Written Answers

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Written Answers To Questions

Monday 28 March 1983

Solicitor-General For Scotland

Conspiracy And Protection Of Property Act 1875

asked the Solicitor-General for Scotland how many convictions there have been in Scotland over the past year under the Conspiracy and Protection of Property Act 1875.

The information that the hon. Gentleman seeks is not kept. The only current prosecution of which I am aware is one at Kirkcaldy sheriff court in respect of an incident at the Fife area laboratory, Kirkcaldy, on 24 and 25 September of last year. The decision of the sheriff in this case is being appealed and as the case is sub judice I cannot comment further on it.

Church Commissioners

Holy Trinity Church, Rugby

asked the hon. Member for Wokingham, as answering for the Church Commissioners, how much money was spent by the Church authorities on protecting Holy Trinity, Rugby, from the time it ceased to be used for public worship to the latest available date.

Under section 49(2) of the Pastoral Measure 1968, responsibility for the care and, maintenance of a redundant church, so far as is reasonable in all the circumstances, rests, not with the Church Commissioners, but, for the duration of the "waiting period", with the diocesan board of finance concerned.

Attorney-General

Commons Commissioners

asked the Attorney-General how many Commons Commissioners the Lord Chancellor has appointed; how many are currently in post; and whether he intends to appoint any more.

The normal complement is four, including the chief commissioner. Four are currently in post. It is not intended to appoint any more at present.

Home Department

Refugees

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what response he has made, or intends to make, to representations by refugee organisations in the United Kingdom for further funding for expert advice and counselling of refugees;(2) what payments he has made to which refugee organisations in the United Kingdom in respect of counselling and advice for refugees.

I regret that it is not possible to say precisely what proportion of the sums paid to refugee organisations has been used to fund expert advice and counselling. In the financial years 1979–80 to 1981–82, payments totalling nearly £2·0 million were made by the Home Office to voluntary organisations concerned with the reception and resettlement of Vietnamese refugees. These organisations were the British Council for Aid to Refugees (latterly the British Refugee Council), the Save the Children Fund (subsequently replaced by Refugee Action) and the Ockenden Venture.Most of this money was spent by the organisations in providing reception facilities and, later, housing for refugees; but an unidentifiable smaller proportion went to provide advice and support for Vietnamese by then settled in the community or for those who were concerned with meeting their special needs. In the current financial year, some £824,000 has been made available to the refugee organisations.Since, by this time, most Vietnamese refugees have left the reception centres, most of this sum is being spent on advice and support services. In response to requests from the refugee organisations, it has been agreed that a further £580,000 will be made available to them in the financial year 1983–84; and it is expected that the greater part of this money will again be spent on providing advice and support.

Deputy Secretaries

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the responsibilities of each of the deputy secretaries in his Department, and the numbers and ranks of staff reporting to each.

The information is as follows:

Deputy secretary: Criminal, general and statistical departments; and research and planning unit:

3 under-secretaries, 1 chief research officer and 504 other staff.

Deputy secretary: Police end fire departments:

Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Constabulary, 4 undersecretaries, controller, forensic science service and 3,219 other staff.

Deputy secretary: Broadcasting, community programmes and equal opportunities, immigration and nationality and radio regulatory departments:

4 under-secretaries and 3,322 other staff.

Deputy secretary: Establishments and finance and manpower departments; and data protection divisions:

2 under-secretaries, 1 executive director and 1,642 other staff.

Deputy secretary: Legal adviser's branch:

2 principal assistant legal advisers and 22 other staff.

Deputy secretary: Director-general of the prison service:

1 deputy director-general, 3 under-secretaries, 1 director, prison medical services, and 26,174 other staff.

Trafalgar Square (Crowd Safety)

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 16 March, Official Report, c. 174–5 when he expects to receive the report of the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis on the deaths in Trafalgar Square last New Year's Eve.

I have received a report from the Commissioner on the general and the specific circumstances of the deaths. The Commissioner's examination of the implications of that report and other aspects of the events in Trafalgar Square is continuing, and he will report to me further as soon as possible after that has been completed.

South African Government Representatives (Meetings)

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he, any Minister, or any officials of his Department, recently met any of the following representatives of the South African Government (a) Mr. Dalston, Director General of Foreign Affairs, (b) Mr. Vander Westhuizen, Director of Military Intelligence, (c) Mr. Coetzee, Head of Security Police, on their visit to London.

No.

London (Crime Statistics)

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will set up an independent public inquiry into violent crime and its causes and treatment within the Metropolitan police district.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will hold a public inquiry into the increases in offences of robbery and other violent theft committed by coloured people in the Metropolitan police districts; and if he will make a statement.

I am not persuaded that such an inquiry would make a useful contribution to the formulation of policy in tackling violent crime.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will take steps to collect statistics on a yearly basis of those persons arrested, prosecuted and convicted for offences of robbery and other violent theft by each police district in Metropolitan London and by ethnic appearance; and if he will make a statement.

The Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis already collects certain statistics of this kind. We are arranging for the readily available information to be included in a reply to a question by my hon. Friend to be answered later this week.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement as to the value and relevance to him of the information set out in the reply to the hon. Member for Basildon (Mr. Proctor) Official Report, 22 March, c. 366–368.

Details of the appearance of a suspect have to be collected in the course of the normal investigation of a recorded offence. The reliability of the victim's assessment of the ethnic appearance of an assailant will depend on the circumstances of the offence. This weakness must be borne in mind in the interpretation of any statistics based on this information, but these statistics give the best information which is available on a matter of current public concern. It is our practice to give information in reply to questions by hon. Members when it is readily available and can be provided without disproportionate cost.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he will give figures for the number of offences of assault, robbery and other violent theft in the Metropolitan London police districts in 1980, 1981 and 1982 with a breakdown of the ethnic appearance of assailant;(2) if he will publish in the

Official Report a table showing the ethnic appearance of victims of recorded offences of robbery and other violent theft for each Metropolitan police district and in total in 1982 for the following categories where the victim's perception of the appearance of assailant was (a) white, (b) coloured, (c) mixed gang (d) unknown; if he will tabulate the comparative figures for 1981; and if he will show the percentage change between 1981 and 1982;

(3) if he will publish in the Official Report a table showing the ethnic breakdown of the victims of recorded offences of robbery and other violent theft for each Metropolitan police district and in total in 1982; if he will tabulate the comparable figures for 1981; and if he will show the percentage change between 1981 and 1982 in each case.

We understand from the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis that the readily available information is as given in the following tables and in the reply I gave today to a question from the hon. Member for Wolverhampton North-East (Mrs. Short). We are arranging with the Commissioner for a systematic analysis of the ethnic information for the Metropolitan police district for all types of offence to be published in due course.

Table 1
Offences recorded in the Metropolitan Police offence groups of 'Assaults, etc.' and 'Robbery and other violent theft'
Metropolitan Police District
Offence and year	Total^*	Victim's assessment of ethnic appearance of assailant
		White	Coloured	Mixed gang	Not known
	Number of offences
Assaults, etc.
1977	13,378	5,234	2,212	242	5,690
1978	14,727	5,993	2,301	368	6,065
1979	16,425	6,830	2,442	371	6,782
1980	16,139	6,857	2,406	491	6,385
1981	16,282	7,212	2,657	273	6,140
1982	17,374	8,276	3,044	288	5,766
Robbery and other violent theft
1977	12,415	3,026	6,321	527	2,541
1978	12,180	2,969	6,027	910	2,274
1979	11,636	2,988	5,873	702	2,073
1980	13,984	3,830	7,067	818	2,269
1981	18,763	4,967	10,399	704	2,693
1982	19,258	5,262	10,960	534	2,502
	Percentage of total offences
Assaults, etc.
1977	100	39	17	2	43
1978	100	41	16	2	41
1979	100	42	15	2	41
1980	100	42	15	3	40
1981	100	44	16	2	38
1982	100	48	18	2	33
Robbery and other violent theft
1977	100	24	51	4	20
1978	100	24	49	7	19
1979	100	26	50	6	18
1980	100	27	51	6	16
1981	100	26	55	4	14
1982	100	27	57	3	13
^* Percentages may not add to 100 because they have been been rounded independently.

Table 2
Recorded offences of robbery and other violent theft
Metropolitan Police District			Percentages
Ethnic appearance		Victim's perception of ethnic
of victim	Total ^*	appearance of assailant
		White	Coloured	Mixed gang	Not known
1981
White-skinned European	78	76	78	76	81
Black-skinned	4	3	4	3	3
Indian/Pakistani	11	11	11	11	9
Dark-skinned European	5	4	5	6	4
Other	2	1	2	2	2
Unknown	2	4	1	2	1
Total	100	100	100	100	100
1982
White-skinned European	77	76	77	76	82
Black-skinned	4	3	5	4	4
Indian/Pakistani	11	13	11	10	8
Dark-skinned European	4	4	5	4	3
Other	2	1	2	1	2
Unknown	2	3	1	4	1
Total	100	100	100	100	100
^* Percentages may not add to 100 because they have been rounded independently.

Nationality (Registration)

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the estimated cost of reducing to £25 the fee for registration of Commonwealth citizens as United Kingdom citizens under the British Nationality Act 1981 in case of (a) persons of retirement age, (b) children and (c) persons in receipt of supplementary benefit.

I regret that this information is not available.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the estimated cost of the registration

Table 1
Recorded offences of robbery and other violent theft by ethnic appearance of victim
Metropolitan Police District, 1981					Number of offences
Police District	Ethnic appearance of victim^*								Total
	White-skinned European	Dark-skinned European	Negroid	Indian/Pakistani	Chinese/Japanese	Arabian/Egyptian	Not known	Conspiracies and victim details not known
A—(Part) Westminster	158	5	6	11	1	4	0	7	192
B—Kensington and Chelsea	457	35	17	32	5	27	0	8	581
C—(Part) Westminster	449	32	15	31	18	19	4	18	586
D—(Part) Westminster	575	48	17	58	18	35	0	9	760
E—Camden	547	33	16	67	11	5	4	15	698
F—Hammersmith	433	18	20	71	15	14	1	6	578
G—Hackney	1,288	116	77	90	11	3	1	13	1,599
H—Tower Hamlets	488	20	18	89	5	0	0	8	628
I—Heathrow, etc.	36	0	0	5	0	0	0	1	42
J—Waltham Forest, Redbridge, etc	352	10	14	70	2	0	0	15	463
K—Havering, Barking and Newham	511	13	22	165	4	0	0	27	742
L—Lambeth	2,007	105	154	171	7	2	4	43	2,493
M—Southwark	1,057	51	62	83	4	0	4	20	1,281
N—Islington	556	78	30	49	4	2	0	13	732
P—Lewisham and Bromley	1,200	38	37	83	8	2	0	8	1,376

under the British Nationality Act 1981 of Commonwealth citizens to the latest convenient date; and what is the value of fees paid by applicants over the same period.

The British Nationality Act 1981 came into force on 1 January 1983. The cost of applications for registration, including applications by Commonwealth citizens, under the 1981 Act is not yet available. Income from fees received with applications for citizenship is not broken down by category of applicant on receipt of the application but when certificates are issued. Information about the total in fees received in respect of certificates of registration issued to Commonwealth citizens in the financial year 1982–83 is not yet available.

Displaced Cypriots

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many Cypriots have applied for indefinite leave to remain in the United Kingdom following the announcement of a new policy for displaced Cypriots on 29 April 1982 or have been considered under that policy; how many have been granted leave to remain under that policy; and how many cases are outstanding.

By the end of 1982, about 550 Cypriots had been granted indefinite leave to remain under the new policy. The other information requested is not readily available and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.

Street Crimes (Statistics)

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will take steps to record and disclose the colour of victims of street crimes.

We understand from the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis that the information readily available is as given in the following tables. My right hon. Friend is considering whether any further information could usefully be collected within the resources that can be provided for this purpose.

Police District	Ethnic appearance of victim ^*								Total
	White-skinned European	Dark-skinned European	Negroid	Indian/Pakistani	Chinese/Japanese	Arabian/Egyptian	Not known	Conspiracies and victim details not known
Q—Brent and Harrow	846	42	34	274	15	3	6	8	1,228
R—Greenwich and Bexley	443	4	9	34	4	0	0	9	503
S—Barnet and Hertsmere	197	13	5	33	4	1	0	21	274
T—Richmond-upon-Thames, Hounslow, etc.	222	4	1	48	2	0	0	8	285
V—Kingston-upon-Thames, Merton, etc.	157	2	2	22	3	3	0	0	189
W—Wandsworth	921	27	48	164	8	5	9	15	1,197
X—Ealing and Hillingdon	437	11	12	173	1	0	1	7	642
Y—Haringey and Enfield, etc.	817	144	51	138	17	2	15	15	1,199
Z—Croydon and Sutton, etc.	403	9	11	60	0	2	0	10	495
Total MPD	14,557	858	678	2,021	167	129	49	304	18,763
^* For offences involving two or more victims only the first victim is counted.

Table 2
Recorded offences of robbery and other violent theft by ethnic appearance of victim
Metropolitan Police District, 1982					Number of offences
Police District	Ethnic appearance of victim ^*								Total
	White-skinned European	Dark-skinned European	Negroid	Indian/Pakistani	Chinese/Japanese	Arabian/Egyptian	Not known	Conspiracies and victim details not known
A—(Part) Westminster	150	5	5	8	2	2	5	1	178
B—Kensington and Chelsea	500	25	20	31	16	34	6	10	642
C—(Part) Westminster	418	32	13	34	16	10	5	13	541
D—(Part) Westminster	486	42	37	48	14	28	8	6	669
E—Camden	594	40	19	56	9	2	8	8	736
F—Hammersmith	400	14	16	76	8	8	1	6	529
G—Hackney	1,099	122	76	128	8	0	5	8	1,446
H—Tower Hamlets	370	14	24	78	1	1	5	8	501
I—Heathrow, etc.	30	0	1	8	0	0	0	0	39
J—Waltham Forest, Redbridge, etc.	482	6	15	110	4	1	2	5	625
K—Havering, Barking and Newham	555	11	12	149	8	0	1	11	747
L—Lambeth	2,561	138	215	213	23	10	21	9	3,190
M—Southwark	1,146	51	60	78	8	0	7	20	1,370
N—Islington	581	60	31	51	2	1	4	9	739
P—Lewisham and Bromley	1,207	43	52	77	7	1	6	11	1,404
Q—Brent and Harrow	792	32	44	313	19	4	11	13	1,228
R—Greenwich and Bexley	358	5	9	36	3	0	0	4	415
S—Barnet and Hertsmere	208	17	5	31	5	0	0	9	275
T—Richmond-upon-Thames, Hounslow, etc.	271	1	7	49	1	0	5	8	342
V—Kingston-upon-Thames, Merton, etc.	172	3	6	25	2	0	1	0	209
W—Wandsworth	920	38	60	130	9	2	12	6	1,177
X—Ealing and Hillingdon	432	11	13	199	4	3	0	7	669
Y—Haringey and Enfield, etc.	798	117	46	120	12	0	13	10	1,116
Z—Croydon and Sutton, etc.	394	4	11	52	4	0	4	2	471
Total MPD	14,924	831	797	2,100	185	107	130	184	19,258
^* For offences involving two or more victims only the first victim is counted.

Table 3
Recorded offences of robbery and other violent theft by ethnic appearance of victim
Metropolitan Police District
Year	Ethnic appearance of victim ^*								Total
	White-skinned European	Dark-skinned European	Black-skinned†	Indian/Pakistani	Chinese/Japanese	Arabian/Egyptian	Not known	Conspiracies and victim details not recorded
Number of offences
1977	10,307	521	361	965	70	99	1	91	12,415
1978	9,866	518	354	1,001	90	169	43	129	12,180
1979	9,486	444	370	955	91	113	27	150	11,636
1980	11,169	617	445	1,281	137	96	40	229	13,984
1981	14,557	858	678	2,021	167	129	49	304	18,763
1982	14,924	831	797	2,100	185	107	130	184	19,258

Year	Ethnic appearance of victim ^*								Total
	White-skinned European	Dark-skinned European	Black-skinned†	Indian/Pakistani	Chinese/Japanese	Arabian/Egyptian	Not known	Conspiracies and victim details not recorded
Percentage of total offences
1977	83	4	3	8	1	1	0	1	100
1978	81	4	3	8	1	1	0	1	100
1979	82	4	3	8	1	1	0	1	100
1980	80	4	3	9	1	1	0	2	100
1981	78	5	4	11	1	1	0	2	100
1982	77	4	4	11	1	1	1	1	100
^* For offences involving two or more victims only the first victim is counted.
† Including West Indian/African.

Wales

Abortion (Day Care Facilities)

asked the Secretary of State for Wales in which hospitals in Wales day care facilities for termination of pregnancy are available; and how these facilities compare in ease of access with those elsewhere in the United Kingdom.

No day care facilities in Wales are designated for the termination of pregnancy.

Advance Factories (Employment)

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what is the total number of men and women currently employed in advance factories built since 1964 in Wales.

The information is not available in the form requested.

Improvement Grants

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what is his estimate of the total number of additional staff that have been recruited by district councils in Wales to deal with increased demand for improvement grants; and whether he will ensure that no local authority is penalised for overspending that arises from such appointments.

A recent survey carried out by the Council for the Principality showed that only about 1 per cent. of district council manpower was engaged, or about to be engaged, in the processing of home renovation grants. The additional staff which authorities estimated were needed to deal with the backlog of applications was only 0·3 per cent. These figures make it clear that authorities already have at their disposal sufficient staff resources to make the relatively small adjustments necessary to deal with the increased demand for grants. It would therefore be wholly inappropriate to make an exemption from expenditure targets for any additional staff.

Nhs Houses (Right To Buy)

asked the Secretary of State for Wales whether, when houses currently owned by the National Health Service in Wales, which are located in areas of outstanding natural beauty or other areas to which the provisions of section 19 of the Housing Act 1980 apply in respect of public sector tenants, are offered for sale to their occupants, he will include a similar buy-back clause in the conveyance or grant in order to safeguard against their becoming second homes.

I am aware of no houses owned by the National Health Service in such areas in Wales.

Adult Education

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what assistance is given by the Government to the Workers Educational Association towards adult education in Wales.

The two districts of the Workers Educational Association in Wales receive an annual grant from the Welsh Office towards the provision of courses of liberal adult education. In 1982–83 the grant allocation is £97,244 to the North Wales district and £141,755 to the South Wales district. Grant allocations for 1983–84 have not yet been made.In addition, the Office made a grant under the urban programme of £10,627 in 1982–83 to the South Wales district of the association for the provision of a tutor organiser in Gwent. There will be a further grant of £11,289 for this purpose in 1983–84. A grant of £3,450 will also be made in 1983–84 to the North Wales district for the provision of Welsh language classes.

Schools Inspectorate

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what has been the strength of the schools inspectorate in Wales in March in each of the past four years.

The information is:

Her Majesty's Inspectors in Post
	Number
1980	60
1981	58
1982	53
1983	50

Recruitment is currently taking place.

Employment Statistics

asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will publish a table showing the quarterly figures for those unemployed for over two years in Wales since January 1980.

The information is as follows:

Unemployed for over two years
		Number
1980	January	11,564
	April	11,593
	July	11,927
	October	12,785
1981	January	13,235
	April	13,850
	July	15,045
	October	17,182
1982	January	18,899
	April	21,473
	July	24,412
	October	30,325
1983	January	31,991

Note: Figures for January 1983 are claimant based.

Information Technology Centres

asked the Secretary of State for Wales, further to his written answer of 15 March, Official Report, c. 7, what progress has been made to date in the establishment of information technology centres in South Wales.

Information technology centres have been approved in Neath, Cardiff, Pontypridd and Llanelli. The Neath centre is fully operational, the Cardiff centre is currently recruiting trainees and the Pontypridd centre is recruiting staff. The Manpower Services Commission is considering further ITeCs including proposals for Blaenau Gwent and Newport.

Nhs (Property Sales)

asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list the occasions when buildings or land previously owned by the National Health Service in Wales have been sold to or subsequently used by private or voluntary bodies for health-related purposes.

Since 1 April 1979 the former nurse training school at Strathalyn, Clwyd, has been sold to a private interest whose intention is to convert the property to a private nursing home; and the British Red Cross Society has acquired land adjacent to the Wrexham War Memorial hospital.

Education Vouchers

asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he has considered the introduction in Wales of a system of education vouchers.

My right hon. Friend and my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education and Science, have been considering a number of possibilities for extending parental choice and responsibility in education, including the use of a voucher system, but they have as yet reached no conclusions about them.

Prime Minister

Quantum Pharmacology

asked the Prime Minister what financial assistance Government Departments are giving to promote the development and use of quantum pharmacology.

The Government are providing considerable financial support for the development and application of quantum pharmacology, a technique of great industrial potential for the design of new drugs, through the research councils. Over the past three years, the science and engineering research council has provided over half a million pounds in the form of research grant funds, in addition to the provision of computer facilities and the support of research students (some of whom have been supported in collaboration with industry). The Medical Research Council has supported research projects using these techniques also.

Mauritius

asked the Prime Minister when she last had discussions with the Prime Minister of Mauritius; and what subjects were discussed.

The Prime Minister of Mauritius and I held discussions in London on 11 October 1982. The details of these discussions are naturally confidential but a wide range of issues of interest to our two countries was discussed in a frank and friendly atmosphere.

Colombia

asked the Prime Minister what representations she has received in the past year from the president of Colombia.

The former President of Colombia, Dr. Julio Cesar Turbay-Ayala, wrote to me on 21 May and 2 June 1982 expressing his hope that a peaceful solution could be found to the Falklands conflict. As the hon. Member knows, it was Argentina's consistent refusal to withdraw its occupying forces from the islands that made such a solution impossible.

Hong Kong

asked the Prime Minister if she will make a statement on her recent meeting with the Governor of Hong Kong concerning the future of the colony.

I had two meetings with the Governor of Hong Kong and the ambassador to Peking when they were in London in March. I took the opportunity to have a full review on the future of Hong Kong. The meetings were part of regular consultations on this subject.

Republic Of Ireland (Taoiseach)

asked the Prime Minister if she will make a statement on her recent meeting with the Prime Minister of the Republic of Ireland.

I refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Basildon (Mr. Proctor) on Thursday 24 March 1983—[Vol. 39, c. 461.]

asked the Prime Minister when she last met the Prime Minister of the Republic of Ireland; what subjects were discussed; when she next expects to meet him; and if she will make a statement.

I had a meeting with Dr. FitzGerald, in the margins of the European Council on 22 March, which lasted about 45 minutes. The talks were informal and introductory in character and covered a number of matters of concern and interest to us both. I expect to see Dr. FitzGerald at the next European Council.

General Matthei (Chile)

asked the Prime Minister what meetings were held between (a) Ministers and (b) officials, and General Matthei of Chile; and what subjects were discussed at each meeting.

General Matthei met the Chief of the Air Staff, other Royal Air Force officers and Ministry of Defence officials to discuss professional air force matters and potential defence sales. He paid a courtesy call on my hon. Friend the Minister of State for Defence Procurement.

Industry

Rj 500 Aero Engine

asked the Secretary of State for Industry whether he is satisfied that third party sales of the aero engine to be developed jointly by Rolls-Royce and Pratt and Witney will not be subject to veto by the United States Congress or the United States Government.

The issue of the application of United States re-export controls to such engines will be one of many which the Government will have to consider in connection with the proposed collaboration.

Sub-Post Offices

asked the Secretary of State for Industry, pursuant to his reply of 4 February to the hon. Member for Sudbury and Woodbridge (Mr. Stainton), Official Report, c. 223, what progress has been made in the consultations with the National Federation of Sub-Postmasters in relation to maintaining a sub-post office network; if he will now give more details of the £2 million fund guidelines for ensuring this; whether the £2 million is an annual projected payment or a once-off fund; and if he will make a statement.

Discussions with the Post Office on the practical details of the scheme have now been concluded and a meeting with the National Federation of Sub-Postmasters is being arranged in the very near future. The fund, which is provided in support of the Government's commitment to maintain an adequate sub-post office network, is expected to be operational shortly. Full details of the guidelines for the £2 million fund, which is a once-off fund, will be made available to the House as soon as the terms are finalised with the federation.

Manufacturing Output

asked the Secretary of State for Industry if he will estimate the proportion of the United Kingdom manufacturing output which is exported.

The latest information on the proportion of United Kingdom manufacturing output exported was published in the 18 March 1983 edition of British Business (page 501). A copy of this publication is available in the House of Commons Library.

British Shipbuilders

asked the Secretary of State for Industry to what extent public funds have been made available to British Shipbuilders in the current financial year.

In the current financial year to date British Shipbuilders has received £129·3 million by way of public dividend capital and intervention fund support and in connection with the shipbuilding redundancy payments scheme. The last item does not fall within BS's external financial Limit for 1982–83 of £122 million, which the corporation expects to meet.

West Midlands

asked the Secretary of State for Industry how much industrial aid has been taken up by the west midlands; and how this compares with the take-up of other industrial regions.

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

asked the Secretary of State for Industry if he will introduce further measures to restore manufacturing capacity in the west midlands.

I refer the hon. Member to the measures announced by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Industry on Monday 21 March 1983—[Vol. 39, c. 549–58]. These include the reopening of the small engineering firms investment scheme, which will be of particular benefit to industry in the west midlands, and also the setting up of a special team for innovation to help firms in the west midlands to make the fullest use of all the national schemes of support for industry, in particular the support for innovation schemes under which grants are available for the development and introduction of new technology, new processes and new products. I am taking charge of this work.However the best prospects for firms in the region, and elsewhere, lie in their efforts to restore their competitiveness, which the Government's overall economic policies are encouraging.

Overseas Development

Investment-Related Aid

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether aid granted to (a) Kenya, (b) Sudan, (c) Tanzania, (d) Zambia and (e) Zimbabwe is related to British investment in these countries.

Not specifically; but it is possible for specific aid projects to be undertaken in association with British private investment in those countries. Questions concerning British investment overseas are for my right hon. and noble Friend the Secretary of State for Trade.

Grenada

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what overseas aid from the United Kingdom has gone to Grenada in each of the years from 1979 to date; what form it has taken; what requests for aid from the Government of Grenada for assistance have been received during that period; and what response has been made to them and why.

The figures are as follows:

£'000
	1979	1980	1981	1982
Capital aid	220	205	50	^*
Technical Co-operation	32	53	33	^*
^* Not yet available.

Expenditure on capital projects has been from a commitment of £2·25 million, part grant, part soft loan, made following independence in 1974. About £82,000 remains to be spent. Projects approved since 1979 have been mainly for roads and bridges and for the banana development programme. Technical co-operation is on grant terms and has been provided mainly for manpower assistance and the training of Grenada nationals in the United Kingdom.A written request that consideration be given to entering into discussions on a new tranche of development assistance was received from the Grenada Government in July 1982. The request was renewed by the Grenada Foreign Minister during a visit to the ODA in December 1982. The request was declined on both occasions, although we have undertaken to keep the situation under continuous review.Grenada claims to receive substantial aid from elsewhere and we must take account of the pressing needs of other developing countries in allocating our limited bilateral resources. We also have to consider the Grenada Government's record on civil liberties and democratic rights. We have made these points clear to the Grenada Government in our replies to their request.

Northern Ireland

Royal Ulster Constabulary (Training Centre)

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what progress has been made in obtaining more suitable premises in Enniskillen for the Royal Ulster Constabulary training centre and other units there stationed.

I understand that the police authority for Northern Ireland is currently reviewing the facilities in Enniskillen used by the Royal Ulster Constabulary for both training and operational purposes. No decisions about the force's accommodation requirements there can be taken until this review has been completed

Buildings And Land

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list the occasions when buildings or land previously owned by the National Health Service in Northern Ireland have been sold to or subsequently used by private or voluntary bodies for health-related purposes.

The health and personal social services are administered on an intergrated basis in Northern Ireland. Since 1 April 1979 no properties have been sold to private or voluntary bodies for purposes related to health and personal social services. However since that date the Department has leased or renewed leases for the following properties:

Property, lessor and purpose

63 Clarendon street, Londonderry—Clarendon night shelter committees—Night shelter for homeless women.

24 Pump street, Londonderry—Derry women's aid—Centre for battered wives.

1–5 Barrack street, Coalisland—Coalisland Conference for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul—Provision of services for homeless families.

Details of transactions prior to 1 April 1979 could only be provided at disproportionate cost.

Scotland

Nhs (Property Sales)

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the occasions when buildings or land previously owned by the National Health Service in Scotland have been sold to or subsequently used by private or voluntary bodies for health-related purposes.

Since 1 April 1979, two hospitals surplus to NHS requirements have been made available under minutes of agreement to voluntary bodies. Charleton hospital, Montrose was used by Save the Children Fund from 1980 to 1982 for Vietnamese refugees. The Talbot Association is converting Calderbank hospital, Lanarkshire into an assessment and care centre for alcoholics. The information requested is not readily available for earlier years.

Water Mains

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has conveniently available figures for the percentage of water mains in Scotland over 40 years old and which are made of cast iron; and what rough percentage are protected against corrosion, either inside or out.

Water supplies in Scotland are the responsibility of the regional and islands councils. Available records are such that it is not possible to give exact figures, but it is known that only a very small proportion of the older cast iron water mains in Scotland is positively protected against external corrosion. Where this has been done it has generally been to deal with a particular ground corrosion problem which has become evident. However, most cast iron water mains of all ages are protected against internal corrosion where the water supplied is likely to cause deterioration.

New Towns (Privatisation)

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what advice he has given the Scottish new town development corporations on the privatisation of functions and the sale of assets; and if he will make a statement.

The Government have no intention of altering the statutory functions of the Scottish new town development corporations. The Local Government Planning and Land Act 1980 and its associated regulations require them to put certain work out to tender. In addition the Department has asked the development corporations, when commissioning any work, to consider all available options, including contracting out, wherever it would be financially advantageous or more efficient to do so. As for the sale of assets, the development corporations were asked in June 1979 to dispose of assets both as part of the Government's disposal programme and to finance further development. This remains the Government's policy.

Local Education Authorities (Closed Shop)

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the local education authorities that operate a closed shop policy in Scotland.

It is for education authorities to negotiate contracts of service with their employees and no information is collected centrally about such contracts. However, I am not aware that any local authority in Scotland operates a closed shop for teachers.

Trade

Hairdressers

30.

asked the Minister for Trade if he will specify the laws, regulations and administrative provisions which will need to be introduced in the United Kingdom in order to comply with the European directive 82/849 EEC on the right of establishment of hairdressers.

No United Kingdom legislation is needed. Administrative procedures require the designation of the authorities and bodies competent to issue or receive the declarations, applications, certificates and other documents referred to in the directive. My Department is in consultation with the European commission about this.

asked the Minister for Trade if, in the light of the adoption of the European directive 82/849 EEC on the right of establishment of hairdressers, he has any plans to seek to introduce legislation to establish a licence to practice for hairdressing in the United Kingdom.

I have no plans to do so.

Brewing (European Community Regulation)

asked the Minister for Trade what representations have been made by Her Majesty's Government to the European Community Commissioners regarding the proposed replacement of Commission Regulation 67/67/EEC concerning tie agreements in the United Kingdom brewing industry.

My right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food discussed the proposed regulation with Mr. Frans Andriessen, the commissioner responsible for competition, while he was in Brussels for last week's meeting of the Agriculture Council. There have also been discussions with officials of the Commission.

Aerodromes (Highlands And Islands)

asked the Minister for Trade what discussions he has had with the chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority about the Civil Aviation Authority's Highlands and Islands aerodromes.

In pursuit of the Government's policy of privatisation, my right hon. and noble Friend the Secretary of State has asked the chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority to consider how the aerodromes in the Scottish Highlands and Islands presently operated by the authority might be transferred to the private sector. We shall ensure that the interests of local communities are taken fully into account.The chairman intends to discuss the future of the aerodromes with potential purchasers in the near future. Those of the authority's staff who are involved will be kept informed. Any individual or group or company interested in these proposals, either alone or as part of a potential consortium, should be in touch with the chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority.

Foreign Investment

asked the Minister for Trade what was the total of British investment in 1982–83 in: Kenya, Sudan, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Excluding oil, United Kingdom direct investment in these countries totalled about £60 million in 1980, the latest year for which information is available. The individual figures for these countries are subject to a wide margin of error. Investment by the Commonwealth Development Corporation is not included in the figure. United Kingdom portfolio investment is not available by country.

European Community (Competition)

asked the Minister for Trade whether he is satisfied that the Commission of the European Community, in the latest proposed regulation on exclusive distribution agreements, takes account of the representations he made last year on behalf of the United Kingdom distilling industry to the European Community Commissioner responsible for competition about the provisions on the appointment of competing manufacturers as sole distributors.

The latest draft of the regulation is an improvement but it is still not completely satisfactory on the matters which concern the distilling industry. The Government are seeking further changes.

Information Services (Report)

asked the Minister for Trade whether he has received copies of the National Consumer Council's report on information services for citizens; and whether he will make a statement.

Yes. I received the report on 1 March. It is of interest to a number of Departments and our reactions to it will be announced in due course.

Bernard Clarke Group Of Companies

asked the Minister for Trade whether the annual financial returns under the Companies Act have been duly filed for the Bernard Clarke group of companies; and whether he will make a statement.

Bernard Clarke and Partners Ltd. changed its name to Southlands Maintenance Company Ltd. on 7 November 1980. This company is in arrear over delivering documents to the Registrar of Companies.Default action was taken against the company and an annual return was delivered on 18 February 1983. Partial accounts were also delivered on this date and these have been returned to the company for completion. Similar action is being taken against other companies in default which are part of the Bernard Clarke Group.

Marine Pilots (Severance Scheme)

asked the Minister for Trade (1) if he will make a statement on the severance scheme for marine pilots; and if he intends to expend any public money on the scheme:(2) what representations he has received from marine pilots about the proposed severance scheme.

I have received many representations from pilots about the proposals that were put to me by the Pilotage Commission on 23 June last; these assumed that the Government would meet one-third of the estimated cost; this was unacceptable and I have sought further advice from Samuel Montagu and Co. Ltd. on means of providing whatever finance may be necessary. I will make a statement shortly.

Video Tape Recorders

asked the Minister for Trade what was the average or representative price for video recorders from Japan which caused the EEC Commission to seek a restraint agreement with Japan on volume and price; and what is the floor level for such imports which was agreed in consequence of the restraint agreement.

The Commission's agreement followed the submission of an anti-dumping complaint by European producers of video tape recorders, but any details of export prices from Japan notified to the Commission in that connection remain confidential to the Commission. The levels of the floor price now applied on exports of VTRs from Japan have not been announced.

Falkland Islands (Shipping)

asked the Minister for Trade why he did not consult the trade unions about de-briefings given by the Ministry of Defence to the General Council of British Shipping after the Falklands war.

The two de-briefings given by the Ministry of Defence to the General Council of British Shipping did not warrant prior consultation with me, or by me with the unions.

Merchant Navy (Representations)

asked the Minister for Trade what response he has given to the representations of the Merchant Navy and Airline Officers Association on the subject of a core fleet.

As I explained in my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Aberdeenshire, West (Sir R. Fairgrieve) on 18 March—[Vol. 39, c. 290–2]—the Government have no intention of artificially sustaining the fleet at an uncommercial level.

Pearson Report (Implementation)

asked the Minister for Trade whether he now intends to implement the recommendations within his Department's response made in the Pearson report on civil liability and compensation for personal injury; and if he will make a statement.

[pursuant to the reply, 25 March 1983, c. 520]: I do not propose any action on product liability until we know the outcome of the discussions in Brussels on the draft directive on liability for defective products. With regard to the other recommendations in the Pearson report which fall within the direct responsibility of the Department of Trade, I shall write to the hon. and learned Member, and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

Afghanistan (Overflying Rights)

asked the Minister for Trade if he has had discussions with the Soviet authorities regarding overflying of Afghanistan to shorten the flying time from the United Kingdom to Hong Kong; and if he will make a statement.

[pursuant to the reply, 25 March 1983, c. 520]: No. It would not be appropriate for Her Majesty's Government to hold discussions with the Soviet authorities about overflying of Afghanistan.

Manchester Airport (Traffic Rights)

asked the Minister for Trade if it is his policy to grant traffic rights to airlines to fly to Manchester without reciprocal rights to British airlines to fly to destinations in the country of the airline concerned.

[pursuant to the reply, 25 March 1983, c. 520]: I am very keen to encourage the growth of scheduled services to and from regional airports including Manchester. The rights for such services are subject to bilateral agreements with the aeronautical authorities of the other country concerned. Airlines of the different countries may, of course, operate over different routes. I need to ensure, however, that the overall effect of any bilateral agreement with another country takes full account of the interests of British airlines in gaining access to foreign airports as well as the interests of the travelling public in services between the two countries.

Energy

Energy Conservation

16.

asked the Secretary of State for Energy when he expects to reply to the report of the Energy Committee about energy conservation.

20.

asked the Secretary of State for Energy when he expects to reply to the Energy Committee report on energy conservation.

We are still considering the Select Committee's report and that of the Rayner scrutiny on energy conservation. They cover the interests of a number of Departments, which have been asked for comments.

North Sea Oil Prices

21.

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what are the prospects for the price of North Sea oil.

North Sea oil prices are determined by the market.

asked the Secretary of State for Energy how many oil companies have expressed their readiness to purchase North sea crude oil at the recommended reference price of $30·50 a barrel; and how many companies have suggested a downward revision of price.

None. Oil companies negotiate prices with BNOC, not with the Department of Energy.

Renewable Sources Of Energy

22.

asked the Secretary of State for Energy whether he is satisfied with progress on research and development of renewable sources of energy.

Yes, I am content with the progress of research and development into renewable energy sources. Wind energy, geothermal and some aspects of solar energy, on which we are concentrating, are the most promising of those requiring further research and development effort.

Coal Liquefaction

23.

asked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will make a statement on the Government's present policy on coal liquefaction.

As I told the hon. Member on 31 January—[Vol. 36, c. 31]—work should begin shortly on the definition stage of the coal liquefaction pilot plant project.

Domestic Energy Prices

24.

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what has been the average level of increase in domestic gas and electricity prices over the past 12 months; and if he will make a statement.

Over the past 12 months the average price of domestic gas has increased by 23 per cent. and that of electricity by 9 per cent. Over the coming year I would expect domestic gas prices to rise by no more than about the rate of inflation and the electricity industry has already made it clear that there will be no general increase in electricity prices.

Coal Industry

27.

asked the Secretary of State for Energy how many tonnes of new capacity have come on stream in the coal industry since 1974.

I am informed by the National Coal Board that as at September 1982, 16·5 million tonnes of new capacity envisaged in the original plan for coal of 1974 had been completed, and a further 26·3 million tonnes was under construction.

Nuclear Fuels (Chile)

28.

asked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will make a statement on developments on the supply of nuclear fuels to Chile; and if he is satisfied that these have no potential for nuclear weapon development in Chile.

There have been no further developments since the replies given to the hon. Member for West Lothian (Mr. Dalyell) on 6 and 13 December 1982—[Vol. 33, c. 334; Vol. 34, c. 27]. I am satisfied with the assurances received from the Government of Chile that the fuel to be supplied by the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority for a small research reactor will be used for peaceful purposes only and with the arrangements under the safeguards agreement between Chile and the International Atomic Energy Agency.

Coal Gasification

29.

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what is his estimate of the capacity for gasification of coal which will be needed within the next 25 years.

This will be determined by the market. It appears likely at present that the cost of producing substitute natural gas from coal will rule it out as a competitor to alternative fuels for some considerable time. Given the uncertainty over timing, it would be fruitless to speculate about capacity requirements over the next 25 years.

Sizewell Inquiry

asked the Secretary of State for Energy which counsel is briefed by his Department with regard to the Sizewell inquiry; and what is his best estimate of the costs incurred to date.

Mr. Jeremy Sullivan QC has been briefed by the Treasury Solicitor on behalf of my Department for this inquiry. I understand it is not the Treasury Solicitor's practice to disclose fees paid to individual counsel.

asked the Secretary of State for Energy how many working hours have so far been completed in preparation and presentation by his Department's legal staff or commercial firms of solicitors instructed by him in connection with the Sizewell inquiry.

This information is not readily available and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost. No commercial firms of solicitors have been instructed on my behalf in connection with this inquiry.

asked the Secretary of State for Energy (1) what legal costs have been incurred, to date, by his Department in connection with the Sizewell inquiry;(2) by what method his Department monitors the progress of, and the likely eventual total costs of, legal costs incurred by his Department in connection with the Sizewell inquiry.

The only legal costs incurred by my Department in connection with this inquiry are those of retaining counsel to represent my Department's interests. Fees for counsel representing my Department will be approved and paid by the Treasury Solicitor.

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what are the names of the instructing firms of solicitors employed by his Department in connection with the Sizewell inquiry; and what is the actual or estimated cost to the Department involved in employing such firms since the inception of the inquiry.

No solicitors other than the Treasury Solicitor have been instructed to act on behalf of my Department in connection with this inquiry.

Nuclear Reactors

asked the Secretary of State for Energy how many nuclear reactor years of experience the United Kingdom has; and how many billion kilowatts of electricity have been generated by such reactors.

The United Kingdom has some 600 reactor years of experience in operating nuclear reactors. To date approximately 550 billion kilowatt hours (KWh) have been generated from nuclear sources.

Crude Oil Prices

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what is the present price differential between (a) middle east and African and North sea crudes and (b) North sea and Nigerian crudes; and if he will give a specific directive requiring the alignment of the United Kingdom reference price to reflect the quality differences between North sea and Nigerian crudes.

There is no single differential between middle east, African and North sea oil nor between North sea and Nigerian oil. Each country produces several crudes of different quality. The appropriate theoretical differentials vary according to the market into which the oils are sold. United Kingdom continental shelf crude oil prices are a matter for the oil companies as well as BNOC; I have no intention of giving BNOC a specific direction on prices.

Oil Sales (Spot Market)

asked the Secretary of State for Energy, for sales on the spot market by the British National Oil Corporation, whether Her Majesty's Government sustain the loss incurred through selling at spot prices rather than at the higher recommended reference prices.

Details of BNOC's disposals are a matter for the corporation. Use of the Government's powers to make a grant under section 6 of the Oil and Gas (Enterprise) Act 1982 would depend on the corporation's overall position in trading participation oil.

400-Kv Overhead Lines

asked the Secretary of State for Energy if he is satisfied that there is no danger to the health of human beings or animals as a result of living or working near to or under 400 kV overhead electricity lines.

The CEGB is carrying out research into this matter and is monitoring the results of similar work carried out overseas. This research is necessarily long term but the CEGB, in line with my predecessors' decision on 11 February 1980 following the public inquiry into a 400 kV overhead line at Innsworth, Gloucestershire, reports to me annually on progress. There is no evidence to date from this research of a health hazard from overhead lines. I shall maintain a close interest in this work.

Electricity Prices

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what recent representations he has received about the cost of electricity to heavy industrial users.

I have recently received representations from the Confederation of British Industry as well as from a number of individual industrial consumers.

House Of Commons

Paper Shredder

asked the Lord President of the Council if he will arrange for the installation of a shredder in Norman Shaw south building for the use of hon. Members to facilitate the disposal of confidential case files.

I shall ask the Accommodation and Administration Sub-Committee of the Services Committee to look into this proposal.

Defence

Westland Hovercraft

asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he will report on the recent trials of a Westland hovercraft in detecting and neutralising mines.

The recent trials undertaken by the British Hovercraft Corporation were a private venture. However, we followed the trials closely and continue to take an interest in the potential of hovercraft for use in operations of this kind.

Tornado Aircraft

asked the Secretary of State for Defence, of the total capital cost estimate for the Tornado, how much is the United Kingdom's share of development costs.

It is not our practice to give details of project development cost estimates. However, the United Kingdom's share of the cost of the currently agreed tri-national Tornado programme, including development, will be some 47 per cent.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the most recent estimate of the cost to the United Kingdom for each Tornado aircraft, including support cost, weapons and spares; and what are the respective costs for the GR1 and F2 variants.

it is not practicable to attribute the cost of weapons to aircraft on a unit cost basis. However, the most recent estimates of the unit production costs to the United Kingdom of the Tornado GR1 and F2 aircraft, excluding support, weapons and spares, are respectively £13 million and £16·8 million at September 1982 economic conditions. These figures are comparable with estimates of unit costs given previously in answers to parliamentary questions.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence how much of the capital cost of the Tornado project has been or will be incurred (a) up to 1981–82, (b) in 1982–83, (c) in 1983–84, (d) in 1984–85 and (e) from 1986 onwards.

The costs to the United Kingdom of development and production for the tri-national Tornado project are expected to be incurred in the following proportions:

	Per cent.
(a) up to 1981–82	49
(b) 1982–83	9
(c) 1983–84	9
(d) 1984–85	8
(e) 1985–86 onwards	25

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the most recent estimate of the cost for the United Kingdom share of the Tornado project as set out in the statement on the Defence Estimates 1982.

The figure of £11,300 million at September 1981 economic conditions quoted in the 1982 statement on the Defence Estimates remains the most recent estimate of the cost to the United Kingdom of the Tornado project on the basis set out in that statement.

Nimrod Aircraft

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the trials at the aeroplane and armament experimental establishment on Boscombe Down, to allow Nimrod aircraft to land in high cross winds, and on the use of matting in place of a permanent runway.

These trials have enabled appropriate operating parameters to be determined.

Harrier Aircraft

asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he is satisfied that controls on Harriers are safe.

Yes.

Defence Contracts (Confidentiality)

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what steps he takes to ensure the confidentiality of information relating to defence contracts; and if he will make a statement.

The confidentiality of information in both security and commercial terms is governed by the relevant provisions of the standard conditions of Government contracts and, where appropriate, special conditions incorporated in defence contracts. The standard conditions of government contracts—form GC/Stores/1 is available to prospective contractors from Common Services (Publications and Stationery) 2b2, Ministry of Defence, Strathville Road, Wandsworth, London SW18 4QU.

Education And Science

Middle Schools

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many middle schools, educating children aged 9 to 12 years, have closed since 1979; and what was their total combined roll and teaching staff immediately prior to closure.

The information is not available in the form requested. Since the Education Act 1980 came into force, approval has been given to 44 proposals affecting 74 middle schools, 51 of which were kept in use to form schools of another kind. The number of pupils on roll at the 23 middle schools which actually closed was 4,740. Information on teacher numbers is not available.

Youth Service

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he has had discussions with organisations representing the youth service on how the youth service contribution to the youth training scheme can be increased.

The contribution of the youth service to the youth training scheme is primarily a matter for dialogue between representatives of the various parts of the service and the Manpower Services Commission. A representative of voluntary youth organisations sits on the youth training board, and the advisory group on content and standards for YTS have also had discussions with a representative of the youth service. Paragraph 17 of circular 6/82 encouraged the youth service to continue to make its valuable contribution to MSC schemes.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he takes into account rising youth unemployment, crime and homelessness in allocating funds to local education authorities for the youth service.

The distribution of block grant (which is paid in support of local authorities' expenditure in all services, including the youth service) is based upon an assessment of local authorities' spending needs. In the case of the youth service, although the assessment does not take direct account of measures of youth unemployment, crime and homelessness, it does incorporate various social and economic factors, such as low income and poor housing.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how much has been spent on youth service projects by local education authorities at constant prices for each year since 1975.

Measured from the base of the 1981–82 outturn of expenditure, the local education authorities (England) capital expenditure, at constant prices, on the Youth Service since 1975 is as follows:

	Constant prices (1981–82 prices)
	(£ million)
1975–76	8·1
1976–77	8·8
1977–78	4·0
1978–79	5·8
1979–80	7·0
1980–81	5·2
1981–82	2·9

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how much has been spent on the youth service by local education authorities at constant prices for each year since 1975.

Local authority recurrent expenditure on the youth service since 1975–76, expressed at 1981–82 outturn prices, has been as follows:

	£ million
	(1981–82 outturn prices)
1975–76	76
1976–77	79
1977–78	80
1978–79	87
1979–80	87
1980–81	85
1981–82	87

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he has any estimate of the levels of full-time and part-time staffing in the youth service for each year since 1975.

The best available information about staffing levels in the Youth Service is to be found in chapter 10 of the report of the review group on the youth service—"Experience and Participation"—which was published in October 1982 (Command No. 8686), a copy of which is in the Library.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what percentage of local education authorities' expenditure was spent on the youth service in each year since 1975.

The proportion of local education authorities' expenditure spent on the youth service in each year since 1975–76 has been as follows:

	per cent.
1975–76	·88
1976–77	·86
1977–78	·92
1978–79	·96
1979–80	·98
1980–81	·98
1981–82	1·02

Deaf Children

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many registered deaf children are being educated in schools in the United Kingdom; how many are attending (a) special schools for the deaf and (b) special units within normal schools; and what is the average number of hours per week of special attention given to deaf children in the integrated units.

In January 1982, 3,750 deaf children were being educated in schools in England. Of these, 2,739 were attending special schools for the deaf or partially hearing and 481 were in designated special classes or units in ordinary schools. The Department has no record of the special attention given to children in integrated units.My right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are responsible for education in their respective countries.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many special schools that made provision for the deaf have been closed since 1979; how many deaf children have been moved from special schools to integrated units in normal schools; and what has been the consequent financial saving to (a) the public sector and (b) the private sector.

Five special schools for the deaf in England have been closed since January 1979. Between January 1979 and January 1982, the latest date for which figures are available, the number of deaf children attending special classes in ordinary schools increased by 189. It is not possible to say how many of these children might otherwise have attended special schools, or to assess the financial savings, if any.

Teachers (In-Service Training)

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he plans to make in-service training of teachers mandatory; and what structures and guidelines for this training will be introduced.

My right hon. Friend is of the view that from time to time all teachers need to avail themselves of in-service training, but has no present intention of making such training mandatory.

Non-Graduate Teachers (Cambridgeshire)

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many non-graduate teachers with two years of initial training or less (a) having taken a supplementary course and (b) not having taken a supplementary course, are currently employed in Cambridgeshire; and what proportion of all teachers they comprise in that county.

Information is being prepared and I shall write to the hon. Member as soon as possible.

Local Education Authorities (Closed Shop)

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will list the local education authorities that operate a closed shop policy in England and Wales.

It is for the local education authorities to negotiate conditions of service with their employees and no information is collected centrally about the current arrangements. However, I am not aware that any local education authority operates a closed shop for teachers and my right hon. Friend would deplore strongly any attempt at such introduction.

Pupil-Teacher Ratio

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what pupil to teacher ratio in (a) primary schools and (b) secondary schools the Government are aiming to achieve.

In January 1982 the pupil teacher ratio in maintained primary schools in England was 22·5 to 1, and in secondary schools 16·6 to 1. The Government's expenditure plans, published as Cmnd. 8789, would allow some improvement in pupil teacher ratios over 1982 levels, provided that local education authorities contain their pay and other costs.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what are the most recent figures for the pupil to teacher ratio in (a) primary schools and (b) secondary schools in Cambridgeshire and in the United Kingdom as a whole.

In January 1982 the pupil-teacher ratios within primary and secondary schools in Cambridgeshire were 23·5 and 16·8 respectively. The corresponding ratios for England were 22·5 and 16·6. The figures for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are the responsibility of my right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for those countries.

Agricultural Engineering Training

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many training courses there are in agricultural engineering both at the technician and graduate level.

There are three degree courses, two higher national diploma courses and 10 technician education council courses in agricultural engineering.

Corporal Punishment

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science, in view of the European Court of Human Rights' award against the British Government of £12,000 to a pupil who refused to be caned, if he will introduce measures to abolish corporal punishment in schools.

The Government are still considering all the implications of the judgment which, in itself, was not directed at the general abolition of corporal punishment in schools.

Teachers (Management Training)

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what progress has been made towards the establishment of a national centre for management training of head teachers and senior staff in schools; and if he will make a statement.

Altogether, 13 bids for the national centre were received, many of which were strong contenders. After careful consideration, I am pleased to be able to announce that an invitation to establish the national centre is being extended to Bristol university, in collaboration with the south-west regional management centre at Bristol polytechnic. I am sure that this association of the university and regional management centre offers the right blend of expertise and skills for the national centre. I am also very encouraged by the interest already shown in the centre by the CBI, the BIM and several large companies, and am grateful for the offers of practical assistance to the work of the centre which many of these and other organisations have already made.

Social Services

Community Mental Health Care

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will now provide additional resources to enable health authorities to implement community mental health care schemes; and if he will make a statement.

Specific developments in community mental health care may be initiated by health authorities, local authorities or voluntary bodies. The various interests work together; but the appropriate financial arrangements will vary from case to case. Decisions on how to use available resources are generally made locally.The Government have allocated an extra £11·3 million cash for joint finance next year. This will mean that we will have increased the cash available for joint finance by 180 per cent. during our period of office—over 50 per cent. in real terms. Health authorities will wish to consider use of some of this for community mental health schemes.

Psychiatric Patients (Derbyshire)

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many hospital beds are available for long-stay psychiatric patients in the county of Derbyshire.

Beds for long-stay patients are not identified separately in centrally collected statistics on mental illness hospitals and units. Provisional figures indicate that the total number of available beds in mental illness hospitals and units in what are now the North Derbyshire and Southern Derbyshire health authority areas on 31 December 1981 was 1,562.

Mentally Infirm Patients (Derbyshire)

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many hospital beds are available to elderly, severely mentally infirm patients on a long-stay basis in the county of Derbyshire.

The information requested is not available centrally. The hon. Member may wish to write to the North Derbyshire and Southern Derbyshire health authorities, which may be able to supply the information.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what provision for day places is currently made for the elderly, severely mentally infirm in hospitals in the county of Derbyshire.

Information is not available centrally in the form requested.

Attendance Allowance

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many people were in receipt of attendance allowance at each rate at 31 December 1982; and if he will break down the figures by social security region and the rate per 1,000 population in each region.

The information is as follows. It relates to 31 March 1982, the latest date for which figures are available.

Attendance Allowance Awards ^*
At 31 March 1982
Region	Higher Rate		Lower Rate
	Number in receipt	Rate†	Number in receipt	Rate†
Northern	9,000	3·0	11,500	3·9
Yorkshire and Humberside	11,000	2·2	17,500	3·5
East Midlands and East Anglia	17,500	3·1	20,500	3·7
London North	9,500	1·8	16,500	3·1
London West	14,000	2·5	17,500	3·1
London South	18,500	3·0	26,500	4·3
South-Western	13,500	3·1	19,000	4·4
West Midlands	13,500	2·6	21,500	4·1
North-Western (Manchester)	9,500	2·9	14,500	4·3
North-Western (Merseyside)	10,500	3·3	15,500	4·7
Wales	13,500	4·8	14,500	5·1
Scotland	10,500	2·0	19,000	3·7
Great Britain	150,500	2·7	214,000	3·9
^* All figures quoted are estimates.
† per 1,000 population.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will list the number of reviews of attendance allowance during the currency of an award in 1982 nationally and in each social security region, which were instituted (a) by him and (b) by the claimant; and in respect of each, what was the number of cases in which (i) the allowance was withdrawn, (ii) the existing allowance was retained, (iii) the higher rate was decreased to the lower rate, and (iv) the lower rate was increased to the higher rate.

Reviews^*of Attendance Allowance Awards in 1982
Region	Total number of reviews	Number in which award withdrawn/reduced†	Number in which award retained	Number in which award increased
Northern	808	35	185	588
Yorkshire and Humberside	1,366	65	291	1,010
East Midlands and East Anglia	1,484	93	320	1,071
London North	1,156	66	217	873
London South	2,050	85	407	1,558
London West	1,285	60	264	961
South-Western	1,711	93	361	1,257
West Midlands	1,458	101	345	1,012
North-Western (Manchester)	1,190	72	242	876
North-Western (Merseyside)	1,086	46	192	848
Scotland	1,380	74	293	1,013
Wales	1,398	55	317	1,026
Total	16,372	845	3,434	12,093
^* Details are of reviews sought because of dissatisfaction with the award of the lower rate or a change in the claimant's needs for attention or supervision since the original award was made.
† It is not possible to distinguish reviews which resulted in the withdrawal of the award from those in which the award was reduced from higher rate to lower rate.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will obtain information on the number of requests for review of (a) initial and (b) renewal decisions, on attendance allowance in 1982 both nationally and in each social security region (i) after refusal of the award and (ii) after award of the lower rate; and how many resulted in (I) an award being made after

The information available is as follows:

(a) 563 reviews of awards were made in 1982 following requests by the Secretary of State. The results were as follows—a regional breakdown is not available:

	Number
Award withdrawn	248
Award retained	256
Higher rate decreased to lower rate	39
Lower rate increased to higher rate	20

(b) The number and result of review of awards requested by claimants during 1982 are as follows:

an initial decision not to award the allowance, (II) awards being increased from the lower rate to the higher rate, (III) withdrawal of, and (IV) reduction in, the allowance.

The available information is as follows. It relates to decisions made in 1982, not to requests for review in that year. A more detailed analysis could be only provided at disproportionate cost.

Attendance Allowance—Review Decisions on Dissatisfaction with Earlier Decision ^* 1982
	Requests for review		Results of reviews
Region	Reviews requested after refusal of award	Reviews requested after award of lower rate	Awards† made after disallowance	Awards increased from lower rate to higher rate	Allowance withdrawn/reduced†
Northern	685	190	376	136	2
Yorkshire and Humberside	950	309	604	228	1
East Midlands and East Anglia	352	278	166	194	5
London North	455	278	293	211	5
London South	426	343	257	257	2
London West	426	326	265	246	2
South-Western	469	279	292	197	4
West Midlands	421	275	221	189	5
North-Western (Manchester)	720	281	426	202	4
North-Western (Merseyside)	405	208	238	164	4
Scotland	1,203	308	686	216	3
Wales	1,164	338	665	249	2
Total	7,676	3,413	4,489	2,489	39
^* It is not possible to distinguish between reviews of decisions on initial claims and reviews of decisions on renewal claims.
† It is not possible to distinguish between reviews which led to an award at the lower rate and those which led to an award at the higher rate.
‡ It is not possible to distinguish between reviews which led to the withdrawal of the allowance and those which led to a reduction from higher to lower rate.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will list the number of applications for renewal of attendance allowance in 1982 nationally and in each social security region.

The information is as follows. It relates to decisions given in 1982, not to applications for renewal made in that year.

Attendance Allowance—Renewal Decisions 1982
Region	Number of decisions
Northern	2,058
Yorkshire and Humberside	3,269
East Midlands and East Anglia	4,130
London North	4,334
London South	4,069
London West	2,518
South-Western	2,762
West Midlands	4,328
North-Western (Manchester)	2,486
North-Western (Merseyside)	2,573
Scotland	2,545
Wales	3,289
Total	38,361

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will list the number of applications for attendance allowance in 1982, nationally and in each social security region.

The information is as follows. It related to decisions given in 1982, not to the claims made in that year.

Attendance Allowance—Initial Decisions 1982
Region	Number of decisions
Northern	10,572
Yorkshire and Humberside	16,170
East Midlands and East Anglia	17,568
London North	13,230
London South	21,351
London West	10,367

Region	Number of decisions
South-Western	16,075
West Midlands	18,068
North-Western (Manchester)	12,205
North-Western (Merseyside)	12,375
Scotland	17,013
Wales	16,522
Total	181,516

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many decisions were made by the Social Security Commissioner on appeals concerning attendance allowance (a) by him and (b) by the claimant in 1980, 1981 and 1982; and, in respect of each, in how many cases the appeal was successful.

The information is as follows:

Attendance allowance—decisions by the social security commissioner
	1980	1981	1982
Appeals by the Secretary of State	—	—	—
Appeals by the claimant	62	135	169
Appeal successful	20	24	24

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will obtain information on the number of awards of attendance allowance which were made at each rate in 1982 nationally and in each social security region; and if he will break down each figure by the length of time for which the awards were made.

The information available is as follows. I regret that a regional break down could be obtained only at disproportionate expense.

Attendance allowance—awards (new and renewal claims) 1982
Duration of award (years)	Higher rate awards	Lower rate awards
Less than one	815	1,383
One less than two	5,813	9,066

Duration of award (years)	Higher rate awards	Lower rate awards
Two less than three	7,014	11,175
Three less than four	2,661	3,950
Four less than five	1,100	1,831
Five and over	3,026	5,755
Life	49,352	69,303
Totals	69,781	102,463

Mobility Allowance

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will break down the national figure for the number of awards of mobility allowance made in 1982 and in each of the preceding two years by the length of time for which the awards were made; to what he attributes the increase in awards of less than one year; and if he will make a statement.

Information is not available in the form requested. For those in receipt of mobility allowance on 31 December 1982 the length of the award was as follows:

	Number
Awards of 1 year	4,840
Over 1 year and up to and including 2 years	16,430
Over 2 years and up to and including 3 years	4,150
Over 3 years and up to and including 4 years	610
Over 4 years	16,060
Up to age 75	182,480
Awards for life under the Mobility Allowance (Vehicle Scheme Beneficiaries) Regulations 1977	28,570

I gave the right hon. Member the corresponding figures for earlier years in reply to his question on 22 December — [Vol. 34, c.

585–6]. Mobility allowance cannot be awarded for less than one year. The period of an award is for the independent adjudicating authorities to decide.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will obtain information on the average length of time between receipt of a claim for mobility allowance and issue of an order book when it is awarded (a) by a medical board on appeal from an insurance officer and (b) by a medical appeal tribunal on appeal from a medical board.

The work involved in collecting this information would not be justified by the results because the length of time between disallowance of a claim and the making of the appeal varies so widely. However, the right hon. Member may like to know that from a recent small sample of cases it is estimated that the average time taken from the receipt of an appeal, (a) to a medical board and (b) to a medical appeal tribunal, to the issue of an order book is about 16 weeks and about 20 weeks respectively.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many decisions were made by the Social Security Commissioner in 1982, 1981 and 1980 on appeals (a) by him and (b) by the claimant, concerning mobility allowance; and, in respect of each, in how many cases the appeal was successful.

The information is as follows:

Mobility allowance—Decisions by the Social Security Commissioner
	1980	1981	1982
Appeals by the Secretary of State	—	4	1
Appeal successful	—	1	—
Appeals by the claimant	17	23	46
Appeal successful	15	23	40

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will obtain information in respect of (a) initial and (b) renewal claims for mobility allowance; how many appeals by claimants from a decision of an insurance officer were decided by medical boards and how many appeals from a decision of a medical board were decided upon by a medical appeal tribunal in 1982; and, in each case, what number was successful

The information is as follows:

Mobility allowance appeals 1982
	Successful	Unsuccessful	Total
Appeals decided by medical boards	3,596	7,818	11,414
Appeals decided by medical appeal tribunals	703	1,960	2,663

The cost of ascertaining how many of these appeals related to disallowances of initial claims and how many to disallowances of renewal claims would be disproportionate, as a special check of all the cases would be required.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will obtain information on how many applications for and awards of mobility allowance were made in 1982 in each social security region.

No. A special execise would be required at disproportionate expense. Information is available about the number receiving mobility allowance in each region at any time during 1982 and I refer the right hon. Member to my reply to his question on 22 December.—[Vol. 34, c. 585–6.]

Social Services Committee (Report)

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will list in the Official Report any subsequent research on the cost-effectiveness of different packages of care undertaken since those recorded in the third report from the Social Services Committee, Session 1979–80.

Recent findings of such studies supported by the Department include the following. Details of continuing research projects are given in the Department's annual Handbooks of Research and Development, copies of which are in the Library.

Subject	Aspect of cost-effectiveness covered ^*	Principal researchers(S)	Summary of findings
1. Balance of care approach to the joint planning of resources in health and personal social services in East Sussex and Wiltshire	HvPSS IvD	Arthur Anderson and Co. in association with operational research service of DHSS	Attempts to provide decision makers with a basis for deciding about the trade-off between different types of care within financial constraints. A main finding is the confirmation of the need to shift away from institutional care towards community care. Dramatic shifts towards community-based care can be achieved, however, only if substantial changes in operational policy and practice are implemented. These were outlined.
2. Kent community care project	IvD HvPSS	Personal social services research unit, university of Kent	The cost of packages of care tailored to the needs of individual elderly people living in the community, but who might otherwise be living in residential accommodation. The research indicates that the packages of care being provided are similar in cost or slightly cheaper than either residential provision or conventional domiciliary provision. In addition clients of the scheme lived longer and were happier and safer in their own homes than comparable elderly people not receiving the scheme.
3. Report of a study on community care 1981 includes: long-term care of the elderly: (Annex B) considerations of cost effectiveness.	IvD	DHSS officials	Little identifiable shift in the balance of care for those on margin between institutional and community-based care. Close health, PSS, voluntary and informal care collaboration is essential. Resource shifts are needed if more care to be provided in the community.
4. The Coventry home help scheme	IvD	Coventry SSD Ms Latto	This study increased the role of home helps to include personal care and improved the methods of assessing clients and the number of home helps available. The study did not look at cost per se but looked at the alterations in resources needed to help support elderly people within their own homes when they had the benefit of the home help scheme. In general terms the findings showed a considerable increase in the need for relatively cheap resources such as mobile meals, day centre places, aids and adaptations and a decrease in expensive ones such as residential placements, district nurses and health visitors.
5. Comparison of the potential advantages and disadvantages of using community psychiatric nurses to follow up and care for patients suffering from chronic neurosis, a clinical area traditionally served by out-patient psychiatry.	IvD	E. Paykel S. Mangen J. Griffiths (St. George's medical school, Tooting) A. Burchell P. V. Mancini (DHSS)	In a randomised controlled prospective trial, two groups of patients, one receiving care from community psychiatric nurses, the other traditional out-patient psychiatrist managements, were followed up over a period of 18 months. Data on clinical and social outcomes together with the costs falling upon the HPSS and the patient and his family were collected. The study revealed that clinical and social outcomes were comparable; consumer satisfaction was significantly greater among those receiving nursing care; and the costs of the two forms of care were not significantly different over an 18 month period.
^* Health versus Personal Social Services (HvPSS).

Institutional versus Domiciliary Care (IvD).

Mr Peter Large (Correspondence)

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services on what date his office received the letter dated 6 March from Mr. Peter Large on the subject of discrimination against disabled people.

Mr. Large's letter was received in the Department on 8 March.

Supplementary Benefit

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many people of working age were receiving supplementary benefit in (a) the west midlands, (b) the black country area of the region and (c) the Walsall travel-to-work area or the closest areas conveniently available in May 1979 and at the latest available date; and if he will also give the change in percentage terms.

The number of cases in action for people of working age within the west midlands, black country and Walsall areas at May 1979 and December 1982, together with percentage increases between those dates, were as follows:

Thousands
	May 1979	December 1982	Per cent. increase
West midlands	126·3	309·7	145·2
Black country (Dudley and Wolverhampton)	13·3	39·0	195·5
Walsall	6·4	18·1	182·8

Source: 100 per cent. count of cases in action.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many people of working age had been receiving supplementary benefit for over 12 months in (a) the west midlands, (b) the black country area of the region and (c) the Walsall travel-to-work area or the closest areas conveniently available in May 1979 and at the latest available date; and if he will give the change in percentage terms.

This information could not be obtained without disproportionate cost.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many people of working age have been receiving supplementary benefit for over 12 months; what was the figure in May 1979; and what has been the change in percentage terms.

880,000 in December 1981, the latest date for which information is available, and 610,000 in November 1979, the only date in 1979 for which information is available; an increase of 44 per cent.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what was the percentage change in the number of people of working age receiving supplementary benefit between May 1974 and May 1979, and between May 1979 and the latest available date.

Figures are not available for May 1974. Between April 1974 and May 1979 there was a 27 per cent. increase, and between May 1979 and August 1982, the latest date for which figures are available, a 108 per cent. increase.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services why persons on training courses, who are funded by the Manpower Services Commission, are eligible for supplementary benefit to support their families during the period of the course when those who either fund themselves or are funded by private industry are excluded.

Unemployed persons who are privately funded while attending training courses are eligible for supplementary benefit provided that they can satisfy the adjudicating authorities that they are available for full-time work. Those who receive a training allowance from the Manpower Services Commission are exempt from the requirement to be available.The reason for this difference in treatment is that when the Manpower Services Commission pays a training allowance, the Department can be satisfied that the course in question is of good standing, that it is suited to the individual's needs, and that its completion will improve his prospects of obtaining work. These conditions are not necessarily satisfied for other courses. The MSC is, of course, always prepared to consider a request for funding from any person who wishes to undertake a training course which meets the criteria I have described.The hon. and learned Member may be interested to know that the Manpower Services Commission is planning to publish shortly a discussion document on adult training.

Invalidity Pension

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services on how many occasions officers of his Department gave their approval to therapeutic work for individuals receiving invalidity pension during 1982 and in each of the preceding three years.

Questions as to whether individuals receiving invalidity pension satisfy the conditions for therapeutic work are decided by the independent statutory authorities, and not by officers of the Department. Information on the number of occasions on which the authorities have decided to accept that therapeutic work is taking place is not available.

Radiation (Medical Training)

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what specific forms of training have been given to ancillary staff, nurses and doctors in dealing with contaminated and radiation casualties in those hospitals listed in the appendices to circular HC(76)52.

Circular HC(76)52 gives guidance to health authorities on the precautions to be taken when dealing with casualties contaminated by radiation. We would expect all hospital staff likely to be involved in handling such casualties to be made aware of these precautions. The hospitals listed in the circular have special expertise in the use of radiation, and the training of the professional and nursing staff would include the containment of radiation hazards.

Hospitals (Contract Cleaning)

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will place in the Library a copy of his Department's study on the sums which might be saved through the use of contract cleaning in Ministry of Defence hospitals.

I shall write to the hon. Gentleman explaining to him the relevant facts.

Nuclear Contamination (Medical Facilities)

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services in what way National Health Service hospitals will be expected to operate if there were to be a major incident involving serious physical injury and contamination at a civil nuclear power plant.

I refer the hon. Member to my hon. Friend's reply to the hon. Member for Kilmarnock (Mr. McKelvey) on 16 March 1983—[Vol. 39, c. 168]—concerning the emergency arrangements at civil nuclear installations. Further guidance on the response of the NHS will be issued to health authorites shortly.

Washwood Heath Local Office

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services when he expects to re-open the local office at Washwood heath.

The office will re-open to the public on 11 April.

Greenfield Report

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many representations he has received with regard to the recommendations of the Greenfield report from (a) the pharmaceutical industry, (b) the medical profession and (c) the general public; and if there are any common features in these representations.

We have so far received very few representations. They include one from a pharmaceutical company but none from either the medical profession or the general public. The closing date for comments is 15 April.

Elderly And Disabled Persons (Telephones)

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how much money has been spent on the installation of telephones in the homes of elderly or disabled persons in each of the past five years for which records are available; and what was the percentage increase or decrease in such expenditure over that period.

Financial returns from local authorities show that net current spending by social services departments on the installation of telephones has been:

Year ending 31 March	£ million
1978	3·012
1979	3·591
1980	3·567
1981	4·435
1982^*	5·023
^* provisional

This represents an increase of 67 per cent. in cash terms over the period.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many telephones were installed in the homes of elderly or disabled persons in each of the past five years for which records are available; and what was the percentage increase or decrease in installation over that period.

The number of cases where local authorities in England assisted with the installation of telephones for elderly or disabled people for the past five years for which information is available was as follows:

Year ending 31 March	Number
1978	13,947
1979	16,884
1980	12,941
1981	8,949
1982	9,391

The percentage decrease in cases over the period 1978–1982 was 32·7.

Benefits

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services when, pursuant to the announcement of the Chancellor of the Exchequer on 15 March, Official Report, c. 144, the arrangements whereby people under 60 years who have been on incapacity benefits for a year will qualify for the long-term rate of supplementary benefit will come into effect.

Regulations will be laid before the House to bring the arrangements into effect in the week commencing 21 November 1983.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services when, pursuant to the announcement of the Chancellor of the Exchequer, on 15 March, OfficialReport, c. 144, the arrangements whereby people over 60 years who are sick and disabled will qualify at once for the long-term rate of supplementary benefit will come into effect.

Draft regulations are to be laid before the House to bring the arrangements into effect in the week commencing 30 May 1983.

Nhs (Theft And Fraud)

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what assessment he has made of losses arising in the National Health Service from theft and fraud, respectively; and what steps he is taking to control and reduce such losses.

The national summary of health authorities' accounts for the financial year 1981–82 shows that recorded losses from theft, fraud and arson totalled £774,240. The accounts do not give separate totals for theft and fraud.We issued a health circular in December 1982 calling for health authorities to develop a security strategy. This will require them to revise and improve procedures for recording losses and for combating theft and fraud. We have called for reports by the end of this year and we will be reviewing progress then. I am sending a copy to the hon. Member.

Housing Benefits

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will outline the effects on local government of changes in the arrangements for payment of housing benefits in 1983–84.

Regulation 31 of the Housing Benefit Regulations 1982 (SI 1982 No. 1124) requires local authorities to pay rent allowances four weekly or calendar monthly, except where a supplementary benefit claimant or any other claimant whose rent allowance is more than £2 per week and whose rent is payable weekly requires them to pay weekly. The effect of these requirements will vary from authority to authority; it will depend on which system of payment was previously used by the authority and the proportion of claimants requesting weekly payment.

Cochlea Implants

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make a statement on the progress of trials of cochlea implants for the profoundly deaf.

I have been asked to reply.The Medical Research Council, which receives grant-in-aid from the Department, is presently supporting a trial involving cochlea implants that is being carried out at the department of phonetics and linguistics at University College, London. I understand that good progress has been made in the work so far.The MRC also funds a considerable amount of basic research on hearing at its Institute of Hearing Research and through grant support of other researchers.

National Health Service (Charges)

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will list in the Official Report the level of each National Health Service charge to patients in May 1979, the level of each charge after the most recently announced increases in charges and the percentage increase in each case together with the change in the total revenue raised by each charge over this period.

[pursuant to his reply, 21 March 1983 c. 351]: Comparisons of the statutory charges to NHS patients are as follows:

Dental Charges
	May 1979	April 1983	Per cent. increase
	£	£
Maximum for routine treatment	5	13·50	170
Crowns, inlays, pinlays: gold	10	50	400
others	10	26	160
Synthetic resin dentures
1–3 teeth	10	22	120
4–8 teeth	11	23	109
over 8 teeth	12	24	100
Maximum for more than one denture	20	38	90
Metal denture and bridges
1–3 teeth	15	40	167
4–8 teeth	16	42	162
over 8 teeth	17	44	159
Maximum for more than one denture	30	80	167
Overall maximum charge for any one course of treatment	30	95	217

Frames	May 1979 £	March 1983 £	Percentage increase
Plain gold-filled
Pad bridge, Zylo-tipped hockey-end sides (two types)	4·28	8·86	107·0
Pad bridge, light curl sides (two types)	4·50	9·27	106·0
Half-eye, flat section eyewire, pad bridge (two types)	4·50	8·07	79·3
Plastics (Cellulose acetate)
Pad bridge, with reinforced hockey-end sides	1·57	2·05	30·6
Pad bridge, with gold-filled super comfort curl sides, and reinforced cellulose acetate butts	2·59	3·28	26·6
Saddle, flush or inset bridge, with reinforced hockey-end sides	7·50	8·19	9·2
Saddle, flush or inset bridge, with gold-filled super-comfort curl sides and reinforced cellulose acetate butts	8·10	9·01	11·2
Half-eye, regular bridge, with reinforced hockey-end sides	6·50	7·10	9·2
Half-eye, pad bridge, with reinforced hockey-end sides	2·87	3·47	20·9

Total Revenue
The revenue from individual charges is not readily available. The total figures are as follows:
	1978–79	Budget Estimate 1983–84
	£ million	£ million
Dental charges	55·4	167·4
Prescription charges	25·7	126·6
Ophthalmic charges	25·4	50·6

Prescription Charges
	May 1979	April 1983	Per cent. increase
	£	£
Prescription Charge	0·20	1·40	600
Pre-Payment Certificate
four monthly	N/A	7·50	N/A
six monthly	2·00	N/A	N/A
annual	3·50	21·50	514
Elastic Stockings (Single)	0·50	1·60	220
Elastic Hosiery (Excluding Stockings)	0·25	1·40	460
Wigs and Fabric Supports
Full bespoke human hair wig	7·50	49·00	553
Partial human hair wig	7·50	30·50	307
Stock modacrylic wig	2·50	15·00	500
Abdominal and spinal support	2·00	11·00	450
Surgical brassiere	2·00	7·00	250

Ophthalmic Charges—Lenses

Because of the restructuring in 1982 of lens charges a direct comparison between the charges to patients in May 1979 and those operative from 1 April 1983 and set out in Schedule 2 of the National Health Service (Dental and Optical Charges and Remission of Charges) Amendment Regulations 1983 (SI 1983 No 309) is not possible. Details of the charges operative in May 1979 are as follows:

Description of Lens	Charge
	£
Single vision lens (including single vision lenticular, frosted and chavasse lenses)—	2·90
Fused glass bifocal lens—	5·50
Lens of any other description—	6·15

The maximum charge per lens was introduced on 1 April 1982—SI 1982 No 284.

Note: The increases are due to higher volume as well as higher charges.

Foreign And Commonwealth Affairs

Falkland Islands

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether any request has been received by the Falkland Islands Government from Mrs. M. Damon for a visit to the islands by the parents of Argentine war dead buried in the cemetery at Port Stanley.

No.

Hong Kong (Refugee Centres)

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if, pursuant to his reply to the hon. Member for Hazel Grove on 21 March, Official Report, c. 346, he will describe the regime of the closed refugee centres in Hong Kong.

Closed centres are managed by correctional services department staff specially recruited and trained for refugee work. Refugees are not permitted to leave the centres or take outside employment. Movement within centres is unrestricted and family unity is preserved. Education, health, welfare and recreational facilities and voluntary paid work are available for all. Officials of the United Nations High Commission for Refugees have full access to the centres, and visit them frequently.

Diego Garcia

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how much is paid to the United Kingdom by the United States Government for the use of land in Diego Garcia.

In accordance with article (4) of the 1966 exchange of notes concerning the availability for defence purposes of the British Indian Ocean Territory (Cmnd. 3231), no charge is made to the United States Government for the use of sites on Diego Garcia.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what proportion of the land in Diego Garcia is leased to the United States Government.

No land in Diego Garcia is leased to the United States Government. Immovable structures, installations and buildings for the United States Navy support facility on Diego Garcia may, after consultation with the appropriate administrative authorities of the United Kingdom, be constructed within the specific area shown in the plan in the annex to the 1976 exchange of notes concerning a United States support facility on Diego Garcia (Cmnd. 6413).

Non-Aligned Countries (British Policy)

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to the reply to the hon. Member for West Lothian on 21 March, Official Report, c. 347, whether any action has been taken to explain Her Majesty's Government's policy to the non-aligned countries represented at the Delhi summit.

Yes.

Falkland Islands (Mr And Mrs Davidson)

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to the reply to the hon. Member for West Lothian, Official Report, 21 March, c. 348, whether Mr. and Mrs. Davidson, market gardeners and hoteliers, of the Falkland Islands, have been included in the Civil Commissioner's invitation lists.

Yes, at least three times in the past six months.

British Mercenaries (Angola)

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the British mercenaries held in Angola in the light of recent statements by representatives of UNITA.

In a communiqué issued in Paris and Lisbon on 14 March, UNITA offered to exchange "some" Czechoslovak captives for the seven British mercenaries in prison in Angola. It is however still our expectation that the question of the British prisoners will be resolved bilaterally with the Angolan authorities with which we are in touch. We shall continue to do all we can to effect the early release of our prisoners.

Hong Kong

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on his latest discussions with the Governor of Hong Kong about the lease of the New Territories.

My right hon. Friend had useful meetings with the Governor of Hong Kong and Sir P. Cradock when they were in London in March. They took the opportunity to have a full review on the future of Hong Kong. The meetings were part of regular consultations on this subject.

E1 Salvador

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) if he has made any representations to the Government of El Salvador concerning breaches of human rights in that country during 1983 up to the latest time;(2) if, during the visit to El Salvador of Mr. Gordon Baker of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office between 16 and 17 March, he made any inquiries of the Government of El Salvador concerning the murder of Marienella Garcia Villas, the President of the Commission of Human Rights of El Salvador; and if he will make a statement.

On 18 March the British chargé d'affaires and Mr. Gordon Baker of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office drew to the attention of the authorities in San Salvador the Government's concern for human rights in that country, and in particular expressed the hope that the circumstances of the death of Marianella Garcia Villas would be fully investigated and the results made public. On 23 March in London I raised the matter in similar terms with the ambassador of E1 Salvador.

Common Fund Agreement

asked the Secretary for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will publish in the Official Report a list of those countries which have ratified the common fund and of those countries which have so far failed to do so.

According to the most recent United Nations treaty depository notifications, the following states have signed and ratified, accepted or approved the common fund agreement:

Algeria, Australia, Bangladesh, Benin, Botswana, Burundi, China, Denmark, Ecuador, Egypt, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Gabon, Ghana, Guinea, Haiti, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Ireland, Japan, Kenya, Malawi, Mali, Mexico, Niger, Norway, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Republic of Korea, Sierra Leone, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Switzerland, Tunisia, Uganda, United Kingdom, United Republic of Cameroon. United Republic of Tanzania, Venezuela.

The following countries have signed but not ratified, accepted or approved the common fund agreement:

Afghanistan, Argentina, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Congo, Costa Rica, Democratic Yemen, Federal Republic of Germany, Gambia, Greece, Guinea-Bissau, Jamaica, Italy, Kuwait, Lesotho, Liberia, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Morocco, Mozambique, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Pakistan, Peru, Portugal, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Samoa, Senegal, Singapore, Somalia, Spain, Sudan, Syrian Arab Republic, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United States of America, Upper Volta, Yemen, Yugoslavia, Zaire, Zambia.

Swiss Embassy, Buenos Aires (British Interests Section)

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how much Her Majesty's Government pay to the Swiss Government for the British interests section of the Swiss embassy in Buenos Aires.

The cost for the six-month period 2 April to 30 September 1982 (the latest period for which bills have been submitted) was approximately £78,000.

South Africa (Death Sentences)

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the representations he has received on behalf of (a) Anthony Tsotsobe, (b) Johannes Shabangu, (c) David Moise, (d) Simon Mogderane, (e) Jerry Mosololi and (f) Sam Motang at present under sentence of death in South Africa.

Detailed statistics of the number of representations received about these cases are not maintained but since October 1982 we have received over 700 letters from members of the public, trade unions and other organisations, including about 30 letters sent on by Members from their constituents. Delegations from the anti-apartheid movement have also called on me to discuss these cases, most recently on 28 February.

South African Government Representatives (Meetings)

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he, any Ministers or any officials of the Foreign Office, recently met any of the following representatives of the South African Government: (a) Mr. Dalston, director general of Foreign Affairs, (b) Mr. Van der Westhuizen (director of military intelligence) and (c) Mr. Coetzee (head of security police) on their visit to London.

No.

United Nations Commission On Human Rights

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what support has been given by Her Majesty's Government to the United Nations Commission on Human Rights in supporting the creation of mechanisms whereby the United Nations can react promptly to prevent summary or arbitrary executions.

The United Kingdom delegation to this year's session of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights gave strong support to the resolution on summary or arbitrary executions, which was adopted by consensus.

Falklands Islands (Land Tenure)

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if the final result of the survey of land tenure in the Falkland Islands, based on a questionnaire circulated among agricultural workers in the islands, is now available; and if he will make a statement.

Towards the end of last year, the Falkland Islands Government circulated a questionnaire to 300 workers in the agricultural sector asking them whether and where they would like to buy a piece of farmland. The BBC's Panorama programme of 14 February suggested that the result of the questionnaire showed that two out of every three islanders so questioned wished to purchase land. In fact, by 28 February—the deadline set for the return of completed questionnaires—only 59 replies had been received, all indicating an interest in buying land. This is a proportion of about one in five of those questioned.The Government believe that this result, considered in relation to the amount of land already or likely to become available on the open market, confirms the validity of the gradual approach to land redistribution described by my right hon. Friend in his statement to the House on 8 December—[Vol. 33, c. 859–868].

European Community

Council Of Ministers (Business)

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will publish in the Official Report a statement of forthcoming business in the European Community Council of Ministers.

At present 4 meetings of the Council of Ministers are planned for April. The usual written forecast was deposited in the House today.The Finance Council is expected to meet on 18 April. Ministers will consider a possible Community position for the OECD export credit consensus negotiations. Ministers may also further discuss the Commission's proposal to contract loans under the new Community instrument and exchange views on progress with the draft seventh Company Law directive on group accounts and the draft insurance services directive.The Agriculture Council is next expected to meet on 18–19 April. It is expected to consider the welfare of battery hens, long term contracts with third countries and possibly the reform of the Mediterranean Acquis which includes fruit, vegetables and olive oil. It may also consider CAP price fixing if this is not settled at the previous meeting.The Energy Council is expected to meet next on 21 April. Amongst other subjects the Council is likely to discuss, coal, investment in the rational use of energy, and the oil market.The Foreign Affairs Council is due to meet on 25–26 April when it is expected to discuss the Community's budgetary problems, the proposed new European regional development fund regulation, agricultural trade relations with the United States, the Community's external steel policy and preparations for the ACP/EC Council of Ministers meeting in May.Ministers are expected to examine a report from the ad hoc working group considering Greenland's application to withdraw from the Community. They will also prepare declarations on further aspects of Spanish accession for presentation to the Spaniards at a ministerial conference in the margins of the Council. Portuguese accession is also likely to be considered.

Political Parties (Expenditure)

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what guidelines have been issued by the European Assembly on the specific purposes for which the allocation of 43 million European currency units may be spent by political parties in the preparation of the 1984 elections; and what arrangements have been made to ensure that the money is spent on these purposes.

[pursuant to the reply, 25 January 1983, c. 385]: the Bureau of the European Parliament has now taken decisions relating to the criteria for expenditure and procedures for control of the funds to be made available for the 1984 elections.The European Parliament has so far provided for the allocation of 20 million European currency units (ecu's) (£12·6 million, at the current rate of exchange of £1=1·59 ecu) in preparation for the 1984 European Parliament elections. This consists of 13 million ecus (£8·2 million) from the 1982 budget, made available by savings from general expenditure, and 7 million ecus (£4·4 million) from the 1983 budget. A further sum will be made available from the 1984 budget, but the amount has not yet been decided. This money will be allocated to the political groups, roughly in accordance with their level of representation in the Parliament. The Parliament's Bureau has laid down that the funds shall be used solely to finance activities directly connected with the preparation and implementation of the information campaign for the 1984 elections.The Bureau of the Parliament has now drawn up the following criteria for the utilisation of the funds and control of expenditure:

—the chairman of the political groups shall be responsible for the allocation of the funds;

—the chairman and treasurer of each group shall guarantee the control of the actual utilisation of the funds;

—justification of the utilisation of the funds shall ultimately be given to the bodies responsible for auditing the funds of the European Parliament;

—the political groups shall establish separate accounts in respect of expenditure on the information campaign, to distinguish this from income and expenditure pertaining to their other activities;

—the political groups shall institute an accounts system which enables comparisons to be drawn between them so that all the control bodies may monitor them effectively. These systems must distinguish clearly between:
(a) administrative expenditure;
(b) expenditure on meetings;
(c) expenditure on publications and publicity;

—in each political group, the treasurer and auditors shall verify that the entries in the accounts have been properly made;

—each year the groups shall publish a report on the utilisation of the funds during that period, which will be forwarded to the President of the Parliament and the Chairman of the Committee on Budgetary Control;

—the Committee on Budgetary Control shall draw up a report for the Bureau of the Parliament;

—on the basis of this report, the Bureau shall verify the disbursement of the funds allocated.

In addition to the above internal procedures of the Parliament, the expenditure, like all other expenditure by the Community institutions, will be subject to subsequent auditing by the Court of Auditors.

Employment

Service Industries

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what has been the change in employment in service industries since May 1979.

Between June 1979 (estimates are made quarterly) and September 1982, the latest date for 'which information is available, there was a provisionally estimated decrease of 360,000 in the number of employees in employment in Great Britain in the service industries (Orders XXII to XXVII of the 1968 standard industrial classification).

Lincoln Electric

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what steps he is taking to assist those notified to his Department as being made redundant at Lincoln Electric in Welwyn Garden City.

The Manpower Services Commission will of course do all it can to help the redundant workers find new jobs, and all its advisory, placement and retraining services will be at their disposal. I understand that the local jobcentre has contacted the firm to offer every possible assistance.

Employment Medical Advisory Service

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many staff are employed by the employment medical advisory service.

On 23 March 1983, 303 staff (232 ful-time and 71 part-time) were employed by the Health and Safety Executive's employment medical advisory service.

Retail Price Index

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will list in the Official Report details of changes in the construction of the retail price index since May 1979, together with an explanation of the reasons for the changes.

No changes have been made in the basic system of construction of the retail prices index. However, as part of this system, the index "basket" is brought up to date each January in line with changes in household spending on goods and services.

Unemployment Statistics (West Midlands)

asked the Secretary of State for Employment (1) how many persons were unemployed for 12 months and over at the latest available date and in May 1979 in (a) the west midlands, (b) the black country area and (c) the Walsall travel-to-work area; if he will give the percentage so unemployed then and at the present time; and what is the change in percentage terms between May 1979 and the present time of these three parts;(2) how many young persons under 20 years of age were unemployed at the latest available date and in May 1979, respectively, in

(a) the west midlands, (b) the black country and (c) the Walsall travel-to-work area; and if he will give the change in percentage terms.

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

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will state the number of unemployed at

	West Midlands region		Dudley and Sandwell travel-to-work area		Wolverhampton travel-to-work area		Walsall travel-to-work area
	Number	Percentage	Number	Percentage	Number	Percentage	Number	Percentage
Registered unemployed
May 1979	117,689	5·1	12,219	4·0	8,181	5·6	8,429	5·1
October 1982	380,236	16·6	50,508	16·6	26,290	18·0	31,932	18·9
Percentage increase	—	223·1	—	313·4	—	221·4	—	278·8
Unemployed claimants
October 1982	353,443	16·0	49,148	16·2	24,672	16·7	30,366	18·0
February 1983	365,132	16·5	51,043	16·8	25,816	17·4	31,610	18·7
Percentage increase	—	3·3	—	3·9	—	4·6	—	4·1

Youth Training Schemes

asked the Secretary of State for Employment (1) how many modes B1 and B2 youth training schemes have been approved in each of the regions;(2) how many mode A youth training schemes have been approved in each of the regions.

Final approval of most schemes to operate from September will take place nearer the time. There has been a very encouraging response so far from potential sponsors.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will list the persons in the north-west region who have applied to operate mode A youth training schemes.

I am afraid that this information could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will introduce legislation to apply the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 to all youth opportunity programme entrants and those on work experience on employers' premises and other similar Manpower Services Commission schemes; and if he will make a statement.

Young people on the Manpower Services Commission's youth opportunity programme and similar schemes are already effectively covered by the 1974 Act, even though they are not employees. This is because sections 3 and 4 of the Act deal specifically with non-employees and these sections are broadly similar to the duties to employees specified in section 2 of the Act. In addition sponsors are required by the Manpower Services Commission to give an undertaking that these young people will not be treated less favourably than their own employees.

the latest available date and in May 1979 for (a) the west midlands, (b) the black country area of the west midlands and (c) the Walsall travel-to-work area; and if he will give the percentage unemployed then and at the present time; and the change in percentage terms for unemployment between May 1979 and the present time for these three parts.

The following table gives the figures for registered unemployed at May 1979 and October 1982 and the figures for unemployed claimants at October 1982 and February 1983. The figures include school leavers and are not seasonally adjusted.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment (1) what procedures are followed by the Manpower Services Commission before persons on training schemes such as the youth opportunities programme are allowed on industrial premises, to ensure that such premises and any machinery used are safe;(2) what safeguards are required to ensure that Manpower Service Commission trainees are given full instructions in all safety aspects before using machinery of any sort.

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

Wages Councils

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will give, for each wages council and for each division of the wages inspectorate (a) the number of establishments covered by wages council orders, (b) the numbers of workers covered by wages council orders, (c) the numbers and percentages of wages council firms inspected and found to be infringing wages council orders, (d) the numbers and percentages of workers found to be underpaid, and (e) the numbers of workers paid arrears and the amount of such arrears.

[pursuant to his reply, 24 March 1983, c. 465]: Estimates by division of the number of workers covered by wages councils are not made; nor is it the practice to publish details by division of infringements in each wages council trade. The tables following give on a provisional basis the other information requested. The date on underpayment relates to inspections by visit and cannot be regarded as representative of all checks carried out by the wages inspectorate, or of all establishments covered by wages councils, as the inspectorate tends to concentrate its visits on establishments where infringements are most likely to be found.

Table 1
Establishments Covered by Wages Councils on Register—December 1982
Council	London (east)	London (west)	South eastern	Southern	Eastern	South western	Midlands (east)	Midlands (west)	North Western (east)	North Western (west)	Yorkshire and Humberside	Northern	Scotland (east)	Scotland (west)	Wales	Total
Aerated waters	22	20	36	47	49	51	50	64	38	56	55	41	58	28	50	665
Boot and shoe repairing	179	216	170	229	169	185	150	269	162	157	204	114	126	131	82	2,543
Button manufacturing	19	12	1	4	3	—	5	8	7	1	9	—	—	3	2	74
Clothing manufacturing	2,220	1,107	431	367	511	364	603	551	982	351	718	271	170	392	282	9,320
Coffin furniture, etc.	—	1	—	—	—	2	1	6	2	3	5	—	1	2	—	23
Cotton waste reclamation	4	—	—	—	1	1	—	—	18	10	3	—	—	—	1	38
Flax and hemp	—	—	—	—	—	1	—	—	—	—	—	1	12	—	—	14
Fur	168	129	19	21	15	13	7	12	23	16	28	7	19	37	5	519
General waste reclamation	105	43	71	94	118	124	138	202	221	179	321	118	83	74	116	2,007
Hairdressing	1,645	1,865	2,517	2,510	2,325	2,589	2,237	3,072	2,244	2,566	3,264	1,889	1,520	1,222	1,825	33,290
Hat, cap and millinery	22	36	9	12	56	6	5	10	27	4	11	9	8	10	2	227
Lace finishing	2	—	—	—	—	—	57	—	—	2	—	—	—	1	—	62
Laundry	51	140	105	101	61	125	52	77	47	37	63	50	96	71	40	1,116
Licensed non-residential establishment	2,735	2,718	5,005	4,831	4,284	15,195	4,610	7,217	4,745	4,769	7,008	4,119	3,016	2,370	4,379	67,001
Licensed residential establishment	841	2,847	2,680	2,011	1,979	5,148	1,240	1,265	950	1,557	1,882	1,263	2,582	1,379	2,251	29,875
Linen and cotton handerkerchief	2	10	1	—	—	1	16	1	95	34	11	—	6	3	5	185
Made-up textiles	21	19	15	20	40	25	21	24	22	30	41	25	18	19	18	358
Ostrich and fancy feather	6	3	3	2	7	2	2	—	—	1	—	6	2	—	2	36
Perambulator, etc.	1	1	—	3	2	2	7	4	7	—	4	2	1	2	2	38
Retail bespoke tailoring	107	243	41	57	48	64	31	36	47	40	56	25	33	44	20	892
Retail food and allied trades	6,022	6,261	9,574	9,400	8,807	9,735	6,774	9,328	7,643	8,499	11,648	7,243	7,226	5,460	6,338	119,958
Retail trades (non-food)	5,769	6,654	8,680	8,326	7,781	8,676	6,029	8,912	6,556	7,368	9,262	4,871	6,197	4,325	5,461	104,867
Rope, twine and net	3	1	4	—	5	14	3	4	17	9	20	4	25	10	1	120
Sack and bag	10	2	2	1	10	4	8	15	12	18	16	3	5	4	4	114
Toy	32	16	21	31	36	33	49	24	22	27	45	11	12	5	38	402
Unlicensed place of refreshment	1,394	1,712	1,441	1,137	1,310	1,640	817	979	782	1,178	1,360	812	1,016	806	1,143	17,527
Total	21,380	24,056	30,826	29,204	27,617	34,000	22,912	32,080	24,669	26,912	36,034	20,884	22,232	16,398	22,067	391,271

Inspections by visit, workers covered by wages councils and under-payments found—1982
Table 2A	Analysis by Wages Council
	Establishments inspected by visit
Council	Number inspected	Percentage on register inspected	Number at which underpayment found	Percentage inspected at which underpayment found
Aerated Waters	52	7·8	21	40·4
Boot and Shoe Repairing	84	3·3	16	19·0
Button Manufacturing	6	8·1	2	33·3
Clothing Manufacturing	645	6·9	265	41·1
Coffin Furniture, etc	6	26·1	3	50·0
Cotton Waste Reclamation	4	10·5	1	25·0
Flax and Hemp	1	7·1	—	—
Fur	24	4·6	5	20·8
General Waste Reclamation	101	5·0	10	9·9
Hairdressing	2,061	6·2	731	35·5
Hat, Cap and Millinery	11	4·8	3	27·3
Lace Finishing	6	9·7	1	16·7
Laundry	70	6·3	12	17·1
Licensed Non-Residential Establishment	4,857	7·2	1,738	35·8
Licensed Residential Establishment	2,755	9·2	1,392	50·5
Linen and Cotton H'chief	17	9·2	3	17·6
Made-up Textiles	24	6·7	5	20·8
Ostrich and Fancy Feather	4	11·1	1	25·0
Perambulator, etc	9	23·7	—	—
Retail Bespoke Tailoring	35	3·9	9	25·7
Retail Food and Allied Trades	6,167	5·1	2,704	43·8
Retail Trades (Non-Food)	5,125	4·9	1,844	36·0
Rope, Twine and Net	12	10·0	3	25·0
Sack and Bag	11	9·6	3	27·3
Toy	21	5·2	9	42·9
Unlicensed Place of Refreshment	963	5·5	392	40·7
Total	23,071	5·9	9,173	39·8

Table 2B
	Estimated number of workers covered by Wages Council Orders at June 1982	Workers whose pay examined		Workers paid arrears
		Number	Percentage found to be underpaid	Number	Amount £
Aerated Waters	15,000	1,095	8·4	92	3,844
Boot and Shoe Repairing	7,100	141	12·8	14	1,587
Button Manufacturing	2,100	197	1·1	2	110
Clothing Manufacturing	252,800	11,667	8·2	790	59,504
Coffin Furniture, etc	300	74	23·0	8	830
Cotton Waste Reclamation	500	9	11·1	1	6
Flax and Hemp	1,400	70	—	—	—
Fur	4,500	108	4·6	5	538
General Waste Reclamation	19,300	754	2·3	17	2,955
Hairdressing	135,600	6,803	14·5	889	73,793
Hat, Cap and Millinery	6,800	122	4·1	5	569
Lace Finishing	800	81	2·5	2	204
Laundry	33,700	1,112	5·4	60	6,389
Licensed Non-Residential Establishment	508,700	30,047	16·0	4,579	479,760
Licensed Residential Establishment	555,300	23,109	15·1	3,292	308,701
Linen and Cotton H'chief	5,200	876	2·2	19	172
Make·up Textiles	4,800	224	3·1	5	411
Ostrich and Fancy Feather	1,400	76	1·3	1	134
Perambulator, etc.	1,500	787	—	—	—
Retail Bespoke Tailoring	5,200	83	10·8	9	1,398
Retail Food and Allied Trades	519,300	22,321	25·1	4,920	484,934
Retail Trades (Non-Food)	512,800	18,168	16·9	2,729	323,059
Rope, Twine and Net	4,000	517	2·3	12	668
Sack and Bag	1,400	92	4·3	4	456
Toy	18,900	288	45·5	99	12,835
Unlicensed Place of Refreshment	116,400	4,895	17·6	770	75,805
Total	2,734,800	123,698	16·3	18,333	1,838,662

Table 3
Inspections by visit and underpayments found—1982
By division of wages inspectorate
	Establishments inspected by visit				Workers whose pay examined		Workers Paid Arrears
Division	Number inspected	Percentage of establishments on register inspected	Number at which underpayments found	Percentage inspected at which underpayment found	Number	Percentage found to be underpaid	Number	Amount £
London (East)	1,332	6·2	391	29·4	7,441	9·8	645	70,338
London (West)	1,185	4·9	294	24·8	5,780	9·5	503	74,664
South Eastern	2,175	7·1	764	35·1	9,539	15·7	1,370	150,826
Southern	1,725	5·9	441	25·6	10,211	8·7	828	78,523
Eastern	1,446	5·2	726	50·2	7,944	21·2	1,564	123,577
South Western	1,799	5·3	954	53·0	8,871	22·2	1,725	163,557
Midlands (East)	1,496	6·5	532	35·6	8,472	13·7	1,028	105,577
Midlands (West)	2,045	6·4	666	32·6	11,538	12·7	1,277	153,205
North Western (East)	1,337	5·4	603	45·1	8,686	16·4	1,301	113,785
North Western (West)	1,093	4·1	601	55·0	5,600	26·3	1,349	133,843
Yorkshire and Humberside	2,680	7·4	964	36·0	15,469	13·4	1,686	145,066
Northern	983	4·7	552	56·2	5,340	26·0	1,348	119,718
Scotland (East)	1,238	5·6	513	41·4	6,092	19·4	1,089	111,301
Scotland (West)	812	5·0	349	43·0	4,711	16·5	747	81,772
Wales	1,720	7·8	821	47·7	7,950	24·0	1,871	212,875
TOTAL	23,071	5·9	9,137	39·6	123,698	16·3	18,333	1,838,662

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will publish for each year from 1977 to 1982 information on the numbers and proportions of inspections by wages inspectors which (a) included a visit to the establishment or (b) were carried out by post; whether there was any significant variation in these proportions either between different wages council industries or between different regions of the wages inspectorate; and whether there are any planned changes in these proportions in 1983.

[pursuant to his reply, 24 March 1983, c. 465]: The table following gives information on inspections carried out by various methods in the period 1977–1982. Inspections by postal inquiry are conducted in the hairdressing and retailing trades only. They were introduced in part of retailing in 1977 and extended to the remainder, and to hairdressing, by the end of 1980. Differences between divisions reflect essentially their varying characteristics, for example the number of establishments in each trade. There are no present plans to extend inspections by postal inquiry to other wages council trades.

Establishments Inspected 1977–1982
	1977	1978	1979	1980	1981	1982 (provisional)
Inspections by visit	30,930	31,762	34,807	34,657	24,399	23,071
Percentage	83·8	79·9	68·8	69·3	63·2	58·7
Inspections by visit inquiry only	^*1,000	^*2,500	9,518	7,826	6,317	4,906
Percentage	2·7	6·3	18·8	15·7	16·4	12·5
Other inspections not involving a visit	^*5,000	^*5,500	6,292	7,511	7,880	11,341
Percentage	13·5	13·8	12·4	15·0	20·4	28·8
^* Estimated figures comparable with later years are not available.

National Finance

European Community (Budget)

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what further progress has been made in securing United Kingdom budget refunds from the European Community.

The Commission of the European Communities has today announced decisions granting the United Kingdom a total of £631 million in Community support under the 'supplementary measures' and 'energy strategy' schemes. This represents the United Kingdom's basic refund for 1982, as agreed by Foreign Ministers last October. A downpayment of 90 per cent. of the £631 million (£568 million) is to be made to the United Kingdom before the end of the month. The balance will follow later in the year.The supplementary measures scheme provides for contributions by the Community in respect of public

TABLE 1
Community supplementary measures contributions in respect of United Kingdom public sector investment programmes for 1982–83
£ million
	North	North-West	South-West	Yorkshire and Humberside	Scotland	Wales	Northern Ireland	Total
Roads	3·8	10·6	3·4	5·5	16·5	19·9	6·3	66·0
Rail	5·6	6·3	0·7	7·8	10·6	2·1	1·0	34·2
Water and sewerage	10·7	17·4	3·8	13·8	—	7·4	5·3	58·5
Telecommunications	23·1	49·1	7·9	39·7	45·3	25·4	17·7	208·2
Housing	—	—	—	—	—	—	32·9	32·9
Total	43·2	83·4	15·8	66·8	72·4	54·9	63·3	399·8

Table 2: Community support granted to Projects under the Energy Strategy Regulation
	£ million
Project	Support granted
Heysham I - Lancs	5·7
Heysham II - Lancs	29·7
Torness, East Lothian	26·9
Hartlepool-Cleveland	5·0
Dungeness - Kent	4·2
Drax - Yorkshire	97·8

investment programmes in the United Kingdom, principally in the assisted areas. The decisions announced today provide for the Community to contribute a total of £400 million in supplementary measures support in respect of the current year's investment programmes by central government and public corporation spending authorities. The support granted to each regional sub-programmes is set out in table 1.

The Commission has granted a further £231 million under the new regulation establishing specific measures of Community interest relating to energy strategy. Table 2 gives details of the Community suppport granted to individual projects.

These grants from the Community budget are enabling public expenditure programmes generally in the United Kingdom to be sustained at levels higher than the country could otherwise have afforded. Expenditure programmes throughout the country are benefiting accordingly.

	£ million
Project	Support granted
Cross Channel Link - Kent	7·1
Dinorwic - Gwynedd	6·6
Fort Dunlop - West Midlands	1·2
Morecambe - Lancs	20·4
Rough - Yorkshire	12·8
St. Fergus - Grampian	0·4
Hornsea - Yorkshire	1·8

	£ million
Project	Support granted
Dynevor Arms - Wales	2·8
Nantgarw - Wales	2·9
Avonmouth III - Avon	2·4
Isle of Grain - Kent	3·4
Total	231·1

Married Women (Taxation)

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) whether he will publish in the Official Report a table showing for 1983–84 the estimated number of married women in each income group who would benefit from separate assessment under the wife's earnings election if (a) the married and single allowances were increased to £3,500 and £1,800, respectively, (b) two reduced rate bands of £1,000 were introduced at 10 per cent. and 20 per cent., respectively, and (c) the band for the standard rate were reduced to £4,000 followed by two bands of £400 and four bands of £5,000 in incremental steps of 5 per cent. to a maximum of 65 per cent.; and if he will include in each case the estimated cost to the Exchequer net of the married woman's earnings allowance raised to £1,800;

Number and cost of wife's earnings election at 1983–84 income levels.
	Existing Tax Regime:				Alternative Tax Regime:
Range of joint total income (lower limit)	Assuming statutory indexation:		Assuming 1983 Budget proposals:
£	Number	Cost	Number	Cost	Number	Cost
	Thousands	£ million	Thousands	£ million	Thousands	£ million
16,000	—	—	—	—	50	5
18,000	—	—	—	—	80	10
20,000	70	15	30	10	130	30
25,000	40	20	40	15	30	20
30,000	30	35	30	30	30	30
40,000	10	25	10	20	10	20
50,000	10	35	10	35	10	35
	160	130	120	110	340	150

Unmarried, Divorced And Separated Fathers

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what amount of revenue is lost to the Exchequer through tax relief which is available on maintenance payments by unmarried fathers under court orders or binding agreements; what amount is lost to higher rate taxpayers; and in each case what is the number involved;(2) what amount of revenue is lost to the Exchequer through tax relief which is available on maintenance payments by divorced or separated husbands under court orders or binding agreements; what amount is lost to higher rate taxpayers; and in such cases what are the numbers involved.

I regret that information on which to base reliable estimates is not available.

Taxation (Allowances)

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, further to his reply dated 8 March, concerning wife' earned income allowance, Official Report, c. 338,

(2) further to the answer of 7 February, Official Report, c. 277–278, concerning wife's earnings, whether the estimated cost of the earnings election is net of the alternative of the wife's earned income allowance; and whether he will publish a table in the Official Report showing the number of elections in each range of income and the net cost to the Exchequer.

The cost of the wife's earnings election is a net figure representing the extra cost of allowing an electing couple to have two single person's allowances and two sets of rate bands as against the alternative of a married man's and wife's earned income allowance, but only one set of rate bands. The figure of £130 million in a full year at 1983–84 income levels quoted in the previous reply was on the basis of allowances and thresholds increased, from their 1982–83 levels, in line with the statutory indexation provisions. Following the Budget proposals, it is estimated that the cost will be slightly lower, £110 million. Information on the number of elections and cost, ranged by the couple's joint total income, is as follows for both these figures, and also under the alternative tax system specified in the hon. Member's second question.whether he will (i) provide the same information for those wives who pay tax and (ii) give details of wives' incomes by income range excluding the husband's income.

The available information is at the income levels of 1982–83, as in the previous reply. The estimates given in the following tables show the numbers (i) of taxpaying wives ranged by the couples' joint taxable income and (ii) of wives ranged by wife's income. Wife's income includes those forms of income against which the wife's earned income allowance can be set; that is, employment income, profits, occupational pension or national insurance pension received by virtue of her own contributions.

Range of joint taxable income, 1982–83 (lower limit)	(i) Number of wives paying tax
£	Thousands
0	170
1,000	190
2,000	280
3,000	390
4,000	510

Range of joint taxable income, 1982–83 (lower limit)	(i) Number of wives paying tax
£	Thousands
5,000	540
6,000	460
7,000	370
8,000	340
9,000	220
10,000	280
12,000	220
15,000	140
20,000	60
30,000	30
	4,200

Range of wife's income, 1982–83 (lower limit)	(ii) Number of wives with earned income on Inland Revenue records
£	Thousands
0	1,200
1,000	1,570
2,000	1,140
3,000	850
4,000	690
5,000	440
6,000	240
7,000	150
8,000	100
9,000	50
10,000	40
12,500	10
15,000	10
20,000	10
	6,500

Income Tax

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, as a means of assisting the Inland Revenue Department, and the smaller or private income tax payer, he will introduce legislation to allow taxpayers to claim the expenses of employing an accountant for their tax returns on a similar basis to that which applies to public and private companies.

I have noted the hon. Gentleman's suggestion. Successive Governments, following the advice given by the Royal Commission on the taxation of profits and income, have taken the view that no such deduction would be justified.

Value Added Tax

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will introduce legislation to prevent companies which undertake no significant economic activity in the United Kingdom from merely maintaining an address in the United Kingdom in order to claim repayment of value added tax on their products; and if he will make a statement.

I am not aware of the need for any such legislation but if the hon. Member has a particular case in mind he might care to send me details.

Taxation

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) if he will update, to include the 1983 Budget, the information on tax changes provided in his reply of 15 March to the hon. Member for Oldham, West (Mr. Meacher) Official Report, c. 131–2; and if he will provide the same information according to (a) the 1 per cent. with the highest incomes, (b) the next 9 per cent., (c) the next 10 per cent. and (d) the remaining 80 per cent. of taxpayers;(2) what is the total annual cost at current prices of changes in

(a) capital transfer tax, capital gains tax and investment income surcharge and (b) higher rate income tax thresholds and tax bands made in his last five Budgets apart from the cost of any adjustments to these taxes to maintain this real value in 1978–79.

I shall let the hon. Member have a reply as soon as possible.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what has been the annual change in real personal disposable income for (a) the unemployed and (b) those still in work, since 1975.

[pursuant to his reply, 24 March 1983, c. 496]: It is not possible to disaggregate real personal disposable income in the manner requested. The estimates are derived from national accounting data and refer to the personal sector as a whole; separate series for the unemployed, those in work and persons not in the labour force are not available.

Charities (Covenants)

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many individual taxpayers have covenanted more than £3,000 per annum to charities in the last financial year.

I shall let my hon. Friend have a reply as soon as possible.

Objects In Lieu Of Tax

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has any plans to exclude works of art and heritage objects which are accepted in satisfaction of capital transfer tax from liability to value added tax in respect of the sums thus satisfied; and if he will make a statement.

My right hon. and learned Friend is considering representations which he has received on this subject. He hopes to reach a decision shortly.

Budget Proposals

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the overall effect by groups of taxpayers earning (a) two thirds of average earnings, (b) average earnings, (c)twice, (d) three, (e) four, (f) five and (g) 10 times average earnings, according to whether the taxpayer is (i) single, (ii) married and (iii) married with one, two, three, four or more children, of his Budget proposal to introduce new rate schedules for both death and lifetime transfers as well as to (1) increase the rate of relief for transfers of minority holdings in unquoted companies from 20 per cent. to 30 per cent., (2) increase the rate of relief for transfers of tenanted agricultural land from 20 per cent. to 30 per cent., (3) extend the period over which tax may be paid by instalments from eight to 10 years and remove the facility to pay by half-year instalments, (4) remove the ceiling of £250,000 on the total value of transfers within one year of death to charities which is exempt, (5) remove the specified rule under which persons becoming domiciled in the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man may be regarded as remaining domiciled in the United Kingdom for tax purposes, (6) clarify the rules about the incidence of tax on death when the will contains no directions and (7) amend the provisions relating to settled property.

I shall let the hon. Member have a reply as soon as possible.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) if he will list the overall effect by groups of taxpayers earning (a) two thirds of average earnings, (b) average earnings, (c)twice, (d) three, (e) four, (f) five and (g) 10 times average earnings, according to whether the taxpayer is (i) single, (ii) married and (iii) married with one, two, three, four or more children, of his Budget proposal on capital gains tax to (1) increase the annual exempt amount in line with the increase in the retail prices index so that for 1983–84 an individual will be exempt on the first £5,300, and most trusts on the first £2,650, of capital gains, (2) increase the limit on reliefs relating to the transfer of a business on retirement, (3) increase the limit on reliefs relating to the letting of residential accommodation and small part disposals of land, (4) extend the private residence relief to gains arising to a person required by the terms of his trade or profession to live in other accommodation and abolish the small gifts exemption and the payment by instalment facilities and (5) amend the rules relating to the value at which assets are deemed to be acquired from certain non-resident trusts;(2) if he will list the overall effect by group of taxpayers earning

(a) two thirds of average earnings, (b) average earnings, (c) twice, (d) three, (e) four, (f) five and (g) 10 times average earnings, according to whether the taxpayer is (i) single, (ii) married and (iii) married with one, two, three, four or more children of his Budget proposal to (1) increase the single person's allowance and the wife's maximum earned income relief from £1,565 to £1,785 and the married allowance from £2,445 to £2,795, (2) increase the basic rate limit to £14,600 and (3) increase the width of the 40 per cent. band to £2,600, of the 45 per cent. band to £4,600 and of the 50 per cent. and 55 per cent. bands to £7,100.

I shall let the hon. Member have a reply as soon as possible.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the overall effect by group of taxpayers earning (a) two thirds average earnings, (b) average earnings, (c) twice, (d) three, (e) four, (f) five and (g) 10 times average earnings, according to whether the taxpayer is (i) single, (ii) married, (iii) married with one, two, three, four or more children of his Budget proposal to change the customs and excise duty on alcoholic drinks.

I shall let the hon. Member have a reply as soon as possible.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) if he will list the overall effect by group of taxpayers earning (a) two thirds of average wages, (b) average earnings, (c) twice, (d) three, (e) four, (f) five and (g) 10 times average earnings, according to whether the taxpayer is (i) single, (ii) married and (iii) married with one, two, three, four or more children of his Budget proposal to (1) raise the threshold for the investment income surcharge for 1983–84 from £6,250 to £7,100, (2) extend the widow's bereavement allowance to cover the year after the husband's death, (3) increase the limit on loans qualifying for mortgage interest relief from £25,000 to £30,000 and (4) extend mortgage interest relief to interest paid on certain loans for the purchase of a house by a borrower who is under a contractual obligation to live in other accommodation;(2) if he will list the net individual income effect on taxpayers earning

(a) two thirds average earnings, (b) average earnings, (c) twice, (d) three, (e) four, (f) five and (g) 10 times average earnings, according to whether the taxpayer is (i) single, (ii) married and (iii) married with one, two, three, four or more children of his Budget proposal to (1) raise the threshold for the investment income surcharge for 1983–84 from £6,250 to £7,100, (2) extend the widow's bereavement allowance to cover the year after the husband's death, (3) increase the limit on loans qualifying for mortgage interest relief from £25,000 to £30,000 and (4) extend mortgage interest relief to interest paid on certain loans for the purchase of a house by a borrower who is under a contractual obligation to live in other accommodation;

(3) if he will list the net individual income effect on taxpayers earning (a) two thirds average earnings, (b) average earnings, (c) twice, (d) three, (e) four, (f) five and (g) 10 times average earnings, according to whether the taxpayer is (i) single, (ii) married and (iii) married with one, two, three, four or more children of his Budget proposal to introduce new rate schedules for both death and life time transfers as well as to (1) increase the rate of relief for transfers of minority holdings in unquoted companies from 20 per cent. to 30 per cent., (2) increase the rate of relief for transfers of tenanted agricultural land from 20 per cent. to 30 per cent., (3) extend the period over which tax may be paid by instalments from eight to 10 years and remove the facility to pay by half-yearly instalments, (4) remove the ceiling of £250,000 on the total value of transfers within one year of death to charities which is exempt, (5) remove the special rule under which persons becoming domiciled in the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man may be regarded as remaining domiciled in the United Kingdom for tax purposes, (6) clarify the rules about the incidence of tax on death when the will contains no directions and (7) amend the provisions relating to settled property.

I shall let the hon. Member have a reply as soon as possible.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the net individual income effect on taxpayers earning (a) two thirds average earnings, (b) average earnings, (c) twice, (d) three, (e) four, (f) five and (g) 10 times average earnings according to whether the taxpayer is (i) single, (ii) married and (iii) married with one, two, three, four or more children of his Budget proposal on the capital gains tax to (1) increase the annual exempt amount in line with the increase in the retail prices index so that for 1983–84 an individual will be exempt on the first £5,300, and most trusts on the first £2,650, of capital gains, (2) increase the limit on reliefs relating to the transfer of a business on retirement, (3) increase the limit on reliefs relating to the letting of residential accommodation and small part disposals of land, (4) extend the private residence relief to gains arising to a person required by the terms of his trade or profession to live in other accommodation, and abolish the small gifts exemption and the payment by instalment facilities, and (5) amend the rules relating to the value at which assets are deemed to be acquired from certain non-resident trusts.

I shall let the hon. Member have a reply as soon as possible.

Gross Domestic Product Deflator

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will publish the gross domestic product deflator for each year underlying table 1.14 of Cmnd. 8789-I.

Table 1.14 in Cmnd. 8789-I was calculated from the cash plans using an index for the gross domestic product deflator as follows:

Year
1977–78	·5904
1978–79	·6526
1979–80	·7640
1980–81	·9035
1981–82	1·0000
1982–83	1·0750
1983–84	1·12875

A revised and extended version of this table taking account of Budget public expenditure measures and other changes and using the updated gross domestic product deflator assumptions set out in the Financial Statement and Budget Report was given in a reply to a question from my hon. Friend the Member for Birmingham, Selly Oak (Mr. Beaumont-Dark) on 17 March—[Vol. 39; c.

240.]

Tax Threshold (Family Statistics)

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the numbers of families with children living under the tax threshold for each of the past 20 years.

I shall let the hon. Member have a reply as soon as possible.

Rate Support Grant

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will publish the estimated level of holdback of rate support grant as referred to in paragraph 5.21 of the "Financial Statement and Budget Report 1983–84" and included in table 5.10 of that publication.

I shall let the hon. Member have a reply as soon as possible.

Local Authority Current Expenditure

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will state the extent to which the forecast level of local authority current expenditure on goods and services for 1983–84 in table 5.3 of the "Financial Statement and Budget Report 1983–84" exceeds the comparable figure in Cmnd. 8789; and if he will explain how any differences in the figures were calculated.

I shall let the hon. Member have a reply as soon as possible.

Local Authorities (Borrowings)

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will give details of the other borrowing in 1983–84 by local authorities as included in table 5.3 of the "Financial Statement and Budget Report 1983–84".

I shall let the hon. Member have a reply as soon as possible.

Government Departments And Health Authorities (Private Contracting Work)

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he still intends to seek powers in the Finance Bill to refund payments of value added tax both to Government Departments and health authorities on services which have been put out to private contractors, in view of the provisions relating to value added tax contained in the resolution of 21 March, Votes and Proceedings, page 405.

I shall let my hon. Friend have a reply as soon as possible.

Taxation And National Insurance Contributions

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the number of taxpayers and the numbers earning sums between the lower exemption and the upper ceiling of the national insurance of graduated contributions and for the national insurance scheme for each year since graduated contributions became payable; and if he will present the latter data as a percentage of the former.

[pursuant to his reply, 17 March 1983, c. 239]: The multiples of average earnings are shown in the following table. The rows of the table refer to the cases where tax plus national insurance contributions (NIC) less child benefit (where appropriate) is expressed (a) as a proportion of gross earnings; and (b) at constant (1978–79) prices.

	Single	Married	Married with two children under 11
(a)
1982–83	2·6	2·8	2·9
1983–84	2·1	2·2	2·4
(b)
1982–83	3·5	3·7	3·8
1983–84	3·2	3·3	3·3

The calculations assume that the taxpayer has no allowances and reliefs other than the appropriate personal

1978–79 Prices and Percentage of Gross Earnings
	1982–83			1983–84
	Single	Married	Married + 2	Single	Married	Married + 2
75 per cent. of average earnings
Gross earnings	75·38	75·38	75·38	76·08	76·08	76·08
Income Tax	17·01	13·85	13·85	16·76	13·33	13·33
Percentage	(22·6)	(18·4)	(18·4)	(22·0)	(17·5)	(17·5)
National Insurance contributions	6·60	6·60	6·60	6·85	6·85	6·85
Percentage	(8·8)	(8·8)	(8·8)	(9·0)	(9·0)	(9·0)
Child benefit	—	—	6·80	—	—	7·16
Percentage	—	—	(9·0)	—	—	(9·4)
Net earnings	51·77	54·93	61·73	52·47	55·90	63·06
Percentage	(68·7)	(72·9)	(81·9)	(69·0)	(73·5)	(82·9)
Indirect taxes	13·24	16·08	15·07	13·24	16·03	15·09
Percentage	(17·6)	(21·3)	(20·0)	(17·4)	(21·1)	(19·8)
100 per cent. of average earnings
Gross earnings	100·50	100·50	100·50	101·45	101·45	101·45
Income Tax	24·54	21·39	21·39	24·36	20·94	20·94
Percentage	(24·4)	(21·3)	(21·3)	(24·0)	(20·6)	(20·6)
National Insurance contributions	8·80	8·80	8·80	9·13	9·13	9·13
Percentage	(8·8)	(8·8)	(8·8)	(9·0)	(9·0)	(9·0)
Child benefit	—	—	6·80	—	—	7·16
Percentage	—	—	(6·8)	—	—	(7·1)
Net earnings	67·16	70·31	77·11	67·96	71·38	78·54
Percentage	(66·8)	(70·0)	(76·7)	(67·0)	(70·4)	(77·4)
Indirect taxes	16·69	18·94	18·08	16·67	18·90	18·12
Percentage	(16·6)	(18·8)	(18·0)	(16·4)	(18·6)	(17·9)
200 per cent. of average earnings
Gross earnings	201·01	201·01	201·01	202·89	202·89	202·89
Income Tax	57·73	53·43	53·43	56·54	51·97	51·97
Percentage	(28·7)	(26·6)	(26·6)	(27·9)	(25·6)	(25·6)
National Insurance contributions	11·96	11·96	11·96	12·45	12·45	12·45

allowances and that he or she is not contracted out of the state (earnings related) pension scheme. In the case of married couples it has been assumed that the husband is the sole partner. Average earnings for full-time males (all occupations) have been taken at £161·80 per week in 1982–83 and £172·30 per week in 1983–84. The increases in income tax and NIC below the earnings levels shown do not mean that those concerned are worse off than in 1978–79. Gross earnings have risen by more than prices and the real net earnings—after income tax and NIC—of those in employment whose earnings have increased in line with the national average have increased since 1978–79.

Personal Incomes

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the level of income in current prices and expressed as a percentage of national average earnings above which single people, married couples and married couples with two children in each case in 1982–83 and in 1983–84 pay less income tax and national insurance contributions, less child benefit where applicable, as a total sum of money in constant prices and as a proportion of gross earnings than they did in 1978–79, using for 1983–84 the assumptions contained in the Red Book forecast.

[pursuant to his reply, 18 March 1983, c. 28]: The figures—both £ per week at 1978–79 prices and percentages of gross earnings—are shown in the tables below. The definitions are the same as those in the notes to the answer to the hon. Member for Islington, South and Finsbury (Mr. Cunningham) on 23 November 1982.— [Vol. 32, c. 418–20.]

	1982–83			1983–84
	Single	Married	Married + 2	Single	Married	Married + 2
Percentage	(5·9)	(5·9)	(5·9)	(6·1)	(6·1)	(6·1)
Child benefit	—	—	6·80	—	—	7·16
Percentage	—	—	(3·4)	—	—	(3·5)
Net earnings	131·32	135·62	142·42	133·90	138·47	145·63
Percentage	(65·3)	(67·5)	(70·8)	(66·0)	(68·3)	(71·8)
500 per cent. of average earnings
Gross earnings	502·52	502·52	502·52	507·22	507·22	507·22
Income Tax	220·65	214·34	214·34	216·85	209·99	209·99
Percentage	(43·9)	(42·7)	(42·7)	(42·8)	(41·4)	(41·4)
National Insurance contributions	11·96	11·96	11·96	12·45	12·45	12·45
Percentage	(2·4)	(2·4)	(2·4)	(2·5)	(2·5)	(2·5)
Child benefit	—	—	6·80	—	—	7·16
Percentage	—	—	(1·4)	—	—	(1·4)
Net earnings	269·91	276·22	283·02	277·92	284·78	291·94
Percentage	(53·7)	(55·0)	(56·3)	(54·8)	(56·1)	(57·6)

Economic Policy

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if, in accordance with the note by the Treasury at appendix 5 of the Treasury and Civil Service Committee report. Session 1981–82 on "The Government's Economic Policy: Autumn Review" and with the answer to the hon. Member for Islington, South and Finsbury (Mr. Cunningham), on 23 November 1982, Official Report, c. 418, he will update the figures for 1982–83 and for 1983–84 on the basis of announced changes for those on 75 per cent., 100 per cent., 200 per cent. and 500 per cent. of national average earnings, for single, married, and married plus two children families, including data on gross earnings, income tax, national insurance contributions, child benefit, net earnings and indirect taxes in each case and for 1983–84 using the Red Book forecast

[pursuant to his reply, 18 March 1983, c. 283]: The available information is given in the following table, which shows the number of people paying income tax and the number of people paying some class 1 and 2 national insurance contributions during each year from 1975–76 onwards. In the latter series of figures, people whose earnings were below the lower earnings limit throughout the year are excluded but it has not been practicable to estimate the number of people whose earnings exceeded the upper earnings limit. Comparable information about contributors is not available for years up to 1971–72 and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost for the years 1972–73 to 1974–75. Numbers of taxpayers for years before 1975–76 were quoted in reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Lichfield and Tamworth (Mr. Heddle) on 1 March 1983. —[Vol. 38, c. 99.]

Year	Number of income taxpayers^*(millions) (A)	Number of contributors (million) (B)	B ÷ A per cent.
1975–76	25·4	25·2	99
1976–77	26·0	25·4	98
1977–78	25·1	25·5	102
1978–79	26·2	25·5	97
1979–80	26·1	25·8	99
1980–81	25·2	†24·3	96
1981–82	†25·l	‡	—
1982–83	†24·9	‡	—
^* Husband and wife both paying tax are counted as two taxpayers.
† Provisional.
‡ Not available

Building Societies

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in the light of changes in the role and scope of building societies recently proposed by the Building Societies Association, Her Majesty's Government will establish an independent inquiry into the law relating to building societies to ensure a wide expression of views before making any proposals to change current legislation.

[pursuant to his reply, 23 March 1983, c. 421]: I do not think a further independent inquiry is called for but I can assure the hon. Gentleman that Her Majesty's Government will ensure that a wide canvass of views from interested parties and the general public will be invited in advance of any future legislation.

Leith (Free Port Status)

(Leith) asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations he has received supporting free port status for Leith.

[pursuant to his reply, 24 March 1983, c. 496]: Representations have been received from hon. Members, from the Lord Provost of Edinburgh and from local authority and other public bodies.

Charities (National Insurance Surcharge)

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many charities are exempted from payment of the national insurance surcharge.

[pursuant to his reply, 25 March 1983, c. 502]: Under section 57 of the Finance Act 1977, no charity is liable to pay the national insurance surcharge.

Environment

Rent Rebates And Allowances

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment by how much entitlement to rent rebates and rent allowances would be reduced for a recipient with income above the needs allowance if he had a £10 increase in weekly income; and how much it would cost if this rate of reduction was cut by 3p in the pound for all people with incomes above the needs allowance.

A recipient of rent rebate or rent allowance would have his entitlement reduced by £1·70 per week if his income were above the needs allowance, if that income were to increase by £10 per week and if all other factors relevant to the calculation of entitlement were to remain unchanged. I am writing to my hon. Friend about the second part of his question.

Associated Dairies

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when he now expects to announce his decision on the appeal by Associated Dairies against the refusal of planning permission by the London borough of Greenwich for a new superstore at Charlton.

The decision, allowing the appeal, was issued on 23 March.

Urban Programme, Greenwich

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will set out in the Official Report the projects in the London borough of Greenwich which have now been approved under the traditional urban programme, indicating the cost of each and specifying which are new schemes.

The following projects submitted by the London borough of Greenwich under the urban programme circular 23 have been approved:

	Capital Costs	Revenue Costs
	£	£
East Greenwich community centre	22,000	36,650
London Vietnamese community development project	1,000	23,420
Reconstruction of Woolwich small baths for an Afro/Caribbean community centre	79,500	14,540
Community development worker	1,100	^*21,650
		†10,825
		‡Nil
Charlton mosque & religious centre	26,500	—
^* 1st year.
† 2nd year.
‡ 3rd year.

A further project in the London borough of Greenwich submitted by ILEA was also approved:

	Capital Costs	Revenue Costs
	£ million	£ million
Ferrier unemployment project, Kidbrooke	49,370	7,000

All except the community development worker project are new schemes.Further to my reply to my right hon. and learned Friend the Member for Runcorn (Mr. Carlisle) on 10 March—[Vol. 35, c.

488] — full details of all the projects approved for each local authority will be placed in the Library as soon as a list in an appropriate form is available.

Acid Rain

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what recent representations he has received regarding acid rain; and if he will make a statement.

I recognise that acid rain is a matter of growing public concern about which a number of representations have been made. The problem is essentially international in character which is why the United Kingdom was glad to sign the United Nations Economic Commission of Europe convention on long-range transboundary air pollution last year. The United Kingdom will continue to play a full and constructive part in seeking a solution to this problem within the EC and United Nations.

House Building (Timber Frames)

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the average value of timber at ex-wharf prices per house; and if he will estimate the total value of imported timber used in timber framed houses.

Given the variety in house types and construction methods, and that timber prices are negotiable, it is not possible to provide figures for the amount, and hence the value, of imported timber in timber framed houses. Home produced timber supplies only about 8 per cent. of the United Kingdom's needs and not all of this is suitable for structural uses.

Housing (Disabled Persons)

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will consider shortening and simplifying the application forms used under the Housing Act 1974 for disabled people to apply for grants for adaptation of their homes.

There are no statutory forms for home improvement grant applications. The Department has provided model forms for the guidance of local authorities, most recently in DOE circular 21/80 when the model forms were considerably simplified following the passing of the Housing Act 1980. These forms are, however, advisory only and there is no obligation on authorities to adopt them.

Historic Buildings (Registers)

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will include a volume on Scotland in the series of registers that he is publishing, in response to the Montagu report, covering historic buildings on the Government estate.

My hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Home Affairs and the Environment at the Scottish Office is today launching at West Register House, Edinburgh, the Scottish volume in this series, which has been published by the Scottish Civc Trust under the title "Historic Building at Work". We are most grateful to the trust for guiding to publication this, the second volume in the series to appear: the third and fourth ones covering London and Southern England, will appear shortly.

Water Mains

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many water main bursts there are per year; and what is the approximate cost of repairing them.

Information is not collected centrally upon the number of water main bursts there are per year or upon the cost of their repair.In evidence to the House of Lords Select Committee on Science and Technology, the water research centre said that the repair and maintenance of water mains (including the repair of bursts) in the United Kingdom cost approximately £90 million per annum.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many customer complaints there were about water mains in the last year; and what was the cost of dealing with them.

Consumers rarely complain about water mains; they do complain when they are dissatisfied with the water supply to their premises because of lower pressure, or insufficiency, or because the water is discoloured, or has an unpleasant taste or odour. The causes of discolouration, unpleasant taste or odour are numerous, the condition of mains being only one. It is not known how many consumer complaints arise because of the effects of mains on the water supply. The repair and maintenance of water mains in the United Kingdom is estimated to cost about £90 million per annum, but much of this work doubtless does not arise directly from any customer complaint.

Standing Technical Committee On Sewers And Water Mains

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the staff of the standing technical committee on sewers and water mains, under the chairmanship of Mr. Peter Lofthouse.

The standing technical committee on sewers and water mains chaired by Mr. Peter Lofthouse has 23 members drawn from water supply and sewerage authorities throughout the United Kingdom, from research organisations, and from consulting engineers and contractors. The secretariat is provided by the water research centre.

Environmental Protection

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many staff are employed by his Department on environmental protection work.

228 staff at 1 March 1983.

South Tyneside (Council House Building)

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many council houses have been built in South Tyneside in each year since reorganisation.

During 1982, 49 local authority dwellings were completed in South Tyneside. Corresponding figures for 1974 to 1981 appear in "Local Housing Statistics" issues 33, 37, 41, 45, 49, 59 (revised 1979 figures), 57 and 61, respectively, copies of which are in the Library.

Merseyside (Ministerial Visit)

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the recent visit of the Under-Secretary of State, the hon. Member for Pudsey (Mr. Shaw) to Merseyside.

I visited Merseyside on 22 March, I opened the Liverpool Daily Post's business-to-business exhibition, visited Knowsley industrial park and the Merseyside Development Corporation.

New Forest (Oil Exploration)

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when he expects to be able to publish the results of the public planning inquiry into Shell UK Ltd.'s application to explore for oil in the Denny inclosure in the New Forest.

The inspector's report of the inquiry is under consideration. It raises a number of difficult issues, but a decision will be made as soon as possible.

Council House Sales

asked the Secretary of State for the environment how many applications he has received from local authorities to except aged persons' dwellings from the right-to-buy provisions under the Housing Act 1980, and how many of these applications have now been determined by him and how many have been rejected as late submissions or have been withdrawn or are still awaiting a decision; and of those that have been decided, how many were excluded from the right-to-buy provisions and how many were thought by him to be cases where the right to buy provisions applied.

As at 28 February 1983 the Secretary of State had received 2,047 applications from local authorities made under paragraph 5, part 1, schedule 1 to the Housing Act 1980 for the exclusion of elderly persons' dwellings from the right to buy. The details are as follows:

	Numbers
Applications submitted out of time	197
No decision required (following withdrawal of either party)	441
Dwellings excluded from the right to buy	104
Dwellings included in the right to buy	1,137
Applications still under consideration	168
	2,047

Pentachlorophenol

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what further research his Department has carried out on the potential environmental effects of pentachlorophenol; whether the advisory committee on pesticides has recommended any change; and if he will make a statement.

I shall answer this question shortly.

Property Services Agency

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what progress has been made with the restructuring of the Property Services Agency; what have been the reasons for the change; if he will make a statement on the general benefits and on those expected in Cumbria in particular; and if he will ensure that no redundancies occur.

My right hon. Friend is still considering the proposals put forward by the chief executive of the Property Services Agency. The proposals derive from a review of the existing organisation of the agency, and are designed to increase further the quality of service given to the agency's clients. No decisions have been taken.

Merseyside Development Corporation

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list the total expenditure so far undertaken by the Merseyside Development Corporation; and if he will subdivide this expenditure according to whether it has been spent on areas covered by (a) Liverpool city council, (b) Sefton council, (c) Wallasey parliamentary constituency and (d) Birkenhead parliamentary constituency.

Expenditure to the end of February 1983 by Merseyside Development Corporation is £22·921 million. Of that, £19·264 million has been project related expenditure which can be subdivided by area as follows:

	£ million
(a) Liverpool city council	16·494
(b) Sefton council	1·568
(c) Wallasey parliamentary constituency	0·301
(d) Birkenhead parliamentary constituency	0·901

Local Authority (Expenditure Powers) Bill

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will give the titles of any local Acts which he would propose to designate under clause 1(2)(c) of the Local Authorities (Expenditure Powers) Bill.

I shall answer this question shortly.

London Borough Of Islington (Property Purchase)

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether any urban aid funds from the central Government are involved in Islington council's expenditure of £75,000 to purchase property at 322 Upper street, London N.1 for occupation by the Islington News Co-operative rent free for three years for the purpose of producing a free newspaper.

No.

Transport

Driving Instructors

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what test is made and how frequently of any approved driving instructor to ensure that he maintains continued fitness and ability during the four-year period of his registration.

The test of an instructor's continued ability and fitness to give instruction is carried out in accordance with regulation 8 of the Motor Cars (Driving Instruction) Regulations 1977. A supervising examiner from the Department accompanies the instructor while driving tuition is being given to a pupil. The frequency of such tests is currently under review following consultations with instructors' representative organisations, including NAADI.

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what has been the overall pass rate for the practical part of the approved driving instructor examination over the past 10 years; and what has been the pass rate for candidates taking the examination for the first, second, third and fourth times.

The overall pass rate has been 48·6 per cent. The Department's records have not distinguished between first, second, third and fourth attempts.

asked the Secretary of State for Transport (1) on how many occasions in each of the past 10 years his Department's officials examined the records kept by trainee driving instructors and of the licensee's supervisor;(2) what supervision there is of licensed trainee driving instructors by his Department's supervising examiners during the period of the licence.

The Department has no authority directly to supervise trainee driving instructors. This is the responsibility of the approved driving instructor at the training establishment. The Department's supervising examiners inspect the records kept by the instructor and trainees from time to time. Information about frequency of these inspections is not available.

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what criteria are applied by his Department in considering whether a person is fit and proper to be an approved driving instructor.

The Department's main concern is convictions for offences. Each case is decided on its merits having regard to the nature of the offence, the sentence imposed, the risk to pupils, mitigating circumstances and any other relevant factors.

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what has been the pass rate for the new written approved driving instructor examination; and how it compares with the rate in each of the 10 years prior to the new examination.

The pass rate for the new style written examination since its introduction in April 1982 has been 43·2 per cent. The pass rate in preceding years for which figures are available are:

	Per cent.
1974	69·04
1975	69·58
1976	69·84
1977	68·32
1978	72·20
1979	68·06
1980	71·29
1981	74·97

asked the Secretary of State for Transport how many approved driving instructors have had their licences withdrawn in each of the past 10 years; and for what reasons.

Instructors are removed from the register of approved driving instructors if they cease to fulfill any of the conditions for registration, if registration was given by mistake or procured by fraud, for non-renewal of registration, or on death or resignation. The Department's records do not distinguish between these reasons but the numbers removed in the last 10 years were:

	Numbers
1973	806
1974	1,903
1975	2,211

	Numbers
1976	1,531
1977	1,747
1978	1,447
1979	1,563
1980	1,439
1981	940
1982	1,259

asked the Secretary of State for Transport how many approved driving instructors were on the register in each year between 1 October 1970 and 30 September 1982.

The numbers of instructors on the register of approved driving instructors in the years ending 30 September were:

	Numbers
1971	14,832
1972	16,729
1973	18,884
1974	19,478
1975	19,183
1976	19,856
1977	20,781
1978	21,408
1979	22,350
1980	23,291
1981	24,832
1982	26,100

asked the Secretary of State for Transport how many trainee driving instructor licences were issued between 1 October 1970 and 30 September 1982; and how many were first, second, third and fourth issues to the same applicant.

64,940 trainee driving instructor licences were issued between 1 October 1970 and 30 September 1982. Figures of first, second, third and fourth issues are not avaialble. Licences are valid for six months; trainee instructors are not normally granted more than two consecutive licences.

Footpaths

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what guidelines are issued by his Department as to the minimum width of a footpath to be shared by pedestrians and dismounted cyclists; and whether any other requirements are laid down for such footpaths.

There are no such guidelines or other requirements issued by my Department

Transport Expenditure (Cycle Facilities)

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what information he has as to total transport expenditure for the latest year where figures are available for each EEC country and the expenditure in each country on cycle facilities in so far as this can be identified.

I regret that this information is not available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what information he has as to the total transport expenditure for each capital city in western Europe; and what proportion of this was devoted to the development of cycle facilities during the latest year for which figures are available.

I regret that this information is not available, and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

Trunk Roads (Cyclists)

asked the Secretary of State for Transport how many proposals he has for improving trunk roads in Greater London; and how many of these include specific proposals for cyclists.

There are 24 proposals for trunk road improvements costing more than £1 million. In 15 cases, preferred schemes have been announced. In general, cyclists should be encouraged to use roads other than trunk roads, because these carry less traffic and are therefore safer. For this reason, the needs of cyclists on trunk roads are usually satisfied by the provision of facilities for crossing safely. Special arrangements are not always needed to achieve this. Specific facilities for cyclists will be included in six of the 15 schemes which have been selected.

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what is the proportion of cyclists in traffic on trunk roads in Greater London.

Less than 1 per cent. according to Department of Transport figures.

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what is the proportion of cyclists in traffic on those parts of the A4, A40, A1, A41 and A10, respectively, inside the line of the North Circular, and those parts of the Al2 and A13, inside the line of the proposed South Woodford to Barking relief road.

	Percentage Pedal Cycle Traffic
Within North Circular road
A1	1½
A4	1½
A10	2
A40	3½
A41	1½
Inside the Line of the proposed South Woodford to Barking relief road
A12	1½
A13	1

Cycling

asked the Secretary of State for Transport whether he has made any assessment of the effects on energy conservation of encouraging cycling.

The information is not available for a comprehensive assessment, and in particular we do not know what proportion of additional journeys by bicyle would otherwise have been made by car. But energy conservation was recognised in our cycling policy statement of January 1982 as one of the reasons why the Government welcome the revived interest in cycling.

M11 Link Road

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what proposals he has for providing cycle facilities in connection with the Hackney to M11 link road; what these proposals will cost; and what proportion of the total costs for the link road these proposals represent.

The link road would relieve many existing roads of much heavy traffic, making conditions there safer and pleasanter for all road users, including cyclists. In addition the following specific facilities for cyclists are proposed:

(i) a cycle track beneath the Lea interchange

(ii) a cycle track to the Lea Valley regional park, a sports centre and cycle circuit

(iii) a combined pedestrian/cyclist overbridge at Langthorne road, Leyton

(iv) a continuous route for cyclists, pedestrians and horseriders over the Green Man interchange

(v) a cycle track along the south side of the Link Road from Bush road to Blake Hall road

(vi) wherever the available land allows, ramps as well as steps at footbridges.

These additional facilities would cost about £620,000 at January 1982 prices, 0·8 per cent. of the total estimated works cost.

Driving Tests (Glasgow)

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what is the percentage of first-time passes at Glasgow driving test centres; and what is the Scottish average.

Centre	Currently	1 March 1982	1 March 1981	1 March 1980	1 March 1979	1 March 1978
Anniesland road	6	6	7	4	3	4
Rutherglen	4	4	4	4	2	3
Shawlands	8	7	6	5	6	5
Riddrie	3	3	3	3	2	2
Amulree/Shettlestone	8	8	7	6	7	4
Total	29	28	27	22	20	18

Vehicle Excise Duty

asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he has considered the case for the introduction of date to date vehicle excise duty licensing; and if he will make a statement.

I have been looking closely at the possibilities and have taken into account the views of interested parties. A full date to date licensing scheme would allow a vehicle excise licence to be taken out on any day of the month and would expire exactly six or 12 months later. Such a scheme would be expensive to operate and would make the enforcement of vehicle excise duty much more difficult, particularly for the police on whose co-operation we so heavily rely. Accordingly I have concluded that full date to date licensing should not be adopted.I have also been considering a more limited version of this scheme involving the first licensing of new vehicles. Licences would run for part of the month plus six or 12 months. The forthcoming replacement of the driver and vehicle licensing centre's computers rules out the introduction of changes of this kind for at least three years,

I regret that statistics about the first-time pass rate among L test candidates are not collected.

asked the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what is the average waiting time in (a) Glasgow overall and (b) in the individual test centres within Glasgow for a driving test;(2) what was the average waiting time for a driving test in Glasgow in each of the past five years.

The average waiting time for an L test at each of the Glasgow centres at 11 March 1983 was:

Centre	Weeks
Anniesland Road	5
Riddrie	1
Rutherglen	2
Shawlands	2
Shettleston	3

The overall average wait was 2·6 weeks.In previous years the average wait at Glasgow centres in early March was 5·8 weeks in 1982, 14·6 weeks in 1981 and 26 weeks in 1980. Information about earlier years is not available.

asked the Secretary of State for Transport how many examiners are currently employed in Glasgow at driving test centres; and what have been the numbers in each of the past five years.

The numbers are as follows:but in the meantime officials will continue discussions with the motor trade on need for and the feasibility of such a proposal.

Traffic Area Boundaries

asked the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to his reply of 19 November 1982 to the hon. Member for Cambridge (Mr. Rhodes James) Official Report, c. 306, when he now intends to bring the proposed changes in traffic area boundaries into effect; and if he will make a statement.

I laid before the House on 24 February the Traffic Areas (Reorganisation) Order 1983 which, if approved by resolutions of both Houses, would have given effect to the proposed changes on 1 April 1983. The Joint Committee of both Houses appointed to scrutinise delegated legislation drew attention in its Fifteenth Report to doubts whether certain transitional provisions of the order were intra vires, in part because of a lacuna in the principal Act. In view of these doubts I do not think it right to ask Parliament to pass the resolutions for approval of this order. I shall shortly make and lay before Parliament a new order containing amended transitional provisions which, subject to the necessary resolutions, will give effect to these boundary changes on 1 April 1984.

Gas Tankers (Offshore Mooring)

asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will now make a statement on the recommendations of the study group set up to investigate the planning and control problems associated with the mooring offshore of liquid petroleum gas tankers.

As I indicated in my reply to my hon. Friend on 21 January, my right hon. Friend hopes to be able to make an announcement shortly.—[Vol. 35, c. 233].

Agriculture, Fisheries And Food

Imported Foodstuffs

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the increase in the annual cost of imported foodstuffs for each percentage point fall in the value of the £ sterling against all currencies.

In respect of most foodstuffs subject to the common agricultural policy, the effects of changes in the market value of the £ sterling are broadly offset by the operation of monetary compensatory amounts. For other foodstuffs, the extent to which the prices and volumes of imports are affected depends on many factors including decisions taken by traders in the light of market circumstances for the various products.

Sugar

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what has been the total amount of refined sugar imported into the United Kingdom for each year from 1979 to 1982; and what amounts have been imported from each European Community country.

The following is the information requested.

United Kingdom imports of refined sugar 1979–1982
(thousand tonnes)
	1979	1980	1981	1982
Total imports	230	189	149	176
Imports from European Community of which:	170	158	144	173
France	11	26	4	17
Belgium-Luxembourg	1	^*	1	1
Netherlands	45	21	27	36
West Germany	1	1	4	2
Italy	^*	—	^*	—
Irish Republic	40	29	33	47
Denmark	71	82	77	71
Greece	—	—	—	—
^* Less than 500 tonnes.

Source: UK Trade Statistics.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how yields from sugar beet have increased in the past decade; and to what extent such increases have contributed to rising sugar production in the European Community.

The planted area and yield of sugar per hectare in the Community are set out as follows.

	Area planted to sugar beet (thousand hectares)	Yield (tonnes of white sugar per hectare)
1973–74	1,574	5·81
1974–75	1,572	5·21
1975–76	1,843	5·05
1976–77	1,869	5·15
1977–78	1,760	6·35
1978–79	1,750	6·50
1979–80	1,756	6·79
1980–81	1,777	6·63
1981–82	†1,984	†7·25
	‡2,026	‡7·26
1982–83^*	†1,800	†7·39
	‡1,840	‡7·39
^* Provisional.
† Community of nine Member States.
‡ Community of ten Member States (including Greece which acceded in 1981.

The 1983–84 sugar beet area in the Community of ten is tentatively forecast at 1,720 thousand hectares.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what has been the trend in the United Kingdom sugar consumption in recent years.

Total per capita consumption of sugar in the United Kingdom fell from a post-war peak of 52 kg (per year) in 1958 to 40 kg (per year) in 1980, since when there appears to have been litle significant change. These figures include the sugar content of all home-produced and imported manufactured foods for consumption in the United Kingdom and sugar used in beer and wine making.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is satisfied that there is sufficient refining capacity for cane sugar in the United Kingdom.

Yes.

Land Drainage

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether, in making cost-benefit appraisals for land drainage improvement schemes, the gross profit margin for the farming enterprise is computed at prices which contain an element of Government subsidy; or whether any such subsidy element is disregarded.

Market prices rather than shadow prices are used in making appraisals for land drainage improvement schemes for both cost and benefit.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether, in carrying out cost-benefit appraisals for land drainage improvement schemes, yields allowed for are theoretical yields or actual average yields, having regard to the soil type, region and normal productivity of local farmers.

Yields used are those normal for the locality.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether, in the carrying out of cost-benefit appraisals for land drainage improvement schemes, any allowance is made for the likely cost of additional flood protection.

No. Research has shown that an increase in field drainage decreases flood risk.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether cost-benefit appraisals for land drainage improvement schemes allow for the length of time over which scheme benefits are taken up, having regard to the need, where relevant, for additional field drainage works; and if so, what period of time is typically allowed for such works to be carried out.

Yes. The improvements in drainage carried out by farmers that are taken into account may extend over a period of up to 20 years.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he is satisfied that cost-benefit appraisals for land drainage improvement schemes are carried out in such a way as to ensure that such schemes as are approved represent good value for money for the United Kingdom.

Yes.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether, in carrying out cost-benefit appraisals for land drainage improvement schemes, any adjustment is made to take account of the price of crops, such as potatoes and sugar beet, which are subject to producer quotas.

No. Many of the calculations are in practice subject to a wide range of variability and it is therefore impractical for the appraisal of land drainage projects to attempt to go into this degree of detail on any of the many variables involved.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether, in carrying out some of the cost-benefit appraisals for land drainage schemes, any attempt is made to determine the level of flood risk at which it is profitable for the farmers affected to invest in improvements.

Yes.

Volume 40: debated on Monday 28 March 1983

Written Answers To Questions

Solicitor-General For Scotland

Conspiracy And Protection Of Property Act 1875

Church Commissioners

Holy Trinity Church, Rugby

Attorney-General

Commons Commissioners

Home Department

Refugees

Deputy Secretaries

Trafalgar Square (Crowd Safety)

South African Government Representatives (Meetings)

London (Crime Statistics)

Nationality (Registration)

Displaced Cypriots

Street Crimes (Statistics)

Wales

Abortion (Day Care Facilities)

Advance Factories (Employment)

Improvement Grants

Nhs Houses (Right To Buy)

Adult Education

Schools Inspectorate

Employment Statistics

Information Technology Centres

Nhs (Property Sales)

Education Vouchers

Prime Minister

Quantum Pharmacology

Mauritius

Colombia

Hong Kong

Republic Of Ireland (Taoiseach)

General Matthei (Chile)

Industry

Rj 500 Aero Engine

Sub-Post Offices

Manufacturing Output

British Shipbuilders

West Midlands

Overseas Development

Investment-Related Aid

Grenada

Northern Ireland

Royal Ulster Constabulary (Training Centre)

Buildings And Land

Scotland

Nhs (Property Sales)

Water Mains

New Towns (Privatisation)

Local Education Authorities (Closed Shop)

Trade

Hairdressers

Brewing (European Community Regulation)

Aerodromes (Highlands And Islands)

Foreign Investment

European Community (Competition)

Information Services (Report)

Bernard Clarke Group Of Companies

Marine Pilots (Severance Scheme)

Video Tape Recorders

Falkland Islands (Shipping)

Merchant Navy (Representations)

Pearson Report (Implementation)

Afghanistan (Overflying Rights)

Manchester Airport (Traffic Rights)

Energy

Energy Conservation

North Sea Oil Prices

Renewable Sources Of Energy

Coal Liquefaction

Domestic Energy Prices

Coal Industry

Nuclear Fuels (Chile)

Coal Gasification

Sizewell Inquiry

Nuclear Reactors

Crude Oil Prices