asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he will publish a table in the Official Report showing for the latest available period the proportion of turnover of British manufacturing public companies accounted for by production overseas compared with 1978.

Information on overseas production by United Kingdom enterprises is not available.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) whether he will introduce legislation to prohibit the change of a company's name before putting that company into liquidation so that the original name may be used to start a new business, with or without a variation thereto;(2) whether he will introduce legislation to require that creditors of a company to be put into liquidation are informed of the company's previous names as well as of the name used at the date of liquidation.

I will consider the hon. and learned Member's suggestions as part of my study of Sir Kenneth Cork's report on insolvency Law and practice.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what specific steps he proposes to take either directly or through the Export Credits Guarantee Department to increase trade with Latin American countries.

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

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps will require to be taken to harmonise company policy within the Common Market as provided by the solemn declaration or. European union.

I do not expect the solemn declaration on European union to alter the scale of the company and related law harmonisation programme. The negotiation of a number of individual proposals submitted by the Commission is continuing. I shall consider, when appropriate, outstanding action necessary to implement directives which have already been adopted by the Council of Ministers.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if any significant changes in United Kingdom consumer protection laws arid practices will be required to achieve the approximation of laws within the Common Market as provided for in the solemn declaration of European union; and if he will make a statement.

The United Kingdom supports the paragraph in the solemn declaration on consumer protection which accords with our own policies and priorities in this area. It does not involve any change in current policy.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what will be the consequences for the United Kingdom of the declaration to further approximate laws in the field of the protection of industrial and commercial property as provided for in the solemn declaration of European union; and if he will make a statement.

The United Kingdom supports the paragraph in the solemn declaration on industrial and commercial property which accords with our own policies and priorities in this area. It does not involve any change in current policy.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what is the total number of citizens band licences now issued; and what is his estimate of the number of illegal sets still operating.

About 453,000 new CB licences have been issued since the launch of the CB service in November 1981, and of these some 286,000 were valid at the end of May 1983. We have no reliable information on which to base an estimate of the number of illegal sets in use.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what progress is being made towards achieving a common European citizens band radio frequency.

The telecommunication commission of the Conference of European Posts and Telecommunications Administrations (CEPT) is due to consider a draft revised recommendation for 27 MHz CB radio in Europe at a meeting in September. If accepted it will be for individual member countries to decide whether to implement it. It remains our objective to adopt the CEPT recommendation in the United Kingdom in due course and we are continuing discussions with the radio users in this country who would be most affected by its introduction in order to determine how the recommendation might be applied.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if there are any plans for visits to Argentina by Ministers in his Department to discuss trade between the United Kingdom and Argentina.

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

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement of Government policy towards financial assistance for British Aerospace projects such as the A320 Airbus.

The Government are ready to consider launch aid for commercially viable projects. I refer my hon. Friend to the answer to the hon. Member for Denton and Reddish (Mr. Bennett).

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement about progress on development of the A320 airbus.

Airbus Industrie is conducting a marketing exercise to assess the reaction of selected airlines to the proposed Airbus A320, powered initially by the CFM56-4 engine. No decision to launch the project has yet been taken. The Government are awaiting further information from British Aerospace in support of its application for launch aid.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what is his estimate of the total annual loss incurred on telephone kiosks; and how many telephone kiosks there are in the United Kingdom.

British Telecom estimates that the average cost incurred on a telephone kiosk is £2,000 per annum. There were 76,884 kiosks in the United Kingdom at 31 March 1982.

asked the Prime Minister whether she will refuse to agree to any increase in the rate of value added tax contribution to the European Community budget.

I have nothing to add to my statement of 23 June. We remain to be convinced of the need for any increase in the VAT ceiling on the Community's own resources.

asked the Prime Minister if she will estimate the effect the contraction of the United Kingdom industrial base has had on the United Kingdom's defence capability.

The Armed Forces continue to be able to obtain the equipment they need to sustain the United Kingdom's defence capability. For many years now over 90 per cent. of annual defence equipment expenditure has been with United Kingdom firms, either directly or within collaborative programmes, and this trend is continuing. This domestic demand together with the creditable export performance of many firms means that the United Kingdom defence industry is in a strong position to meet future requirements.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Argentine claim to sovereignty over the Falklands is a matter which will be processed by Her Majesty's Government in accordance with the procedures laid down in the Stuttgart declaration for reaching a common position on matters of foreign policy.

We welcomed the political cooperation and practical support of our European partners in response to Argentina's aggression last year, and continue to consult them on the consequences of that aggression in accordance with the normal principles of political co-operation, including those agreed in the solemn declaration on European union. However, the Argentine claim to sovereignty over the Falklands is a purely bilateral matter on which the Government's views are well known.

asked the Prime Minister why she is abolishing the Central Policy Review Staff.

The Central Policy Review Staff has been a valuable source of policy analysis and collective advice to Ministers since it was set up in 1971. In the meantime, however, Departments have established or expanded their own policy units for long-term planning and the Cabinet Office secretariat's role in preparing issues for collective Ministerial discussion has grown considerably. A policy unit has also been established in the Prime Minister's Office.In the light of these developments, and of the development of the role of special advisers as a source of general advice to Ministers, I decided, after consultation with my Cabinet colleagues, that the purposes for which the CPRS was set up were now being met satisfactorily in other ways and it should therefore be disbanded at the end of July. The Chief Scientist, CPRS, will continue to advise me and the Cabinet Office on scientific and technological matters, with the title chief scientific Adviser, Cabinet Office.I should like to express to Mr. John Sparrow, the present head of the CPRS, and to all who have directed and worked for the organisation, the Government's warmest gratitude for the service they have given.

asked the Prime Minister, if she will list (a) the annual cost of the Central Policy Review Staff since 1971 (i) in current prices and (ii) in 1983 prices and (b) the names of the individuals who have served on the Central Policy Review Staff, together with the Departments, companies or institutions at which they were employed prior to their appointment and their dates of service.

The estimated annual cost of the Central Policy Review Staff since 1971 is as follows:

asked the Prime Minister what system of election she intends should be used for the election of United Kingdom members of the European Parliament in 1984.

The Council of Ministers has agreed that the 1984 European Parliament elections will be held, as in 1979, under national provisions. In the United Kingdom, the European Assembly Elections Acts 1978 and 1981 provide for the simple majority system in Great Britain and the single transferable vote in Northern Ireland.

asked the Prime Minister if she will take steps to enable holidaymakers to vote by post at general elections; and if she will make a statement.

The Home Affairs Select Committee's report on the Representation of the People Acts, published in April, recommends that

"applications for postal votes should be entertained from holidaymakers provided that any such application is made before departure, specifies an address either in the United Kingdom or elsewhere to which the ballot paper is to be sent, and is received by the ERO not later than midday on the eleventh day before the poll excluding Saturdays and Sundays" (paragraph 63).

asked the Prime Minister what representations she has received from church leaders concerning the social effects of the proposed loss of 2,000 jobs at the United Biscuits plant in Liverpool; what reply she has sent; and if she will make a statement.

I have received no such representations from church leaders. I was of course very concerned to hear about these further job losses in Liverpool, and I am deeply conscious of the distress that unemployment brings to those affected, but these difficult decisions must be a matter for the commercial judgment of the company concerned.All the facilities of the Manpower Services Commission will, of course, be available to help those who may be made redundant to find alternative employment or train for new jobs.

asked the Prime Minister on what basis Her Majesty's Government were committed to the terms of the document on European union which she recently signed in Stuttgart.

We agreed to the text of the solemn declaration after a lengthy negotiation in the course of which we secured deletion or amendment of those aspects of the original proposal which were not acceptable to us. In this process we took full account of the views expressed by the House in the debate which took place on 17 June 1982.

asked the Prime Minister if she will make a statement on the implication for the United Kingdom and for Parliament of the signing of the solemn declaration of European union.

The solemn declaration reafirms the commitment of Member States to closer co-operation and brings together their activities in the Community and in political co-operation. It does not involve treaty amendment or changes in the powers of the Community institutions. The United Kingdom's Parliament's prerogatives in relation to European Community matters will in no way be affected.

asked the Prime Minister if she intends that Ministers in the Department of the Environment should take on any special responsibilities for Merseyside; and if she will make a statement.

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment will be visiting Merseyside on 8 July and will report to me on future action.

asked the Prime Minister if she is satisfied with the outcome of the meeting of European Economic Community national leaders at Stuttgart; and if she will make a statement.

Yes. I made a statement to the House about the European Council on 23 June.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when he will discuss with the Scottish National Farmers Union the situation in the pig and poultry sectors of the farming industry; and if he will make a statement.

My right hon. Friend had informal discussions with the president of the Scottish National Farmers Union and with several of his office bearers in the course of the last few days, on these subjects, as well as on other areas of concern to them. My right hon. Friend the Minister of State has also met the president of the Scottish National Farmers Union and held a discussion on these subjects. These form part of a continuing dialogue and my right hon. Friend does not consider any statement necessary at this point.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if, in view of the effects of adverse weather conditions on the fanning industry, he will now reintroduce the lime subsidy to all farmers.

While appreciating the difficult weather conditions in recent months, my right hon. Friend has no plans to introduce a general lime subsidy. The industry is aware that liming is an essential and cost-effective operation. If it is done as part of a programme of work eligible for capital grant it can be grant-aided.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has reached a decision on the future organisational arrangements for the Scottish microelectronics development programme.

Following discussion with the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities and other interested bodies, I have asked the Scottish Council for Educational Technology (SCET) to form a new committee with a broad remit to co-ordinate all aspects of microelectronics in education and to advise me, local authorities and other organisations as appropriate; the Scottish microelectronics development programme (SMDP) will become the executive arm of this new committee while retaining its own identity within the overall SCET organisation. It is hoped that the new committee, which will be widely representative of educational interests, will be established in November of this year.I am grateful to the SCET board of governors for agreeing to undertake this extension of their activities, which will facilitate the continued development of the important work carried out by SMDP.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he issues any guidance to police authorities as to arrangements between the police and organisations that have been robbed, concerning the offer of rewards; and if he will make a statement.

No, but private companies wishing to offer rewards may seek the advice of the police. Liaison in such circumstances is conducted by a senior police officer. The advice offered will depend on the circumstances of a particular crime, bearing in mind the need to avoid offers of reward which might serve to encourage crime, or reduce the chance of bringing the perpetrators of the crime to justice.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will call for a report from the chief constable of Merseyside as to (a) how many people have been stopped by the Merseyside police and strip-searched in (i) Merseyside as a whole, (ii) Liverpool city centre and (iii) from the Broadgreen area (b) what age groups of each sex have been searched (c) how many have been subsequently charged and (d) how many have been convicted.

Merseyside police records show that, in the 12 months ending on 31 March 1983, 23,280 persons were stopped, although not necessarily searched, in the area of the force under powers of stop and search, including 3,657 in the Copperas Hill subdivision, covering most of the city centre, and 1,273 in the Eaton road subdivision, covering most of the Broadgreen area. As a result of these stops a total of 2,457 persons were arrested. The other information requested is not readily available.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) whether he will take steps to allow the fees for British citizenship to be waived for those applicants on supplementary benefit or in receipt of family income supplement;(2) whether he proposes to increase staffing levels to cope with the increased demand for citizenship applications;(3) whether he will implement the recommendations of the third report of the Home Affairs Committee, Session 1982–83, to reduce the cost of discretionary nationality applications from £200 to £80;(4) whether he will take steps to allow those receiving citizenship through entitlement registration to obtain this without charge;(5) whether he will take steps to allow those applying for British citizenship to pay their fees when their applications are approved rather then when they are received.

My right hon. and learned Friend welcomes the recent report of the Home Affairs Committee, following its inquiry into British nationality fees, as a useful and constructive document. Its recommendations are being fully and carefully considered.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what he estimates is the present average delay in examining an application for British citizenship; and how large is the present backlog of applications.

The average time taken to process the successful applications completed in May 1983 was just under 11 months for entitlements to registration and just under 20 months for naturalisations and discretionary registrations. The number of applications for citizenship awaiting completion was approximately 78,000 at the end of May.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people he estimates to have been prevented from applying for British citizenship owing to the increased level of fees since April 1982; and what representations he has received concerning this matter.

We have no evidence from which a firm estimate could be made of the general effect of the increases on potential applicants. My right hon. and learned Friend will be looking carefully at the suggestions given in evidence to the Home Affairs Committee (third report, Session 1982–83) that some people may have been deterred from applying for British citizenship because of the current level of fees.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much profit he estimates his Department has made from nationality fees since April 1982; and what he estimates will be the likely profit in the forthcoming year.

The assertion that a profit has arisen since April 1982 will be considered by my right hon. and learned Friend in the context of the third report of the Home Affairs Committee—Session 1982–83. I will write to the hon. and learned Member as soon as I can.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people applied for British citizenship in the year to April 1983.

In the 12 month; ending 31 March 1983, 95,897 applications for citizenship were received.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department for what purposes he intends to use the profit resulting from the increase in nationality fees in April 1982.

I shall write to the hon. and learned Member.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will produce publicity material to set out the effect of the British Nationality Act 1981 specifically on immigration status.

The British Nationality Act 1981 has no general effect on the immigraticn status of anyone who is here lawfully. The publicity material already issued deals with the very few special cases where there is such an effect.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department why leaflets on the provisions of the British Nationality Act were not published until three months after the Act came into force.

The main explanatory leaflet BN1 was published on 27 September 1982, three months before the Act came into force and two months after the commencement day was announced. It was then translated into five minority languages and these versions were published in February 1983. The other 12 explanatory leaflets giving detailed information about various provisions of the Act were published in October and November 1982.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if any deadline has been set by the Government of China for agreement to be reached on the future of Hong Kong.

The content of our talks with the Chinese Government on the future of Hong Kong is confidential. There is no fixed timetable for the talks but we are getting on with them as quickly as we can.

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

Talks in Peking through diplomatic channels are continuing. For obvious reasons the content of the talks is confidential.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what is the rate of unemployment in (a) Grimsby and (b) Newcastle; and how this compares with the figures in 1970 in each case.

At May 1983, the rate for unemployed claimants was 14·7 per cent. in the Grimsby jobcentre area and 13·8 per cent. in the North Tyne travel-to-work area, which includes Newcastle upon Tyne. The rates for registered unemployed at May 1970 were 3·8 per cent. and 4·7 per cent. respectively.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many people are registered unemployed at careers offices and employment offices in Lambeth; and how many have been unemployed for more than six months.

At 12 May, the total number of unemployed claimants in the area covered by the Brixton, Stockwell, Streatham and West Norwood jobcentres, which corresponds closely to Lambeth, was 19,928. At 14 April, the latest date for which an analysis by duration of unemployment is available, out of a total number of 20,084 unemployed claimants in the area, 11,626 had been unemployed for over 26 weeks.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will make a statement of Government policy on encouraging employee participation in companies.

The Government are firmly committed to the principle of managements informing and consulting employees about matters which affect them. They believe, however, that successful employee involvement is best introduced voluntarily and we have consistently urged employers to develop procedures which suit their particular circumstances.Section 1 of the Employment Act 1982, which provides that companies with more than 250 employees should report annually on their employee involvement activities, will help to encourage the spread of good practice. I hope that companies will take full advantage of the opportunity to review and publicise their policies in this area. I will be looking in detail at the way in which companies comply with this new legislative requirement.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what is the policy of Her Majesty's Government on the European Commission proposal that unemployed school leavers should be automatically entitled to one year's vocational training.

The Government welcome the resolution on vocational training agreed on 3 June by the joint Council of Education and Employment Ministers by which member states undertake to do their utmost to provide a period of at least six months and, if possible, one year's basic training and/or initial work experience for minimum age school leavers.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what is the response of the Government and what he understands to be the likely response of Governments of other member states to the revised draft European Community directive on informing and consulting workers in companies of complex structure, the Vredeling directive.

The Government are studying the European Commission's new proposals, which include many amendments to the original text. The Governments of other member states are no doubt doing likewise, and their views are not yet known. For our part, we remain convinced that progress in extending employee involvement in the United Kingdom is best achieved voluntarily, and legislation which imposes rigid systems and frameworks will hinder such progress. This approach will guide the Government's response to this draft directive.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will make a statement on the employment consequences of the closure of United Biscuits factory, Liverpool, and the subsequent loss of 2,000 jobs.

I understand that United Biscuits Ltd. has suffered from considerable over-capacity for some time and is closing its Edge Hill plant in order to concentrate production in what the company regards as more promising plants. This further loss of jobs in Liverpool is a matter for real concern, but these difficult decisions must be a matter for the commercial judgment of the company concerned. Jobs at the company's other locations are also important, and their protection by sound commercial decisions must not be endangered.All the facilities of the Manpower Services Commission will of course be available to help those who may be made redundant to find alternative employment or train for new jobs.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what recommendation he has received from the Manpower Services Commission concerning the allowance payable to trainees under the youth training scheme; and if he will make a statement.

The chairman of the Manpower Services Commission has informed me that at its meeting on 23 June the commission agreed by a majority to recommend that the allowance payable to trainees under the youth training scheme should be increased, with the costs found from within existing provision. The commission was unable to agree as to the amount of any increase which it should recommend.I have indicated to the commission that the allowance could be increased only by excluding some youngsters from the scheme, reducing the quality of training or asking employers and other sponsors to put in more money of their own, and that I have therefore decided that the allowance should remain at £25.I have, however, accepted the commission's unanimous recommendation that the arrangements for reimbursing travel expenses over £4 a week and for those in lodgings or residential provision should continue as at present.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will arrange for an exhibition relating to the work of the Freshwater Biological Association to be displayed in the Upper Waiting Hall.

Arrangements have been made with the authorities of the House for the exhibition to be held in the Upper Waiting Hall from today until Friday 1 July.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science which local education authorities have a level of expenditure on books and similar equipment which falls below the average for the country as a whole.

Figures for expenditure on books and equipment per school pupil, and per student in certain establishments of further education, by local education authorities have been published by the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy in "Education Statistics 1982–83: Estimates", a copy of which is in the Library of the House.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will make a statement outlining the implications for the United Kingdom of the solemn declaration of European union which includes several commitments on education policy, including a commitment to achieve a European awareness; and how he intends to achieve these objectives in schools.

The United Kingdom supports the paragraphs in the solemn declaration on educational exchanges and European awareness. These objectives are being achieved mainly through the established arrangements for educational visits and exchanges, including those organised by the central bureau for educational visits and exchanges.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether, in view of local concern, he will expedite his decision on the proposed merger of the city of Leicester school and Spencefield lane school.

My right hon. Friend has no standing in making a decision on these proposals. They fall to be determined by the local education authority, by virtue of section 12(7) of the Education Act 1980, in the absence of objections as defined in section 12(3) of the Act.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) why he imposed a ban on pigeon races from the continent; on what statutory authority this ban was imposed; and whether he plans to introduce a new statutory instrument covering such ban;(2) what evidence he has that pigeon racing from the continent can contribute to the spreading of Newcastle disease.

The paramyxo group of virus diseases, of which Newcastle disease is one, is highly contagious and the Government considered it prudent to take appropriate steps to minimise the risk of importing them.It was for this reason that, in co-operation with the Royal Pigeon Racing Association, racing of pigeons from other European countries was suspended at the end of March. This action has now been supplemented by the Exportation of Pigeons Order, which came into effect on 23 June.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he will announce the Government's plans for the restructing of the British fishing fleet as set out in the common fisheries policy; and if he will make a statement.

We are considering the views which have been put to us by the industry on how best to encourage the adaptation and development of the United Kingdom fishing fleet once the enabling Community legislation has been approved by the Council of Ministers. We shall announce our plans as soon as possible after discussions with the industry have been completed.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he intends to implement the recommendations of the Rayner report on the Torry research station in Aberdeen.

I am considering the draft report of the Rayner scrutiny of MAFF fisheries research and development which contained several recommendations concerning the Torry research station. I intend to take decisions on all these recommendations as soon as possible.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will seek to recoup the overpayment to farmers arising from the system whereby authorisation on drainage schemes and the like was not required before work commenced.

All claims are comprehensively checked and if overpayments are found they are recouped.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will initiate inquiries into the offer for sale of 10,000 tonnes of North sea herring by Danish firms in light of the total allowable catch for the Community being only 9,000 tonnes and the Danish quota being 3,000 tonnes.

I am aware of a suggestion that a large quantity of herring has been offered for sale and I have alerted the Dutch authorities, who are those concerned, to the position. There are many legitimate sources of herring which could be used in trade, but I will take up any evidence of malpractice as appropriate.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was the total amount of subsidised food and wine exported from the European Community to the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and Eastern Europe, respectively, in 1982; what were the comparable totals for each of the previous five years; and what was the total amount of subsidy involved in each year.

Information on the volumes of the main agricultural products exported from the European Community to the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe in 1982 is given in the table. These represent total exports, some of which may not have received export refunds. Similar information for the earlier years requested was contained in the replies of 16 February 1983 [Vol. 37, c. 150], 21 October 1982 [Vol. 29, c. 203–4] and 8 June 1982 [Vol 25, c. 26–28] to my hon. Friend. Information on the total cost of export refunds on these sales is not readily available.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the amount of subsidy per pound paid by the European Community for the recently agreed contract to export 30,000 tonnes of butter to the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics; and what was the approximate sale price to the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics after this subsidy was paid.

The subsidy which may have been or may be payable on the exports to which my hon. Friend refers will depend upon the time and place at which the relevant export licences were taken out and whether the refund and—or monetary compensatory amount was fixed in advance. An indication of the refund and price which might apply is provided by the current export refund payable on butter exported from the United Kingdom to third countries including the USSR which is equivalent to 47p per pound. Taking the United Kingdom intervention price as a base, this refund would imply a selling price of approximately 53p per pound.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what percentage of common agricultural policy expenditure was directed toward the disposal of surpluses during the most recent annual period for which figures are available; and what were the comparable percentages in each of the previous five years.

The following figures show the cost of disposal of surpluses through export refunds and internal disposal subsidies as a proportion of total expenditure under the common agricultural policy:

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what scope for reform of the common agricultural policy will remain in light of the commitments agreed to in paragraph 3.1.7 of the solemn declaration of European union.

The United Kingdom supports paragraph 3.1.7 of the solemn declaration on continued development of the common agricultural policy, which entirely accords with the Government's aim to improve the operation of the common agricultural policy and with the declaration also made by the European Council to take concrete steps to ensure effective control of agricultural expenditure.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what are the current levels of the surplus stores of various foodstuffs and wine in European Community public and private stores; and what were the comparable totals on the same date in each of the previous five years.

The information requested is set out in the following table:

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will review the United Kingdom overseas aid programme so as to ensure that funds are spent as effectively as possible.

I do not consider that a full-scale review is appropriate but we are active in seeking to ensure that our aid is effective. We have increased our evaluations of completed projects and programmes and are adjusting our operations and procedures to take account of lessons learnt.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether the 1982 annual report and accounts of the Commonwealth Development Corporation have now been published; and if he will make copies available to hon. Members.

The report and accounts were published on 25 May. Copies have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what estimate he has made of the net contribution which the United Kingdom will make to the European Community in respect of the year 1983, after taking account of the rebate for 1983, payable in 1984, which was agreed at the Stuttgart meeting of the European Council in June;(2) if he will make a statement outlining the effect of the conclusion of the European Council on 17 to 19 June on compensation to the United Kingdom for 1983; and if the rebate of 750 million ecu will fall to be paid irrespective of the degree of progress made by the Council on the future financing of the Community referred to in the second paragraph of the conclusion.

On the basis of the Commission's estimate of our net contribution before refunds to the allocated budget, our net contribution after payment of the 750 million ecus net refund agreed at the European Council will be 1,150 million ecus (about £670 million). The agreement on the 750 million ecus was taken in the context of the adoption by the European Council at Stuttgart of the conclusions about the longer term. The implementation of the arrangements is now separate.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statment on the European monetary system in the light of the United Kingdom's signature of the solemn declaration on European union, which commits member states to strengthen the system and to create a European monetary fund.

I have no statment to make except to emphasise the Government's present commitment to strengthening the European monetary system. The United Kingdom is a member of the EMS, but sterling does not participate in the exchange rate mechanism. The question of future participation will continue to be kept under review.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what will be the implications for the United Kingdom economic policy of the United Kingdom's signature of the solemn declaration on European union, which includes a commitment to promote an overall European Community economic strategy.

The Government's present economic policy is consistent with the relevant passage in section 3 of the solemn declaration signed on 19 June to which my hon. Friend refers.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he proposes to issue information on the creation of free ports in the United Kingdom; if he will consider setting up one of the free ports in the Banff and Buchan constituency; and if he will make a statement.

The Government remain committed to the establishment of free ports in the United Kingdom on an experimental basis. Guidelines will be issued shortly setting out the criteria by which applications for free port designation will be judged. All bids received will be fully and carefully considered.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the present size of the Civil Service.

As I told my hon. Friend the Member for Hertfordshire, South-West (Mr. Page) in a written reply on 12 May 1983—[Vol 42, c. 416]—at 1 April 1983 there were 648,700 staff in post — 518,300 non-industrial and 130,400 industrial civil servants. That represented a reduction of 3,800 since 1 January 1983. The number of civil servants has fallen by 83,600, or 11·4 per cent., since April 1979. This means that we now have the smallest Civil Service for 20 years.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether any change has been made to the Class IX, vote 12 cash limit for the Treasury Solicitor's Department.

Subject to Parliamentary approval of the necessary Supplementary Estimate, the cash limit for class IX, vote 12 will be increased by £56,000 from £10,761,000 to £10,817,000.An additional £59,000 is required by the department of the Director of Public Prosecutions for improvements in the system of investigating frauds. This increase will be charged to the Contingency Reserve and will not therefore add to the planning total of public expenditure.As a result of the transfer of work from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food to the Treasury Solicitor, one staff post and the associated financial provision, £17,000 has been transferred from class III, vote 7.These additions are partially offset by the effect of the reduction in national insurance surcharge announced in the Budget, of £20,000.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will take steps to place the Institue of Chiropractics on the list of registered practitioners whose students may qualify for grants from local authorities during the period of their training; and if he will make a statement.

I know of no such list. Local education authorities have discretion at present to make grants to students of chiropractic. This would remain the case if the Council for Professions Supplementary to Medicine were to recognise the profession under the Professions Supplementary to Medicine Act 1960.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he plans to take action on the alleged excess profits made by pharmaceutical companies following the findings of the Committee of Public Accounts in its tenth report of Session 1982–83.

Yes. A review of the pharmaceutical price regulation scheme has already been announced. This will include an examination of the level of profitability allowed to the pharmaceutical industry on its sales of medicines to the NHS.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make a statement outlining the implications for the United Kingdom of the signature by the United Kingdom of the solemn declaration of European union, which includes a commitment to harmonise social security systems.

The United Kingdom supports the statement in paragraph 3.1.1 of the solemn declaration that effective action in the social field to alleviate unemployment should be taken by means of, among other things, improved harmonisation of social security systems. This does not involve any change in current policy.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is his latest estimate of the cost of reducing the retirement age of men to 60 years.

The latest estimate remains £2½ billion per annum at 1981–82 benefit levels. This estimate is described, together with the necessary qualifications, in the third report of the Social Services Committee Session 1981–82 [HC — 26-II]. A revised estimate is being prepared centred on the benefit rates announced for November 1983.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what representations he has received about the 1983 pensions uprating since March 1983.

Since March 1983 about 90 representations have been received from individuals and organisations.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if, in view of its strategic importance, he will make a statement on the future of the naval dockyard in Gibraltar.

I have nothing to add to the answer I gave on 1 February to my hon. Friend the Member for Banff and Buchan (Mr. McQuarrie).—[Vol. 36, c. 64].

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he is satisfied about the state of the defences of Gibraltar; and if he will make a statement.

Yes. We maintain a substantial military presence at Gibraltar, including a regular infantry battalion and the Gibraltar guardship. There is also a major naval base with berthing and support facilities for surface ships and submarines, as well as an RAF airfield which can accept all NATO fast jet combat aircraft. As part of our normal re-equipment programme the local Gibraltar Regiment has recently been provided with 105mm light guns and Blowpipe air defence missiles. We keep the defence of the Rock, as an important NATO base, under careful consideration in discussion with our NATO allies.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what was the value of arms and military equipment sold to Chile in 1982–83; and what orders have been placed as a result of the recent visit to Great Britain by Admiral Merina.

It is not the practice of this or previous Administrations to reveal details of specific defence sales business with other countries.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will give a progress report concerning the enterprise zones in Wales.

Encouraging progress is being made in the Swansea enterprise zone. As I told my hon. Friend the Member for Delyn (Mr. Raffan) today, the Delyn enterprise zone is expected to become operational by 21 July, subject to parliamentary approval. Discussions are well advanced on the boundaries and planning scheme for the proposed Haven waterway zone.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what new plans he has for stimulating the improvement of tourist facilities in Wales.

The recent report by the Wales tourist board on "Strategy for Growth" provides a basis for further developing the tourist potential in Wales. It will form the background to future discussion of the tourism industry in Wales with all concerned. In particular, the aim should be to continue to improve accommodation and facilities with a range of attractions for both overseas and day visitors.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what plans he has for the provision of parking facilities along the route of the M4 motorway.

I wish to encourage the provision of service areas along the M4 motorway; but it must be for the private sector to come forward with specific proposals and I was glad to open on 17 June the new services area at Pont Abraham. The Welsh Office is ready to advise any potential developers.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what advice he has given to highway authorities in Wales regarding the provision of better parking facilities along major roads.

Advice on parking facilities along major roads is contained in the documents "Roads in Urban Areas" and "The Layout of Roads in Rural Areas", jointly published by the Welsh Office, the Ministry of Transport and the Scottish Development Department in 1966 and 1968 respectively.

asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will conduct a review by an independent body of the means and methods used for calculating the road track costs for heavy goods vehicles; and if he will make a statement.

No. The method for calculating road track costs for heavy goods vehicles has already been examined, and endorsed, during an independent inquiry, the one by Sir Arthur Armitage on "Lorries, People and the Environment."

asked the Secretary of State for Transport when he anticipates giving Sealink his consent to proceed with the acceptance of the contract to build the replacement passenger ferries for the Ryde to Portsmouth route.

We shall reach a view on the proposal as soon as practicable.

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what are the reasons for his recent advertisement for the compulsory acquisition and exchange of public open space in or about Highgate wood and Queen's wood in connection with the Archway road improvement scheme; and if he will make a statement.

On 22 December 1981 my predecessor announced a new inquiry into t le Archway road improvement. It is clearly necessary to remove the serious uncertainty which is causing intolerable blight in the area. I am satisfied that the most sensible step is to press ahead with another inquiry which can consider whether or not simply to revoke the original orders made nearly a decade ago; or revoke and then make new orders for the revised scheme; or consider alternative proposals which have been put forward by objectors.My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment and I intend to initiate arrangements for this new inquiry straight away. We hope soon to announce the appointment of an inspector, who will be nominated by my noble and learned Friend the Lord Chancellor. A pre-inquiry meeting will be held well in advance to discuss arrangements. The date and venue of this meeting, and the inquiry which should start early in the new year will be announced as soon as possible.The recent publication of notices concerning exchange land certificates is part of the procedure leading up to the new inquiry, at which any objections to the proposed certificates will also be heard.

asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he has had discussions with the Civil Aviation Authority or manufacturers regarding the safety of aircraft such as the Airbus 310, the Boeing 767 and other two-engined aircraft to fly on transatlantic routes; and if he will make a statement.

I have not discussed this subject with the Civil Aviation Authority or manufacturers. The safety of public transport operations is primarily a matter for the authority. At present the United Kingdom in effect limits the operation of twin engine public transport aircraft to routes which are at all times within 90 minutes flying time (both engines operating) of an aerodrome at which a safe landing can be made. The introduction of new generation big twins such as the Boeing 767 with much extended range capability calls for a review of the operating safety criteria and requires international discussion and agreement. I understand that the International Civil Aviation Organisation is setting up machinery to study the problem.

asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he has yet decided to invoke the provisions of the protection of the Protection of Trading Interests Act 1980 in regard to the proposed grand jury investigation in the United States involving British airlines; and if he will make a statement.

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry and I announced on Friday 24 June 1983 that powers had been exercised under sections 1 and 2 of the Protection of Trading Interests Act 1980 to safeguard United Kingdom trading interests affected by the application of United States anti-trust laws. The relevant instruments come into effect today. The order reflects the Government's view that the unilateral application of United States anti-trust laws to aviation activities covered by our bilateral treaty—the United Kingdom — United States Air Services Agreement (Bermuda 2)—threatens to damage United Kingdom trading interests.While my right hon. Friend and I were satisfied that it was necessary to take these steps to protect United Kingdom interests, it nevertheless remains the Government's hope that it will be possible to reach with the United States Government an acceptable resolution of the underlying dispute and any jurisdiction issues arising.

asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he has any plans to introduce private capital into the British Airports Authority.

We intend, in accordance with our manifesto commitments, to introduce private capital into the British Airports Authority. I shall be discussing with the chairman of the authority how best this might be achieved. When I have formulated more detailed plans I will, of course, announce them in the normal way.

asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he has any plans to reduce the maximum speed of express coaches on motorways and if he will make a statement.

I believe that the present 70 mph speed limit is safe and realistic in normal conditions. I am, however, concerned at allegations of widespread breaches of the limit and have made my views known on this to both the bus and coach industry and to the enforcement authorities.

asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he has specific plans to encourage the wider use of minibuses in city areas and to encourage more private tenders for the provision of transport services generally.

The Transport Act 1983 requires the London Transport Executive and the passenger transport executives to invite tenders for such activities as they consider appropriate. Minibuses play an important complementary role in urban transport, particularly for disabled people. I am actively considering how best to build on these foundations in order to improve the facilities available to the travelling public.

asked the Secretary of State for Transport if it is the Government's policy to encourage British Rail to sell off particular passenger service lines to private interests; and if he will make a statement.

We have encouraged British Rail to respond positively to any realistic proposals from the private sector for operating railway lines. Any specific proposals which require the Secretary of State's approval will be considered on their merits.

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what alterations will require to be made in current United Kingdom laws and practice to achieve the development of a common transport policy and the removal of obstacles to the free movement of goods, capital and services, as provided for in the solemn declaration of European union.

The United Kingdom supports the paragraph in the solemn declaration on the removal of obstacles to free movement and the further development of the common transport policy which accords with our own policies and priorities in this area. The effect on current United Kingdom laws and practices will depend on the nature of the measures adopted to give effect to these policies.

asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he is satisfied with all aspects of safety at the M11/M25 interchange at Theydon Garnon.

I shall answer this question shortly.

asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he is yet in a position to make a statement on service areas on the M25 north of the river Thames, and on the M 11 in Essex.

I hope to make an announcement shortly about our policy on the provision of motorway service areas on the M25. So far as the M11 is concerned, we propose to develop a service area at Birchanger. Planning clearance has been obtained for development of a particular site, but further progress depends on the resolution of a problem over the acquisition of the necessary land.

asked the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects to make an announcement about the appointment of the next chairman of the British Railways Board.

The term of appointment of Sir Peter Parker as chairman of the Railways Board expires in September, so I hope to announce a successor soon.

asked the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects to announce his conclusions on the Serpell report.

The Serpell committee identified possible improvements in BR in several important areas, which the Railways Board is already pursuing. In particular, the committee identified potential cost savings of more than £200 million a year by 1986. We are giving the board our full backing in achieving these important improvements as soon as possible.The committee's work also provides a contribution to the debate on longer-term issues. However, our objective is a high quality and efficient railway service for the benefit of the travelling public. In our view this can be achieved without embarking on a programme of major route closures.

asked the Secretary of State for Transport, following the loss of the MFV Arcadia and her crew from Lossiemouth, what form any inquiry will take; what will be the terms of reference; and whether he will make a statement.

My Department has ordered a preliminary inquiry under section 465 of the Merchant Shipping Act 1894 to establish the circumstances and the cause of the loss of the fishing vessel Arcadia. I wish to express my deepest sympathy to the families and relatives of those who have lost their lives in the tragic loss of this vessel.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement of Government policy on the maintenance of the green belt.

The Government's general policy in relation to green belts remains as set out in paragraph 5 of circular 22/80. That is to say they continue to attach great importance to their use in containing the sprawl of built up areas and safeguarding neighbouring countryside from encroachment. There must continue to be a general presumption against any inappropriate development within them.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he is satisfied that the green belt policy can be maintained while permission to develop within it for agricultural purposes and associated dwellings remains; and if he will make a statement.

Agriculture is a natural use of land within green belts. It is accordingly appropriate that within them permissions should be given, subject to particular siting considerations, for development necessary for agricultural purposes. I am satisfied that this is compatible with maintaining effective green belts.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will take steps to increase the discounts available to purchasers exercising their rights under the right-to-buy legislation.

Yes. The Housing and Building Control Bill, introduced on 23 June, includes, at clause 3, a provision to extend the right-to-buy discount scale, from the present maximum of 50 per cent. for 20 or more years' tenancy to 60 per cent. for 30 or more years' tenancy.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) how many jobs have been saved on Merseyside by the direct intervention of the task force to the latest available date;(2) if he is satisfied with the working of the Merseyside task force; and if he will make a statement;(3) if he will list in the

I shall answer these questions shortly.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many council houses have been sold in the city of Leicester in each year since 1979; and what is the latest position for the current year.

The numbers reported by the council are as follows:

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will take steps to speed up the sale of council houses in the city of Leicester.

My right hon. Friend continues to monitor carefully whether tenants of Leicester city council have or may have difficulty in exercising their right to buy and to take up progress with the council whenever necessary. The formal warning of intervention remains in being. If my hon. Friend has any particular problem in mind, I should be grateful if he would write to me.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will approve plans for a gipsy encampment at Southall gas works in the London borough of Ealing; if he will arrange funding for the encampment; and if he will make a statement.

The selection of a site for a gipsy encampment is a matter for the borough council and does not require the approval of the Secretary of State under the Caravan Sites Act 1968. The Secretary of State was asked to use his powers to intervene under planning legislation but he declined to do so. I have not received an application for a grant in respect of this site; any such application would be considered on its merits.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what action Her Majesty's Government have taken to improve the housing conditions of elderly people since the publication of his Department's house condition survey.

Shortly after the house condition survey was published we increased the maximum rates for intermediate and repairs grants to 90 per cent. until the end of March 1984. There is also a maximum rate of 90 per cent. for improvement grants for applicants in hardship. It is hoped that elderly people will be able to take advantage of these higher grant rates.In addition a number of agencies, public and private, have been established over the last few years, to help elderly householders overcome the problems they face in improving their homes. The Department is currently looking at these initiatives.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is his policy towards elderly home owners who may wish to move into public sector housing which is more appropriate for their needs.

The allocation of local authority housing is a matter for the discretion of individual local authorities.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether his Department is monitoring any experimental housing schemes designed to help elderly people remain in the community.