arrangements will be extended for a further two months. Her Majesty's Government has consistently pressed for fair arrangements for Yugoslavia.The Commission reported that there had been a drop in United States exports of textiles to the European Community. They stated their intention to continue to press for early decontrol of United States gas prices. My hon. Friend the Minister for Trade underlined the need for this pressure to be maintained.The Council adopted a declaration on relations with Japan, expressing serious concern at the present state of trade between Japan and the Community and its likely future development. It referred to the level and concentration of Japanese exports in certain sensitive sectors, and to the need for the Japanese Government to take positive steps to increase imports of Community products. It noted with approval the Commission's intention to seek an undertaking on cars from the Japanese which would include a commitment that exports of Japanese cars to the Community should be subject to measures analogous to those decided by Japan in respect of the United States.The Council discussed the Community's position on provisional application of the new international cocoa agreement.After considering the views of the European Parliament the Council agreed a series of regulations implementing the Community's programme of food aid for developing countries in 1981. The total value of the programme is over £200 million at world prices.Ministers welcomed the adoption of a second programme for a consumer protection and information policy.The Council approved the results of the negotiation of an agreement between Australia and Euratom concerning transfers of nuclear material from Australia to the Community, or

asked the Lord Privy Seal if he will publish a White Paper summarising Her Majesty's Government's plans for the reform of the European Economic Community.

No. It would not be in Britain's interest to publish our negotiating position in advance.

asked the Lord Privy Seal what recent progress has been made in reforming the procedures of the European Economic Community.

I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave earlier today to my hon. Friend the Member for Harrow, East (Mr. Dykes).

asked the Lord Privy Seal if he will make a forecast of the likely timetable for the negotiations on reform of the European Economic Community budget and of the common agricultural policy.

The 30 May 1980 agreement envisages that the review of the Community budget should be completed by the end of 1981.The Commission is to put forward its proposals next month. These will be discussed by the European Council on 29 and 30 June. It will be a major priority during the United Kingdom presidency to ensure that the review is tackled effectively.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what increases in the numbers of unemployed have taken place in those workers who register at the Church Road, Walton, employment exchange.

Because a new employment office opened at Walton Vale last summer, comparable figures for the Church Road, Walton employment office are available only from September 1980. Between that date and April 1981, the number of registered unemployed at that office increased by 362.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many adult males, females and young persons aged 16 to 18 years are unemployed in the Merseyside area, in total and as a percentage in each category; and what is the total current percentage unemployed for the area.

At 9 April there were 76,534 males and 27,496 females aged 18 years and over registered as unemployed in the Merseyside special development area. The number of unemployed young people under 18 years of age was 6,567. Percentage rates of unemployment by age are not circulated below national level. The total rate of unemployment at 9 April in the Merseyside special development area was 16·0 per cent.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many job opportunities are available at jobcentres in Glasgow for school leavers; how many have been available in the Govan jobcentre since March 1980; if he is satisfied with the operations of the centres; and whether he will provide finance for advertising job opportunities on commercial radio throughout the United Kingdom.

Jobcentres do not designate jobs as being specifically for school leavers, for whom advice on jobs is principally the responsibility of the local authority careers services. I am concerned to ensure that jobcentres are operated efficiently. My right hon. Friend has no plans to provide finance specifically for advertsing job opportunities on commercial radio.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many people are employed in the manufacture of motor vehicles in the United Kingdom; how many are engaged in manufacturing or importing components; and what percentage the total represents of the national labour force.

My Department's employment estimates are analysed according to minimum list headings of the 1968 Standard Industrial Classification. Minimum list heading 381 includes, but does not distinguish between, the manufacture of motor vehicles and components. At December 1980, the latest date for which comprehensive employment estimates are available, the provisional number of employees in employment in this category in the United Kingdom was 387,600. This represents 1·8 per cent. of employees in employment in all industries and services. The number engaged in importing components is not separately available.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment to what extent the new fees proposed to be charged by the employment medical advisory service are to cover the direct cost of examinations as opposed to the cost of overheads.

It is not possible to divide the costs of medical examinations conducted by the employment medical advisory service, which the fees introduced by virtue of S.I. 1981 No. 334 will recover, into "direct" and "overhead" costs. However, the following table gives the percentage distribution of the main elements in the cost of the medical examinations—excluding the costs of X-rays, haemoglobin estimations and other laboratory tests:

Element	Percentage
Salary costs and fees*	85·8
Travel and subsistence expenses	10·8
Equipment costs	2·7
Expenses of Examinees	0·7
	100·0
*Includes average salary, superannuation, employer's National Insurance contribution plus additions to cover annual use of stationery, telephone, postage, small office machines, accommodation and headquarters support.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what action he proposes to take on the recommendations by the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service that a wages council be established for the contract cleaning industry.

My right hon. Friend is consulting organisations of employers and workers in contract cleaning and other interested parties before reaching a decision on the recommendations in the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service's report.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he is satisfied with the provision made for safety of young persons engaged in agriculture.

I cannot be satisfied while young persons are involved in accidents on farms. Ways of improving standards of health and safety are always being considered. The Health and Safety Commission seeks advice on the industry's health and safety needs from its agriculture industry advisory committee, which is comprised of representatives of employers' and workers' unions.The agricultural health and safety regulations and the general duties provisions of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, which are concerned with the health and safety of all people who are engaged in or may be affected by agricultural operations, enable the Health and Safety Executive's agricultural inspectorate to look for high standards on farms in Great Britain. In addition, a high proportion of the inspectorate's education and advisory effort is directed at the safety of young people on lams.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what was the total number of jobs supported by the temporary short-time working compensation scheme for (a) the Northern region, (b) Bishop Auckland and south-west Durham travel-to-work area and (c) Bishop Auckland constituency for the last month for which statistics are available; what is the percentage of the total insured working population in each area which each figure represents; and if he will give the corresponding figures for the same month in 1979 and 1980.

No figures can be produced for March 1979, as the temporary short-time working compensation scheme did not begin until April 1979; however, the following tables show the other figures requested:

	March 1981
	A	B
Area	Number of jobs stated as being at risk in orginal applications	Column A as a percentage of all employed and registered unemployed people*
Northern region	21,861	1·6
Bishop Auckland and Durham travel-to-work area	1,751	2·1
Bishop Auckland constituency	1,402	3·5

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many vacancies at each employment exchange in the Northern region there were in April of each of the past five years.

The following table gives the numbers of vacancies remaining unfilled at employment offices and at careers offices for the areas specified at April

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many persons have been registered as unemployed in (a) Northern region, (b) Bishop Auckland constituency and Bishop Auckland and south-west Durham travel-to-work area for (i) up to three months, (ii) up to six months, (iii) up to nine months, (iv) up to 12 months, (v) up to 18 months, (vi) up to two years and (vii) over two years; and what are the corresponding numbers of men, women and young people in each case.

The following table gives for the areas listed the numbers of people aged 18 years and over the numbers aged under 18 years, analysed by sex, who were registered as unemployed at 9 April for the lengths of time specified.each year from 1977. The figures relate only to vacancies notified to employment offices and careers offices; vacancies notified to employment offices are estimated to be about one-third of all vacancies in the country. Because of possible duplication, the figures for employment offices and careers offices should not be added together. The number of vacancies unfilled on a particular date takes no account of the flow of vacancies being notified, filled, or withdrawn during the preceding month, which may reflect activity more closely.