asked the Secretary of State for Trade whether he will publish in the Official Report a table showing the average price of imported and exported and home-produced cars (a) not exceeding 1500 cc, (b) exceeding 1500 cc but not exceeding 3000 cc and (c) in total for each of the years 1975 to 1980 and for the month of September 1981.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade what was the total number and value of imports of cars, trucks, vans and lorries into the United Kingdom from the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics in each year

Information on average prices is not available. The available information on the average declared value of imported and exported passenger motor cars in the stipulated categories is as follows. Changes in these values may reflect increases or decreases in the price of individual models or changes in the numbers and types of cars composing the category concerned.since 1977; and how these figures compare with comparable statistics for each country of the European Economic Community.

The available information is as follows:

asked the Secretary of State for Trade if he has any plans to implement section 19 of the Weights and Measures Act 1979 by making the necessary commencement order.

No. An order to bring into operation section 19 of the Weights and Measures Act 1979 would require that in measuring the quantity to be served, the gas comprised in any foam on beer or cider should be disregarded.I have studied the considerable practical difficulties and the financial implications of implementing section 19 and, taking into account that there is little evidence of consumer dissatisfaction with the present situation, I have decided that I would not be justified in making an order at present.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade if he will now undertake a national publicity campaign to alert the public to the fire dangers involving polyurethane furniture; and if he will make a statement.

An intensive national publicity campaign in newspapers and on radio and television was undertaken by my Department at the time of the launch of the Upholstered Furniture (Safety) Regulations. Further consideration is being given to the possibility of a campaign jointly financed by the industry and Government.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he has concluded his review of the controls over imported waste.

Yes. Although it is legitimate to trade internationally in waste, and this country can without risk provide treatment and disposal services to industries in other countries, it is essential that such a trade should be properly supervised and controlled. My Department has considered the nature and scope of the present system of control and the options for amending it. As a result several steps are to be taken.First, amending regulations will be laid before the House at the earliest opportunity to place detailed restrictions on the nature and quantity of waste that may be stored without a licence being required under the Control of Pollution Act 1974. The exact limits, which will be the subject of consultation with local authorities and industry, will be designed to ensure that only litter bins, dust-bins, builders' skips and the like, are excluded from control. This measure alone will close the loophole now seen to exist in the licensing regulations.Secondly, the review has recommended new powers for waste disposal authorities to bring material not admitted to be waste under the controls which are applicable to waste, where the circumstances of its storage, handling or treatment suggest such action is appropriate.Thirdly, the review has recommended that waste disposal authorities should have advance warning of the arrival of wastes from abroad, whether they are "special" waste or not. We intend to act on these matters.My Department has written today to industry, local authorities and other interests in England and Wales setting out the details and seeking their comments. My right hon. Friend is carrying out a separate consultation in Scotland.The amendments to the licensing regulations will then go forward at an early date; a new power for waste disposal authorities must await parliamentary time; but in the first instance action in advance can be achieved by waste disposal authorities introducing an appropriate condition into waste disposal licences and we intend to encourage this.The last measure, pre-notification, must also be taken forward in the international context and the United Kingdom will be pressing for the establishment of a comprehensive and uniform system of controls in the EC which would, of course, apply to exports as well as imports.The Government also recognise that there is a much larger legitimate trade in by-products which are intended for recovery, recycling or for use as a raw material. These proposals are not intended to affect that trade, but the Government will give particular attention to the need to distinguish these materials and waste in framing any legislation.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will make a statement about the review of the administrative arrangements for mortgage interest relief.

My predecessor announced on 23 January—[Vol. 997, c. 596–7]—that my right hon. and learned Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer was asking the Inland Revenue to study, together with the main lending bodies, how the arrangements for giving tax relief on mortgage interest might be altered to make them more efficient. He made it clear, and I confirm now, that the Government have no intention of restricting the amount of relief to which taxpayers are entitled.The Inland Revenue have discussed the arrangement with representatives of the building societies, banks and insurance companies. They have also consulted representatives of the local authorities and other lenders. I would like to record the Government's appreciation of the help and advice given by all those who have contributed to this review.The present arrangements for giving mortgage interest relief in PAYE codings and tax assessments worked reasonably well in the past but with interest rates changing more often it has become increasingly difficult to ensure that borrowers are given the right amount of relief. Code numbers need frequent amendment and even then tax is too often overpaid or underpaid. The study has confirmed that it would be much better if basic rate tax relief were given at source by deduction from most payments of mortgage interest. Giving relief in this way would simplify the tax system. In the majority of cases the right amount of relief would be given without further adjustment and new borrowers would get their relief without delay. It would also make possible a saving of about 1,000 staff in the Inland Revenue by 1984, with the prospect of further savings later depending on the details of the arrangements.My right hon. and learned Friend therefore proposes to bring forward legislation in the next Finance Bill the effect of which will be that, starting in April 1983, most payments of mortgage interest will be reduced by deducting the basic rate of tax, at present 30 per cent. from them. From the same date the basic rate tax allowance will be removed from PAYE codings and from tax assessments. Although tax payments will go up borrowers will have the equivalent benefit of lower mortgage payments. These will be worked out and notified to borrowers nearer the time.Mortgage payments, other than the endowment type, include repayments of capital as well as interest on the outstanding loan. Only the interest will be directly affected by the tax deduction but building societies—and some other lenders—have indicated that they will wish to avoid putting up the mortgage payments each year as the tax relief gets smaller, in step with the interest. To achieve a constant payment—subject to interest rate changes—they will propose a levelling out with a slightly faster rate of capital repayment in the earlier years. Building societies have also indicated that they will sympathetically consider modified arrangements for borrowers who feel that this proposal would create difficulties for them.Allowances will continue to be biven in codings and assessments to those liable at higher rates of tax for the part of their relief above basic rate. A further advantage of the change is that it will make it possible to absorb the option mortgage scheme within the new tax relief arrangements. My right hon. Friends the Secretary of State for the Environment and the Secretaries of State for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland therefore propose that the scheme should be integrated with the tax relief arrangements from April 1983. From that date all borrowers including those with option mortgages will get basic rate relief whether or not their income is sufficiently high to attract tax. The change will not have any material effect on the outgoings of option mortgagors. This change will also be contained in the 1982 Finance Bill.The Inland Revenue will now continue consultations on the details of the scheme and its coverage. I thought it right to make the Government's intentions known as soon as possible. We shall not, however, be in a position to fill in the details until these further consultations are concluded.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he has any plans to introduce measures to limit farm unit enlargements.

We have no such plans.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he proposes to introduce measures to promote the greater effectiveness of the Agricultural Training Board in the light of the increased mechanisation of farming.

The Agricultural Training Board keeps the development of mechanisation in farming under continuous review to ensure that the training programme meets the changing needs of the agriculture industry.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will take steps to make financial assistance available to farmers who install small turbines on fast-flowing rivers traversing their land, in order to reduce agricultural electricity charges.

Provided the turbine represents an item of capital expenditure and is for an agricultural business it may qualify for grant under the Ministry's capital grant schemes.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the 15 leading world producers of sugar other than industrial States and indicate the degree of dependence of each country on this key product.

In 1980 the 15 leading world producers of sugar, other than industrial countries were:

• Argentina
• Brazil
• China
• Colombia
• Cuba
• Dominican Republic
• Egypt
• India
• Indonesia
• Mexico
• Pakistan
• Peru
• Philippines
• Thailand
• Turkey

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the tonnage of cane sugar imported into the European Economic Community under the Lomé convention and the price paid comparable with the world price; and whether the guaranteed price is sufficient to cover cane producers' production costs.

Under the sugar protocol of the Lomé convention, the Community undertakes, for an indefinite period, to purchase and import, levy-free, at guaranteed prices within the Community's price range, a total of 1·3 million tonnes of sugar a year from certain ACP and other developing countries. In practice, the prices at which the sugar is sold are freely negotiated between buyers and sellers and may therefore exceed the guaranteed prices. For 1981–82 the Community has offered to increase the guaranteed price for raw sugar by 7½ per cent. to 38· 58 ECU/100 kg. compared to world prices currently ranging between 26 and 29 ECU/100kg. No data are available to enable this price to be compared with current cane sugar production costs.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will compare the prices of isoglucose and conventional sugar and the production figures of the United States of America, the United Kingdom and the European Economic Community of the synthetic products.

Comparative figures for the prices of sugar and isoglucose are not available. Production figures are as follows:

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will list the historic rights of other member States of the European Economic Community to fish within 12 miles of the shore of the United Kingdom of which he has knowledge.

"Historic rights" are generally considered to be those granted under the London convention of 1964 to fish between 6 and 12 miles of baselines, which were based on habitual fishing patterns dating back to 1953. A list of these rights in British waters was placed in the Library of the House on 30 April 1981.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) if, in view of the failure to agree a common fisheries policy, he will now consider the setting up of a 12-mile exclusive zone and a dominant preference of the 12 to 50-mile zone for all British fishermen; and if he will make a statement;(2) if, in view of the likely failure to secure a common fisheries policy before the end of 1981, he will introduce proposals on the restructuring of the British fishing fleet; and if he will make a statement;(3) whether Her Majesty's Government have any plans for the monitoring and policing of overfishing within the United Kingdom waters by fishermen from European Economic Community member States, in view of the failure to achieve agreement in the negotiations for a common fisheries policy; and if he will make a statement;(4) if he will make a statement on the common fisheries policy negotiations; and to what extent the talks have broken down;(5) if he has any plans to meet the leaders of the British fishing industry to discuss the problems which will now arise due to the likely failure to obtain a new common fisheries policy before the end of 1981; and if he will make a statement.

Recently, discussions on the outstanding elements of a revised common fisheries policy have been delayed as a result of elections in one member State with important fishing interests. I assure my hon. Friend that negotiations will be continuing.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) if he will take steps to introduce a movement of calves order making it an offence to present calves for sale at markets more than once in 28 days;(2) if he will introduce proposals for a simple and painless method of marking all calves as advocated by the British Veterinary Association.

The movement and marketing of calves is under consideration by my Department to ensure that there are adequate measures to protect the welfare of the calves and prevent the spread of disease. Calf marking is one aspect of this. The British Veterinary Association has submitted to the Farm Animal Welfare Council proposals for a control on the movement of calves. I look forward to receiving advice from the council in due course.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether agreement has yet been reached by the Community on guide prices for 1982 in the fish sector.

Agreement on guide prices for 1982 was reached at the Council of Ministers meeting on 15 December. The new prices will come into effect on 1 January 1982.The Commission's original proposals for guide prices for fish for 1982 were contained in document 10710/81 dated 16 November.The Select Committee on European Legislation noted that these proposals were politically important and recommended them for debate. The Commission's proposals and their implications for our fishing industry were specifically discussed in the course of the supply debate on the common fisheries policy of 9 December; it was clearly established then that the Government's view that the Commission's proposals were disappointing was widely supported in the House.Since they were published we have been able to negotiate useful improvements to the Commission's proposals as they related to species of particular importance to our industry. We agreed to allow the revised guide prices to go forward for adoption by the Council only after we were satisfied that there was no prospect of securing further improvements to those already agreed in a series of hard negotiations. In reaching this decision we also had in mind that any further delay in reaching agreement would have made it impossible for the new prices to come into effect on 1 January next.Details of the proposals finally agreed for 1982 together with 1981 guide prices will be placed in the Library.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether the Government are yet able to respond to the first report from the Agriculture Committee Session 1980–81 on animal welfare in poultry, pig and veal calf production, HC 406, published in July.

I am pleased to say that the Government's response to the Agriculture Committee report on animal welfare in poultry, pig and veal calf production is being published as Command Paper No. 8451 today.

asked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will take steps to improve consultation between the electricity supply industry and major users.

Major users of electricity and their trade associations have numerous opportunities which they frequently take for both formal and informal contacts with the electricity supply industry. Many such meetings have recently taken place on a variety of topics and I understand the industry has every intention of continuing and developing these contacts.

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what are the latest available figures giving the numbers of consumers of electricity who are on fuel direct billing for each electricity board area and for each district of each board area; and what percentage of the total number of consumers in each district and board these figures represent.

I have asked the chairman of the Electricity Council to write to the hon. Member.I understand, however, that the information in the precise form requested is not readily available.

asked the Secretary of State for Energy how many drilling rigs applied for certificates of fitness in 1980; how many were refused; and whether any dispensations were granted.

Twenty-two applications were made in 1980. None was refused and no dispensations were granted.

asked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will list the top 20 world oil producers in order of production and show the quantities produced in terms of daily barrels and tons per year.

The top 20 world crude oil producers in order of production averaged over the first nine months of 1981, excluding natural gas liquids, are estimated as follows:

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what proportion of the United Kingdom research and development funds for renewable energy is spent in Scotland.

I regret that the proportion of total Government research and development funds for renewable energy spent in Scotland could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. Of my own Department's expenditure in this field about 11½ per cent. was spent in Scotland in the financial year 1980–81.

asked the Secretary of State for Energy when he proposes to give the British Gas Corporation a direction under section 7 of the Gas Act 1972 to sell its interests in oil fields in the North Sea; and whether he proposes that the British National Oil Corporation should acquire them on compensation payable to the British Gas Corporation analogous to section 13 of the Petroleum and Submarine Pipe-Lines Act 1975.

I announced on 19 October that the Government would be seeking new powers to privatise the British Gas Corporation's substantial offshore oil business. The Bill incorporating these powers was published on Thursday 17 December.

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what is the total amount of plutonium which has been processed in the United Kingdom from 1956 to the latest convenient year.

As detailed in the replies given to the hon. Member on 6 April and 14 May 1981, approximately 21 tonnes of plutonium have been separated in the United Kingdom for civil purposes as a result of reprocessing irradiated fuel. It would not be in the national interest to disclose total plutonium throughput since 1956.

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what facilities and instrumentation are in use to provide regular measurements of external radiation dose-rate, cumulative external radiation dose, and radioiodine concentrations in the air in the vicinity of nuclear facilities.

Each operator is required under conditions attached to the nuclear site license to make suitable and sufficient measurements of (a) ionizing radiation (b) surface contamination (c) airborne contamination, so far as is necessary to ensure compliance with site licence conditions. In addition, specific requirements for monitoring the environment around nuclear facilities are imposed as conditions of the authorisations of radioactive discharge. Monitoring surveys are regularly carried out by mobile monitoring units stationed at each site. Radioiodine concentrations are regularly monitored through milk sampling.

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what plans exist for the implementation of (a) sheltering and (b) evacuation of the public in the event of a radiation accident at a nuclear power facility.

Each nuclear power station has, as a condition of the nuclear site licence granted by the Health and Safety Executive, a site emergency plan. This plan includes provision for advice to be given to the police on measures to protect the public in the event of an emergency at the site. Such advice could be to take shelter or to evacuate depending on the circumstances of the accident and the prevailing weather conditions.

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what methods of personal protection will be dispensed for public use in the event of a radiation accident at a nuclear power facility.

If as a result of an accident a release of radioactivity was considered likely to affect the public in the vicinity of the site, potassium iodate tablets would be issued by the police on the advice of the operator to the public in the affected area.

asked the Secretary of State for Energy if residents who live in the vicinity of nuclear facilities are informed periodically of the basis of the emergency response plan which will be implemented and emergency instructions which will be given by the authorities in the event of a radiation accident; and by what means they are kept informed.

Information on emergency arrangements at nuclear sites is available to the public through the local liaison committees. These committees are organised by the operators, meet regularly, and include a wide representation of local interests, such as district councillors, parish councillors, and farmers unions. Copies of site emergency plans are also available to the public at local libraries.

asked the Secretary of State for Energy which nuclear power facilities are equipped with instrumentation to provide on-site measurements of (a) precipitation, (b) temperature gradients enabling prediction of atmosphere stability class, (c) inversion base height and (d) upper air movements.

In the event of an emergency at a nuclear site, there are standing arrangements under which the local meteorological office provide to the operator at short notice detailed weather information for his area. Such information would give all the essential data required by the operator to make his assessment of the path and consequences of any release of activity.

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what factors his Department takes into account when evaluating the suitability of sites for nuclear power facilities.

It is for the CEGB in the first instance to investigate and evaluate sites in England and Wales which may be suitable for a nuclear power station. However, before it can construct such a station on a selected site it must first obtain my consent together with deemed planning permission. It will also need a nuclear site licence from the Nuclear Installations Inspectorate of the Health and Safety Executive, which will take siting factors into account in arriving at its licensing decision.

asked the Secretary of State for Energy whether he proposes to proceed with the sale of North Sea oil savings bonds announced by the former Secretary of State for Energy in the Official Report on 3 November 1980, columns 947–48.

I have been asked to reply.In view of the plans which my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Energy has announced to offer shares in the British National Oil Corporation's oil producing business directly to the public through the measures proposed in the Oil and Gas (Enterprise) Bill published today, I have decided there is now no need to proceed with the national savings instrument of North Sea oil bonds previously envisaged.

asked the Secetary of State for the Home Department what factors now prevent the Metropolitan Police reaching its establishment.

The main limiting factor is the capacity of the available training facilities, but it is also important for the force to maintain a reasonable balance between probationers and more experienced officers. Strength has increased by more than 2,800 since May 1979.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will ensure that criminal injuries compensation is index-linked, or able to be adjusted to meet the needs of the seriously injured person, taking into account the long-term medical treatment required and any personal attention any such injured person may need during the day, and throughout the night-time.

Awards of compensation for personal injury by the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board normally take the form of lump sum payments which take into account any continuing need for medical treatment and special care, and are assessed on the basis of current values. The board's practice, in this as in other matters, is based on that of the courts; but it has a discretion to reconsider a case where there has been such a serious change in the applicant's medical condition that injustice would occur if the original assessment of compensation were allowed to stand.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will take steps to advise all persons who suffer injuries as a result of criminal attack of their right to claim criminal injuries compensation.

Steps are already taken to inform such persons of the provisions of the criminal injuries compensation scheme. As a matter of routine, police officers normally supply information about the scheme to persons who have suffered physical injury as a result of violent crime. Publicity material has also been issued to hospitals, victims' support schemes, WRVS branches, citizens' advice bureaux, magistrates' courts, and local offices of the Department of health and Social Security. This information is also available in public libraries.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether any payments in cash were made outside police premises in respect of damange alleged to be suffered following the police raid in Railton Road in July 1981.

Yes. I understand from the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis that some claims for compensation were settled in cash outside police premises.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many police officers in the Metropolitan Police and in other police forces in Great Britain, respectively, have been disciplined for matters relating to racial misconduct in each of the years 1979, 1980 and up to the present time in 1981.

I regret that this information is not readily available.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will introduce legislation to prevent courts from imposing, as a condition of bail, a prohibition on attendance at political meetings.

Section 3(6) of the Bail Act 1976 empowers a court, in granting bail, to require a defendant to comply with such requirements as appear to the court to be necessary to secure, among other things, that he does not commit an offence while on bail. It is for the courts to decide how to exercise this power. On present information, we have no reason to believe that any amendment of it is desirable.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what arrangements he has made to monitor the expenditure of the Commission for Racial Equality, including that which is not itemised in the commission's annual report.

The commission provides regular returns of total expenditure and the forecast pattern of expenditure for the remainder of the financial year. In addition, the commission has been asked to prepare detailed statements of its expenditure every two months.

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

asked the Prime Minister whether she will list her official engagements for 17 December.

asked the Prime Minister if she will state her official engagements for 17 December.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her public engagements for 17 December.

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

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

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

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

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

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

asked the Prime Minister whether she will list her official engagements for 17 December.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

asked the Prime Minister what are her official engagements for 17 December.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This morning I presided at a meeting of the Cabinet and had meetings with ministerial colleagues and others. In addition to my duties in the House I shall be having further meetings later today.

asked the Prime Minister whether she is satisfied with the recent trend in pay settlements in the public and private sectors.

There have been many welcome signs over the last few months of greater realism in wage settlements. The need is for settlements which are in line with output and consistent with maintaining economic recovery and improving employment prospects.

asked the Prime Minister how many employees of Marks and Spencer Ltd. are at present seconded to Government employment; and how many have been appointed by Ministers to official bodies since May 1979.

Apart from Sir Derek Rayner, who acts as my special adviser on efficiency in the Civil Service, there are no current secondments from Marks and Spencer Ltd. to Government Departments. Information about the employing organisation of those appointed by Ministers to official bodies is not readily available.

asked the Prime Minister if Her Majesty's Government intends to introduce legislation to enforce privatising of all refuse collection operated by local authorities.

No.

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

I have no immediate plans to do so.

asked the Prime Minister whether she is satisfied with the use of management accounts and information systems within the Civil Service.

No, but good progress is being made in Departments on this, as part of the action to carry out the Government's policies for good management in the Civil Service, outlined in the White Paper on efficiency—Cmnd. 8293.I expect further important advances to be made next year, not least as a result of two of the centrally co-ordinated programmes of work in the efficiency strategy for 1982 announced by my right hon. and noble Friend the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster on 9 December.

asked the Prime Minister if she is satisfied with the progress made in reforming the European Economic Community.

My right hon. Friend the Lord Privy Seal reported on the most recent meeting in his reply yesterday to the hon. Member for Inverness (Mr. Johnston). Although there is not yet agreement, we have made useful progress in narrowing differences and are continuing our efforts to reach an early and satisfactory settlement.

asked the Prime Minister if, further to her reply of 12th March, Official Report, column 999, she has taken further steps to find out more from the Soviet Government about President Brezhnev's proposals to extend confidence-building measures.

Her Majesty's Government, together with our partners and allies, have been in regular touch, both bilaterally and at the Madrid CSCE review meeting, with the Soviet Government on this subject. We are making every effort to secure agreement in Madrid by Christmas to a substantial and balanced concluding document, including a conference on disarmament in Europe to negotiate confidence-building measures that will be militarily significant, politically binding, verifiable and applicable to the whole of Europe.

asked the Prime Minister if she will review the policy of Her Majesty's Government in relation to British Leyland, so as to ensure that the Government are informed before there is any substantial disposal of assets, such as those at British Leyland, Bathgate, by the company and that the wider public interest is considered by Ministers before any disposal is made.

I am satisfied with the arrangements that already exist for the monitoring of BL's activities.

asked the Prime Minister what factors she takes into account in formulating a national policy for science; whether, in this respect, she is satisfied with co-ordination between the Department of Education and Science and the Department of Industry; and when she expects to be able to provide statistics for expenditure on research and development in science and technology more recent than the 1978 figure given on 1 December, Official Report, columns 95 and 96.

Ministers in charge of Departments are individually responsible for policy in connection with scientific research and development within their own areas of concern. It is for each Minister to decide on the factors to be taken into account in the exercise of his responsibilities and to ensure that co-ordination takes place where these touch the interests of other Departments. I am satisfied with that achieved between the Department of Education and Science and the Department of Industry in this respect. More generally, I have said that in appropriate cases I myself would play a co-ordinating role, and in this connection shall be examining carefully the findings and recommendations in the report on science and government from the Select Committee on Science and Technology in another place.Statistics of total research and development activities are the sum of results of inquiries made into central Government expenditure each year, and industry every third year, together with estimates made for the remaining sectors. An inquiry into the level of spending in industry in 1981 will be carried out early in 1982, and, assuming the timetable of previous years is achieved, first estimates should be available in the middle of 1983.

asked the Prime Minister whether she has received a request from the Royal College of Nursing for her to receive a deputation to discuss nurses' pay subsequent to the discussions between the college and the Secretary of State for Social Services.

I refer the hon. Gentleman to the reply that I gave earlier today to the hon. Member for Bolsover (Mr. Skinner).

asked the Prime Minister whether, consequent on the reply by the Minister for Local Government and Environmental Services to the question from the right hon. Member for Manchester, Ardwick, on 10 December, Official Report, c. 486, seeking revalorisation of the sum of £10,895 million given as rate support grant for 1981–82 to allow comparison on the same price basis with the £11,400 million announced for 1982–83, she will instruct Ministers not to decline to answer parliamentary questions which seek to obtain revalorisation of sums to allow comparison on a constant price basis.

It is for Ministers to decide in each case whether a comparison on a constant price basis is feasible or helpful as a measure of what the country can afford. The Government find it more realistic to plan their expenditure in cash.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he makes of the effect of his statement on 2 December on the retail price index, the tax and price index and on living standards generally.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the current level of the tax and price index; and how this will be affected by the increases in rents, rate contributions and charges announced on 2 December.

As my right hon. and learned Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer told my right hon. Friend the Member for Chesham and Amersham (Sir I. Gilmour) on 7 December, the measures he announced on 2 December will directly increase the retail price index and tax and price index by 0·6 per cent. and 1½ to 2 per cent. respectively from next April. However, the measures have to be seen in the context of the Government's overall monetary and fiscal policies, which represent the only way of achieving lasting reductions in inflation and improvements in living standards. The tax and price index for October, based on a level of 100 in January 1978, stood at 158·2.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will now make a statement on the effect of his recent proposals on the tax and price index.

As my right hon. Friend the Member for Chesham and Amersham (Sir I. Gilmour) was told on 7 December, the measures announced on 2 December will directly increase the tax and price index by 1½ to 2 per cent. from next April. However, the measures have to be seen in the context of the Government's overall monetary and fiscal policies, which represent the only way of achieving lasting reductions in inflation and improvements in living standards.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is satisfied with the rate of inflation as measured by the Government's tax and price index; and if he will make a statement.

Further progress in the fight against inflation is needed and expected, but I do not accept that changes in the TPI necessarily provide the best way of measuring such progress.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the effect of the measures he announced on 2 December on capital investment in private manufacturing industry.

The recent Industry Act forecast for 1981 and 1982 took full account of the public expenditure and national insurance decisions announced on 2 December. It suggested some recovery from now on in the total level of fixed investment by the private sector.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will consider zero rating for value added tax all work, whether new or repair, carried out under housing action area provisions.

No, Sir. My hon. Friend will recognise that the existing VAT provisions relating to construction give rise to many difficult borderline problems, and I am afraid it would not be sensible to add to them by introducing further fine distinctions of the kind suggested.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations he has received about the methods of North Sea oil taxation.

My right hon. and learned Friend has received representations from the industry representative organisations, UKOOA and Brindex. A number of companies have also made representations or written in support of UKOOA's proposals.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what response he has had to his statement of 2 December.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is satisfied with the response to his statement on 2 December, in particular from local government and industry.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations he has received in connection with the package of measures he announced on 2 December.

I refer the hon. Members to the answer given earlier to the hon. Member for Gateshead, West (Mr. Horam).

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will take steps to introduce an issue of index-linked bonds to provide finance for major capital construction and infrastructure projects.

No. Additional Government spending financed by borrowing, in whatever form, would put upward pressure on interest rates and make it more costly for the private sector to borrow.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will consider instituting a licence-to-trade scheme in order to reduce the black economy.

I am obliged to my hon. Friend for this suggestion. I have some doubts about the acceptability of such procedures on general grounds; nevertheless, a reduction in the scale of the black economy is important and we will certainly study my hon. Friend's proposal from this point of view.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what studies he has made of the cost to the Exchequer of each unemployed person; and how this compares with the assessment of the Manpower Services Commission.

Estimates for 1980–81 were published in the February 1981 issue of Economic Progress Report. But the latest Manpower Services Commission estimate relates to 1981–82. There are also some differences in coverage.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is satisfied with the effect of his policies on the economy.

The Government's policies are laying the foundations for improved economic performance and will be of enduring benefit to the economy.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what effect the measures he announced on 2 December will have on the incentive to work of those affected by the poverty trap.

The main factor affecting incentives is the relative movement of prices and net earnings, which will not become clear until the Budget. The measures announced on 2 December should not be seen in isolation.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list those economic advisers appointed by him in his official capacity.

I shall send my hon. Friend a list of members of the Government economic service appointed to the Treasury during my period of office; all such people at whatever level are appointed by me in my official capacity.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what proportions of the public sector borrowing requirement in the financial years 1981–82 and 1980–81are accounted for by the total costs to the Exchequer of unemployment.

It is not possible to give a meaningful estimate.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he has any plans to encourage private health provision through tax relief.

I refer my hon. Friend to the reply given by the Financial Secretary on 2 December to a similar question from the hon. Member for Carmarthen (Dr. Thomas)—[Vol. 14, c. 126–71.]

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the total tax revenue per head of population in the current financial year; and what were the comparable figures five and 10 years ago, respectively.

Consolidated Fund tax receipts plus local authority rates per head of population are estimated as follows:

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether in preparing his public expenditure proposals for the next financial year, he will seek to adjust the provision for public capital expenditure in such a way as to alleviate the unemployment problems in the North of England.

My right hon. and learned Friend announced on 2 December our decisions on expenditure for 1982–83. Those decisions reflect the Government's aim to alleviate the unemployment problem across the country as a whole.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his latest estimate of total Government revenue and total public expenditure in the financial year1981–82.

As my right hon. and learned Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer made clear in questions following the statement on 2 December, it is too early to give a precise estimate of public expenditure this year. Avery provisional figure would be £107 billion, but the Civil Service dispute has affected monitoring and changes in circumstances could well lead to a higher or lower total. It is not customary to give precise estimates of revenue outturn at this time of year, but indications are that revenue is somewhat higher than in the March estimate so that the PSBR is on track for the Budget Estimate of £10½ billion.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the estimated effect of the measures announced by him on 2 December on gross domestic capital formation, both public and private.

The recent Industry Act forecast for 1981 and 1982 took full account of the public expenditure and national insurance decisions announced on 2 December. It suggested little change from now on in the overall level of fiscal investment by general Government, but some recovery in the trading sectors.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what would be the value of a 1 per cent. Saving in planned expenditure on public sector wages for 1981–82.

One per cent. of planned expenditure by central government and local authorities on wages and salaries in 1981–82 is £335 million. A 1 per cent. saving in the wage costs of the nationalised industries and other public corporation would provide roughly £170 million extra for investment.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales on what date he received a memorandum from Gwynedd county council, Snowdonia national park committee and the Arfon, Aberconwy, Dwyfor and Anglesey borough councils on the problems caused by second and holiday homes, with proposals for controlling such problems; and when he expects to be in a position to send a substantive reply to this memorandum.

I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave on4 December 1981 to the hon. Member for Merioneth (Mr. Thomas).—[Vol. 14, c. 242.]

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what is the total acreage of registered common land in Wales; and by what proportion this acreage has changed since 1945.

The information is not available centrally.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many 16 and 17-year-olds were in youth opportunities programme places in April, July and October, 1979, January, April, July and October, 1980and April, July and October, 1981.

Precise information is not available in the form requested. National filled place figures are available for all age groups only and are given in the table below. In 1979–1980 90 per cent. of those on the programme were estimated to be 16–17-years olds and in 1981 this proportion has risen to around 94 per cent.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what are the estimated number of unemployed 16- and 17-year-olds who are not in youth opportunities programmes but are not registered as unemployed.

The information requested is not available.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many 16 and 17-year-olds were registered unemployed in each month since April 1978; and what percentage of the age group the figures represent.

The following table gives the available information, from the quarterly age analysis, for young people aged under 18 registered as unemployed in Great Britain. Prior to July 1978, age analyses were available only for January and July.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many 16 and 17-year-olds would have been registered unemployed each month since April 1978if the special programmes had not been introduced.