Written Answers To Questions
Thursday 18 February 1982
Trade
Times Newspapers
asked the Secretary of State for Trade whether the sale of the titles of The Times and The Sunday Times to International News required any variation of the undertaking given to him on the most recent transfer of ownership of those papers.
asked the Secretary of State for Trade if he is satisfied that the transfer of The Times and The Sunday Times newspapers is in accordance with the conditions which he attached to his consent to the acquisition of these newspapers by Mr. Murdoch; and if he will make a statement.
asked the Secretary of State for Trade if he will make a statement on his policy towards the future of Times Newspapers.
When I consented last year to the transfer of The Times and The Sunday Times from the Thomson Organisation Ltd to News International Ltd I attached certain conditions designed to safeguard editorial independence. Among my conditions was a requirement that NIL should not, without the consent of a majority of the independent national directors, do anything which would result in Times Newspapers Ltd selling or otherwise disposing of any interest in The Times or The Sunday Times.I learned at the weekend of reports that Times Newspapers Ltd had transferred the titles of
The Times and The Sunday Times to its parent company NIL. This was done without the consent of the independent national directors. My Department has discussed with representatives of NIL the transfer of the titles of the The Times and The Sunday Times from TNL to NIL. In the light of these discussions, I am satisfied that the transfers were carried out on the basis of legal advice that no breach of the conditions would be involved, and that the purpose was not to achieve a situation whereby the conditions safeguarding editorial freedom would be avoided. Nevertheless, it is now accepted that the validity of a transfer, albeit a transfer within the same group, without the consent of the independent directors may well be open to doubt. I understand that accordingly NIL has reversed the transfers already made. I also understand that a meeting of the independent national directors has been arranged at which NIL will seek consent to a transfer of titles, subject to suitable safeguards. At present, therefore, the matter is one primarily for the independent national directors.
asked the Secretary of State for Trade if he was consulted by Mr. Rupert Murdoch before the titles of The Times and The Sunday Times were transferred.
No.
asked the Secretary of State for Trade if he will arrange an early meeting with the independent national directors of Times Newspapers to discuss the transfer of the titles of these newspapers.
I have no plans at present to meet the independent national directors. However, I understand that a meeting of these directors has been arranged at which News International Ltd. will seek consent to a transfer of the titles.
asked the Secretary of State for Trade if he will publish the changes in the articles of association of the company owning The Times and The Sunday Times newspapers which gave effect to the conditions he attached to the acquisition of these newspapers by Mr. Rupert Murdoch.
I am arranging to have placed in the Library of the House a copy of the articles of association of Times Newspapers Ltd. and of Times Newspapers Holdings Ltd., marked to show the changes which were introduced in order to meet my conditions.
asked the Secretary of State for Trade if, in the course of the discussions between himself or his Department and Mr. Rupert Murdoch prior to his conditional agreement to Mr. Murdoch's acquisition of The Times and The Sunday Times newspapers, any guarantees were given by Mr. Murdoch regarding the future disposal of the titles of these newspapers.
One of the conditions which I attached to my consent was the following:
News International Ltd. shall not without the consent of a majority of the independent national directors for the time being of Times Newspapers Holdings Limited do anything, or procure or permit anything to be done, which shall result in ——
asked the Secretary of State for Trade what powers are available to him to restrain the owners of News International from breaching the terms of the undertaking given to him by News International prior to their purchase of The Times newspaper.
I gave my consent under section 58(1) of the Fair Trading Act 1973 to News International Ltd's acquisition of The Times and The Sunday Times subject to certain conditions. Section 62 of the Act provides for criminal penalties for any breach of those conditions.
asked the Secretary of State for Trade if he will refer to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission the future of The Times newspaper in light of the transfer of the ownership of that newspaper to News International.
No. The transfer is not referable to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission under the newspaper merger provisions of the Fair Trading Act 1973.
Japan
asked the Secretary of State for Trade if he will quantify or otherwise indicate the importance to United Kingdom exporters to Japan of that country's recently announced package for easing import procedures on 67 trade items.
As part of their recently outlined import measures, the Japanese Government have announced that they intend to remove at least 67 non-tariff barriers to imports into Japan relating to standards, testing, and import procedures. It will not be possible to assess accurately the practical effects on exports to Japan until the extent and method of implementation are known. Removal of these barriers is a step in the right direction, but I made it clear to the Japanese Government earlier this month that much more needs to be done by Japan to open up its market to exports of manufactured goods.
European Community (Trade Disputes)
asked the Secretary of State for Trade whether he will give particulars of the six most significant trade disputes between the United Kingdom and the rest of the European Economic Community since May 1974 that have been referred to the European Commission, setting out (a) the dispute, (b) the date it arose, (c) the date of referral, (d) the solution and (e) the date of resolution.
Differences on matters of trade do not arise in the form of disputes between the United Kingdom and the rest of the Community.
Bankruptcies (Greater London)
asked the Secretary of State for Trade how many bankruptcy cases were dealt with by the courts in the Greater London area in 1981; and what was the percentage change in the area in 1981 compared with 1979 and 1980.
The provisional total for 1981 for bankruptcy cases dealt with by the High Court and other courts in the county of Greater London is 1,079. This is before deducting receiving orders which have been consolidated or rescinded, figures for which are not yet available. This is an increase of 28 per cent. on 1980 and of 20 per cent. on 1979, using comparable figures for those years.
Civil Aviation Authority (Chairman)
asked the Secretary of State for Trade why he has decided to exclude anyone with a professional involvement with aviation from consideration as the next chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority.
My right hon. Friend has not excluded people with an aviation background from consideration for the post of chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority.
Dumped Goods
asked the Secretary of State for Trade if he will make it his policy to advise manufacturers making a complaint of dumping to his Department also to approach the Director General of Fair Trading in respect of the extent to which the sale and distribution of dumped goods within the United Kingdom restricts, distorts or prevents competition.
No. It is already the practice of my Department to advise applicants for anti-dumping action of alternative remedies to their problems where anti-dumping action does not seem appropriate. Automatic reference of all dumping complaints to the Director General of Fair Trading would not be helpful.
Trading Standards Departments
asked the Secretary of State for Trade if he will introduce measures to enable regional councils to charge more realistic fees for carrying out certain statutory duties of trading standards departments.
The principal source of fees for trading standards departments is the testing of weighing or measuring equipment with a view to passing it as fit for use for trade. Since the coming into operation of the Local Government, Planning and Land Act 1980 in November 1980, weights and measures authorities have been empowered to charge such reasonable fees as they may determine for this service. If the statutory duties my hon. Friend has in mind are not those under the Weights and Measures Acts, perhaps he would write to me.
United States (Steel Imports)
asked the Secretary of State for Trade if he has any information that petitions for countervailing or anti-dumping duties on imports of steel products to the United States of America from the United Kingdom, other than those listed in the reply to the hon. Member for Birmingham, Handsworth on 25 January, have been, or are likely to be, made; and if he will make a statement.
I know of no petitions or possible petitions for countervailing or anti-dumping duties on imports of steel products to the United States of America from the United Kingdom, other than those listed in the reply which my hon. Friend the Minister for Trade gave to the hon. Member on 16 February.
asked the Secretary of State for Trade what is the latest information he has regarding petitions lodged with the United States Department of Commerce for countervailing and anti-dumping duties on steel imports to that country from countries other than the United Kingdom; and if he will list any products known to be covered, stating whether the petitions have been accepted for investigation or not.
The original petitions other than against the United Kingdom are as follows:
Hot rolled carbon steel sheet and strip:
Belgium AD and CV; Netherlands AD and CV; Brazil CV on sheet only; France AD and CV; South Africa CV on sheet only; Italy AD and CV; West Germany AD and CV; Luxembourg AD and CV; Spain CV on sheet only.
Cold rolled carbon steel sheet and strip:
Belgium AD and CV; Netherlands AD and CV; France AD and CV; Italy AD and CV; West Germany AD and CV; Luxembourg AD and CV; Brazil CV on sheet only; South Africa CV on sheet only; Spain CV on sheet only.
Hot rolled alloy steel bar:
France CV; Italy CV; South Africa CV; Spain CV; West Germany CV.
Cold formed alloy steel bar:
Belgium CV; Spain CV; France CV; Italy CV; West Germany CV.
Carbon steel structural shapes:
Belgium AD and CV; Netherlands CV; Brazil CV; South Africa CV; France AD and CV; Spain CV; Italy CV; West Germany AD and CV; Luxembourg AD and CV.
Galvanised carbon steel sheet:
Belgium AD and CV; Netherlands AD and CV; France AD and CV; South Africa CV; Italy AD and CV; Spain CV; Luxembourg AD and CV; W. Germany AD and CV.
Hot rolled carbon steel bar:
Belgium CV; South Africa CV; Brazil CV; Spain CV; France CV; West Germany CV.
Cold formed carbon steel bar:
Belgium CV; South Africa CV; Brazil CV; Spain CV; France CV; West Germany CV; Italy CV.
Hot rolled carbon steel plate:
Belgium AD and CV; Netherlands AD and CV; Brazil CV; Romania AD; France AD and CV; South Africa CV; Italy AD and CV; Spain CV; Luxembourg AD and CV; West Germany AD and CV.
Notes:
AD=anti-dumping.
A total of 132 petitions were filed. Of these 16 have been withdrawn by the companies and seven rejected by the United States Department of Commerce, leaving 109 which are continuing. We do not have details of those withdrawn or rejected which deal with countries other than the United Kingdom.CV=countervailing.
Manufactured Goods (Exports)
asked the Secretary of State for Trade what has been the percentage increase in the export of manufactured goods to the European Economic Community and the rest of the world, respectively, since 1972.
Between 1972 and 1980, the latest year for which complete information is available, the value of United Kingdom exports of manufactures to the Community rose by about 470 per cent., compared with about 275 per cent. for United Kingdom exports to non-Community countries.
Trading Deficits And Surpluses
asked the Secretary of State for Trade if he will publish a table showing the three countries with which the United Kingdom enjoys the largest surplus in manufacturing trade and the three countries with which the United Kingdom has the largest manufacturing deficit.
Owing to disruption resulting from the Civil Service industrial dispute in 1981, the latest calendar year for which this information is available is 1980. I would therefore refer my hon. Friend to the reply my hon. Friend the Minister for Trade gave to him on Friday 30 October 1981.
Textile Imports
asked the Secretary of State for Trade if, in the light of a recent statement by Mr. Peter Murphy, the United States textile negotiator indicating that the United States Administration intend to base new import quotas for textile and clothing products from low-cost countries on existing levels of trade, he will propose that the European Economic Community Council of Ministers adopts a similar policy; and if he will make a statement.
There are conflicting press reports of Mr. Murphy's statements. However, at the final session of the GATT textile committee in Geneva before Christmas he did state that the United States did not intend to seek cutbacks in actual trade levels from supplying countries.
The Council of Ministers has already decided to seek cutbacks in actual trade levels of sensitive products from the Community's dominant suppliers. This goes further than the reported United States position.
Multi-Fibre Arrangement
asked the Secretary of State for Trade if he will make a statement on the outcome of the Council of Ministers meeting on 11 February concerning the multi-fibre arrangement.
The Council to consider the MFA protocol of extension which was planned for 11 February was postponed and will now take place on 25 February.
Anglo-Polish Air Services
asked the Secretary of State for Trade whether arrangements have been made to resume scheduled air services between the United Kingdom. and Poland.
Regular air services to and from Poland were suspended following the introduction of martial law in Poland in December. In recent weeks the Polish airline LOT has been authorised by my Department to operate a number of ad hoc flights between Warsaw and London in the interests of maintaining some communications and facilitating travel. Following discussions between British Airways and LOT last week, agreement has been reached for the resumption of regular scheduled services on the route by both airlines on a reciprocal basis. The first British Airways flight to Warsaw will take place on Friday 19 February.
Prime Minister
West Yorkshire
Q4.
asked the Prime Minister when she next expects to visit West Yorkshire.
I have at present no plans to do so.
Engagements
Q5.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Thursday 18 February.
Q6.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Thursday 18 February.
Q7.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 18 February.
Q8.
asked the Prime Minister whether she will list her official engagements for Thursday 18 February.
Q9.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Thursday 18 February.
Q10.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 18 February.
Q11.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Thursday 18 February.
Q12.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Thursday 18 February.
Q13.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Thursday 18 February.
Q15.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Thursday 18 February.
Q16.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Thursday 18 February.
Q18.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Thursday 18 February.
Q19.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 18 February.
Q20.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Thursday 18 February.
Q21.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Thursday 18 February.
Q23.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Thursday 18 February.
Q24.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 18 February.
Q25.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Thursday 18 February.
Q26.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Thursday 18 February.
Q27.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Thursday 18 February.
Q28.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Thursday 18 February.
Q29.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Thursday 18 February.
Q30.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Thursday 18 February.
Q31.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 18 February.
Q32.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Thursday 18 February.
Q33.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 18 February.
Q35.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Thursday 18 February.
Q36.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 18 February.
Q37.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Thursday 18 February.
Q38.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 18 February.
Q39.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Thursday 18 February.
Q41.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 18 February.
Q43.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 18 February.
Q44.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Thursday 18 February.
Q45.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Thursday 18 February.
Q46.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Thursday 18 February.
Q47.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Thursday 18 February.
Q48.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Thursday 18 February.
Q49.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 18 February.
Q50.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 18 February.
Q51.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 18 February.
Q52.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Thursday 18 February.
Q54.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 18 February.
Q55.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Thursday 18 February.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Thursday 18 February.
This morning I presided at a meeting of the Cabinet and had meetings with ministerial colleagues and others. In addition to my duties in this House, I shall be having further meetings later today including one with a delegation from the national pensioners convention steering committee.
Scotland
Q14.
asked the Prime Minister whether she will pay an official visit to Scotland.
I hope to do so later this year.
Mentally Disordered Prisoners
Q17.
asked the Prime Minister what steps Her Majesty's Government are taking to transfer mentally disordered persons from prison to hospital.
Under the Mental Health Act 1959, my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary may direct the transfer of a prisoner to hospital if he has received reports from two appropriately qualified doctors to the effect that the prisoner is suffering from a mental disorder which is of a nature or degree warranting his detention in hospital for medical treatment. He is anxious to make full use of this power. Prison medical officers have, therefore, been encouraged to identify those prisoners most in need of hospital treatment and to arrange for the preparation of the necessary reports. As soon as such reports are received, every effort is made to secure a place in a suitable hospital so that a transfer direction may be issued.
Factory Closures
Q22.
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.
One and 848.
Scottish Textile Industry
Q34.
asked the Prime Minister if she will take immediate steps to ensure the future of the Scottish textile industry.
The Scottish textile industry has weathered the present recession more successfully than the industry in the United Kingdom as a whole and there is now some evidence of a recovery, though certain sectors of the industry may require further rationalisation and investment. Assistance remains available for suitable cases notably under section 7 of the Industry Act. Over £7.8 million has been offered to the industry under those provisions since the beginning of 1979.
Wilmington
Q40.
asked the Prime Minister if she has any plans to visit Wilmington.
I have at present no plans to do so.
Southend-On-Sea
Q42.
asked the Prime Minister if she will pay an official visit to Southend-on-Sea.
I have at present no plans to do so.
Public Sector Pay
Q53.
asked the Prime Minister which factors which determine the level of public sector pay are within the control of central Government; and which are not.
The Government determine, to the extent that they are directly involved and within the limit of the relevant statutory authorities, the amount of money available by means of grant, subsidy, cash limit or borrowing powers as appropriate. The level of pay in question is determined in negotiations conducted by the public sector employers concerned with due regard, where relevant, to their other powers of raising revenue.
National Health Service (Funding)
asked the Prime Minister if Her Majesty's Government have now decided whether to publish the work done on examining alternatives to funding the National Health Service.
Ministers are still considering both the exploratory study of the working party on alternative finance for health care, and whether, and if so when, any material might be published.
Lincolnshire Visit
asked the Prime Minister whether she will make a statement on her official visit to Kesteven and Grantham girls' school, and to Lincolnshire on Friday 15 February.
I was happy to have the chance to visit Kesteven and Grantham girls' school on the afternoon of 15 February. In the morning I visited Ruston Gas Turbines Ltd. in Lincoln, and Worley Wall Coverings Ltd. at Gainsborough. After my visit to Kesteven and Grantham girls' school, I opened the new housing development for elderly people at Witham Place, Grantham.
Labour Market (Investigation)
asked the Prime Minister, pursuant to her reply to the hon. Member for Wolverhampton, North-East on 11 February, Official Report, column 433, if she has instructed the Central Policy Review Staff to investigate the labour market; and, if so, if she will give details of the investigation.
The Government look to the Central Policy Review Staff to provide confidential advice on a continuing basis on a 'wide range of issues. It is not customary to reveal details of work which is intended to lead to confidential advice to Ministers.
National Finance
Historic Buildings
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if, when circumstances permit, he will re-examine the possibility of exempting from value added tax the cost of restoration and maintenance of historic buildings.
Such work have been liable to the standard rate of VAT since the tax was introduced. But this and all other aspects of the coverage of VAT are kept under review.
Dog Licence
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will give, at the latest and most convenient date, the total revenue accruing to the Treasury from the dog licence, after allowing for the expenses connected with collection and the administration of the licensing scheme; and whether he will consider the abolition of the dog licence fee.
No dog licence fee revenue accrues to the Consolidated Fund. About million per year goes, via the Post Office, to individual local authorities, in proportion to the number of licences purchased in their respective areas. Collection costs, borne on a Department of the Environment Vote, amount to around £3 million per annum and are not set off against revenue. There are no plans for the abolition of the dog licence fee, for the level of which the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food has responsibility.
Non-Vocational Adult Education Fees
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer on what basis value added tax may be charged on non-vocational adult education fees; and whether he will make a statement.
I refer the hon. Member to my reply on 26 January to my hon. Friend the Member for Bristol, North-West (Mr. Colvin).—[Vol. 16, c. 293.]
Gaming Machines
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the sports bodies that have protested to him about any proposal to impose a 15 per cent. value added tax on gaming machines on the premises of sports clubs.
Value added tax has been chargeable on the net takings of all gaming machines since 1975. I assume that the hon. Member refers to the possible introduction of an ad valorem form of duty. On this many representations have been received from or on behalf of a wide variety of organisations. These include sports bodies and clubs, but a list of those in this category could be compiled only at disproportionate cost.
Defence Expenditure
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to his reply to the right hon. Member for Llanelli, Official Report, 8 February, column 264, what provision, in percentage terms, for price increases other than pay was included in the cash figures in respect of defence expenditure for 1980–81; and what are the corresponding figures for 1981–82.
I refer the right hon. Gentleman to the Supply Estimates for Class I, Defence, for the years 1980–81 and 1981–82, reference numbers 469-I, HC 190-I respectively. Page ii of these publications sets out how the cash provisions were constructed. In addition, there were Supplementary Estimates in both years.
Charities
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what has been the amount gained by charities as a result of the concessions made in the 1980 Budget; and how this compares with his estimate of £30 million at the time.
I shall let my hon. Friend have a reply as soon as possible.
European Community Finance Council
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement about the meeting of the European Community Finance Council in Brussels on 15 February.
This was the first Finance Council under the Belgian Presidency. The only item on the agenda was the European Monetary System. It was agreed that the Commission should make proposals for possible ways of strengthening the mechanisms of the EMS and increasing the role of the ecu without changing the existing institutional framework. The Council will consider these proposals at its next meeting with a view to reporting to the March European Council.
Ministers also discussed monetary relations between the Community and third countries, especially the USA.
Deposit Protection Scheme
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer when the deposit protection scheme provided for in the Banking Act 1979 will be brought into operation.
The deposit protection scheme provided for in the Banking Act will come into operation tomorrow by virtue of a statutory instrument--SI 1982/188 (c7)—which was made today.The instrument will also bring certain other minor provisions of the Act—repeals of provisions which have become obsolete or unnecessary, and consequential amendments and repeals—into force on the same day.
Civil Servants
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many civil servants have been made redundant during 1979, 1980 and 1981.
[pursuant to his reply, 9 February 1982, c. 324.]: There were 105 premature retirements on the grounds of redundancy from the non-industrial Home Civil Service during 1979, 245 in 1980 and—provisional estimate—730 in 1981. Figures for redundancies of industrial staff are not held centrally.
Duties (Inflation)
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will publish his estimate of the revenue effect of revalorising all specific duties in line with inflation for 1981–82 and 1982–83.
[pursuant to his reply, 11 February 1982, c. 475]: It is estimated that at 1981–82 volumes of consumption
Hotels And Guest Houses (Resident Proprietors)
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will ensure that the Bournemouth tax commissioner makes adjustments for board and lodging of hotel and guest house proprietors where the owners are resident on the premises, on the same basis as is done in Torbay, where there is a sliding scale relating to the size of the hotel, a married couple rate, and special provision for family.
[pursuant to his reply, 12 February 1982, c. 502] No. The appropriate adjustment is a matter for negotiation between the local inspector of taxes and the proprietors or their representatives. I understand that the adjustment in Bournemouth already takes account of the number of adults in the household, the number of children and their ages.
Civil Servants (Northern Region)
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if, pursuant to his reply of 28 January, Official Report, columns 408–9, concerning the number of civil servants employed in the Northern region, he will set out the Departments concerned and the percentage change in numbers, in each Department for each year since 1974.
[pursuant to his reply, 15 February 1982, c. 28] Staff in post at 1 January 1981 and annual changes in 1978, 1979, 1980 for the main departments in the Northern region are as follows.Regional figures for industrial staff at the beginning of 1975 and 1976 are not centrally available. Rounded figures only are available for the beginning of 1977 and from these it can be deduced that in 1977 the size of Inland Revenue increased by about 4 per cent., Department for National Savings decreased by around 3 per cent. and there was little change for the Ministry of Defence, Employment Group, Environment—including PSA—and Transport, Health and Social Security and Home Office in the region.
| Department | Staff in post at | Annual | per cent. | changes |
| 1 January 1981* | 1978 | 1979 | 1980 | |
| Agriculture, Fisheries and Food | 625 | –2.6 | –1.1 | –5.0 |
| Customs and Excise | 717 | +12.0 | –5.3 | –1.4 |
| Defence (including Royal | ||||
| Ordnance Factories) | 6,274 | –1.3 | +0.1 | –2.3 |
| Education and Science | 594 | +11.3 | –15.3 | nil |
| Employment Group | 3,706 | +2.6 | –4.5 | +0.6 |
| Environment (including PSA) | ||||
| and Transport | 1,281 | –0.1 | –5.3 | –7.8 |
| Health and Social Security | 18,132 | +3.5 | –4.5 | +3.7 |
| HM Stationery Office | 514 | +3.0 | –0.4 | +6.2 |
| Home Office | 1,473 | +2.6 | +3.6 | +2.8 |
| Inland Revenue | 3,873 | +1.6 | –9.5 | –8.0 |
| Land Registry | 339 | +2.4 | +2.4 | –2.0 |
| Lord Chancellor's Department | 428 | +2.5 | –5.5 | –0.9 |
| National Savings | 2,525 | +1.5 | +3.3 | +16.3 |
| Trade and Industry | 349 | +4.5 | –3.2 | –2.8 |
| Other Departments | 155 | +5.5 | +3.9 | –3.1 |
| All Departments | 40,985 | +2.3 | –3.8 | +1.1 |
* Part-time staff are counted as half units.
Child Care Costs (Taxation Relief)
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has given consideration to allowing tax relief of child care costs for working single parents.
[pursuant to his reply 17 February 1982, c. 149.]: The additional personal allowance for single parents—now £770—recognises the extra expenses of lone parents, including child care costs.
Paymaster General
Pensions (Repayment)
asked the Paymaster General how many weeks it took to present to the banks cheques sent to him by pensioners making repayment of emergency payment of pension made to them during the Civil Service strike; whether he sought such repayment before the Department of Health and Social Security was in a position to process them; and whether any such repayments have still not been processed.
The average number of weeks taken to present repayment cheques was eight. Cheques are still being received and are now being presented to the banks within two days of receipt at my office. The Department of Health and Social Security has not been involved in the processing of any of these repayments.
Wales
Health Care Standards
asked the Secretary of State for Wales what percentage of the population of Wales lives in areas where there are insufficient doctors; and what measures he is taking to ensure that health care in these areas is brought up to an adequate standard including the provision of more health centres.
There are no established criteria for identifying an area as having insufficient doctors, but the number of general medical practitioners in Wales has increased steadily over the years for example from 1,258 unrestricted principals in 1970 to 1,372 as at 1 October 1980. The average patient list size is now 2,086, against a permitted maximum of 3,500.
Agriculture
asked the Secretary of State for Wales what discussions he has had regarding Welsh agriculture with the EEC commissioner for agriculture; and if he will make a statement.
I met the EEC commissioner for agriculture in Brussels on 26 January and had useful and wide ranging discussions with him on the problems of and prospects for Welsh agriculture, the effects of the recent severe weather and about the marginal land issue.
Industrial Growth Prospects
asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will take steps to ascertain which sectors of industry in Wales have the most promising prospects for growth in the remaining years of the 1980s.
I do not consider that a sectoral approach to industrial development is appropriate or helpful. There are clear signs of rapid growth in the electronics field and the full range of available assistance will continue to be applied to foster this. Our policies and schemes are aimed at securing the development of other high technology industries within Wales but I am also anxious to encourage the growth of viable undertakings whatever their industrial category.
Employment
Unemployment Statistics
asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will publish in the Official Report for each year from 1970 to the latest available date the total number unemployed and the unemployment rate in the United Kingdom and the Northern region, respectively.
The following are the annual average figures for each year from 1970 for the areas specified.
United Kingdom
| North region
| |||
Number
| Percen-
| Number
| Percen-
| |
tage rate
| tage rate
| |||
| 1970 | 612,230 | 2.6 | 61,162 | 4.6 |
| 1971 | 792,093 | 3.5 | 73,845 | 5.7 |
| 1972 | 875,641 | 3.8 | 81,871 | 6.3 |
| 1973 | 618,767 | 2.7 | 60,711 | 4.7 |
| 1974 | 620,438 | 2.7 | 59,894 | 4.6 |
| 1975 | 977,595 | 4.1 | 79,949 | 6.0 |
| 1976 | 1,359,425 | 5.7 | 101,268 | 7.5 |
| 1977 | 1,483,582 | 6.2 | 114,240 | 8.3 |
| 1978 | 1,475,035 | 6.1 | 121,605 | 8.9 |
| 1979 | 1,390,455 | 5.7 | 118,961 | 8.7 |
| 1980 | 1,794,711 | 7.4 | 147,468 | 10.9 |
| 1981 | 2,733,799 | 11.3 | 203,445 | 15.0 |
| Unemployed for over 26 and up to 52 weeks | Unemployed for over 52 weeks | |||
| April 1979 | January 1982 | April 1979 | January 1982 | |
| United Kingdom | 262,851 | 698,465 | 366,711 | 905,105 |
| West Midlands region | 22,944 | 87,530 | 34,154 | 118,428 |
| Walsall travel-to-work area | 1,712 | 7,385 | 2,495 | 10,020 |
Graduates (Unemployment)
asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many of those who graduated in 1981 were still unemployed by the end of that year, in number and percentage terms; and what are the comparable figures for each of the previous five years; and if he can break the figures down to show the position for engineering and science graduates and arts, languages and pure science graduates.
I shall reply to the hon. Member as soon as possible.
Training Boards
asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will clarify the arrangements for financing the forthcoming reductions in the scope of the petroleum, road transport and rubber and plastics processing industry training boards.
These changes will be financed on the same basis as the abolition of the 16 training boards announced by my right hon. Friend on 16 November and within the same planned provision. If boards' assets attributable to the sectors being taken out of scope are insufficient to meet operating and winding-up costs attributable to the sectors in 1982–83, the deficit will be met by the Government. The Manpower Services Commission will be discussing with the boards concerned how operating costs should be attributed and assets applied in each case.
Home Department
Scarman Report
11.
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what further consultations he has had on the recommendations in the Scarman report.
I have consulted the Police Advisory Board, and the Police Training Council. I have set in hand a programme of consultation throughout England and
asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many were registered unemployed for six months or more or for 12 months or more in (a) the United Kingdom, (b) the West Midlands area and (c) the Walsall travel-to-work area in May 1979; and what were the comparable figures at the latest available date.
[pursuant to his reply, 16 February 1982, c. 99]: The numbers registered as unemployed are analysed by duration of unemployment in January, April, July and October. The following is the information at April 1979 and January 1982 for the areas specified.Wales on Lord Scarman's recommendations for local liaison committees, and have placed in the Library of the House a copy of the letters sent on my behalf to give effect to this work.
Sex Shops
17.
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will consider other means of controlling the growth of sex shops than by licensing.
We have considered carefully all the possible options and we are satisfied that the proposals now contained in the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill provide the most acceptable means of controlling these establishments effectively.
Police Authorities (Finance)
18.
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action he proposes to take to provide adequate financial resources to police authorities in England and Wales.
The Government have made provision for the police service nationally which takes account of the increase in police strength, the improvements in pay, and fully reflects the priority to be given to the maintenance of law and order.
Telephone Tapping
19.
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the latest Diplock review of telephone tapping.
Lord Diplock has continued to monitor the arrangements for interception set out in Cmnd. 7873.
Street Crimes
20.
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the incidence of street crimes committed by black youths in the Metropolitan Police area since the disorders in Brixton in April 1981.
I understand from the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis that in the six-month period following the disturbances in April 1981 about 2,200 persons of West Indian or African appearance were arrested for those offences of stealing most likely to have occurred in the street. These amounted to about 20 per cent. of all such arrests.
37.
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what has been the growth of street crimes in inner London in the last nine months.
We understand from the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis that it is not possible to identify separately all those recorded crimes which occurred in the street. The only information available relates to those offences of stealing most likely to occur in the street—theft or unauthorised taking of a motor vehicle, theft from a vehicle, theft of a pedal cycle, theft from a person of another and robbery. The total number of such offences recorded in inner London in the first nine months of 1981 was 14 per cent. higher than in the corresponding period of 1980.
Mentally Disordered Prisoners
21.
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the number of mentally disordered prisoners held in prison department establishments at the latest available date.
On 30 September 1981 there were 327 people in prison department establishments who, in the opinion of the prison medical officer, were mentally disordered within the meaning of the Mental Health Act 1959.
Police Forces (Establishments)
22.
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department to what extent police forces personnel are now up to establishment.
All forces outside London are now up to or near their authorised establishments. At the end of 1981, the strength of the Metropolitan Police was 25,075, the highest ever, but the force still has 1,500 vacancies.
Juvenile Crime
23.
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will publish guidance for parents on reducing juvenile crime.
This Department regularly publishes guidance for parents on reducing juvenile crime on film, radio tape, pamphlets and posters.
Police (Complaints)
24.
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he has yet received the report of the working party chaired by Lord Belstead on reform of the police complaints procedure.
Yes. It was considered at a meeting of the Police Advisory Board on 26 January and is included in my Department's evidence to the Home Affairs Committee's inquiry into police complaints and related matters.
Data Processiing Protection
25.
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many representations he has had about the need for legislation on data processing protection in the last six months.
We have received about 30 such representations, including a number forwarded by hon. Members.
Community Service
26.
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will renew the funding arrangements with the community service programme supervised by the probation service in the Northern region.
Community service is one of a range of facilities which the probation service provides. It is for each probation committee to consider, in the light of local needs, how to allocate the additional resources which are being made available for the service as a whole.
Gaming Machines
27.
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects to complete his study of the proposal to increase the maximum payouts on jackpots on gaming machines in public houses from £2 to £10.
This proposal, which is only one of a number concerning these machines and would require legislation, is being studied in the context of the relevant recommendations of the Royal Commission on gambling and it is too soon to be able to say when the study will be completed.
Immigration (Illegal Overstaying)
28.
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the number of persons detained and convicted in 1981 for illegally overstaying.
The only information readily available relates to those appearing before the courts whose principle offence on conviction was that of remaining beyond the limit of their leave, who numbered 1,075 in 1980. Information is not readily available on others convicted of remaining beyond the limit of their leave who at the same time were given a more severe sentence for another offence. Information for 1981 is not yet available.
Illegal Entrant (Definition)
29.
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he has any proposals to introduce legislation to amend the definition of illegal entrant into the United Kingdom.
No, Sir.
Inquests
30.
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will review the statutory provisions relating to inquests, in order to examine the extent to which provision should be made for inquests on citizens of the United Kingdom who die suddenly while abroad.
The question whether or not a coroner is required or empowered under the existing law to investigate sudden, violent or suspicious deaths occurring abroad is the subject of a current application to the Divisional Court in relation to the death of Miss Helen Smith on 20 May 1979 in Jeddah, and it would be inappropriate for us to comment.
Satellite Broadcasts
31.
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is now in a position to make a statement on the development of direct broadcasting by satellite in the United Kingdom.
I refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave earlier today to a question by my hon. Friend the Member for Arundel (Mr. Marshall).
Prevention Of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act
32.
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he proposes to seek the renewal of the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act.
The Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act 1976 is due to lapse, unless renewed, on 24 March. Renewal of the Act will require affirmative resolution by both Houses of Parliament, and I shall shortly lay a draft continuance order before Parliament.
Prison Accommodation
33.
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the progress towards increasing prison accommodation by a prison building programme.
My right hon. Friend has at present nothing to add to the statement he made to the House on 2 December.
Metropolitan Police
34.
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the present strength of the Metropolitan Police force; what it was three years before; and what is the establishment figure.
On 31 December 1981, the strength of the force was 25,075 compared with 21,961 on 31 December 1978. The current establishment is 26,615.
Burglaries
35.
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many burglaries have occurred in the Metropolitan Police area in each of the last five years.
Information for the calendar years 1976 to 1980 is given in appendix 15 of the reports of the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis for the years 1979 and 1980. Information for the calendar year 1981 is not yet available.
Citizens Band Radio
36.
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is his latest estimate of the number of unlicensed citizens band sets.
We do not have sufficiently reliable information on which to base an estimate.
Television Licence Fee
38.
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what change in the number of pensioners exempt from paying the full television licence fee took place between May 1979 and the latest date for which figures are available.
The number of pensioners not required to pay the full fee because they were covered by an old person's home licence was 390,000 in May 1979 and 480,000 in December 1981.
Crime (Liverpool)
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many (a) houses were burgled, (b) cars were stolen, and (c) crimes were committed in the city of Liverpool in 1979–80, 1980–81, and 1981–82; and what was the detection rate.
Separate information is not collected centrally for the city of Liverpool. Serious offences recorded by the police in the Merseyside police force area by type of offence are published on a calendar year basis in "Criminal Statistics, England and Wales"—table 32 of "Criminal Statistics, England and Wales, 1979", Cmnd. 8098, and table S.3.1 of "Criminal Statistics, England and Wales, supplementary tables 1980", Vol. 3. The figures for 1979 are not directly comparable with those for 1980, because of the introduction of a new set of counting rules in 1980. The available information on clear-up rates for the offences requested is given in the following table:
| Clear-up rates for serious offences recorded by the police | ||
| Merseyside | Percentages | |
| 1979 | *1980 | |
| Burglary in a dwelling | 46 | 42 |
| Theft of unauthorised taking of a motor vehicle | 37 | 43 |
| Total serious offences recorded | 42 | 42 |
* Figures for 1980 are not precisely comparable with those for 1979 because of changes made by new counting rules which were introduced at the beginning of 1980.
King Edward The Martyr
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will take steps to prevent the alleged bones of King Edward the Martyr leaving Shaftesbury and being handed to the Russian Orthodox Church.
This is not a matter in which the Government have any power to intervene.
National Assistance Act 1948
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received concerning the repeal of section 41 of the National Assistance Act 1948; if he will list them; and if he will make a statement.
The only recent representations have come from the National Council for Voluntary Organisations and from the hon. Member. I have nothing to add to my reply of 26 January.—[Vol 16, c. 313]
Prison Sentences (Remission)
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his reply to the hon. Member for Wolverhampton, North-East on 11 February, Official Report, column 433, why there is a different rate of remission of prison sentences as between England, Wales and Scotland and Northern Ireland.
The difference between the rate of remission for industry and good conduct in Northern Ireland, and the rates in England and Wales and in Scotland, reflects the separate criminal justice systems within the constituent parts of the United Kingdom and the absence of a parole scheme in Northern Ireland.
Bedfordshire Police Force
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, following representations made to him by the hon. Member for Bedfordshire, South he is able to make a statement concerning the chief constable of Bedfordshire's proposals for an increase in the establishment of the Bedfordshire police force.
I shall be considering the applications from Bedfordshire together with those received from other police authorities.
Education And Science
Queen Elizabeth Ii And Sheerwater Schools
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science when he now expects to announce his decision on the section 12 notices relating to the Queen Elizabeth II and Sheerwater schools in Woking.
My right hon. Friend has today informed the Surrey local education authority that he has approved the proposals.
Attorney-General
Police (Complaints)
asked the Attorney-General, of those complaints against the police alleging assault which were referred to the Director of Public Prosecutions in the last year, in how many cases there was at least one witness and in how many the complainant and policeman concerned were alone involved; and, in each case, in how many instances the Director of Public Prosecutions prosecuted and in how many he decided not to do so.
I regret that this information is not readily available.
Foreign And Commonwealth Affairs
El Salvador
asked the Lord Privy Seal if, pursuant to his reply of 3 February, Official Report, column 154, Her Majesty's Government have now reached a conclusion on the request from the Government of El Salvador to provide observers for the elections in March; and, if so, what that conclusion is.
I refer the hon. Member to the pursuant reply I gave on 17 February to my hon. Friend the Member for Woolwich, West (Mr. Bottomley).—[Vol. 17, c. 120–21.]
Sphinx (Restoration)
asked the Lord Privy Seal whether he has received a request from the Egyptian Government that a portion of the beard of the Sphinx, at present in the British Museum, be returned to Egypt in order to assist with the restoration and preservation of the Sphinx; and what answer he proposes to give.
No request has been received from the Egyptian Government for the return of the portion of the beard of the Sphinx, although it is understood that Mr. Radwan, the Egyptian Minister of State for Culture, w ho is in Britain at the moment as a guest of Her Majesty's Government, may raise the question during his visit. By the terms of the British Museum Act 1963, the British Museum is statutorily prohibited from disposing of any of the objects in its collection except in certain well-defined circumstances—none of which is met in the case of the beard.
United States Of America (Visas)
asked the Lord Privy Seal if he will have further discussions with the United States authorities regarding the abolition of visas for British citizens to We United States of America; and if he will make a statement.
My right hon. Friend has no plans at present to have further discussions., but officials are in frequent touch with the American authorities on this subject.
Social Services
Immigrant Population
39.
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what has been the net growth in the immigrant and immigrant descended population resident in the United Kingdom for each of the last three years.
The only part of the immigrant and immigrant descended population for which annual estimates of numbers are made is the population of New Commonwealth and Pakistani ethnic origin. For the year to mid-1978, the increase was 74,000–4.0 per cent.; for the year to mid-1979 it was 93,000–4.8 per cent.; and for the year to mid-1980, the latest for which information is available, it was 91,000–4.5 per cent.
Nurses
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what was the salary of a senior nursing officer grade 1 in January 1972, May 1979, and the latest date for which figures are available; and what pension would be paid if retirement had taken place in 1973, 1979 or 1981 (a) currently and (b) in 1990, assuming present inflation rates.
The salary ranges for a senior nursing officer grade 1 at the dates requested were as follows:
| Minimum | Maximum | |
| £ | £ | |
| April 1972*—Effective from 1 April 1972 | 2,160 | 2,601 |
| May 1979—Effective from 1 April 1979 | 5,060 | 5,883 |
| January 1982—Effective from 1 April 1981 | 7,280 | 8,462 |
* Criteria for the grade were not agreed until late in 1971.
Retirement benefits under the NHS superannuation scheme depend on length of service, superannuable earnings in the most beneficial of the last three years of service and a variety of other relevant factors which can be precisely determined only in relation to individual circumstances. However, for the purposes of illustration, the following table gives appropriate comparisons for senior nursing officers who had 10, 25 and 40 years' service, respectively. The hypothetical examples taken also assume that the senior nursing officers had been on the maximum salaries aforementioned for 12 months.
Retirement Date
| Length of
| Rate of pension
| |
Service
| At 31 March
| At 31 March
| |
1982
| 1990*
| ||
| £ | £ | ||
| 31 March 1973 | (a) 10 years | 1,106 | 2,738 |
(b) 25 years | 2,766 | 6,848 | |
(c) 40 years | 4,425 | 10,956 | |
| 31 March 1980 | (a) 10 years | 1,050 | 2,599 |
(b) 25 years | 2,626 | 6,501 | |
(c) 40 years | 4,202 | 10,404 | |
| 31 March 1982 | (a) 10 years | 1,057 | 2,523 |
(b) 25 years | 2,644 | 6,312 | |
(c) 40 years | 4,231 | 10,102 | |
* It is current practice to award pensions increase annually in November. These figures assume a continuation of that practice and continuation of the 1981 rate of movement in the RPI—12 per cent.
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how much has been spent on research into nurses' education for each of the last five years; how much is being planned for the current and the next financial year; and what percentage of his Department's research budget this represents in each case.
The amounts spent by the Department in the years 1976–77 to 1980–81 on research into nurses' education were as follows:
| £000 | |
| 1976–77 | 27.7 |
| 1977–78 | 44.5 |
| 1978–79 | 91.3 |
| 1979–80 | 200.2 |
| 1980–81 | 309.9 |
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many researchers into nursing education have been employed by his Department for each of the last five years; how many there are in the current year; and what proposals he has for the funding of this research and the employment of researchers for next year.
The Department does not directly employ any researchers in nursing education, but the following table gives, for each of the years, the number of those researchers supported in universities and other research centres on contracts financed from the Department's research funds.
| Number of | |
| researchers | |
| 1976 | 4 |
| 1977–78 | 8 |
| 1978–79 | 9 |
| 1979–80 | 14 |
| 1980–81 | 18 |
| 1981–82 | 20 |
Abortion
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the cost of querying and returning 6,710 abortion notification forms to doctors in the period April to December 1981; and what was the total cost of reprocessing these forms.
This formed part of the normal work involved in processing notifications submitted to the chief medical officer and the costs come within the figure of £23,000 given in my hon. Friend's reply to the hon. Member on 8 February.—[Vol. 17, c. 274.]
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what proportion of women who request private abortions receive them.
This information is not available.
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he has any estimates as to the percentage of private abortions in 1981 that were undertaken on (a) financial considerations and (b) career grounds.Dr. Vaughan: This information is not available.
Clinical Trial Certificates
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will include the ethics committee of the Royal College of General Practitioners in the list of organisations whose refusal to give ethical approval requires the holder of an exemption from a clinical trial certificate to inform the licensing authority.
I understand that companies are not required to inform the licensing authority of any case where this committee is unable to approve a clinical trial. I would, however, expect that a GP involved in such a trial would abide by its advice, particularly in those parts of the country where district ethical committees have not yet been established.
Maternity Benefit
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many women in the last 12 months have received (a) maternity allowance and (b) maternity grant; and if he will estimate the number of women in the last 12 months who have been eligible for maternity allowance but who have not claimed it.
During the 12 months ended 30 September 1980, the latest period for which figures are available, 668,000 women received maternity grant and 366,000 also received maternity allowance. I regret that information is not available to estimate the number of women who were eligible for maternity allowance but did not claim it.
"Wandsworth Women's Health Book"
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will consider making generally available a booklet similar to the "Wandsworth Women's Health Book" being issued free by that community health council.
No.
Hepatitis
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether the recent severe flooding led to any danger to health from open sewers; and if flood victims in any area were offered vaccination against hepatitis.
Contamination of drinking water by sewage following flooding would lead to an increased risk of gastro-intestinal disease. We have not received any reports of this nor have there been any reports of an increase in gastro-intestinal illness or of notifiable waterborne diseases since the recent flooding. The Department has not received any reports that flood victims have been immunised against hepatitis A, and I would not have expected health authorities to have recommended this.
Supplementary Benefit
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the current delay in arranging visits to assess home circumstances of new applicants for supplementary benefit in the various Birmingham areas.
Nine of the 11 DHSS offices in Birmingham visit new applicants for supplementary benefit within five working days. At Handsworth and Northfield local offices visits are made within 10 working days, although in cases of urgency an immediate visit can always be arranged.
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many young people between the ages of 16 and 19 years, and how many individuals over the age of 19 years, are currently drawing supplementary benefit whilst undertaking a course of study for less than 21 hours per week.
I regret that this information is not available.
Prescriptions
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will take measures to encourage patients, discouraged by cost or other factors, to exchange prescriptions issued by their medical advisers for the medication prescribed, in view of the fact that about one in five items prescribed are not now obtained; and if he will estimate the current level of money saved because of this practice.
There are no comprehensive figures available on the proportion of prescriptions not exchanged which would enable savings to be estimated. I assume the hon. Member is referring to the results of a recent small survey, reported in the British Medical Journal. This report indicates a number of reasons why this practice is not necessarily undesirable and I believe it is best left to doctors themselves to explain the importance of following a recommended course of treatment. There are special arrangememts to help those on low incomes to meet prescription charges.
Antenatal Care
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will take steps to encourage women from the lower socio-economic groups to seek and obtain antenatal care earlier in their pregnancy in order to improve their general health and nutritional state and contribute to the avoidance of a proportion of congenitally-handicapped infants born to such mothers.
It is our policy to encourage women from all socio-economic groups to seek antenatal care as soon as their pregnancy is confirmed. The maternity services advisory committee is carrying out. at our request, a detailed assessment of antenatal care, including means of encouraging clinic attendance; and we have given the Health Education Council £460,000 for the financial year 1982–83 to continue its "Mother and Baby" campaign, which emphasises the benefits of seeking antenatal care early in pregnancy.
Hospital Pharmacists
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will ensure that hospital pharmacists are paid out-of-hours pay for their emergency call-outs.
The pharmaceutical Whitley Council, which negotiates pay and conditions of service for hospital pharmacists, has been unable so far to reach agreement on payments for emergency duties. I understand, however, that the management side has now prepared a draft agreement on the circumstances in which such payments should be made. Discussion in the Whitley Council of the draft is an essential next step towards an agreement on payment for emergency services.
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services, pursuant to the reply of 4 February on hospital pharmacists' pay, whether the draft agreement referred to has now been presented to the staff side; with what result; whether implementation of the agreement would involve additional central funding; and what information he has as to the detailed provisions of the draft agreement.
I understand that the draft agreement has not yet been presented to staff side, as consultations with employing authorities have not been completed. The cost of any agreement cannot be estimated until the draft has been discussed within the pharmaceutical Whitley Council. I understand that the agreement covers provisions for on-call standby and work done payments.
Poliomyelitis
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will take steps to increase the level of immunisation against poliomyelitis and to monitor the extent to which parents may be influenced in their decision as to whether to have their child immunised against poliomyelitis by publicity about possible adverse effects of other vaccines such as whooping cough.
The Government attach great importance against poliomyelitis and have encouraged health authorities to promote the uptake of all vaccines. The present level of uptake of polio vaccine is over 80 per cent. and has led to the almost total eradication of the disease. Eight cases were notified in 1979, three in 1980 and three in 1981. The uptake of polio vaccine is monitored nationally. There was a fall in uptake in 1975 and 1976, probably associated with the adverse publicity about whooping cough vaccine, but uptake rates are now higher than they were before this.
Unemployment Benefit
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how much was paid in unemployment benefit in December 1981 and January 1982 for those (a) aged up to 20 years, (b) aged up to 25 years, (c) aged up to 30 years and (d) aged up to 35 years.
I regret that this information is not available.
Foreign Doctors
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what was the total number of foreign doctors who came into the United Kingdom in 1981; and how many of them were given full registration.
I regret figures in the form requested are not available. However, in the 12 months from 1 October 1979 to 30 September 1980 it is estimated that 1,800 civilian doctors born outside the United Kingdom and Irish Republic entered Great Britain with full or provisional registration; this figure excludes those doctors who obtained limited registration or who stayed less than a year and is subject to amendment as more information becomes available.
Contraceptive Advice
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he is yet in a position to report his investigation into the Responsible Society's report that some health authorities are not following the Government's guidelines on contraceptive advice to children under 16 years of age.
On studying the report I found that it did not provide evidence that authorities were not complying with the Department's guidance. The report did show that a number of authorities felt they were acting in accordance with it and that others had adjusted their policy since it was issued. I have therefore decided that no further action is necessary.
Disabled Persons Act 1981
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he is now in a position to publish the circular on the Disabled Persons Act 1981.
The circular is being revised in the light of the comments that have been received following consultation, and I hope that it will be issued in the near future.
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will now make an order for the commencement of section 6 of the Disabled Persons Act 1981.
The Government have promised full consultations before section 6 of the Disabled Persons Act 1981 is implemented. I hope that these consultations can be undertaken as soon as possible after the main circular on the Act has been issued.
Hospital Staff
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if his proposals to change the balance of numbers between senior hospital staff and junior hospital staff so that the number of consultants would double by 1991 will apply to the numbers of consultants in the dental profession.
Over the next 15 years, our aim is that the numbers of posts in hospital training grades in dentistry, as in medicine, should be in proportion to likely career opportunities. The ratio between numbers of posts in training and in career grades varies between medical specialties and between medicine and dentistry; while to correct the present imbalance the overall numbers of consultant posts would need to double, so large an increase will not be required in dentistry.
Benefits
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will seek to make the necessary legislative changes so that terms "occupier" or "in occupation" as they relate to assets of more than £2,000 value in claims for means tested benefits are replaced by the term "owner" and so allow an income assessment to replace the capital value where the owner is not resident on the property.
With the exception of a claimant's home and personal possessions, any property he owns is generally counted as a capital resource for supplementary benefit purposes. We have no plans to amend the regulations in the way the hon. Member suggests, but if he has a particular case in mind where the regulations seem to be operating unreasonably and would care to let me have the details, I should be pleased to look into it.
General Practitioners (Patient Numbers)
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will introduce legislation to reduce the maximum number of patients on a general practitioner's list to 3,000 by the end of 1982, 2,750 by the end of 1983 and 2,500 by the end of 1984 in order (a) to provide more openings into primary care, (b) to bring the work load for individual practitioners to a level that will enable them to give patients more individual attention and (c) to have fewer patients referred to hospitals.
The total for England in 1975 of 8,522 unrestricted principals with a list size of 2,500 or greater had fallen by 1980 by 18.7 per cent. to 6,932. Similarly, the average list size fell by 5 per cent. from 2,365 to 2,247. The number of unrestricted principals in general medical practice increased during the same period by 7 per cent. from 20,377 to 21,812. These trends indicate an important shift in favour of smaller lists without any change in the legislation specifying the maximum number of persons a doctor may have on his list.
Disabled Persons
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) when he expects to receive the recommendations of the Social Security Advisory Committee on improved opportunities for part-time work for those who are partially incapacitated; and if he will make a statement;(2) if he will arrange for partial incapacity to be assessed for invalidity benefit on a medical and occupational basis, taking into account reduced earnings capacity;(3) if he will take steps to ensure harmonisation of a system of partial incapacity benefits within the EEC; and if he will raise this issue at the next Council of Labour and Social Affairs Ministers.
I am aware of the problem of providing within the social security system for people who are capable of work but whose disablement limits them to very low earnings or prevents them from working full-time. Disablement is also a prime concern of the Social Security Advisory Committee, and I shall be interested in any recommendations the committee may make for helping people in this position. However, any extension of benefit cover must depend on resources being available and would have to be weighed against other priorities. At present, therefore, my right hon. Friend does not have any proposals to put forward to his colleagues in the European Community.
Therapeutic Earnings Limit
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services when he will next increase the therapeutic earnings limit.
An increase in the therapeutic earnings limit will be considered when the general uprating provisions are being looked at.
National Health Service (Land Sales)
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how much land owned by the National Health Service has been sold since May 1979; where it is; what was the sale price; and what proposals he has to make further sales.
Records of all individual transactions are not held centrally, but 1,406 acres of surplus National Health Service land were sold during the two years to March 1981, the last date for which figures are currently available, for a total of £25.5 million. A further 4,000 acres had been declared surplus and awaited disposal in April 1981. Health authorities are required to keep their land holdings under continual review and to release land with no current or planned use.
Drugs (Effects)
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what research is being carried out into the effect of drugs and dosages for children; and if he is satisfied that enough work is being done into this subject;(2) if he is satisfied that drug data sheets pay enough attention to the side-effects and suitability for children.
I shall let the hon. Member have a n ply as soon as possible.
Community And Personal Social Services
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will set up a review into the community and personal social services provided by local authorities, with a view to establishing whether the provision made for pensioners is adequate, and to evaluate the extent to which public expenditure cuts have reduced these services.
No. It is for the local authorities themselves to determine their provision of personal social services and the priorities as between different forms of need. Overall there has been an increase in real terms in personal social services spending during the Government's period of office.
National Health Service (Administrators)
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will publish a table showing the number of administrators in the National Health Service at the latest convenient date, and in each of the preceding five years.
I shall let my hon. Friend have a reply as soon as possible.
Nursing Research (Fellowships)
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many fellowships for nursing research his Department has provided for each of the last five years; how many are being provided in the current year; and how many he proposes to provide next year.
The numbers of studentships in nursing research awarded in each of the years 1976–77—1981–82 were:
| Year | Number |
| 1976–77 | 6 |
| 1977–78 | 8 |
| 1978–79 | 10 |
| 1979–80 | 12 |
| 1980–81 | 11 |
| 1981–82 | 5 |
Blood Donations
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how much has been spent in each of the last five years on advertising for donors to the blood transfusion service; and if there are plans for a national advertising programme to be launched in the near future to encourage people to become donors.
[pursuant to his reply, 15 February 1982, Vol. 18, c. 49]: Responsibility for the recruitment of blood donors rests primarily with each regional blood transfusion centre which adapts its advertising to local needs, and information on costs is not available centrally. Expenditure by the Department in the last five years on advertising campaigns and a wide range of publicity material for the national blood transfusion service was as follows:
| Year | £ |
| *1981–82 | 189,000 |
| 1980–81 | 198,750 |
| 1979–80 | 157,300 |
| 1978–79 | 92,750 |
| 1977–78 | 89,850 |
* Estimated.
The Department will continue actively to encourage people to become blood donors.
Defence
Royal Naval College, Greenwich
asked the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he is considering for changes in the use of the Royal Naval College, Greenwich; and when a decision will be announced.
The use of the Royal Naval College, Greenwich, forms part of the general studies into the support elements of the Services, announced in Cmnd. 8288. It is hoped to announce the result in the spring.
Woolwich Arsenal
asked the Secretary of State for Defence what progress has been made in the preparation of a master plan for the use of land at Woolwich Arsenal; when proposals will be announced; and what opportunity will be given for consultations with interested local bodies.
The Property Services Agency is currently examining for the Ministry of Defence the use of land at Woolwich Arsenal—West—with the aim of producing a master plan for the whole site. They are also looking into the possibility of using part of the site adjacent to Beresford Square, which has been in disposal for some years, for a new headquarters building for the Quality Assurance Directorate (Ordnance). The two studies are proceeding well and the results of both are expected to be available in early summer. There will be a full opportunity for consultations with the local bodies concerned at the appropriate time.
Tornado Tactical Force
asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether any decision has been reached on the commencement of a British defence suppression missile system to use with the Tornado tactical force.
Several options are currently under consideration, but no decision has yet been reached.
Homosexuality
asked the Secretary of State for Defence what guidance is given to commanding officers on the circumstances in which proceedings for courts martial should be instituted against members of the Armed Forces alleged to have committed homosexual offences under the Armed Forces discipline Acts; in what circumstances it is his policy that these should be dealt with by administrative discharge; and if he will make a statement.
Guidance is available to commanding officers in the form of administrative instructions which define the procedures for dealing with cases either by disciplinary or administrative action. Each case is considered individually and commanding officers have recently been reminded of the flexibility they have in the handling of such cases. However, homosexual acts by members of the Armed Forces remain illegal, and we continue to regard them as prejudicial to military discipline. This issue was considered by Parliament during the progress of the Armed Forces Act 1981 and both the Select Committee and subsequently the House as a whole decided against a change in the Service discipline Acts.
Chemical Weapons
asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he has now received any proposal from the United States Government regarding the storing of chemical weapons in the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement.
No.
Transport
Disabled Persons (Orange Badge Scheme)
asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will give details of the arrangements for reciprocal recognition of orange badges in EEC countries; and if he will make a statement.
In accordance with a recommendation of the European Conference of Ministers of Transport, the United Kingdom and 12 other countries operating concessionary parking schemes for the disabled—Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, West Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, Sweden and Switzerland—have agreed to participate in reciprocal arrangements whereby the concessions of the host country are available to disabled visitors displaying their own national badge. Full details of the concessions available have been sent to organisations representing the disabled and to the motoring organisations.
Cycling
asked the Secretary of State for Transport how much money was allocated in 1981 to cycle programmes and promotion; and what proportion of the total transport budget this represented.
Most cycling expenditure is by county councils on local roads. We have not kept comprehensive records of their expenditure in the past, but we have now asked counties to include details in their transport policies and programmes that they submit to us each year.
Barham Crossroads
asked the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects work to start on the flyover at the Barham Crossroads on the A2.
I apologise for the delays that are taking place in the preparation of this scheme and I hope that we shall be able to make good progress with it. I am hoping that a start will be made in 1984, subject to the satisfactory completion of the statutory processes and the availability of funds.
M42 (Tamworth)
asked the Secretary of State for Transport, further to his reply to the hon. Member for Lichfield and Tamworth on 15 December, what are the reasons why his inspector has required a further delay to March in respect of the report on the M42 (Tamworth section); and if he will ensure that the inspector produces his report by that date.
The further delay is again due to the inspector taking longer than he had hoped to complete his report. As the inspector is independent the preparation of the report is a matter for him, but I very much hope that he will submit it in March.
British Rail
asked the Secretary of State for Transport whether, when next giving consideration to further financial assistance to British Railways on condition that there is an improvement in productivity, he will impress upon the chairman that such conditions must apply to all British Railways staff, including the chairman, and all classes of the higher-paid executives.
I am sure that Sir Peter Parker needs no such advice from me. He and his management were working under very great pressure tackling the very serious problems that confront the railways, even before the present disputes began. The level of service that has been achieved despite the ASLEF strikes is a credit to all concerned.
Scotland
Croft House Building
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will increase the level of grant and loan for croft house building in line with general inflation.
I am currently reviewing the levels of assistance under the crofters building grants and loans scheme, but it is too early to say what the outcome will be.
Carlops (A702)
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) if he will list all those organisations which have made representations to his Department opposing the plans submitted by the Scottish Development Department to demolish the Carlops bridge over the A702 trunk road; and if he will make a statement;(2) if, in view of the existing structural condition of the A702 road bridge at Carlops and the volume of heavy goods vehicles which use it, he will consider constructing a bypass to the village of Carlops; and if he will make a statement;(3) how many schemes designed to restore and repair the A702 road bridge at Carlops have been submitted; if he will give the estimated cost of each of these; and if he will make a statement;(4)if he will give an assurance that, in considering the various schemes that have been submitted to repair the A702 road bridge at Carlops, he will take full account both of environmental factors and other objections that have been raised by the local communities; and if he will make a statement;(5)what studies have been made on the extent to which the construction of a bypass to the A702 at Carlops would avoid the need to demolish the Carlops bridge; what is his estimate of the cost of constructing such a bypass; and if he will make a statement.
Borders regional council, as local planning authority, has advertised my Department's proposals for repair works involving the partial demolition of and alterations to Carlops Bridge, which is an unlisted structure within a conservation area. The following organisations have made representations either directly or through the planning authority—the Carlops community council, the Scottish Civic Trust, the Scottish Georgian Society, the Countryside Commission for Scotland, and the Association for the Protection of Rural Scotland. The regional authority, as my agent for the trunk road, has proposed alternative schemes for repairing the bridge ranging in price from £750,000 to £103,730; the advertised proposal is the cheapest. There are no plans at present for a bypass of Carlops, and while no detailed studies have been carried out, it is clear that the provision of a bypass—estimated cost £75,000—would not obviate the need for repair work to the bridge soon. The various alternatives are now under consideration and account will be taken of all the representations received.
Cycling
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he is taking to encourage and promote cycling as a cheap and efficient alternative form of transport.
My right hon. Friend intends to take the opportunity of future roads legislation to seek powers to permit local highway authorities to provide cycle tracks.
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will appoint a regional cycling officer for Scotland.
I have designated one of my Department's road engineers at senior level to keep in touch with the needs of cyclists in relation to trunk roads and to provide such advice to local authorities as they may require.
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what resources are available from the Scottish Office for financing experimental cycle facilities.
There is no specific provision in current estimates for such expenditure.
Cycleways And Walkways
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has any plans to sponsor a study similar to the one recently conducted in England and Wales on the feasibility of converting disused rail lines to walkways or cycleways.
My right hon. Friend has no such plans at present, but he will study the report mentioned to see whether any of its conclusions might be relevant in Scotland.
Northern Ireland
Illegal Organisations
asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many persons in Northern Ireland have been convicted of membership of illegal organisations over the past four years; and how many of these received non-custodial sentences.
The available statistics record only the most serious offence or that for which the offender received the heaviest sentence. A number of convictions for membership of a proscribed organisation are therefore excluded. Figures recorded on this basis are as follows:
| Year | No. convicted | Non-custodial |
| Sentences | ||
| 1978 | 87 | 66 |
| 1979 | 93 | 72 |
| 1980 | 35 | 27 |
| 1981 | 12 | 5 |
Japanese Lathes (Purchase)
asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if the purchase of five computer numerically controlled Japanese lathes by the Department of Manpower Services for use in Northern Ireland was made by open tender.
Yes. The purchase was made by open tender following advertisements placed in the EEC journal and newspapers in Northern Ireland in October 1981. On 4 November all firms which expressed an interest, together with all relevant manufacturers and suppliers listed by the Department of Industry, were issued with invitations to supply quotations.
Redundant Teachers
asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement about the negotiations taking place about a redeployment procedure for teachers affected by redundancy.
The general committee of the teachers negotiating machinery, which is a consultative committee representing teacher and management interests, has established a sub-committee to consider, amongst other things, the problems associated with teacher redeployment.In addition the Department of Education intends to discuss with teacher organisations the implications of the document "Schools and Demographic Trends—A Backcloth to Planning" for the teaching profession. These discussions will include teacher redeployment.
Teaching Posts
asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many additional teaching posts are available in Northern Ireland to meet appeals from schools which have suffered a reduction in staffing for the year 1982–83.
Approximately 45 full-time teaching posts are available to meet appeals against staffing allocations for the 1982–83 school year. This includes those for schools which will suffer reductions in staffing for that year.
Pupil-Teacher Ratios
asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what are the present pupil-teacher ratios for primary and secondary schools in Northern Ireland.
The latest figures available are for January 1981 as follows:
| PTR | |
| Primary | 23.6 |
| Secondary* | 15.5 |
* Includes grammar schools and preparatory departments.
Teachers (Retirement)
asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether he has considered reducing the compulsory age for retirement for teachers.
Teachers in Northern Ireland are required to retire in the year following their 65th birthday. They may, and many do, retire earlier. A reduction in the compulsory retirement age has not been considered.
Teacher Unemployment Monitoring Group
asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement about the future role of the teacher unemployment monitoring group.
The monitoring group was established to gather and make available to interested bodies information about teacher unemployment. Its future role will be discussed at a meeting of the group to be arranged shortly. I shall write to the hon. Gentleman after I have considered a report of that meeting.
Teaching Vacancies
asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will take measures to ensure that no temporary teaching vacancy is filled by a retired teacher.
No. I do not propose to take such measures because to do so, could result in classes without suitably qualified teachers, particularly in specialist subjects. Appointments of retired teachers to temporary posts are closely monitored by the Department of Education, and school authorities are required to justify the continuation of such appointments.
Unemployed Teachers
asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many teachers are unemployed in Northern Ireland.
At 10 December 1981, there were 1,212 unemployed teachers in Northern Ireland.
Imprisonment Statistics
asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many individuals in Northern Ireland between the ages of 17 and 21 years received sentences of imprisonment in 1981, and for what offences; and what are the comparable figures for 1980.
I shall reply to the hon. Member as soon as possible.
Scheduled Offences
asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many persons in Northern Ireland were convicted of scheduled offences in 1980 and in 1981; and how many of them were unemployed at time of arrest.
Information is available only in respect of persons convicted on indictment at Belfast Crown court of offences scheduled under the Northern Ireland (Emergency Provisions) Act 1978. The numbers of persons so convicted are as follows:1980–6211981–557It is not possible, except at disproportionate cost, to say how many persons were unemployed at the time of their arrest.
asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland for what scheduled offences persons under 17 years of age in Northern Ireland were (a) charged and (b) convicted during 1981.
It is not possible, without disproportionate cost, to itemise the schedule offences with which persons under 17 years of age were charged in any particular year. However, the scheduled offences and number of such persons convicted during 1981 are as follows:
| Higher Courts | |
| Offence | Numbers |
| convicted | |
| Possession of firearm with intent to injure | 1 |
| Robbery | 20 |
| Hijacking | 2 |
| Conspiracy to rob | 2 |
| Arson | 4 |
| Criminal damage | 1 |
| Manufacture or possession of petrol bombs | 3 |
| Possession of firearm in suspicious circumstances | 5 |
| Manufacture of prohibited weapons | 1 |
| Membership of a proscribed organisation | 1 |
| Total | 40 |
| Summary Courts | |
| Manufacture or possession of petrol bombs | 3 |
| Possession of firearm in suspicious circumstances | 1 |
| Criminal damage | 1 |
| Total | 5 |
| Grand Total | 45 |
Young Persons (Detention)
asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many persons under school leaving age were detained for questioning under the Emergency Provisions Act and the Prevention of Terrorism Act in Northern Ireland during 1981.
The information is not readily available in the form requested. During 1981, however, a total of 41 persons under 17 years of age were detained for questioning by the police under the Northern Ireland (Emergency Provisions) Act 1978 and the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act 1976.
Agriculture, Fisheries And Food
Horses (Classification)
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will take steps to classify the horse as an agricultural animal.
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will introduce legislation to reclassify the horse as an agricultural animal; and if he will make a statement.
I see no reason to do so.
Suckler Cow Premium
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he has any proposals for the maintenance of the value of the suckler cow premium if the EEC contribution thereto is reduced in accordance with the Commission's recent proposal.
The suckler cow premium arrangemets will be one of the items under discussion in Brusels during this year's price fix in negotiations. It would be inappropriate to speculate about the possible outcome at this stage.
Common Agricultural Policy
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on his discussions in Brussels on Monday 15 February about the common agricultural policy.
I refer the hon. Member to the statement that I made in the House earlier today.
Council Of Agriculture Ministers
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was the outcome of the Council of Agriculture Ministers' meeting in Brussels on 15 and 16 February; and if he will make a statement.
I refer the hon. Member to the statement that I made in the House earlier today.
Environment
Right To Buy (Waltham Forest)
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) if he is satisfied with the progress made by the London borough of Waltham Forest council with regard to applications by their tenants in Billericay and Wickford under the right-to-buy legislation;(2) if the London borough of Waltham Forest council has adhered to the timetable agreed with his Department for the sale of homes to tenants living in Billericay and Wickford; and if he will make a statement;(3) how many tenants of the London borough of Waltham Forest council living in Billericay and Wickford applied to buy their homes under the right-to-buy legislation; and how many completions have been agreed.
I shall write to my hon. Friend.
Grant-Related Expenditure
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how much his Department spent on the development of grant-related expenditure (a) for 1981–82 and (b) for 1982–83; and how much of this expenditure was undertaken by private contractors.
It is not possible to separate work on the development of grant-related expenditure from work on grant distribution generally. In the two divisions within my Department primarily responsible for grant distribution, there were 47 staff at the time of the 1981–82 RSG settlement and 46 at the time of the 1982–83 settlement. Staffing costs of specifically GRE-related work for the two years are not available. For the 1981–82 settlement, £282,000 was paid to private contractors for computer time—usage and storage—on GRE-related work; for the 1982–83 settlement, £196,000.
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will publish the grant-related expenditure assessments broken down by individual services for each local authority in England used in the 1982–83 rate support grant settlement.
The local authority associations have advised me that publication at this time of these figures would give undue significance to them as constituents in the calculation of an unhypothecated block grant and would undermine local authorities' discretion individually to determine expenditure priorities between services. I shall, however, be providing these figures to the local authority associations as a contribution to our continuing discussions on the development of the GRE assessments. At that time I shall place copies of the figures in the Library, as I did this year with the figures for 1981–82.
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will publish the national total of grant-related expenditure in total and broken down by individual services (a) in 1981–82 and (b) in 1982–83.
The figures requested are as follows:
| 1981–83* | I982–83† | |
| £million | £million | |
| Education | 9,132 | 9,893 |
| Libraries | 246 | 284 |
| Museums and art galleries | 41 | 40 |
| Personal social services | 1,654 | 1,943 |
| Police | 996 | 1,085 |
| Fire | 431 | 465 |
| Probation and after-care | 23 | 25 |
| Magistrates courts | 28 | 26 |
| Coroners courts | 10 | 13 |
1981–82*
| 1982–83†
| |
£ million
| £ million
| |
| School crossing patrols | 16 | 14 |
| Civil defence | 2 | 3 |
| Registration of electors | 18 | 19 |
| Transport | 1,302 | 1,373 |
| Careers | 45 | 48 |
| Sheltered employment | 10 | 9 |
| Consumer protection | 45 | 49 |
| HRA housing | 322 | 330 |
| Other housing | 66 | 81 |
| Rent rebates and allowances | 216 | 180 |
| Recreation: parks and parish precepts | 340 | 370 |
| sport | 236 | 230 |
| Refuse collection | 436 | 410 |
| Refuse disposal | 161 | 183 |
| Planning | 200 | 303 |
| Environmental health | 257 | 309 |
| Rate collection | 128 | 147 |
| Rate rebates | 26 | 39 |
| Land drainage | 87 | 93 |
| Registration, births, marriages, deaths | 13 | 14 |
| Other services | 246 | 256 |
| Contributions to trading services | 64 | 51 |
| Leasing charges | — | 95 |
| Interest receipts and contributions to | ||
| special funds | 69 | ‡–337 |
| Financing of capital expenditure after 1 | ||
| April 1981 | 341 | 472 |
| Total England** | 17,203 | 18,515 |
* Figures for the purposes of the Rate Support Grant Supplementary Report (England) 1982.
† Figures for the purposes of the Rate Support Grant Report (England) 1982–83
‡The definition of total expenditure for block grant purposes is different in 1982–83 from that used in 1981–82. In 1982–83 interest receipts on revenue balances are to be netted off authorities' total expenditure.
* * Figures do not add precisely due to rounding.
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will publish the total of grant-related expenditure allocated to (a) non-metropolitan counties, (b) non-metropolitian districts, (c)metropolitan counties,(d)metropolitan districts, (e)inner London boroughs,(f) outer London boroughs, (g) the Greater London Council, (h)the Inner London Education Authority and (i) the Metropolitan Police in 1981–82 and 1982–83.
The figures requested are as follows:
| *1981–82 | †1982–83 | |
| £ million | £ million | |
| (a) Non-metropolitan counties | 8,377 | 8,934 |
| (b) Non-metropolitan districts | 1,263 | 1,400 |
| (c) Metropolitan counties | 803 | 864 |
| (d) Metropolitan districts | 3,529 | 3,762 |
| (e) Inner London boroughs | 596 | 660 |
| (f) Outer London boroughs | 1,455 | 1,562 |
| (g) Greater London Council | 436 | 480 |
| (h) Inner London Education Authority | 470 | 516 |
| (i) Metropolitan Police | 274 | 338 |
| Total England | 17,203 | ‡18,515 |
* Figures as determined in the Rate Support Grant Supplementary Report (England) 1982.
† Figures as determined in the Rate Support Grant Report (England) 1982–83.
‡ Figures do not add due to rounding.
Rate Support Grant
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many officials in his Department—full time equivalents—were required to operate the rate support grant and additional measures, such as the "holdback" mechanism, in preparing the grant settlements for 1978–79, 1979–80, 1980–81, 1981–82 and 1982–83.
One directorate within the Department deals with local government expenditure and rate support grant. Its staff numbers have been as follows:
| at | Number |
| 1 April 1970 | 86.5 |
| 1 April 1980 | 86.5 |
| 1 April 1981 | 91 |
| 1 February | |
| 1982 | 86 |
Ancient Monuments
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether ancient monuments in the care of his Department which are normally open to the public will be open on the May bank holiday in 1982.
My Department is currently considering this issue.
Anglian Water Authority
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if, when considering further water industry references to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission as referred to in the Official Report, 7 December 1981, column 581, he will include the Anglian water authority with particular reference to its geographic coverage, management from the centre, finance loan structure, pricing practices and the desirability of making a direction under section 12 of the Competition Act.
I am considering the next water industry reference to the commission with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade who expects to make an announcement very shortly.
Sports Clubs
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will estimate the extent to which sports clubs use profits from gaming machines on their premises to provide new facilities.
Information is not available to the Government or any of the sporting agencies which would allow such an estimate to he made. The situation must vary considerably from club to club.
Direct Labour Building Departments
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many operatives and administrative, professional, technical and clerical staff were employed in local authority direct labour building departments in (a) April 1981 and (b) October 1981 on (i) new housing, (ii) other new works, (iii) housing repairs and maintenance and (iv) non-housing repairs and maintenance.
The information available in respect of local authority and new towns direct labour organisations in Great Britain is as follows:
| Operatives Employed (Thousands) | |||||
New Work
| Repairs and
| ||||
Maintenance
| |||||
Housing
| Other
| Housing
| Non-Housing
| Total
| |
| April 1981 | 5.2 | 9.9 | 73.1 | 63.6 | 151.8 |
| October 1981 | No Break down available | 147.4 | |||
Administrative, Professional, Technical, and Clerical Staff (Thousands)
| |||||
| April 1981 | No Break down available | 83.0 | |||
| October 1981 | No Break down available | 79.6 | |||
The figures of APTC staff include all personnel engaged on the design, management, control and so 011 of building and civil engineering work irrespective of whether the work is carried out by direct labour or by a contractor.
The breakdown of operatives employed by function is no longer collected from either private contractors or direct labour organisations.
House Building (Direct Labour)
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) whether he will list the local authorities which have built dwellings by direct labour since 26 November 1980, naming the scheme in each case, the gross tender price, and the number of dwellings involved;(2) whether any local authorities have undertaken the building of dwellings for sale by direct labour since 26 November 1980; and, if so, whether he will name the scheme in each case, the gross tender price and the number of dwelling involved.
I shall answer these question shortly.
Hazardous Waste
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what comments he has received from industry and local authorities on his proposals on the importation of hazardous waste.
The consultation document NA as issued on 17 December 1981 and comments were requested by 26 February 1982. The views of industry and the local authority associations directly concerned are therefore still awaited.
Local Authorities (Employment Assistance)
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he intends to introduce proposals to limit the assistance that local authorities can give to encourage local employment; and if he will make a statement.
I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave my hon. Friend the Member for Devizes (Mr. Morrison) on 11 February 1982.—[Vol. 17, c. 465–66.]
Council House Sales
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many council tenants do not have the right to purchase their council homes because the freehold of the property is owned by an individual or body other than the council.
This information has not been collected from individual authorities, but the Department's broad estimate is that there may be some 50,000 council tenants in England and Wales occupying dwellings in which their local authority has a leasehold interest.
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will take steps to enable council tenants residing in properties where the leasehold only is owned by the council to purchase that leasehold right from the council.
I refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Dartford (Mr. Dunn) by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 11 February 1982.—[Vol. 17, c. 1111]
Rents
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will issue guidance to local authorities that in fixing their council rent levels, they should have regard to the fact that certain council tenants are deprived of the right to buy their homes in terms of the Housing Act.
No. The statutory responsibility for fixing the rent payable on particular dwellings lies with each local authority.
West Midlands Metropolitan County Council
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) if he will list those functions currently performed by the West Midlands metropolitan county council which were previously carried out by the constituent borough and city councils within the county;(2) if he will list those functions performed by the West Midlands metropolitan county council which have been introduced since the reform of local government, and which were not hitherto performed by the constituent city and borough councils.
The main functions of metropolitan county councils are as follows:
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list the numbers of people employed by the West Midlands metropolitan county council for each year since its formation.
The numbers of people employed by the West Midlands metropolitan county council as published in returns of the joint manpower watch were as follows:
| Full-time | Part-time | |
| March 1979 | 4,552 | 618 |
| March 1980 | 5,053 | 752 |
| March 1981 | 4,988 | *1,171 |
* Includes an unspecified number of staff transferred from metropolitan district councils.
In the earlier years, figures for individual authorities were not published and are not available centrally. Since the March 1981 return this council has declined to make its figures available for publication in the individual authority tables of the central returns.
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what has been the total expenditure of the West Midlands metropolitan county council for each year since its formation.
Figures for the gross expenditure of individual authorities, excluding double counting resulting from expenditure flows between the different accounts, are not readily available. The following table shows, for the West Midlands metropolitan county council, net rate fund revenue expenditure met from rates, grants and balances, derived from returns made to my Department.
| Net rate fund revenue | |
| expenditure met from | |
| rates, grants and | |
| balances* | |
| (outturn prices) | |
| £ million | |
| 1974–75 | 86 |
| 1975–76 | 119 |
| 1976–77 | 135 |
| 1977–78 | 141 |
| 1978–79 | 151 |
| 1979–80 | 188 |
| 1980–81 | 236 |
| 1981–82 (revised budget) | 305 |
* There are slight definitional differences between years and in particular the revised budget figure is net of non-relevant specific grants.
Countryside Commission
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when he expects the Countryside Commission to become a grant-in-aid body.
I expect the preparations to be completed in time to make a commencement order bringing section 47 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 into operation on 1 April 1982.
Zoological Society Of London
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement regarding the finances of the Zoological Society of London.
The Zoological Society of London has indicated to the Government that it is in financial difficulties, and has sought assistance.The Government have considered this request sympathetically, having in mind that the zoo has an international reputation, that it is a major London amenity and also an important tourist attraction. The Government, after a close scrutiny of the society's financial situation, have therefore agreed to make a grant to the society of an amount sufficient to keep it in funds, having regard to available bank overdraft facilities, for a short period, during which a study will be conducted with the utmost urgency into whether the society can be made self-supporting in the longer term. The possibility of any further Government involvement at the end of the period will be for consideration in the light of the findings of the study and of the prospects of the society becoming self-supporting. The form of the study, to be jointly sponsored and financed by the Government and the society, is under urgent consideration, and I shall make a further announcement shortly.The grant is not expected to exceed £1 million and can be met from savings in the Department's existing provision. Pending parliamentary approval of a Supplementary Estimate for this, an advance will be made from the Contingencies Fund, since funds are required immediately.