asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether there have been contacts between his Department and representatives of the Government of the Republic of Ireland concerning the future government of Northern Ireland since the beginning of January; and if he will make a statement.

The future government of Northern Ireland is a matter for the people of Northern Ireland, Her Majesty's Government and the United Kingdom Parliament to decide. But the Government of the Republic of Ireland naturally watch political developments in Northern Ireland with interest. For this reason—as was explained in the press statement issued after our meeting on 29 January—my discussion with Senator Dooge covered matters of mutual interest in the political, as well as in the economic and security, field. There have been no other contacts of the kind suggested in my hon. Friend's question.

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many notifications of four-weekly child benefit payments have so far been issued; and how many of those who have received notification have so far opted for weekly payments.

A total of 129,325 letters had been issued by 22 January and 65,568 claimants had replied opting to remain on weekly payment.

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many children under five years of age were registered as blind or partially sighted as a result of retrolental fibroplasia for each year from 1965 to 1981.

The information is not recorded centrally and could be collected only at disproportionate cost.

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) what were the perinatal, neonatal and infant mortality rates in 1979 and 1980 subdivided by cause of death for babies weighing under 1,000 grams, 1,001 to 1,500 grams, 1,501 to 2,000 grams, 2,001 to 2,500 grams, 2501 to 3,000 grams, and 3,501 grams and over, respectively;(2) what were the perinatal, neonatal and infant mortality rates for the first three quarters of 1981.

I regret that the information is not yet available. I will arrange for it to be sent to the hon. Member when the data has been compiled.

asked the Prime Minister if decisions on the balance of future increases in the married man's tax allowance and in child benefit will take account of the preferences of families.

The views of families on this matter will probably differ. The Government will take account of all publicly expressed views.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 2 February.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 2 February.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 2 February.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 2 February.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 2 February.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 2 February.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 2 February.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 2 February.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 2 February.

asked the Prime Minister if!she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 2 February.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 2 February.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 2 February.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 2 February.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 2 February.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 2 February.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 2 February.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 2 February.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 2 February.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 2 February.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 2 February.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 2 February.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 2 February.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 2 February.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 2 February.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 2 February.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 2 February.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 2 February.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 2 February.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 2 February.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 2 February.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 2 February.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 2 February.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list details of her official engagements for Tuesday 2 February.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 2 February.

asked the Prime Minister what are her official engagements for 2 February.

asked the Prime Minister whether she will list her official engagements for 2 February.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 2 February.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 2 February.

asked the Prime Minister whether she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 2 February.

This morning I 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 how many hon. Members she has seen on matters relating to factory closures since she last answered oral questions; and how many jobs were expected to be lost in the closures discussed.

I have had no such meetings since 28 January.

asked the Prime Minister if she has any plans to meet President Reagan in the near future.

At present, I have no plans to meet President Reagan before the Economic Summit is held in Paris next June.

asked the Prime Minister whether she will seek to meet the Comptroller and Auditor General to discuss policy towards the auditing of the nationalised industries.

No. My right hon. and learned Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer hopes to be in a position to make a statement shortly.

asked the Prime Minister whether she is satisfied with the state of air defences of the United Kingdom.

There is no room for complacency about air defence, but the substantial programme of improvements that we are undertaking is well advanced and will greatly enhance our air defence capability.

asked the Prime Minister if she will make a statement on the latest position on the provision of food and medical aid by the European Economic Community to Poland.

The Community is already making available some £1.2 million to a number of nongovernmental organisations to help with supplies of essential foods and medicines. On 26 January the Foreign Affairs Council decided also to use part of or all the funds originally earmarked for specially subsidised food sales to Poland, which have now been discontinued, for humanitarian aid including food in the form of gifts. This will be channelled through non-governmental agencies to ensure that supplies reach those Polish people most in need. The amount to be provided for this purpose has still to be decided and will depend on the capacity of the agencies concerned.

asked the Secretary of State for Industry how many proposals for the buying of a company by its managers were submitted to him during 1981 with a view to grants or other assistance; and what was the pattern of his response.

There have been 21 applications for assistance under section 7 of the Industry Act which have involved management buy-outs. In nine cases the projects satisfied the normal criteria and offers of assistance were made; one case is still being considered and the rest have either been withdrawn or have not progressed beyond the point of initial contact. More widely, and beyond the assisted areas, the Government have taken steps in the past year to assist and encourage management buy-outs.

asked the Secretary of State for Industry if he will consider the reintroduction of a wool textile industry support scheme; whether his Department has examined the operation of such schemes in other countries; and if he will make a statement.

I have no plans to introduce a further sectoral scheme for the wool textile industry under the Industry Act 1972. My Department is continuing its discussions with the industry on the Werner report on the competitiveness of the industry, which includes analysis of the support given by certain other Governments to their industries.

asked the Secretary of State for Industry if he will make a statement on the Government's future regional industrial policy so far as it applies to the North-West region.

The Government intend to maintain a consistent regional policy, with Government assistance concentrating on the areas of greatest need.

asked the Secretary of State for Industry how many applications for information of an industrial or service development nature his Department has received for the Northern region and Durham county for each of the last 12 months; and how many of these his Department has referred to (a) the English Industrial Estates Commission, (b) the new town development corporations, (c) local authorities and (d) Durham county council.

The number of applications for information of an industrial or service development nature received for the North-East region and Durham county for each of the last 12 months is as follows:

asked the Secretary of State for Industry (l) what has been the number of new firms and jobs created as a result of offers of financial assistance received under section 7 of the Industry Act 1972 in (a) the Northern region, (b) Durham county and (c) Darlington and southwest Durham travel-to-work area for each month of the last 12 months;(2) what has been the total number and value of offers of regional assistance made to companies in

Assistance has been offered under section 7 of the Industry Act 1972 as follows:

asked the Secretary of State for Industry what was the total area of industrial floor space allocated for industrial or service trade occupancy by the English Industrial Estates Corporation in each of the travel-to-work areas in (a) Durham county and (b) the Northern region for 1981.

The attached table sets out the factories let to all types of tenants by the English Industrial Estates Corporation in the year ended 31 December 1981 in each of the travel-to-work areas of Durham county and of the remainder of the North-East region.

asked the Secretary of State for Industry how many new starter manufacturing operations in Bishop Auckland and Durham county have been assisted under the provisions of the Industry Act.

Fifty-seven offers of assistance under section 7 of the Industry Act 1972 have been made since April 1972 for new manufacturing projects in Durham county of which three relate to the Bishop Auckland employment office area.I regret that the corresponding information relating to payment of regional development grant could not be obtained without disproportionate cost.

asked the Secretary of State for Industry how much aluminium was exported from the United Kingdom for the years 1977–78, 1978–79, 1979–80 and 1980–81; in what form it was exported; and how much of the total exports in each year was manufactured at the Invergordon aluminium smelter.

The World Bureau of Metal Statistics shows the following figures:

asked the Secretary of State for Industry (1) if he will make it his policy to require of every overseas company setting up manufacturing or assembly operations in the United Kingdom a level of United Kingdom value added content not less than 50 per cent.;(2) whether it is the policy of Her Majesty's Government to seek from overseas companies establishing assembly or manufacturing plants in the United Kingdom any undertaking as to United Kingdom value added content; what levels of United Kingdom value added content have been achieved in cases where undertakings have been sought; and whether he will seek to ensure that any agreed level of United Kingdom value added content is net.

[pursuant to his reply, 1 February 1982, c. 28]: To discriminate against overseas companies in the ways suggested would be contrary to international obligations and, in the long term, against the best interests of the United Kingdom economy. In assessing applications whether from foreign or United Kingdom-owned firms, for Government selective financial assistance, careful consideration is given to all the implications of each project for the United Kingdom economy, including the company's intentions regarding purchase of components, capital expenditure, export potential, and possible impact on existing firms. Each case must be considered on its merits and it would be neither appropriate nor practical to lay down the sort of rigid requirement proposed.

asked the Secretary of State for Industry if he will list the telephones waiting for consideration for testing by British Telecommunications with a view to being licensed for attachment to the public network, giving in each case country of origin and manufacture, and facilities provided.

[pursuant to his reply, 1 February 1982, c. 28–29]: No. The information has been provided in confidence by the applicants. I hope shortly to announce the names of those suppliers given priority for evaluation. They will be invited to submit for testing by BT samples of the extension telephones they wish to supply for connection to the BT network.

asked the Lord Privy Seal if he will publish in the Official Report a statement of forthcoming business in the European Community Council of Ministers.

At present three meetings of the Council of Ministers are planned for February 1982. The usual written forecast was deposited in the House on 28 January.The Finance Council is expected to meet on 15 February to discuss the economic situation in the Community and the allowances from VAT on goods purchased tax-paid by travellers from other European Community countries. In preparation for the next meeting of the European Council, the Commission is expected to present a report on the future development of the European monetary system.The Agriculture Council is expected to meet on 15–16 February for a first discussion of the Commission's 1982–83 CAP price fixing proposals if they have by then been tabled. Ministers may also discuss changes in Mediterranean agriculture in the context of the enlargement of the Community and alterations in the level of interest rate subsidies provided for by directive 72/159 on the modernisation of farms.The Foreign Affairs Council is expected to meet on 22 February. Subjects that may come up for discussion include a regulation to provide the basis for the funding of social measures for redundant steel workers; a proposal to extend the existing coking coal decision for a further two years; Community ratification of the sixth international tin agreement. Ministers will also consider aid to non-associated developing countries in Africa; conciliation between the European Parliament and the Council on the text of a management regulation for the Community's food aid programme; the Japanese response to the list of requests put to Japan by the Community in December and an evaluation of the Community's relations with Central America. In addition, there is likely to be discussion of the results of soundings now being made by the President of the Council and the President of the Commission on the 30 May mandate.

asked the Lord Privy Seal how many visa applications by citizens of Chile have been accepted since October 1979; and how many are still pending.

None. Nationals of Chile do not require visas to enter the United Kingdom.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether Her Majesty's Government will make a formal protest to the United States Government at the recently announced embargo on the import of speciality metals into the United States of America for their military equipment.

The Government have already expressed strong concern to the United States Administration about the legislation passed by Congress limiting the ability of the United States Department of Defence to purchase speciality metals from abroad. This legislation, embodied in the fiscal year 1982 Defence Appropriations Act, is potentially damaging to prospective sales of British defence equipment. The Government have been assured that the United States Administration intend to submit new legislation to amend the Act and overcome the problem.

asked the Lord Privy Seal for how long Ms. Christine Vertucci has resided in Hong Kong; if her visa has been extended in the past; what is her occupation; and if she has been charged with any offence during her stay.

Ms. Vertucci has been resident in Hong Kong since January 1978 and her stay has been renewed at six-monthly intervals since then. She has been employed as an assistant editor. She has not been charged with any offence in Hong Kong.

asked the Lord Privy Seal what are the reasons for the proposed deportation from Hong Kong of Ms. Christine Vertucci; and if he will make a statement.

Ms. Vertucci is not being deported but will be required to leave when her permitted period of residence expires. I understand that she will be lodging an appeal with the Governor in Council. It would be improper for me to comment in advance of that appeal being heard.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether the United States consulate general in Hong Kong made any representations to the Hong Kong Government concerning the proposed deportation of Ms. Christine Vertucci; to what effect; and what reply has been sent.

No representations have been made by the United States consulate general.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether there has been any recent change in the criteria of the Hong Kong Immigration Department on the renewal of residence visas.

No.

asked the Lord Privy Seal if he will make a statement on the appointment of the new Governor of Hong Kong.

Sir Edward Youde has been appointed the next Governor of Hong Kong. He is expected to take up his appointment in May.

asked the Lord Privy Seal what the prefix "CR" in the reference number of an individual's file at the Hong Kong Immigration Department means.

Confidential Registry.

asked the Lord Privy Seal what statutory powers exist in Hong Kong to allow the revocation or non-renewal of a residence visa.

Under the Immigration Ordinance any person without the right to land in Hong Kong needs permission to enter or remain. Permission to remain may be for a specific period. When that period expires and if it has not been extended the person is required to leave.

asked the Lord Privy Seal if he will now answer questions on the reports of the Standing Committee on Pressure Groups in Hong Kong.

No. The committee's reports remain confidential.

asked the Lord Privy Seal if he will make a statement on his recent visit to Peking.

I visited China from 4 to 8 January at the invitation of the Chinese Government as part of a tour to the Far East. In Peking I had two meetings with Vice Foreign Minister Zhang Canming and I called on Vice Premier Ji Pengfei and Premier Zhao Ziyang.We had very useful discussions, covering a wide range of international and bilateral issues. We agreed that there was great scope for development of Sino-British trade. Both sides expressed themselves pleased with the development of contacts between Guandong province and Hong Kong. It is also clear to me that the Chinese Government will soon be studying the question of their attitude to the territory's future, taking into account its value as a free port and a centre of commerce and trade.Before leaving China I spent a day in Shanghai where I met the mayor and representatives of the British business community.This was a successful and useful visit which confirmed the excellence of our relations with China.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade what is his estimate of the fall in the volume of exports of manufactures in October, excluding the element known as catching up; and how this was divided between finished and semi-finished goods.

The volume of total exports in October rose by 3 per cent. compared with September. This figure takes into account an adjustment for the change in documentation procedure, which I assume is the meaning of the hon. Gentleman's reference to "catching up". It is not possible to allocate this adjustment between commodity groups.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade what statutory provisions govern the provision by international ferries operating out of British ports of qualified medical personnel.

The Merchant Shipping (Ships Doctors) Regulations 1981, S.I. 1981 No. 1065, require the carriage of a qualified medical practitioner on United Kingdom ships carrying 100 or more passengers on voyages beyond the near continental trading area—which broadly covers the sea area surrounding the British Isles and the continental coastline from Brest to a point north of Bergen, excluding the Baltic.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade how many bankruptcy cases were dealt with by county courts in (a) the Northern region and (b) county Durham in 1981; and what has been the percentage change in each area in 1981 compared with 1980.

The figures are as follows:

asked the Secretary of State for Trade if he will place in the Library the full text of Her Majesty's Government's agreement with the People's Republic of China on footwear quotas.

[pursuant to his reply, 29 January 1982, c. 463.1: The United Kingdom has no agreement with the People's Republic of China on footwear quotas. Imports of certain types of footwear into the United Kingdom from the People's Republic of China are subject to autonomous quota restrictions.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade what estimate he has made of the tonnage difference between textile and clothing imports into the United Kingdom from all low-cost sources covered by multi-fibre arrangement bilateral trade agreements in 1980, and the quotas applying in 1982.

[pursuant to his reply, 1 February 1982, c. 12]: The differences between 1980 imports and the 1982 ceilings on imports of the most sensitive products from MFA sources are as follows:

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many houses are affected by dampness, including dampness attributed to condensation, in each of the following types of tenure: (a) local authority, (b) housing associations, (c) private rented and (d)owner occupied: (i) in the Northern region and (ii) nationally; and what, in each case, is the estimated cost of remedying dampness in each type of tenure.

The number of houses by tenure affected by dampness, including dampness attributed to condensation is shown in the following table, devised from the English House Condition Survey.More information on dampness and condensation is being obtained in the English House Condition Survey 1981.

asked the Secretary of State for the environment how many civil servants in his Department are employed on matters associated with Greater London; and, of these, how many are concerned with town and country planning.

In one way or another most of the policies of my Department have a bearing on Greater London. It would not be possible to allocate the cost of this time specifically without unjustifiable expense.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many new towns have been begun in England since 1950; what is their present total population; and what is their planned maximum total population.

10 new towns have been designated in England since 1950; their total population on census night 1981 was 1,066,130; when my right hon. Friend announced his conclusions on the third generation new towns he made it clear that the final population would depend on the demand for private house building and the willingness of the private sector to invest.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if his Department will act to encourage anglers' associations to produce leaflets similar to that published by the Thames Angling Preservation Society on the dangers of lead shot to swans and other waterfowl; and if he will make a statement.

I welcome the publication of the leaflet produced by the Thames Angling Preservation Society as a constructive step towards reducing the damage to swans and other waterfowl caused by the ingestion of lead particles. My Department will certainly take every opportunity to encourage other angling

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether, further to his written answer to the hon. Member for Warley, East on 21 January, Official Report, column 162, he has received representations from the Westminster city council relating to his scheme for the development of the Hampton site, contiguous with the National gallery; and, if so, what views these representations expressed (a) concerning the apportionment of space as between the National gallery and commercial purposes and (b) relating to the nature of the commercial use envisaged.

My right hon. Friend consulted Westminster city council about the brief for the architect-developer competition for this site. The council was not averse to the inclusion of some office space in the development but considered that the dominant use of the site should be for the National gallery.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what area of colliery spoil land has been reclaimed in each region of England and Wales since 1974; and what area in each region has not yet been reclaimed.

I refer to the reply I gave to the hon. Member on Monday 1 February 1982.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) how many local authority housing starts and completions there have been for 1981 in (a) the United Kingdom as a whole and (b) each English region;(2) how many housing starts were made in each English region in 1981.

Figures for the full year are not yet available, but provisional estimates for the first three quarters of 1981 are as follows:

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will publish details of those public planning inquiries held since 1971 where a change in the law was subsequently required to remove any legal constraints placed upon the use of the land by previous Acts.

My right hon. Friend is not aware of any cases where the evidence given at a local inquiry into a planning application has shown a need for a change in the law to remove statutory restrictions on the use of land.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when he intends to seek to amend the procedures relating to planning permission for hazardous plants, as recommended by the first and second reports of the major hazard committee of the Health and Safety Commission.

I am urgently considering the commission's recommendations with a view to issuing a consultation document.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what representations he has received from the Civil Service unions on the proposals to alter the administrative staff of the University Grants Committee; and if he will make a statement.

The trade union side of the Department's Whitley council has submitted to me a statement of its views on the report of the official working party on staffing the University Grants Committee. I am also aware of a note on the report which the general secretary of the Society of Civil and Public Servants has circulated. I am taking these views into account in my consideration of the report.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he is satisfied that the increased responsibilities of coping with the youth opportunities programme are not adversely affecting the amount and quality of careers advice given in schools.

The increase in scale of the youth opportunities programme has placed additional tasks on those who give careers advice to school pupils, and in particular on careers officers—for whom my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Employment has Ministerial responsibility. As a result, careers services have had to adapt their methods, and many have had to reduce the time spent in schools. None the less, the number of pupils and students receiving careers guidance in the year ended 30 September 1981 was higher than in the previous year.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how the additional £60 million expenditure for increased participation in education programmes amongst 16 to 19-year-olds will be allocated to each local education authority.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my right hon. Friend to my hon. Friend the Member for St. Albans (Sir V. Goodhew) on 17 November 1981—[Official Report, Vol. 13, c. 128–130].

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science, pursuant to his reply to the hon. Member for Dundee, East on 15 December 1981. Official Report, columns 100–2, which college or institute in Scotland offers the full-time course for a CNAA degree in building surveying.

The name of the college offering this course is Paisley college of technology. The actual title of the course is BSc Degree in Land Economics.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science when the Government will reply to the first report of the Education, Science and Arts Committee in Session 1981–82.

The Government's reply to this report was contained in a letter sent to the chairman of the Committee on 1 February Copies are available in the Library.

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what costs have been incurred by his Department in defending court actions by objectors in connection with the M25; how much of his Department's costs have been recovered from objectors whose cases have been dismissed; and whether it is his policy not to seek to recover costs where actions have been successful.

Full details of the cost of defending all the actions on the M25 are not readily available. The costs of counsel and Treasury Solicitor's department in the Al2–13, Wisley-Leatherhead and Leatherhead Interchange (High Court) actions, together with counsel's fees for the first Green Lane to Sturts Lane action have, however, been assessed at about £6,600; and £1,820 has so far been recovered from unsuccessful litigants. The decision whether to seek costs depends upon the circumstances of the particular case, but it is our normal policy to do so.

asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he is satisfied with the progress of the work being carried out at night on the Chiswick flyover section of the M4 motorway; what is the anticipated completion date; and if he will make a statement.

Yes. I expect the work to he completed by the end of March. I explained matters more fully in my reply to a question by my hon. Friend the Member for Tiverton (Mr. Maxwell-Hyslop) on 26 November 1981—[Vol. 13, c. 467

asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will estimate the approximate net cost to the Government of public sector investment expenditure on motorways after savings on unemployment benefit and the drawback of taxation from higher incomes of employed persons are taken into account; and how this compares with the net cost of public sector investment expenditure on the railways system.

Such estimates cannot be made without making too many questionable assumptions.

asked the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects to receive proposals from British Railways for the electrification of the east coast main line from King's Cross.

I hope soon to receive proposals for electrification of the first stage of the east coast main line as well as a 10-year electrification programme.

asked the Secretary of State for Transport whether he will consider withholding approval for the east coast main line electrification programme until he is satisfied that no further disruption of the railway system by industrial action will occur.

I hope the present industrial dispute on the railway will have ended by the time British Rail submits proposals for the electrification of the east coast main line. As I have already made clear, my readiness to approve investment in electrification will depend on several things, including necessary improvements in productivity.

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what was the effect of the October 1981 drive against vehicle tax dodgers in London; how many unlicensed vehicles were found; how many persons were proceeded against; and what revenue has been recovered.

It was very successful and I am grateful to the Metropolitan Police for their co-operation. There was a marked increase in relicensing as a result of publicity about the special checks and nearly 1,700 apparently unlicensed vehicles were detected. Offence reports are still being processed and prosecutions will follow where appropriate. Further details will not be available until those procedures have been completed.

asked the Secretary of State for Transport whether he will state the outcome of his review of the arrangements for the personal import of cars.

There has been concern that the Government intend to restrict the current arrangements under which people importing a car which they have used abroad are exempt from our national type approval checks.The Government will not consider any changes to the terms of that exemption until and unless arrangements are in place to ensure that type approval information is readily available to individuals and independent dealers and until I am entirely satisfied that their operation does not impede the purchaser's choice of supply. But in the meanwhile there will be no changes.My officials are, therefore, approaching the manufacturers and their accredited dealers to discuss how individual purchasers and independent dealers can be given prompt and ready access to the type approval information they need, and to which they have a right in international trading law. Once that information is generally available, it will be more convenient for purhasers to register individually imported cars in the normal way—that is, showing compliance with type approval—leaving the personal import exemption to people genuinely making a change of residence, for whom it was provided.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department in how many cases since 19 November 1979 he has exercised his discretion to grant entry clearance to husbands or fiancés of United Kingdom and colonies citizens settled, but not born, in the United Kingdom.

The information requested is not available and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, since 19 November 1979, how many husbands or fiancés of United Kingdom and colonies citizens, settled but not born in the United Kingdom, have been permitted to enter and live in the United Kingdom because they are nationals of a European Community country other than the United Kingdom.

The information requested is not available because European Community nationals are not normally required to give the purpose of their journey on their arrival in the United Kingdom.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) since 19 November 1979, how many husbands or fiancés of United Kingdom and colonies citizens settled in the United Kingdom, have been refused entry because the citizen was not born in the United Kingdom;(2) since 19 November 1979, in how many cases leave to enter has been refused to the fiancès of a woman settled in the United Kingdom on the grounds that the parties to the marriage have not met.

The information requested is not available. Reasons for refusal of entry clearance are not collated centrally and the information on reasons for refusal of entry at the posts does not separately identify such cases.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many police were employed in (a) England and Wales, (b) the West Midlands and (c) Walsall on 1 January 1979, 1980, 1981, and 1982; and if he will estimate the numbers for 1983.

The information for 1979 to 1982 is as follows:

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many boys at New Hall, Send, Haslar and Foston detention centres have been transferred on the grounds that they are medically unfit for the regime since the experimental tougher regimes were introduced at these centres.

The toughter regimes pilot project was introduced at New Hall and Send detention centres on 21 April 1980 and at Foston Hall and Haslar detention centres on 7 September 1981. The numbers of trainees transferred to other detention centres on medical grounds between those dates and 27 January 1982 were 81 from New Hall, 107 from Send, none form Foston Hall and 16 from Haslar; the average for all four centres is just below 7 per cent. of the trainees sent to them.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many cases, similar to those which occurred in the week ended Saturday 23 January, when on two occasions parents were robbed under a threat by the thugs concerned that their children would be slashed unless they handed over their possessions, have been reported for any period; and whether he will introduce legislation to provide for compulsory life imprisonment for any person found guilty of such an offence.

The information requested is not readily available; the data collected centrally on offences of robbery recorded by the police do not identify such circumstances of the offences. The maximum penalty for robbery is life imprisonment. We think it right that the courts should retain discretion to pass a sentence which is appropriate to all the facts of a particular case.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what has been the income from court fines in each of the past five years.

The income from court fines in England and Wales in each of the last five years, to the nearest £1,000, was as follows:

asked the Secretary of State for t he Home Department if he will propose to chief constables that they make available to schools the names of potentially dangerous pupils.

No.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will review the instruction issued by the Home Office's prison department concerning the special treatment for Rastafarian prisoners; and if he will make a statement.

I refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to a question by the hon. Member for Wolverhampton, North-East (Mrs. Short) on 22 January.—[Vol. 16, c. 220.] The review of policy there referred to is not: yet complete.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his reply to the hon. Member for Macclesfield of 26 January, Official Report, column 313, if he will quantify the amount of increased resources requested in 1981 by the Commission for Racial Equality; and when he expects to make a decision on the size of the commission's next grant from the Home Office.