Written Answers To Questions
Tuesday 19 July 1983
House Of Commons
Former Hon Members (Severance Payments)
asked the Lord Privy Seal what was the total amount of severance payments made to former hon. Members following the general election held on 9 June.
Severance payments amounting to £979,460.80 so far have been made to former hon. Members following the general election held on 9 June 1983.
Members' Salaries
asked the Lord Privy Seal what specific long-term arrangements for hon. Members' salaries Her Majesty's Government have proposed since May 1979.
The Government have proposed the following:
On 11 July 1979.… that, if the House approved their proposals, Lord Boyle's committee should be requested to find one or more professional analogues to which the pay of Members should be linked between reviews.—[Vol. 970, c. 480.]
On 4 March 1980 … that the Top Salaries Review Body should undertake annual reviews of parliamentary salaries.—[Vol. 980, c. 266.]
On 19 February 1981 … that a Select Committee be appointed to give further consideration to the desirability and possible method of conducting reviews of Members' salaries and to make recommendations to the House.—[Vol. 999, c. 504.]
On 10 June 1982 … that, in line with the recommendation of the Select Committee, there should be a review by the Top Salaries Review Body once during the fourth year of each Parliament and that between such reviews the Government should move annual motions to effect changes in Members' salaries guided by average changes in the rates of pay in appropriate groups in the public service.—[Vol. 25, c. 468.]
asked the Lord Privy Seal if he will set out the levels of pay in sterling paid to Members of western Parliaments.
The information requested is given in TSRB report No. 20, volume 2—table 3, pages 118 to 128—(Cmnd. 8881-II).
Employees (Pay)
asked the Member answering for the House of Commons Commission if he will list the numbers and job titles of employees of the Commission whose gross pay in 1982–83 exceeded £15,362.
I have been asked to reply.The number and job titles of staff employed by the House of Commons Commission, with an annual rate, or on a salary scale which includes certain points exceeding £15,362 is as follows. The rates and scales quoted are those payable from 1 April 1983 except those indicated† which have been payable since 1 April 1982 and are currently under review. All scales include £1,250 per annum inner London weighting allowance except that no such allowance is payable to those indicated by an asterisk.The numbers of staff shown include some staff in grades with a salary scale exceeding £15,362 per annum who may individually be receiving an annual salary below that amount. Moreover, there are some staff not shown who receive a basic salary of less than £15,362 per annum but whose total emoluments, including overtime, night work payments or other extra duty allowances, and so on, may exceed that figure. Details of both categories could be supplied only at disproportionate cost.
| Number at1 April 1983 | Grade | Salary £ |
| Office of the Speaker | ||
| 2 | Speaker's Counsel | † 26,250 |
| 1 | Speaker's Secretary | 20,493–24,409 |
| 1 | Staff Inspector | 13,649–17,906 |
| Department of the Clerk of the House | ||
| 1 | Clerk of the House | *†37,750 |
| 1 | Clerk Assistant | *†30,250 |
| 1 | Clerk of Committees | *†30,250 |
| 7 | Principal Clerks Class I | †26,250 |
| 3 | Principal Clerks Class II | †24,851 |
| 15 | Deputy Principal Clerks | 20,493–24,409 |
| 24 | Senior Clerks | 13,649–17,906 |
| Department of the Serjeant at Arms | ||
| 1 | Serjeant at Arms | †26,250 |
| 1 | Deputy Serjeant at Arms | 20,493–24,409 |
| 1 | Assistant Serjeant at Arms | 17,593–20,862 |
| 1 | Deputy Assistant Serjeant at Arms | 14,519–17,906 |
| Department of the Library | ||
| 1 | Librarian | †26,250 |
| 1 | Deputy Librarian | 20,493–24,409 |
| 2 | Assistant Librarians | 20,493–22,928 |
| 1 | Deliverer of the Vote | 16,201–22,044 |
| 8 | Deputy Assistant Librarians | 16,902–20,567 |
| 121½ | Senior Library Clerks | 10,386–17,906 |
| Administration Department | ||
| 1 | Head of the Administration Department | †26,250 |
| 1 | Accountant | 20,493–24,409 |
| 1 | Head of the Establishments Office | 20,493–23,818 |
| 1 | Computer Development Officer | 18,754–23,818 |
| 1 | Deputy Accountant | 17,593–22,044 |
| 1 | Deputy Head of the Establishments Office | 17,593–22,044 |
| 5 | Assistant Accountants | 11,329–15,926 |
| 1 | Assistant Head of the Establishments Office | 11,329–15,364 |
| Department of the Official Report | ||
| 1 | Editor | 23,393–24,409 |
| 1 | Deputy Editor | 18,963 |
| 2 | Principal Assistant Editors | 17,789 |
| 2 | Senior Assistant Editors | 17,789 |
| 1 | Assistant Editor | 16,201–17,197 |
| 2 | Deputy Assistant Editors | 16,380 |
| 9 | Senior Reporters | 14,519–15,926 |
| Refreshment Department | ||
| 1 | General Manager | 21,898 |
| 1 | Deputy General Manager | 13,649–17,906 |
| 1 | Catering Accountant | 13,649–17,906 |
Additional Information
Staff Salaries
asked the Member answering for the House of Commons Commission whether he will give a list of the number of persons and categories of House of Commons staff for whose pay the Commission is responsible, the top increment of whose salary scale is in excess of the salary currently paid to hon. Members.
I have been asked to reply.I refer the hon. Gentleman to the reply given today on behalf of the Commission to the hon. Member for Eltham (Mr. Bottoinley) which records numbers of staff in the House whose salary maximum exceeds £15,362 per annum. If the relevant figure is set at £14,510 per annum, only one addition should be made to that list, as follows:
| Department of the Library | Salary per annum £ |
| 1 Deputy Deliverer of the Vote | 11,329–14,773 |
Attorney-General
Legal Aid
asked the Attorney-General when the survey on legal aid carried out by the Lord Chancellor's Department on 30 magistrates' courts will be published.
The Lord Chancellor hopes to make the report on the survey—which covered 59 courts—available shortly. He will arrange for a copy to be sent to the hon. Member and for a copy to be placed in the Library.
Prime Minister
Engagements
Q7.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 19 July.
Q10.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 19 July.
Q11.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 19 July.
Q12.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 19 July.
Q13.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 19 July.
Q14.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 19 July.
Q15.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 19 July.
Q16.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 19 July.
Q17.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 19 July.
Q18.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 19 July.
Q19.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 19 July.
Q20.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 19 July.
Q21.
asked the Prime Minister whether she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 19 July.
Q22.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 19 July.
Q23.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 19 July.
Q24.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 19 July.
Q25.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 19 July.
Q26.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 19 July.
Q27.
asked the Prime Minister whether she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 19 July.
Q28.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 19 July.
Q29.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 19 July.
Q30.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 19 July.
Q31.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 19 July.
Q32.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 19 July.
Q33.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 19 July.
Q36.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 19 July.
Q37.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 19 July.
Q38.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 19 July.
Q39.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 19 July.
Q40.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 19 July.
Q42.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 19 July.
Q45.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 19 July.
Q47.
asked the Prime Minister what are her official engagements for 19 July.
Q49.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 19 July.
Q50.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 19 July.
Q51.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 19 July.
Q52.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 19 July.
Q53.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 19 July.
Q54.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 19 July.
Q55.
asked -be Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 19 July.
Q58.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 19 July.
Q59.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 19 July.
Q60.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 19 July.
Q61.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 19 July.
Q62.
asked the Prime Minister whether she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 19 July.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 19 July.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 19 July.
This morning I had meetings with ministerial colleagues and others. In addition to my duties in the House, I shall be having futher meetings later today. This evening I hope to have au audience of Her Majesty the Queen.
European Parliament
Q8.
asked the Prime Minister if she will introduce legislation to change the method of election to the European Parliament.
I have no plans to do so at present.
Civil Service
Q9.
asked the Prime Minister if she is satisfied with the standard of management within the Civil Service.
Not yet. It will take a long time. But Departments have put much energy and hard work into improving management, and a reasonable foundation has been laid. I have asked all Ministers in charge of Departments to give their continuing personal attention to ensuring good progress.
Food Prices And Diets
Q34.
asked the Prime Minister whether Her Majesty's Government will make available information on food prices and recommended diets for the unemployed.
Information on the average retail prices of about 80 items of food, derived from material collected for purposes of the retail prices index, is published each month by the Department of Employment in Employment Gazette—table 6·3. As I said in reply to a question on 30 June, how the unemployed spend their money is entirely a matter for their choice.
Public Sector Employees
Q35.
asked the Prime Minister how many persons were employed in the entire public sector in the United Kingdom (a) in 1960 and (b) at the latest date for which figures are available; and what percentage increase this represents.
The numbers employed in the public sector were 7,036,000 in 1982 compared with 5,843,000 in 1960—an increase of 20 per cent.
Iran
Q41.
asked the Prime Minister if she will make representations to the Government of Iran to seek to stop the persecution, torture and execution of those practising the Baha'i faith.
I refer the hon. Member to the reply my hon. Friend the Member for Shoreham (Mr. Luce) gave to the hon. Member for Liverpool, Riverside (Mr. Parry) on 29 June. The Iranian Government are well aware of our revulsion at the reports of the execution of 16 Baha'is from Shiraz.
Falkirk
Q43.
asked the Prime Minister if she will pay an official visit to Falkirk.
I have at present no plans to do so.
Scottish Assembly
Q44.
asked the Prime Minister whether she will hold discussions about the setting up of a Scottish assembly with legislative and revenue raising powers.
No.
Gorseinon
Q46.
asked the Prime Minister if she will pay an official visit to Gorseinon.
I have at present no plans to do so.
Labour Statistics
Q48.
asked the Prime Minister how many men and women have been out of work for six months, one year, two years and longer in Greater Manchester.
The following table gives at 14 April, the latest date for which an analysis by duration of unemployment is available, the numbers of male and female unemployed claimants in the Greater Manchester metropolitan county who had been unemployed for the lengths of time specified.
| Duration of unemployment | Male | Female |
| Up to 26 weeks | 48,155 | 22,660 |
| Over 26 and up to 52 weeks | 27,835 | 12,276 |
| Over 52 and up to 104 weeks | 28,644 | 7,186 |
| Over 104 weeks | 26,048 | 4,500 |
South Africa
Q56.
asked the Prime Minister whether any assurances have been sought and received that British subjects using South African facilities whilst travelling to the Falkland Islands will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race or colour.
I refer the hon. Gentleman to the first reply given by my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs to the hon. Member for Hamilton (Mr. Robertson) on 13 July. —[Vol. 45, c. 382.]
Privatisation
Q57.
asked the Prime Minister if she is satisfied with progress being made by local authorities in putting services out to private tender.
No. Local authorities have been prepared to put too few services out to competitive tender, despite clear evidence of the savings that have resulted from such action.
Members (Pay)
asked the Prime Minister if it is her policy permanently to reduce the pay of hon. Members by 25 per cent. from the value established by the House in 1979 and previously recommended by the Top Salaries Review Body.
No. Decisions on pay of hon. Members are taken by the House. The Government have a duty to advise the House, taking all factors into account.
asked the Prime Minister what are the actual and recommended salaries of an inner London hon. Member, and the lowest full-time actual and recommended salaries for other posts outside Parliament covered by the Top Salaries Review Body.
The information requested is as follows:
| Actual Salary as at 1 April 1983 | TSRB Recommended salary as at 1 April 1983 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Inner London MP | 15,383* | 19,873* |
| Masters and Registrars of the Supreme Court | 24,000 | 26,750 |
| Metropolitan Magistrate | ||
| Chairmen, Industrial Tribunals (England and Wales and Scotland) | ||
| Provincial Stipendiary Magistrate | ||
| Resident Magistrate (Northern Ireland) | ||
| Master, Supreme Court (Northern Ireland) | ||
| County Court Registrars and District Registrars of the High Court | ||
| * includes London supplement of £873 | ||
asked the Prime Minister why she asked the Top Salaries Review Body to make recommendations on the salaries of hon. Members and Ministers.
In 1982 the Select Committee of the House recommended that
The Government accepted that recommendation and asked the review body to undertake a comprehensive review in time for this year's consideration of parliamentary pay and allowances."reviews be conducted by the Review Body on Top Salaries once during the fourth year of each Parliament with a view to that Parliament taking a decision on the recommendation".
Home Department
Agricultural Work Permits
65.
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what factors he takes into account in deciding how many temporary agricultural work permits are given to non-European Community nationals; and if he will make a statement.
I have written to the hon. Member.
Animal Cruelty
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will prosecute Shamrock Farms, Henfield, Sussex, under the Protection of Animals Act 1911, for offences involving cruelty to monkeys kept in captivity; and if he will make a statement.
No. It is open to anyone to initiate proceedings under the Protection of Animals Act 1911 where there is evidence that animals have been ill-treated. I know of no evidence to justify such a course.
Computers
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will provide information on the current uses of computers within his Department and plans for their further introduction and extension.
I am sending the hon. Member a copy of the 1982 edition of "List of Computers in Central Government" published by Her Majesty's Treasury, Central Computer and Telecommunications Agency. The 1983 edition is due to be published shortly.Plans for the future use of computers are reviewed annually.
Civil Defence
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, in the interests of a standard approach to the matter in local government, he intends to give any guidance in departmental circulars to local authorities regarding the appropriate qualifications and experience for county emergency planning officers.
The selection and appointment of county emergency planning officers is a matter which properly falls within the discretion of local authorities. We do not propose to give specific guidance to them on this matter but general guidance was given in circular ES 1/1972.
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received from county emergency planning officers regarding the need for a regional structure to co-ordinate and guide county councils in preparing their emergency plans; and what response he has given.
We have received no such representations.
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what organisations he recognises for the purposes of discussion or negotiation as representative of county emergency planning officers; and whether, in order to improve the co-ordination of advice offered to him, he envisages making available any financial assistance to them to engage full-time permanent staff.
The Home Office has a close working relationship with both the County Emergency Planning Officers' Society and the Association of Civil Defence and Emergency Planning Officers. Neither has sought financial assistance and we have no plans to provide it.
Terrorism
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list in the Official Report, leaving out any cases which remain sub judice, the nationalities of the victims and attackers concerned in the non-Irish terrorist incidents since 1977 referred to by him on 13 July, Official Report, c. 901.
The nationalities of the 11 people killed by non-Irish terrorists in Great Britain since 1977 are as follows:
| Number | |
| British | 2 |
| North Yemeni | 3 |
| Iraqi | 1 |
| Israeli | 1 |
| Bahraini | 1 |
| Libyan | 2 |
| Palestinian carrying Jordanian passport | 1 |
Trade And Industry
Balance Of Trade (Statistics)
asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he will publish in the Official Report a table showing for each standard international trade classification division the United Kingdom balance of trade with (a) the European Community and (b) the rest of the world for the first four months of 1983.
The information is as follows:
| United Kingdom Crude Balance of Trade | ||
| £ million | ||
| SITC/R2 Division | European Community | Rest of World |
| 00 | -15 | +11 |
| 01 | -108 | -140 |
| 02 | -90 | -7 |
| 03 | -15 | -73 |
| 04 | -5 | +113 |
| 05 | -188 | -291 |
| 06 | -21 | -54 |
| 07 | -40 | -140 |
| 08 | -80 | -50 |
| 09 | -33 | +12 |
| 11 | -35 | +207 |
| 12 | +23 | +13 |
SITC/R2 Division
| European Community
| Rest of World
|
| 21 | +44 | -38 |
| 22 | +5 | -41 |
| 23 | -4 | -17 |
| 24 | -10 | -229 |
| 25 | -2 | -127 |
| 26 | +8 | -45 |
| 27 | -6 | -15 |
| 28 | +48 | -368 |
| 29 | -45 | -35 |
| 32 | +33 | -22 |
| 33 | +2,054 | +67 |
| 34 | +68 | -347 |
| 35 | Nil trade | Nil trade |
| 41 | -10 | -9 |
| 42 | -24 | -28 |
| 43 | -4 | -4 |
| 51 | +52 | + 103 |
| 52 | -1 | +39 |
| 53 | +7 | +92 |
| 54 | +22 | + 168 |
| 55 | +11 | +73 |
| 56 | -24 | -13 |
| 57 | -1 | +3 |
| 58 | -166 | +59 |
| 59 | -11 | + 146 |
| 61 | +4 | -13 |
| 62 | -5 | +32 |
| 63 | -33 | -138 |
| 64 | -82 | -341 |
| 65 | -236 | -108 |
| 66 | +33 | -87 |
| 67 | -85 | + 120 |
| 68 | -115 | +31 |
| 69 | -47 | +136 |
| 71 | -11 | +270 |
| 72 | -147 | +340 |
| 73 | -28 | +61 |
| 74 | -130 | +291 |
| 75 | -21 | -278 |
| 76 | -57 | -213 |
| 77 | -180 | +39 |
| 78 | -1,088 | + 103 |
| 79 | + 135 | + 162 |
| 81 | -23 | + 14 |
| 82 | -72 | -2 |
| 83 | -9 | -26 |
| 84 | -47 | -247 |
| 85 | -90 | -69 |
| 87 | -2 | + 18 |
| 88 | -33 | -53 |
| 89 | -62 | -40 |
| Section 9 | +43 | -116 |
Source: United Kingdom Overseas Trade Statistics.
Note: Crude balance=exports valued f.o.b. minus imports valued c.i.f.
Trading Deficit
asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what is the United Kingdom trading deficit per head with the European Community in 1983 to date; and how this compares with the European Community trading deficit with Japan in the latest five months for which figures are available.
In January to May 1983 the crude deficit per head on United Kingdom trade with other European Community countries was 35·3 United States dollars; for the period October 1982 to February 1983 the corresponding deficit on European Community trade with Japan was 17·1 United States dollars.
Manufactures
asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what was the United Kingdom deficit with the Six in trade in manufactures less precious stones in 1982 and in the first five months of 1983; and how this compares with 1970.
The information is as follows:
| United Kingdom Balance of Trade European Community (original six) Balance of payments basis | |||
| £ million | |||
| 1970 | 1982 | Jan. to May 1983 | |
| Manufactures less precious stones* | +146 | -5,121 | -3,197 |
| * Standard international trade classification, division 66. | |||
Motor Components
asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what information he has as to the extent to which the Monopolies and Mergers Commission's ruling to free franchise holders for motor vehicle parts has affected the percentage of components and, in particular, replacements for imported vehicles, being supplied by United Kingdom sources.
It is too early to assess the effects of last year's car parts order (SI 1146/1982) the principal provisions of which did not come into operation until 1 April this year.
Video Cassette Recorders
asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what legal status he ascribes to the Community's agreement with Japan on the sale of video cassette recorders during 1983.
The Japanese undertaking to restrain the export level of video tape recorders to the Community is a voluntary commitment.
Trade Marks Office
asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the progress of negotiations towards the siting of the new European Community trade marks office within the United Kingdom.
A decision on the siting of the proposed Community trade marks office will be made late in the discussions now under way on the European Commission's proposals for a Community trade marks system. Meanwhile the Government are continuing to publicise and seek support for its bid to have the office sited in London.
European Community (Import Licensing Arrangements)
asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what will be the effect on the United Kingdom balance of payments of the new import licensing arrangements for certain goods coming from the European Community.
The licensing requirements announced on 4 July 1983 continue previous arrangements designed to prevent the circumvention of MFA and other quotas. No precise estimate can be made of the effect of these relatively minor changes.
Novice Amateur Radio Licence
asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry why he has decided not to introduce a novice amateur radio licence at present.
We require radio amateurs to achieve a minimum standard of proficiency and there is a risk that introducing a lower standard for novices would cause interference to other services. Moreover, it would involve additional administrative burdens which we would not be in a position to undertake before the amateur licensing process had been fully computerised.
Petrol Prices
asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will now ask the Office of Fair Trading to conduct an inquiry into the rise in petrol prices and publish the findings.
No. The Director General is keeping competition in the petrol market under review. He will exercise his powers if he considers it appropriate to do so.
Origin Marking
asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he intends to extend the scope of the Trade Descriptions (Origin Marking) (Miscellaneous Goods) Order 1981.
asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he expects to complete his review of the origin marking order issued in January 1982 referred to in the answer by the Minister for Consumer Affairs to the hon. Member for Keighley on 21 February 1983, Official Report, c. 660.
Before deciding the case for extending the order, we must await the outcome of discussions with the European Commission on the compatibility of our origin marking requirements as they stand with European Community law. The Commission's current view, which we have made clear we do not accept, is that application of the order to goods imported from elsewhere in the Community is in breach of article 30 of the EC treaty.
Car Production
asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will estimate the effect the European Community proposal on car prices is likely to have on the output of cars in the United Kingdom.
I presume the hon. Member refers to the proposed competition regulation concerning motor vehicle distribution agreements. Where the recommended prices of a manufacturer's vehicles differ by more than 12 per cent. between one EC member state and another, the published draft would allow a distribution agreement only if it permitted authorised dealers to supply other dealers. The implications of such a provision for the market in motor vehicles and for vehicle production in the United Kingdom, if it were adopted in the eventual regulation, are difficult to judge with certainty. Interested parties are invited to comment to the Commission on the draft regulation by 24 October.
64K Ram Computer Memories
asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what information he has as to how many companies in the United Kingdom manufacture 64K RAM computer memories; and what is the percentage of United States of America and United Kingdom investment, respectively, in these industries.
Five companies undertake full or partial manufacture of the 64K RAM in the United Kingdom. Reliable information on the relative levels of investment in these products in the United Kingdom and the United States of America is not available.
European Community (Financial Relations)
asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will encourage the Commission of the European Communites to operate fully the provision of the directive on transparency of financial relations between member states and their public undertakings.
The Commission is already operating the directive, and I am satisfied that it will continue to do so in cases where it considers the directive appropriate.
Manufacturing Industry
asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he will publish in the Offical Report a table showing profits in manufacturing industry for each year since 1953 as a percentage of capital employed on the basis of historic costs.
Rates of return at historic cost for manufacturing companies, based on national accounts figures, are as follows. They are available only for 1960–81, but preliminary indications are for a small increase in 1982.Rates of return at current replacement cost were published in
British Business, 17 Septmber 1982.
Net rates of return at historic cost*: manufacturing companies
| |
Year
| Per cent.
|
| 1960 | 19·0 |
| 1961 | 16·1 |
| 1962 | 14·4 |
| 1963 | 15·4 |
| 1964 | 16·2 |
| 1965 | 15·5 |
| 1966 | 13·7 |
| 1967 | 12·9 |
| 1968 | 14·1 |
| 1969 | 14·3 |
| 1970 | 13·6 |
| 1971 | 13·8 |
| 1972 | 15·7 |
| 1973 | 18·9 |
| 1974 | 19·3 |
| 1975 | 16·6 |
| 1976 | 18·7 |
| 1977 | 20·6 |
| 1978 | 20·3 |
| 1979 | 19·4 |
| 1980 | 15·3 |
| 1981 | 12·2 |
| (*) Gross trading profits from United Kingodm operations less capital consumption at historic costs expressed as a percentage of net capital stock of fixed assets at historic costs (excluding land) plus book value of stocks in United Kingdom. |
Computers
asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will provide information on the current uses of computers within his Department and plans for their further introduction and extension.
My Department makes extensive and constantly developing use of computers and microprocessors for administrative, statistical, operational and research purposes. A comprehensive list is not readily available.The two main centres of administrative computing in the Department are at Eastcote, near London, and BSO, Newport, but, in addition, there is considerable equipment at the main research establishments of the Department at the National Physical laboratory, the National Engineering laboratory, Warren Springs laboratory and the Laboratory of the Government Chemist.
Mercury Communications Ltd
asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he intends to make a statement on the easing of restrictions affecting Mercury Communications Ltd's international services referred to in the answer to the hon. Member for Arundel on 7 February 1983, Official Report, c. 636.
Very soon, and in any case before the recess.
Defence
Sinai
asked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the current strength of the British unit attached to the multinational force in Sinai observing the disengagement agreement between Israel and Egypt; for how long it will remain there; and whether it has had occasion to report breaches of the agreement to the contracting parties or to any other international or national body.
A British Army contingent of 37 officers and men is deployed with the multinational force and observers in Sinai. Our initial two-year commitment expires in March 1984. The contingent provides the MFO's local headquarters company and as such does not directly report breaches of the peace treaty between Egypt and Israel.
Computers
asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will provide information on the current uses of computers within his Department and plans for their further introduction and extension.
In defence, general purpose computers are used for training, scientific, research and command and control purposes and in connection with general administrative functions such as pay, personnel records, finance and logistic support. Other computers are used for operational purposes in weapons systems, aircraft, flight simulators, etc.
Trials of some of the newer applications of computer technology are in progress and the results will be reflected in future plans. General purpose computers will be installed at an increasing rate during the next few years to assist in improving the effectiveness and efficiency of the Department.
Rifle Associations
asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he will list in the Official Report(a) the charges
| Financial year | Outdoor (gallery) ranges | Indoor ranges |
| 1980–81 | £3 per half day | £2 for each occasion of use |
| 1981–82 | £1 per half day per target (3½hrs) | £6 per session (2 hrs) |
| 1982–83 (April to August) | Rates for financial year 1981–82 applied | |
| 1 September 1982 | £1·10 per half day per target (3½hrs) | £6·60 per session (2 hrs) |
| 1983–84 | £1·15 per half day per target | £7 per session (2 hrs) |
Outdoor (gallery) ranges=£0·95 per half day per target =£5·80 per 2 hour session
Separate charges are being recovered for overtime worked by range wardens, for unfair wear and tear and for damage to facilities.
In addition, clubs are required to pay a licence preparation fee, which now stands at £5 plus VAT, and an additional sum to cover the cost of insurance. The licence preparation fee in 1972 stood at £2·25. It was raised to £3 in 1975 and raised again to £5 in 1980. When the insurance charge was introduced in February 1981, it was set at £2 for each event. It was reduced on 1 July 1982 to £1 for each event and it was further reduced on 1 July 1983 to 80p.
(b) The percentage change in the charges have from financial year 1981–82 been generally in line with the current rate of inflation: a movement upwards of 10 per cent. for financial year 1982–83 and a 5 per cent. increase for financial year 1983–84 on the charges.
(c) I am not aware of any representations being received in the Department on the latest uprating of charges.
asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he will institute a sliding scale of charges for hire of Army, Territorial Army and cadet rifle ranges by rifle associations to take account of the size and facilities of the ranges.
[pursuant to his reply, 13 July 1983, c. 349]: I am considering this possibility.
asked the Secretary of State for Defence how many rifle associations have failed to renew subscriptions for hiring Army rifle ranges, including Territorial Army and cadet ranges, since the last increase in charges (a) nationally and (b) in East Anglia; and if he will make a statement.
[pursuant to his reply, 13 July 1983, c. 349]: This information is not available centrally and could not be obtained without disproportionate cost.
asked the Secretary of State for Defence what factors are taken into account when determining to rifle associations for the use of Army, Territorial Army and cadet ranges for each year since 1972, (b) the percentage change in each case and (c) what representations he has received on the latest uprating in such charges.
[pursuant to his reply, 13 July 1983, c. 349]: (a) A nominal charge of 5p per head per year was raised in the period 1972 to 1980 for use of all service ranges. From 1 April 1980, when it was decided that the charges should more closely reflect the cost involved, the charges have been as follows:charges for the hire of Army, Territorial Army and cadet rifle ranges by rifle associations; and whether the views of such users are sought.
[pursuant to his reply, 13 July 1983, c. 349]: The basis for these charges is the cost of running a number of sample ranges, but this figure is discounted to reflect the Ministry of Defence's interest in the long standing relationship between the services and the Rifle Associations. Both the National Rifle Association and the National Small-bore Rifle Association are consulted before charges are promulgated.
Wales
Unemployment (Delyn)
asked the Secretary of State for Wales what are the current unemployment figures for the borough of Delyn.
It is estimated that on 9 June 1983 the number unemployed in the borough of Delyn area was 5,120.
Mold Bypass
asked the Secretary of State for Wales when it is planned to start work on the Mold bypass.
As stated in "Roads in Wales 1983", preparation work on the Mold bypass has been accelerated with a view to construction starting before the end of 1988.
River Fishing
asked the Secretary of State for Wales when the inquiry into the river fishing in Wales completed its hearing; when the inspector's report was received by him; what was the reason for the delay; when he expects to reach and publish his determination on the matter; and if he will give reasons for the delay in reaching a decision.
The public inquiry into the Welsh water authority's net limitation order and fishery byelaws was held between 6 April and 4 June 1982. The inspector's report was received on 25 February of this year and I hope to make my views known shortly. The time taken to prepare and consider the report has been due to the complexity of the issues involved.
Computers
asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will provide information on the current uses of computers within his Department and plans for their further introduction and extension.
At present microcomputers are used for discrete administrative applications which do not require large data bases, such as certain aspects of the agricultural subsidy schemes, urban programme grants, analysis of road accidents, monitoring of road building, departmental finance and small statistics projects. For the larger data bases used in the provision of statistical services in Wales, mainframe computers are used, located either in other Government Departments or at commercial bureaux. Similarly, mainframe computers located in other Government Departments are used for certain large scale payment operations.For the future, consideration is being given to the acquisition of more powerful in-house systems to meet the growing need for computer services and to provide the opportunity to take fuller advantage of the wider range of developments in office technology.
Energy
British Gas Corporation (Report)
asked the Secretary of State for Energy when he expects to receive the report of Messrs De Loitte Haskins into the efficiency of the British Gas Corporation; and when he expects to publish it.
I received the efficiency study of the British Gas Corporation by De Loitte, Haskins and Sells recently; I expect to make it public shortly.
Oil Production
asked the Secretary of State for Energy what is the present date up to which North sea oil producers have the Government's assurance that there will be no controls on oil production on the United Kingdom continental shelf.
The end of 1984 at the earliest.
Computers
asked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will provide information on the current uses of computers within his Department and plans for their further introduction and extension.
My Department's computers are used to store and compile energy statistics and data and to help produce economic analyses such as the energy projections published earlier this year. They are also used to support work on monitoring and evaluating North sea oil and gas activities. The scope for further computerisation, taking into account the costs and benefits, is under review.
Employment
Community Projects
15.
asked the Secretary of State for Employment what progress is being made by the Manpower Services Commission's community projects.
In all 48,000 youth training scheme places in community projects have been approved and a further 17,000 are being negotiated. Together these account for 93 per cent. of the community project places required.
Labour Statistics
17.
asked the Secretary of State for Employment what percentage of persons aged between 18 and 21 years is in full-time employment.
The 1981 labour force survey shows that, in the second quarter of 1981, 76 per cent. of persons aged 18 and under 21 in Great Britain who were in the labour force were employees in full-time employment.
18.
asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many people are registered as unemployed in employment offices and careers offices in Lambeth; and how many vacancies are currently available there.
At 9 June, the number of unemployed claimants in the jobcentre areas covering Lambeth was 19,750. On 3 June in Greater London as a whole there were 24,400 vacancies at jobcentres and 2,100 at careers offices. Moreover, these notified vacancies account for only one third of all vacancies in the economy.
24.
asked the Secretary of State for Employment what is the present rate of unemployment.
The June rate of unemployment in the United Kingdom was 12·5 per cent.
28.
asked the Secretary of Stale for Employment how many people have been unemployed for 52 weeks or more; and what proportion of the total number unemployed this constitutes.
At 14 April, the latest date for which the information is available, there were 1,143,436 unemployed claimants in the United Kingdom who had been unemployed for over 52 weeks. This represents 36·1 per cent. of the total number of unemployed claimants at that date.
36.
asked the Secretary of State for Employment what is the latest number and percentage of those who are unemployed (a) overall and (b) expressed on a regional basis.
The June figure for unemployed claimants in the United Kingdom was 2,983,921 and the unemployment rate was 12·5 per cent. These figures do not include 128,433 unemployed school leavers under 18 years registered at careers offices who are not yet entitled to benefit. The comparable regional figures were published in the unemployment and vacancies press notice issued by my Department on 30 June; a copy is in the House of Commons Library.
42.
asked the Secretary of State for Employment what is the total number of people unemployed in the United Kingdom at the latest available date.
At 9 June there were 2,983,921 unemployed claimants in the United Kingdom.
43.
asked the Secretary of State for Employment what were the numbers of persons unemployed for more than one year in May 1979 and at the latest available date.
In April 1979—figures for May are not available-there were 366,711 people in the United Kingdom who had been registered as unemployed for more than 52 weeks. In April 1983 the number of claimants who had been unemployed for more than 52 weeks was 1,143,436.
46.
asked the Secretary of State for Employment what is the number of people in full-time employment in the United Kingdom at the latest available date; and how this compares with May 1979.
Comprehensive information on the number of full-time employees in the United Kingdom during this period is available only from the census of employment, the most recent two of which were conducted in 1981 and 1978.There were 17,073,000 full-time employees in September 1981 compared with 18,285,000 in June 1978.
48.
asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many unemployed people have been unemployed for more than one year at the latest available date.
In April 1983, the latest date for which the information is available, there were 1,143,436 unemployed claimants in the United Kingdom who had been unemployed for more than 52 weeks.
asked the Secretary of State for Employment what is the percentage of unemployed (a) males and (b) females in the Brighton travel-to-work area for the following age groups: 16 to 18 years, 19 to 21 years, 22 to 30 years, 31 to 40 years, 41 to 50 years, 51 to 60 years and 61 to 65 years.
The following is the information from the April unemployment count, the latest date for which an age analysis is available, for the age groups nearest to those specified.
| Percentage of total unemployed | ||
| Age | Males | Females |
| Under 19 years | 7·9 | 14·7 |
| 19 years | 3·8 | 6·6 |
| 20 to 24 vears | 17·4 | 23·1 |
| 25 to 29 years | 12·3 | 12·0 |
| 30 to 39 years | 19·0 | 13·8 |
| 40 to 49 years | 12·7 | 11·4 |
| 50 to 59 years | 16·3 | 18·3 |
| 60 to 64 years | 10·5 | |
| 0·2 | ||
| 65 years and over | 0·1 | |
| * combined figures only available. | ||
Wage Settlements
19.
asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he has received any representations on the effect of wage settlements on employment opportunities.
Yes. The view is widely held that realistic pay settlements safeguard existing jobs and help to create new jobs.
Employment Trends
20.
asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will make a statement on recent trends in employment.
Early indications are that employment fell by about 70,000, seasonally adjusted, in the first quarter of 1983. This is less than half the fall in the previous quarter. Given the under-estimation of employee numbers, to which I referred in reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Hendon, North (Mr. Gorst) on 28 April—[Vol. 41 c. 423–24]— the fall in employment was probably significantly less, and employment in service industries may have risen during the quarter. Later figures for manufacturing industry confirm that the downward trend in employment there has slowed down.
School Leavers
21.
asked the Secretary of State for Employment what percentage of 1982 school leavers in Birmingham found work in the course of that year; and what percentage of 1983 school leavers in Birmingham is expected to find work by the end of the current year.
By the end of November 1982, 17 per cent. of those known to the Birmingham careers service who left school in 1982 had found work, 21 per cent. had entered further or higher education, 38 per cent. were participating in special measures schemes, and 24 per cent. were registered as unemployed. I am not in a position to make a forecast for 1983.
45.
asked the Secretary of State for Employment what are the latest figures for unemployed school leavers.
In June there were 118,923 school leavers under 18 years of age claiming unemployment benefit in the United Kingdom and 128,433 registered at careers offices who are not yet entitled to benefit.
National Dock Labour Board
22.
asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he has any plans to make changes to the National Dock Labour Board.
On 14 July my right hon. Friend announced the names of the members of the National Dock Labour Board for the period 1 August 1983 to 31 July 1985. These names include four changes from the present board. We would like to take this opportunity to thank those who are not being re-appointed, particularly the chairman and vice-chairman for their service in a difficult job.
Trade Union Reform
23.
asked the Secretary of State for Employment when he expects to publish his proposals for further reform of trade unions.
29.
asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will make a statement on the proposed White Paper on trade union reform.
34.
asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will make a statement on proposed legislation affecting trade unions.
The Governmeit's proposals for legislation in this area were published on Tuesday 12 July.
56.
asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he has received any representations from trade unions on his proposals for further trade union reform.
We received comments from nine trade unions and from two federations of trade unions on the Green Paper "Democracy in Trade Unions". Regrettably the TUC declined to discuss the Green Paper with us. We hope that it will respond favourably to my right hon. Friend's further invitation to discussions.
Job-Splitting Scheme
25.
asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he is satisfied with the interest shown in the present job-splitting scheme.
I am satisfied with the interest shown in the scheme. We are monitoring progress of this experiment closely and, as I answered on Monday 18 July —[Vol. 46, c. 48]—we are modifying the rules to allow employers greater flexibility to participate in the scheme.
Youth Training Scheme
26.
asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he consulted the Trades Union Congress before deciding not to increase the level of allowance payable to trainees under the youth training scheme.
My right hon. Friend decided that the allowance payable to trainees under the youth training scheme should remain at £25 after considering advice on the issue from the Manpower Services Commission, on which the Trades Union Congress is represented.
44.
asked the Secretary of State for Employment what information he has as to differences in training levels between the youth training scheme and similar training schemes in other European Community countries.
The latest comparative information available on vocational training levels in European Community countries is set cut in chapter II of the Commission's "Report on Social Development, Year 1982", a copy of which is available in the House of Commons Library.I believe that the quality of training which the youth training scheme will provide compares favourably with that being provided under similar schemes in other member countries.
49.
asked the Secretary of State for Employment why he has refused to increase the resources made available to fund the youth training scheme in order to increase the allowance paid to trainees.
The Government are making available nearly £1 billion to fund the youth training scheme in 1983–84. Additional resources could have been provided only at the expense of other programmes.
50.
asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he is satisfied with the quality of training in the youth training scheme.
Yes.
53.
asked the Secretary of State for Employment whether he will make a statement on the progress of the youth training scheme.
I refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Hazel Grove (Mr. Arnold) on 14 July—[Vol. 45, c. 416.]
Preston
27.
asked the Secretary of State for Employment what immediate plans he has to improve employment prospects in the Preston travel-to-work area.
Unemployment will begin to come down as British industry becomes more competitive and world trading conditions improve. The Government cannot guarantee a recovery or the creation of new jobs, but it can help to establish the right environment in which firms can prosper by producing goods and services that will sell. Greater efficiency and enterprise will lead to the new jobs we all want to see in Preston and elsewhere. We have already made a great deal of progress: inflation is at its lowest level since 1968, production has risen and productivity has reached new record levels. Meanwhile we are helping those hardest hit through our considerable range of special employment and training measures.
Youth Opportunities Programme And Youth Training Scheme (Expenditure)
30.
asked the Secretary of State for Employment what is the planned level of expenditure by the Manpower Services Commission for the youth opportunities programme and the youth training scheme in 1983–84; and what was the total expenditure in 1982–83 on the youth opportunities programme.
A sum of £936 million has been set aside for the youth training scheme, including residual expenditure on the youth opportunities programme and other programmes for young people which the scheme is replacing in 1983–84. Expenditure on the youth opportunities programme in 1982–83 was £566 million.
Wages Councils
31.
asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many employees in Great Britain are paid wages at or within 5 per cent. of the minimum level fixed by wages councils.
I regret that this information is not available.
Trade Union Democracy
32.
asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many representations he has received in response to the Green Paper, "Democracy in Trade Unions."
55.
asked the Secretary of State for Employment what representations have been made in response to the 1982 Green Paper about trade union democracy.
More than 150 organisations and individuals submitted comments on the Green Paper. The consultations showed a very wide support for legislation to safeguard the democratic rights of trade union members. In particular, there was general agreement that the governing bodies of trade unions should be elected by secret ballot of the members; that steps should be taken to promote the holding of ballots before union members are called out on strike; and that the present arrangements in the Trade Union Act 1913 concerning the political funds of trade unions are no longer operating satisfactorily. The Government's proposals for legislation in these areas were published on Tuesday 12 July.
Wandsworth
33.
asked the Secretary of State for Employment what is the present number of (a) men and (b) women registered as unemployed in the London borough of Wandsworth and the number of job vacancies registered at local job centres.
In June, there were 10,824 male and 3,908 female unemployed claimants in the area covered by the Balham, Clapham Junction and Tooting jobcentres, which corresponds closely to the London borough of Wandsworth. These figures do not include 121 male and 112 female unemployed school leavers under 18 years registered at careers offices in the area who are not yet entitled to benefit.The total number of notified vacancies remaining unfilled at the jobcentres was 551. Vacancies notified to jobcentres are estimated to be about one-third of all vacancies in the country as a whole. The number of vacancies remaining unfilled at a particular date takes no account of the flow of vacancies being notified, filled or withdrawn which would reflect activity more closely. For example, during the 12-month period to March 1983 the number of people placed in jobs by the Balham, Clapham Junction and Tooting jobcentres was 6,060. It is estimated that the public employment service accounts for about one in four of all placings.
Trade Unions
35.
asked the Secretary of State for Employment what consultations he has so far had with the Trades Union Congress on the future of union political levies.
None, but, as my right hon. Friend told my hon. Friends, the Members for Christchurch (Mr. Adley), and Berkshire, East (Mr. MacKay) earlier today, we have written to the TUC inviting it to discuss the steps which the trade unions might take to ensure that their members are fully aware of their statutory rights regarding the political levy and able to excercise them fully.
54.
asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will introduce legislation to require trade unions to publish accounts which show separately expenditure for political purposes from that for normal union activities.
Trade unions already have to provide separate information about expenditure from political funds in the annual returns which they are required to send to the Certification Officer and which are available to union members and to the public. However, in the discussions about the political levy to which my right hon. Friend has invited the TUC, we shall wish to consider ways in which this information might be amplified and made more readily accessible to union members.
Unemployment Levels
37.
asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will commission a study of unemployment levels with a view to establishing whether there is any correlation between levels of local authority rates and levels of unemployment.
No. There is already clear evidence that the rate burden in some areas is sufficiently high to affect firms' decisions on their location. This is one of the reasons why early in the new year we shall introduce a Bill to control the rates set by certain high spending authorities.
Training For Skills Programme
38.
asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many apprentices and other long-term trainees are currently receiving training under the training for skills programme.
Almost 18,000 apprentices and other long-term trainees were receiving training under the training for skills programme at the end of May 1983. Since April 1983 support for new first-year apprentices has been available only under the youth training scheme.
Employers' Associations (Postal Ballots)
39.
asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will introduce legislation to require postal balloting of their members by employers' associations; and if he will make a statement.
No. There is no evidence of concern either among the general public or among members of employers' associations about the way in which these associations are run.
Northern Region
40.
asked the Secretary of State for Employment what is the latest unemployment figure for the northern region.
In June there were 218,570 unemployed claimants in the north region. This figure does not include 11,704 unemployed school leavers under 18 years of age registered at careers offices who are not yet entitled to benefit.
Community Business Venture Schemes
41.
asked the Secretary of State for Employment what assistance he proposes to give to encourage the development of community business venture schemes.
The Government already have a number of initiatives to help small businesses. My Department operates the enterprise allowance scheme, which is designed to encourage unemployed people to set up in business. I do not propose any further assistance at this time.
Adult Training
47.
asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will make a statement on adult training following the publication earlier in 1983 of the Manpower Services Commission discussion document on this area of training.
No. The Government consider the future policy on adult training to be of great importance, and I expect a statement to be made by the end of the year after all the views have been collected.
Job Creation
51.
asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many persons are currently employed in temporary job creation or job sustaining schemes.
The number of people covered by special employment and training measures in Great Britain at the end of May 1983 is estimated as follows:
| Number | |
| Community Enterprise Programme/Community Programme | 52,000 |
| Community Industry | 8,000 |
| Enterprise Allowance | 2,249 |
| Job Release Scheme | 79,000 |
| Job Splitting Scheme | 317 |
| Temporary Short-time Working Compensation Scheme | 88,000 |
| Training for Skills | 18,000 |
| Young Workers Scheme | 104,000 |
| Youth Opportunities Programme | 200,000 |
| Youth Training Scheme | 9,000 |
Liverpool
52.
asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many people are unemployed in Liverpool.
In June the number of unemployed claimants in the area covered by the Liverpool and Toxteth jobcentres was 14,670. This figure does not include 928 unemployed school leavers under 18 years of age registered at careers offices in the area who are not yet entitled to benefit.
Community Programmes
57.
asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he is satisfied with the number of community programmes put forward by non-public sector entities.
No. Although the overall level of response to the community programme is satisfactory, we are actively seeking to encourage more private sector sponsors to come forward with proposals for projects to help long-term unemployed people and the communities in which they live.
61.
asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he is satisfied with the response of local authorities and others to the community programme; and if he will make a statement.
At the end of June almost 106,000 places had been approved on the community programme — including the community enterprise programme. Over 64,000 of these had been filled. I am satisfied with the progress so far.
Lost Working Days
58.
asked the Secretary of State for Employment what was the total number of working days lost due to industrial disputes during the last year for which figures are available.
Mr.
The provisional estimate for the number of working days lost through stoppages of work due to industrial disputes in the United Kingdom for the 12 months ending 31 May 1983 is 4·8 million. The equivalent figure for 1982 is 5·3 million.
South Yorkshire
59.
asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many young persons are unemployed within the county of South Yorkshire; and, of these, how many have been unemployed for over 12 months.
In April, the latest date for which an analysis by age and duration of unemployment is available, out of a total of 19,219 unemployed claimants aged under 20 years in the South Yorkshire metropolitan county, 3,831 had been unemployed for over 52 weeks.
Newspaper Trade Unions
60.
asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will introduce legislation to prohibit action by members of trades unions of newspapers employees to prevent the publication of particular articles, advertisements or comments.
Industrial action to prevent the publication of particular articles, advertisements or comments in newspapers is already unlawful if it is taken in breach of employment contracts. Those organising the action would be acting unlawfully if, as seems likely, they were not acting in contemplation of furtherance of a trade dispute. The Employment Act 1982 significantly reduced the scope of lawful trade disputes and made unions themselves liable to be sued if they organised unlawful industrial action.
Pickering
62.
asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many young people and adults, male and female, are registered as unemployed and seeking work in the travel-to-work area of Pickering, North Yorkshire.
From the April unemployment count, the latest date for which an analysis by age is available, the number of unemployed claimants under 18 years of age in the Pickering jobcentre area was 26—nine males and 17 females. The corresponding figure for those aged 18 years and over was 447—303 males and 144 females.
Long-Term Unemployment
63.
the Secretary of State for Employment what new plans he has for solving the problem of the long-term unemployed.
I refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my right hon. Friend to the hon. Member for Fife, Central (Mr. Hamilton) earlier today.
Computers
asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will provide information on the current uses of computers within his Department and plans for their further introduction or extension.
Computers are used for a wide range of applications within the Department of Employment group. The Department itself uses large computers mainly to process management information and payroll for the group; statistical information about employment and unemployment, earnings and the retail prices index; and payments for the job release scheme.The Manpower Services Commission also uses minicomputer networks for job vacancy circulation and statistics and the payment of allowances to certain MSC trainees. The Health and Safety Executive uses computers to aid research, to process accident and other information as an aid to its enforcement activities, to aid policy formulation and for a variety of administrative tasks.Microcomputers are used for many smaller applications such as staff training and research work. Potential computing applications are reviewed regularly and introduced where these can result in improved efficiency or quality of service.The Department of Employment will replace one of its large computers by 1985 when capacity is likely to be extended. Facilities to provide wider direct access to the computer centre from remote sites are also being developed. It is also intended to replace between 1985 and 1987 the terminal equipment in Department of Employment unemployment benefit offices with visual display units which can be used for on-line inquiries and data entry into the national unemployment benefit service computers operated by the Department of Health and Social Security.The Manpower Services Commission is developing a minicomputer network to process data relating to the youth training scheme. It is also planned to enhance the facilities available on computers currently used by the employment division to improve the quality and efficiency of services provided.
Health And Safety
asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many of those placed under the youth opportunities programme or youth training scheme have been and will be placed in workplaces (a) which do not comply with the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act and (b) about which he has no information concerning their compliance or otherwise with the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act.
Information is not available in the form requested. The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act requires employers to conduct their work activities in a manner that ensures, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety of all employees and persons affected by the work activity. The Manpower Services Commission takes positive steps to ensure that sponsors are aware of these responsibilities.
asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many officers and at what levels of the Manpower Services Commission are specifically charged with the duty of (a) investigating the health and safety conditions at workplaces to which youngsters may be sent under the youth opportunities programmes and youth training schemes and (b) ensuring that such workplaces comply with the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act.
Statutory responsibility for administering health and safety legislation, including the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act, rests with the Health and Safety Executive. Some 1,500 technical and executive staff in the Manpower Services Commission are currently involved in setting up and monitoring schemes, taking into account health and safety matters, under both the youth opportunities programme and the youth training scheme.
asked the Secretary of State for Employment what steps he is taking to ensure that all those placed under the youth opportunites programmes and youth training schemes are in workplaces which comply with the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act.
The Manpower Services Commission takes positive steps to remind employers providing places under both the youth opportunities programme and the youth training scheme of their responsibilities under health and safety legislation, including the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.
asked the Secretary of State for Employment (1) what reponsibility he accepts for the health and safety of those placed under the youth opportunities programmes and youth training programmes;(2) what statutory or contracted liability the Manpower Services Commission undertakes to take reasonable steps to guarantee the health and safety of those placed under the youth opporunities programmes and youth training schemes.
It is the responsibility of employers, under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, to ensure as far as reasonably practicable the health and safety of trainees who are placed in their premises both on the youth training scheme and the youth opportunities programme. Managing agents in the youth training scheme have a contractual responsibility to take necessary steps to secure the health, safety and welfare of all young people participating in the programme to the same extent and in the same manner as an employer is required to do in relation to his employees.
asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many accidents have occurred involving people placed under the youth opportunities programmes or youth training schemes during the last 12 months; what proportion this represents of all those so placed; and how these figures compare with the figures for the working population as a whole.
The following information about accidents on the youth opportunities programme is for the 12 months from 1 April 1981 to March 1982, which is the most recent year for which full information is available.
| Number of YOP entrants | 553,000 |
| Total number of accidents | 3,251 |
| (6 fatalities) | |
| Major injuries notifiable under NADOR 1980* | 261 |
| Minor injuries | 2,974 |
| Proportion of YOP entrants having an accident | 5·9 per thousand |
| * Notification of Accidents and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1980. | |
asked the Secretary of State for Employment what steps he is taking to ensure that, in every case of a youngster placed under the youth opportunities programmes and youth training schemes, the sponsor meets his responsibilities to ensure the health and safety of young people under his control.
The Manpower Services Commission is responsible for the administration of these schemes and for any necessary advice to employers about conditions of employment, including compliance with health and safety legislation.
asked the Secretary of State for Employment what progress has been made towards introducing the proposed regulations and draft approved code of practice in "Protection of Hearing at Work" which was published by the Health and Safely Commission on 5 August 1981.
[pursuant to his reply, 15 July 1983, c. 452.]: The Health and Safety Commission—HSC—received and reviewed comments made in response to those proposals, but these were overtaken in October 1982 by a proposal from the European Commission—CEC—for a Council directive which would require member states to introduce harmonised legislation on the protection of workers from risks related to noise.There are significant differences between the HSC's 1981 proposals and those included in the CEC's draft directive. The Council of Ministers is now beginning to discuss the CEC's proposal and the Government are at present awaiting comprehensive advice about it from the HSC: that advice will take account of comments made on both the HSC's original proposals and the: CEC's proposal. The advantages of agreement within the European Community are considerable as harmonised regulations would lay equal burdens upon all our partners in the Community and Britain can play an active role in promoting this important aspect of health and safety.
Construction Industry Training Board (Special Measures Scheme)
asked the Secretary of State for Employment what are the number of building apprentices and award holders who have been trained under the Construction Industry Training Board special measures scheme and the projects undertaken in each year since its inception.
Since the inception of the Construction Industry Training Board special measures scheme, continued training has been provided for 3,333 redundant apprentices and for 1,599 unplaced award holders. A total of 129 site projects have been undertaken, most of which were operating for more than one year.
asked the Secretary of State for Employment what is the cost of the Construction Industry Training Board special measures scheme; what is the cost of the administration of the scheme; and what proportion of both have been met from public funds.
The cost of the Construction Industry Training Board's special measures scheme in 1982–83 was £1,716,582. The whole of this was met from public funds. The board met the employment costs of clerical and administrative staff involved in the scheme, which are estimated to have been about £323,000.
asked the Secretary of State for Employment what steps he is taking to assist the extension of the Construction Industry Training Board special measures scheme beyond July 1983; and if he will make a statement.
The Manpower Services Commission has offered to support the scheme to 31 December 1983 on the same baiss as last year. The sum involved, to cover trainee wages, allowances and travelling costs, tools, safety equipment and the employment costs of project managers and site supervisors, is £1,028,000. The board has declined to continue to meet the employment costs of clerical and administrative staff associated with the scheme, estimated by the board to be £135,000 for the same period. I understand that the Manpower Services Commission will be meeting the board later this week when the issue will be discussed, and the chairman of the board has also written to me.
Education And Science
Inner London Education Authority
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science, pursuant to his reply of 5 July, Official Report, c. 151, which schemes of the Inner London education authority are extravagant; and what percentage of the current budget of that authority those schemes represent.
The Inner London education authority plans to spend in 1983–84 at a level 66 per cent. above its grant-related expenditure assessment. This level of overspend above an assessment which takes account of authorities' differing needs is larger in percentage terms than in either of the two previous years and much larger than for any other authority with education responsibilities. The authority has also increased its budget in 1983–84 compared with 1982–83 by more than any other authority with education responsibilities at a time when, for example, its school rolls within the statutory age range are falling faster than the average rate of reduction.It is for the authority to decide on its level of expenditure on different sub-sectors. But between 1979–80 and 1981–82 the authority increased its net expenditure on school meals and milk by some 18 per cent., despite the fall in its school population, while expenditure on these items nationally fell by 5 per cent. CIPFA statistics for 1982–83 show that ILEA's expenditure per school pupil on non-teaching staff is around 111/2 times the average for the London area and 211/2 times the national average. Expenditure of this order is not justified.
| Thousands | ||||
| 1982 (actuals) | 1983 | 1984 | 1985 | |
| Primary (aged five and over) | 3,619 | 3,432 | 3,317 | 3,275 |
| Change from preceding year | -187 | -115 | -42 | |
| Secondary | 3,798 | 3,748 | 3,659 | 3,544 |
| Change from preceding year | -50 | -89 | -115 | |
| Primary and Secondary | 7,417 | 7,180 | 6,976 | 6,819 |
| Change from preceding year | -237 | -204 | -157 | |
Computers
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will provide information on the current uses of computers within his Department and plans for their further introduction and extension.
Computers are used in the Department to provide services required for the administration of the teachers superannuation scheme, the processing and analysis of statistical surveys, departmental accounts and sundry administrative and policy support activities. These facilities are provided by an ICL 1906A, shortly to be replaced by an ICL 2966, computer in Darlington. Terminals connected to this machine, and a small number of microcomputers are used by professional and administrative staff in both London and Darlington. Limited use is also made of commercial bureaux for facilities which are not immediately available on the Department's computers.An ICL ME29 is being used to investigate the effectiveness of separate small computer-based terminal facilities for the teachers superannuation scheme.Significant use is also made of computer-based word processors and electronic typewriters. It is anticipated that the use of such equipment will increase.Prospects for the further cost-effective use of computers are being examined.
Scotland
Computers
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will provide information on the current uses of computers within his Department and plans for their further introduction and extension.
Assisted Places Scheme
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what was the total expenditure by his Department on the assisted places scheme for the latest year for which figures are available.
Total expenditure in the financial year 1982–83 was £8,689,942.
Schoolchildren (Statistics)
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is the estimated average reduction in the number of children attending state schools in 1983, 1984 and 1985.
The latest projected numbers of pupils aged five and over in maintained primary and secondary schools in England, are as follows:
In my Department computers are used for making payments, providing statistics, keeping records and general administrative purposes.Changes in the use of computers and other aspects of information technology are kept under regular review, which takes into account feasibility studies and associated investment appraisal of projects.
Tertiary Education
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has completed his consultations on the report by the Council for Tertiary Education in Scotland on structure and management of tertiary education; and if he will make a statement.
I have considered carefully the recommendations made by the council and the comments which I have received on the report. I am in broad agreement with the general conclusion of the council that improvements in the co-ordination of tertiary education in Scotland are needed, and I propose to take the following action on the report:
European Community
Spain And Portugal (Accession)
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the main arguments of those European Commur ity members who are opposed to or wish to delay indefinitely the admission of Spain and Portugal to membership; and if he will state the action he is taking to counter these.
No. The member states of the European Community have repeatedly reaffirmed their commitment to the successful conclusion of the accession negotiations with Portugal and Spain, most recently at the June European Council at Stuttgart.
Foreign And Commonwealth Affairs
Information Technology
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what consideration he has given to the potential input of new information technology in maintaining and strengthening links between Commonwealth members, especially in regard to student mobility and educational interchange.
The British Council, which is chiefly responsible for promoting and administering official schemes for overseas student support in Commonwealth and other countries, is fully conscious of the advantage of using new information technology to improve and develop educational interchange and arrangements for placing students on appropriate courses. It is currently designing computer systems to this end within available means.
Nuclear Waste (Dumping)
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he has had any discussions with the Government of the Republic of Ireland about the dumping of nuclear waste in the seas and oceans to the west of the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement.
There have been no bilateral discussions with the Government of the Republic of Ireland on this subject. Both countries participated in the February meeting of the London dumping convention and in the OECD ad hoc international group in May where they exchanged their respective views. The OECD group concluded, however, that there was no case for a review of the ecological and environmental assessments relevant to sea disposal of radioactive waste in the north Atlantic before the scheduled OECD review in 1984.
Lebanon
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) whether he will seek to establish from the commander of the British unit of the multinational force in Lebanon what is the current approximate number of armed Palestinians in Lebanon under the command o[the Palestine Liberation Organisation; whether these armed men represent any threat to the British contingent; and what steps are being taken to bring about their removal under the terms of the departure plan agreement of 20 August 1982;(2) whether he will seek to establish from the commander of the British unit of the multinational force in Lebanon whether the Palestine Liberation Organisation complied fully with articles 18 and 19 of the departure plan relating to the transfer of heavy and spare weaponry and munitions and the location of mines and booby traps; and whether any threats exist from breach of these articles to the British forces;(3) whether he will seek to establish from the commander of the British unit of the multinational force in Lebanon what is the current strength and order of battle of the elements of the Palestinian Liberation Army still deployed in Lebanon contrary to the provisions of article 22 of the departure plan; what steps are being taken to bring about their removal; and whether they present any threat to the British forces;(4) whether he will seek to establish from the commander of the British unit of the multinational force in Lebanon whether Palestinian personnel fully complied with the departure plan in accordance with the schedule, in the light of the Lebanese note of 18 August 1982 which stated that the mandate of the multinational force would be withdrawn and that it should leave Lebanon forthwith if the agreement was not carried out.
No. The plan my hon. Friend refers to concerned the establishment of a temporary multinational force composed of units from France, Italy and the United States to assist in the departure of PLO leaders and fighters from Beirut, and to assure the safety of persons in the Beirut area. We were not a party to it. The British contribution to the multinational force was agreed with the Government of Lebanon in different circumstances at a later date. The terms were laid before Parliament on 1 March and published on 2 March—Treaty series No. 9 of 1983: Cmnd. 8823.
As my hon. Friend knows, however, we have welcomed the agreement between Israel and Lebanon and hope that it will be followed by the complete withdrawal of foreign forces from Lebanon.
Computers
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will provide information on the current uses of computers within his Department and plans for their further introduction and extension.
My Department's existing computer systems support payroll, personnel, aid policy and finance work; the passport office; and commercial work at certain overseas posts. We also have 48 stand-alone word processors — 35 at home, 13 overseas — and make extensive use of commercial databases.Future plans, at varying stages of development, include the following:
Zimbabwe
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he or officials of his Department have recently had discussions or other contact with the Government of Zimbabwe concerning the continuing allegations of ill-treatment and torture of British citizens or passport-holders in that country; what response he has received from the Zimbabwe Government; and if he will make a statement.
I assume that my hon. Friend is referring to the case of the Zimbabwe air force officers. Although some concurrently hold British citizenship, all are also Zimbabwean citizens and we do not therefore have any formal consular standing. However, we have taken various opportunities to express our concern at the allegations that the men had at one stage been ill-treated. These allegations are now being fully brought out and considered in open court.
Civil Nuclear Emergency
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to the reply of 13 July, Official Report, c. 382–3, if he will publish the terms of the agreement with the French Government which formulates arrangements for the mutual exchange of information in the event of civil nuclear emergency in either country which might have radiological consequences on the other.
[pursuant to his reply, 18 July 1983, c. 44]: The agreement was signed on 18 July. In view of the interest of hon. Members I shall be placing copies of the agreement in the Library of the House. It will be laid before Parliament and published as a Command Paper in accordance with our usual practice.
National Finance
Corporation Tax
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will introduce legislation to make the service of value added loan stocks, indexed debentures and deep discount issues permissible as a prior charge in the calculation of corporation tax; and if he will make a statement.
Interest on value added loan stock is—if paid to a company—in general already allowable as a deduction in computing the issuing company's profits, to the extent that it does not exceed a reasonable commercial return on the stock.The treatment of indexed loan stock depends on the terms of the stock. Where indexation to reflect inflation is in the form of an uplift of the principal, this will generally be a capital item and so not deductible against the company's profits; but the interest payable on the stock is deductible. Where indexation takes the form of additional interest to take account of inflation the additional interest is deductible.For deep discount stock issued by companies, my right hon. and learned Friend the Member for Surrey, East (Sir G. Howe) announced proposals in his Budget last March for new rules whereby the discount would be spread over the life of the stock with the issuing company able to set annually against its profits the amount of discount accruing each year. We shall be announcing as soon as possible what action we intend to take on these proposals.
Exchange Rate
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what effect he expects a fall in the rate of inflation in the United Kingdom relative to other countries to have on the exchange rate, all other things being equal.
Knowledge of the determinants of exchange rates is uncertain, and what happens to the exchange rate after a change in one of its determinants will depend crucially on the circumstances holding at the time and on expectations of future developments. A fall in the United Kingdom inflation rate relative to world inflation could, to the extent that it had not been anticipated, lead to a rise in the exchange rate, other things being equal. It is probably not, in general, valid to assume that other things will be equal.
Public Sector Borrowing Requirement
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer by what amount in 1982–83 the public sector borrowing requirement fell short of being fully funded by sales to the non-bank private sector.
The latest estimate of the public sector borrowing requirement in 1982–83 is £9,001 million. Public sector debt sales to the non-bank private sector, including national savings, British Government securities, tax instruments, Treasury bills and other public sector debt, totalled £8,352 million, £649 million less than the borrowing requirement.
Economic Policies
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Government's economic policies assume the validity of the law of one price.
The so-called "law of one price" is not applicable for all commodities at all times but is a useful reminder of the importance of market forces.
Value Added Tax
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the yield of an increase of 1 per cent. in value added tax chargeable on hotel and other tourist accommodation.
It is estimated that a 1 per cent increase in the rate of VAT chargeable on hotel and other tourist accommodation would yield about £15 million in a full year.
Computers
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will provide information on the current uses of computers within the Treasury and the Board of Inland Revenue and plans for their further introduction and extension.
There are two major computer facilities in Her Majesty's Treasury: a Univac-based installation shared with the Central Statistical Office, and an ICL 2900 installation housed at Chessington in Surrey. The Univac system supports the Treasury econometric models and the financial information system for monitoring central Government expenditure. The Chessington computer centre provides a payroll and personnel record system for over 60 Government Departments. Microcomputers are also used for particular applications in the Treasury as a whole, and for appraisal in the Central Computer and Telecommunications Agency.Microcomputer systems are being introduced into restaurants operated and managed by the Civil Service catering organisation. The further use of information technology in the Treasury will follow from studies now in hand in the field of microcomputing and new office technology.In the Inland Revenue, computers are used to handle the collection of PAYE and other direct taxes, the assessment of corporation tax, PAYE assessing and coding work for the employees of Scottish-based employers, the control of the sub-contractors' deduction scheme and the assessment of Lloyd's underwriters. In addition they are used to provide statistical information regarding the taxes under the care and management of the board and to run a number of departmental administrative systems.The most important extension of computerisation currently taking place is the developrnent of an on-line system to handle PAYE assessing and coding work together with related functions. The aim is for this system to be in operation throughout the country by the end of 1987 or early 1988. Work is also in hand to improve existing systems by taking advantage of up-to-date technology whilst other possibilities for the cost effective extension of computerisation to support various aspects of the Department's work are kept continuously under review.
Mineral Extraction Industries
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he has anything to add to what was said in the Budget statement about further studies of the tax treatment of groups and of capital allowances for the mineral extraction industries.
My right hon. and learned Friend the Member for Surrey, East (Sir G. Howe) said in the 1983 Budget Statement that there were areas of company taxation where we needed to make progress, including the tax treatment of groups and capital allowances for the mineral extraction industries. He was authorising the Inland Revenue to look further at these issues, and to consult on them where necessary.The Government have already noted the many useful comments on these two topics included in responses to the Green Paper on corporation tax and elsewhere. These will be taken fully into account in the proposed further review. Before reaching conclusions, however, the Government wish to provide those who have not commented on these aspects of company taxation with an opportunity to do so and to invite those who have already made representations to consider whether they wish to amplify them. The Government would find it particularly helpful to be given an indication of the relative importance that respondents attach to particular proposals for change.Representations should be sent to the Board of Inland Revenue, to arrive if possible by 31 October 1983.
Own Resources
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement about payment of own resources to the European Commission in June and July.
The advance payment of £112,830,000 made from the Contingencies Fund on 20 June which I reported to the House on 23 June, will be repaid to the Contingencies Fund from Class II Vote 10 1983–84 presented to the House on 8 July. This advance will be deducted from the normal payment of own resources paid direct from the Consolidated Fund on 20 July.The Commission has, in accordance with article 10(2) of Council Regulation 2891/77, requested that member states advance by one month the payments of own resources, other than VAT resources, normally due on 20 August. This is in respect of agricultural levies and customs duties collected in June.A repayable advance of £115 million will be made from the Contingencies Fund on 20 July. As with the June advance, payments directly charged to the Consolidated Fund under section 2(3) of the European Communities Act will be reduced by the amount of the advance.A Supplementary Estimate will be presented to enable the Contingencies Fund to be repaid.
Tax Collection
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what progress has been made regarding the recommendation in the report of the review of the Inland Revenue collection service that the network of tax collection offices should be reduced.
The Inland Revenue has taken full account of representations made since the report was completed and of discussions with the union and has prepared a programme of closures under which the number of tax collection offices will be reduced in the period to October 1986 from 256 to 135. Full details are contained in a press release, a copy of which is being placed in the House of Commons Library today.
Currency
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer with whom he held consultations before approving the design of the new £1 coin.
[pursuant to his reply, 14 July 1983, c. 396]: In January 1981 the Royal Mint circulated a pamphlet on the specifications of the new £1 coin to those principally concerned, inviting their comments on the proposals and discussions were held with the various parties as necessary. It was not possible to consult everybody about details of the new coin but the consultative document was made available to Members of Parliament, bulk cash handlers, including security companies, the banks, transport concerns, retailers, service and vending industries. In recognition of the special problems of the disadvantaged, organisations for the elderly, handicapped and blind were consulted. Tests were carried out by Nottingham university for the Royal Mint to ascertain distinguishability of the new coin compared with others in circulation. The views of all those consulted were taken into account when finally deciding on the specification of the new coin.
Agriculture, Fisheries And Food
European Community Aid
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how much agricultural aid was made available by the European Community to less fertile upland areas in the United Kingdom in the last year; and how much was made available to the whole of the agricultural industry in the United Kingdom.
I regret it is not possible to identify separately all the aids given to farmers in the less fertile upland areas from the whole range of measures available under the common agricultural policy. However, there are certain measures which are applied only to farmers in those parts of the hills and uplands that are designated as less favoured areas under Directive 75/268. Under the hill livestock compensatory allowances scheme and the agriculture and horticulture development scheme farmers in the LFAs receive special assistance of which some 25 per cent. or about £22 million is expected to be received from the EAGGF guidance section for 1982. Farmers in the hills and uplands are also able to benefit from the full range of agricultural market support measures available under the EAGGF guarantee section. Of these the sheep annual premium scheme and the suckler cow premium scheme are of the greatest importance to LFA farmers. Approximately £23 million was paid to them under these two measures in 1982.In total, the United Kingdom received about £760 million under the common agricultural policy during 1982.
Disease Infected Premises
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, pursuant to the answer on 4 July, Official Report, c. 48, stating that it is not the practice of Her Majesty's Government to publish details of premises affected by any animal, poultry or bird disease, why he published on 6 July, Official Report, c. 126, a list of fish farms affected by whirling disease.
It is a requirement of the Diseases of Fish Regulations 1937 that infected area orders must be publicised in the London Gazette. For the purpose of the regulations an infected area is the place where the fish disease exists. In the circumstances, it was reasonable to provide details in the Official Report of 6 July. On the other hand, it is established practice under animal health rules not to publish precise details of affected premises, not least because that would constitute a disincentive to report disease.
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member for Workington (Mr. Campbell-Savour) on 4 July, Official Report, c. 48, why details of premises affected by any animal, poultry and bird disease are not published.
It is not the practice to give precise details of outbreaks of animal, poultry and bird diseases for a number of reasons. In particular, such publicity would be a considerable disincentive in reporting suspected disease.As indicated in the reply to the hon. member for Workington (Mr. Campbell-Savours) on 13 July—[Vol. 20, c.
347] — information about the counties in which suspected outbreaks occur is, as a temporary measure, being placed in the Library of the House.
Newcastle Disease
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will set out in the Official Report the text of the statement made by his Department to the Meat Trade Journal concerning the effects of the present outbreak of Newcastle disease in pigeons or poultry.
No outbreak of Newcastle disease has occurred in this country since 1978. The Ministry has not made a statement to the Meat Trade Journal but replied to a telephoned question.
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether Her Majesty's Government have taken any steps to prohibit continental pigeon fanciers from transporting pigeons to the United Kingdom for release in the United Kingdom.
The importation of racing pigeons for release in this country is prohibited except under the authority of an import licence issued by my Department. In present circumstances licences will not be issued.
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will assess the effect on the spread of Newcastle disease of wild birds flying to the United Kingdom from the continent; and if he will make a statement.
No outbreaks of Newcastle disease have been confirmed on the Continent or in this country for some years. Wild birds can be vectors of a number of animal, poultry and bird diseases but cannot, of course, be controlled.
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member for Workington (Mr. Campbell-Savours) on 4 July, Official Report, c. 48, in which areas other than Cornwall investigations are being carried out into the possible incidence of Newcastle disease;(2) what is the most recently available total of the number of pigeons outside Cornwall affected by paramyxovirus; and what was the date of the last recorded outbreak.
Investigations are being carried out into suspect paramyxovirus disease in racing pigeons outside Cornwall in Buckinghamshire, Leicestershire, London, Suffolk, Manchester, Sussex, Lancashire, Durham, Kent, Humberside and Norfolk. One case in Devon in a loft was confirmed on 14 July on the basis of clinical evidence of disease and positive laboratory test results.
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what vaccines are available to prevent pigeons from contracting paramyxovirus 1 and paramyxovirus 3; and whether he imposes any restrictions on their use.
The use of vaccine is not permitted under existing Government policy. The situation in relation to racing pigeons is kept under constant review in case any change would be advisable.
Smallholdings
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many county council smallholdings have been sold in England during the last 12 months; what were the corresponding figures for the last 10 years; and if he will make a statement.
The statistical information requested is given, insofar as it is available, in the annual report on smallholdings in England, copies of which are in the Library. The latest report available is for 1981–82.Policy on sales of smallholdings is a matter for the local authority concerned.
Computers
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will provide information on the current uses of computers within his Department and plans for their further introduction and extension.
The Ministry uses mainframe, mini and microcomputers and word processors to support a wide range of applications. Two ICL 1904s mainframe computers have been in operation since the mid 1970s and are mainly used to process agricultural census data and to produce payments—and statistical information—relating to approved applications for grants and subsidies. This configuration is also used to provide for various types of scientific analyses, forecasting, survey analyses, internal accounting and, via terminal access to selected users, for on-line interrogation and processing. The Ministry is currently undertaking a detailed review of its needs for replacement mainframe computers.Where mainframe computing is either inappropriate or unavailable the Ministry has installed free-standing mini or microcomputers. There are approximately 70 of these systems installed in both professional and administrative offices and their uses include on-line process control, data logging, information retrieval, modelling, stock control, analyses and data processing. To assist the Ministry in the management of typing resources, some 25 word processors have been installed in typing pools at headquarter's offices and in regional offices.Apart from these internal facilities the Ministry makes use of a number of commercial bureaux offering specialist services on information retrieval and is a user of, and a major provider to, the Prestel service.Based on a recent review of computing requirements, the Ministry is in the process of installing a network of distributed minicomputers; six minicomputers are currently being intalled at five separate locations to provide computing facilities for administrative and scientific staff. This network will allow the rationalisation of otherwise disparate ADP activities and augmented as necessary is likely to be the basis of future developments. The Ministry has developed plans to set up a computerised management accounting information system and a team of staff is currently investigating information flows between headquarters and regional offices with a view to improving communications with the aid of new technology. The Ministry is also about to begin a major trial of office automation, which will permit word processing, electronic filing, electronic mail, electronic diaries and so on, linked into the wider Ministry network.
Intervention Stocks
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what are the detailed arrangements for releasing to British pig farmers surplus grain held in European Community intervention.
Intervention wheat and barley is being sold by weekly tender to British pig farmers and other users under Community rules which allow sales at prices just above the relevant buying-in price, or at the level of local market prices if that is higher. Full details of these arrangements can be obtained from the Intervention Board for Agricultural Produce.A new scheme for the release of intervention wheat for use in animal feed in the 1983–84 season has been put forward by the Commission which has, however, taken no final decision on whether to introduce it.
Environment
Local Authority Manpower
66.
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the total number of people employed by local authorities; and what was the comparable figure for 1979.
The joint manpower watch surveys show that a total of 2,512,604 full-time and part-time staff were employed in local authorities in England in June 1979 compared with a total o 2,415,364 in March 1983. This represents a fall of 97,240 or 3·9 per cent. over the period.
World Wilderness Congress
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if, in view of the partial funding by host Governments of previous world wilderness congresses, Her Majesty's Government will give financial support to the third world wilderness congress, to be held in the United Kingdom in 1983.
Government funds for nature conservation purposes are already fully allocated for the current financial year. I have given this request careful consideration, but have concluded that it would not be appropriate to divert some of these resources in order to make a financial contribution to the third world wilderness congress.
Rates
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what are the numbers of commercial ratepayers, excluding lock-up garages, in England and Wales paying (a) less than £500 in non-domestic rates, (b) between £500 and £1,000 in non-domestic rates, and (c) over £1,000 in non-domestic rates for the year in which latest figures are available;(2) what are the numbers of industrial ratepayers in England and Wales paying
(a) less than £500 in non-domestic rates, (b) between £500 and £1,000 in non-domestic rates and (c) over £1,000 in non-domestic for the year in which latest figures are available.
I regret the information is not available centrally.
Computers
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will provide information on the current uses of computers within his Department and plans for their further introduction and extension.
My Department, including the Property Services Agency, makes extensive use of computers for a wide variety of functions including statistics, rate support grant, management information, payroll, costing and stock control. There are a number of plans to develop these applications further and to introduce others, as in the monitoring of trade in endangered species and in the administering of grants for ancient monuments and historic buildings.
Children's Play
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a further statement about the provision for children's play.
In my statement of 4 May—[Vol. 42, c. 75–76]—I announced Government support in principle for the new body in process of formation within the voluntary sector. This organisation has been formally launched today.The voluntary movement has always played a major role in the provision of opportunities for children to play constructively and safely; this new organisation will help to provide a fresh stimulus for the development of improved facilities for children. Subject to parliamentary approval, I shall be increasing the Sports Council's grant by £600,000 to enable the council to support the administrative costs of the new body during the current financial year.
Northern Ireland
Irish Folk Music
asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will ensure that teachers in Northern Ireland are not discouraged from teaching children about Irish folk music in schools in Northern Ireland.
There is no official discouragement from teaching Irish folk music; its inclusion in the curriculum is a matter for school authorities. Many schools teach it and it forms a part of the summer school tuition programme for young musicians in one of the education and library board areas.
Computers
asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will provide information on the current uses of computers within his Department and plans for their further introduction and extension.
There are mainframe computers, minicomputers and microcomputers used in a wide range of activities. The Department of Finance and Personnel provides a centralised computing service to the Northern Ireland Office and all the Northern Ireland Departments and also processes work for certain statutory bodies and United Kingdom Departments. In addition, the Department is the focal point for computer policy, and authorises all computer equipment and services purchased for Northern Ireland Departments.The Department of Finance and Personnel installation processes the payment of social security benefits on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Services, except the payment of unemployment benefit which is currently under development. Other applications include payroll systems for civil servants, teachers, police and Health Service employees, the payment of agricultural subsidies, rent and rate rebates, the production of the annual electoral register and the 1981 population census. The Department of Health and Social Services provides a service for health and the personal social services, including computers in hospitals for patient support and research. The Department of the Environment uses minicomputers and microcomputers for such applications as the collection of rates and highway design and research. The Department of Agriculture has links with computers in Northern Ireland and Great Britain for statistical and research projects; microcomputers are used extensively for several applications, particularly in agricultural education and training.A consultancy review of computing in the Northern Ireland Office and Northern Ireland Departments has just been completed and will be studied by Ministers. It embraced a strategy for the development of information technology and the organisational and other changes which would be needed to implement it.
Social Services
Human Eggs (Implantation)
64.
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if, pending the report of the Warnock committee, he will introduce measures to suspend operations for the implanting of human eggs; and if he will made a statement.
No. The Warnock inquiry is examining a range of complex issues, and the Government believe it is important to look at its recommendations as a whole and not to take decisions on one aspect of its remit in such a way as to pre-empt the findings.
Nurses
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will publish in the Offical Report the number of nurses in post, the increase in 1982 as a percentage of the total and the percentage of that increase which was absorbed by the reduction in working hours.
The number of qualified nurses and midwives, excluding agency staff and student health visitors, in post at 30 September 1981—the latest date for which detailed information is available — was 212,000 in whole-time equivalent terms. This was an increase of over 7 per cent. over the previous year. It is not possible to say how much of this increase was the result of the reduction in working hours. Over the period September 1979 to September 1981 there was a real increase of some 3·5 per cent. in whole-time equivalent terms of qualified nurses and midwives even after allowing for the change in hours.
Doctors And Nurses
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many doctors and nurses are employed by the National Health Service within the United Kingdom; and whether, in order to plan the future training programme, he will collect statistics on the numbers of doctors and nurses who are unemployed.
| Crude mortality rates per 1,000 population for Liverpool special areas and England and Wales | ||||||
| 1981 and 1982 | ||||||
| Area | Persons | Male | Female | |||
| 1981 | 1982 | 1981 | 1982 | 1981 | 1982 | |
| England and Wales | 11·6 | 11·7 | 12·0 | 12·0 | 11·3 | 11·5 |
| Liverpool Special Areas | 14·6 | 14·8 | 14·2 | 14·9 | 14·9 | 14·7 |
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what are the perinatal and infant mortality rates for the Liverpool special areas; and what are the rates for England and Wales as a whole.
The information requested is as follows:
At 30 September 1982 in the United Kingdom there were 43,456 hospital medical staff, excluding hospital practitioners and doctors holding paragraph 94, appointments; 7,308 staff in the community health service and 30,648 general medical practitioners. These figures exclude locums, for whom information on a United Kingdom basis is not available.Figures which separately identify qualified nurses are not yet available for 1982. The number of qualified nurses and midwives — excluding agency staff and student midwives and health visitor students—employed in the National Health Service in the United Kingdom at 30 September 1981 was 266,440 in whole time equivalent terms.The Department collects a range of statistics relevant to manpower planning. This does not include information on unemployment, but the Department and health authorities are reviewing their manpower planning needs and are fully aware of the importance of this information.
Abortions
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services, of the abortions conducted in England and Wales during the last year for which figures are available, how many were performed at 24 or more weeks.
A total of 418 abortions were performed at 24 or more weeks out of a total of 162,480 abortions performed in England and Wales to residents and non-residents.
Mortality Rates
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the overall mortality rate for people living in the Liverpool special areas as defined in the 1981 census analysis; and what is the mortality rate for England and Wales as a whole.
The information requested is as follows:
| Perinatal and infant mortality rates for Liverpool special areas and England and Wales 1981 and 1982 | |||
| Area | Perinatal death rate | Infant death rate | |
| England and Wales | 1981 | 11·8 | 11·1 |
| 1982 | 11·3 | 10·8 | |
| Liverpool special areas | 1981 | 10·3 | 10·8 |
| 1982 | 10·2 | 9·4 | |
Immunisation (Uptake)
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what are the childhood immunisation uptake rates for the Liverpool special areas; and what are the uptake rates for England and Wales as a whole.
Immunisation uptake rates for the Liverpool special areas are not available centrally. The most recent rates available for the Liverpool health district and England as a whole relate to uptake in 1982 and are as follows. Information relating to Wales is the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales.
| Children born in 1980 and immunised by the end of 1982 | ||
| Liverpool Health District per cent. | England (provisional) per cent. | |
| Measles | 43 | 58 |
| Diptheria | 72 | 84 |
| Whooping Cough | 40 | 53 |
| Tetanus | 73 | 84 |
| Polio | 73 | 84 |
| Schoolgirls reaching their 14th birthday in 1982 and immunised by the end of 1982 | ||
| Rubella | 93 | 83 |
Teenagers (Abortion And Birth Rates)
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what are the abortion and birth rates to teenagers in the Liverpool special areas; and what are these rates for England and Wales as a whole.
The birth rate for women aged 15 to 19 in 1981 is estimated to have been 28 per 1,000 for England and Wales as a whole and 44 per 1,000 for the Liverpool special areas.The abortion rate for women aged 15 to 19 in 1981 was 17 per 1,000 for England and Wales as a whole. Information on abortions to women residing in the Liverpool special areas is not available.
Health Visitors
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the ratio of health visitors to population in the Liverpool special areas compared with the national ratio; how many health visitors there are in Liverpool; and how many are practice-attached.
The ratio of health visitors within the area managed by the former Liverpool area health
| Partnership Size (Number of Unrestricted Principals) | ||||||
| Single handed | 2 | 3 | 4 | 6 | 6 or more | |
| Liverpool FPC (Per cent, of total) | 46 (17) | 72 (27) | 72 (27) | 48 (18) | 5 (2) | 24 (9) |
| England (Per cent, of total) | 2,967 (13) | 3,924 (17) | 5,099 (22) | 4,380 (19) | 3,216 (14) | 3,200 (14) |
Note: These are provisionally calculated figures only.
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what proportion of general practitioners in the Liverpool special areas are practising from health centre premises:
authority (teaching) as at 30 September 1981—the latest date for which figures are available — was 0· 18 per 1,000 population compared with 0·19 as the average per 1,000 population for England.
There were the equivalent of 94 whole-time health visitors in the former Liverpool area health authority at that time excluding school health visitors. Information on health visitors who are attached to practices is not collected centrally.
Health Education
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the provision of health education in the Liverpool health district; and how this compares with the national position.
There are four health education officers serving the Liverpool health districts. This compares with some 380 health education officers for England overall.
Health Care
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what information is available about the problems of access to good quality primary health care in the Liverpool special areas.
The statistics routinely collected by the Department include information on a number of aspects of primary health care, such as average list sizes for GPs, the proportion of GPs in group practices or in health centres, and the numbers of community nursing staff. These figures alone, however, do not make it possible for us to attempt a judgment of the quality of care or ease of access to primary health care.
General Practitioners
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what are the partnership sizes of general practitioners in the Liverpool special areas; and how these compare with the national pattern.
Information for the Liverpool special areas is not available centrally.At 1 October 1982 partnership sizes of unrestricted principals in general medical practice in the Liverpool family practitioner committee area and in England as a whole, were as follows:(2) whether efforts are being made to persuade general practitioners in the Liverpool special areas to make use of health centre facilities;
(3) how many general practitioners in the Liverpool special areas are practising in partnership with a spouse;
(4) of those general practitioners practising in the Liverpool special areas in partnership with a spouse, what are the list sizes of the respective members of each couple; and if such couples are in receipt of the full practice allowance;
(5) what proportion of general practitioners practising in the Liverpool special areas make use of emergency deputising services; and to what extent;
(6) how many general practitioners in the Liverpool special areas are practising from unsatisfactory premises; what inspections have taken place by the family practitioner committee of such premises; and with what results.
This information is not held centrally. I have asked the Liverpool family practitioner committee to write to the hon. Member giving such information as their obligations of confidentiality permit.
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the average net remuneration of general practitioners in the Liverpool special areas.
The information requested is not available centrally. However, the intended average net remuneration of general medical practitioners working in the NHS in Great Britain for 1983–84 has been set at £20,160 from 1 April 1983 to 31 December 1983 and at £20,670 from 1 January 1984.
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many general practitioners practising in the Liverpool special areas are over the age of (a) 65 years and (b) 70 years.
Information for Liverpool special areas is not available centrally. At 1 October 1982, the provisional calculated number of unrestricted principals in general medical practice in the Liverpool family practitioner committee area who were aged over 65 years was 40, of whom 12 were aged 70 years or over.
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what are the list sizes of general practitioners in the special areas of Liverpool.
Information for the Liverpool special areas is not available centrally.At 1 October 1982, the average list size of unrestricted principals in general medical practice in the Liverpool family practitioner committee area was 2,087. These are provisionally calculated figures only.
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will take steps to establish salaried posts in general practice in the Liverpool special areas.
No. The Government remain firmly committed to the principle of independent contractor status for general medical practitioners. A general medical practitioner may, at his own discretion, employ a salaried assistant subject, in certain circumstances, to the consent of the family practitioner committee on whose list he is, or, on appeal, to the medical practices committee.
Health Centres
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many purpose-built consulting suites are standing empty in health centres in the Liverpool special areas; and where they are.
The information asked for is not held centrally. I suggest the hon. Member writes to the chairman of Liverpool health authority to seek the information he requires.
Family Income Supplement
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what is the average delay between a self-employed person applying for family income supplement and the first payment being made;(2) what proportion of successful applicants for family income supplement are self-employed.
At the end of April 1983, 19,000 self-employed individuals were receiving family income supplement. This is 10·2 per cent. of the total. Information is not available about the average time taken to process claims from self-employed people. However, such cases often require further inquiries to be made before entitlement can be determined. If my hon. Friend has particular cases in mind perhaps he will write to me.
Computers
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will provide information on the current uses of computers within his Department and plans for their further introduction and extension.
Computers are used in DHSS for the following major tasks:
- Maintainance of National Insurance Contribution records.
- Payment of Pensions and Child Benefit.
- Payroll for the Department.
- Information processing for statistical and economic purposes.
- Payment of Unemployment Benefit and associated Supplementary Benefit.
- NHS Supperannuation record maintenance and payments.
- War Pensions records and payments.
- Family Income Supplement, Attendance Allowance, Mobility Allowance indexes and benefit payments.
- Local Authority Housing Benefit funds.
- Computer aids to health building
- Operational research
- Library applications
- Communication of contribution information to local offices from central records in Newcastle.
- Evalution trials of new Technology for Ministers' Officers support, management support and certain local offices procedures.
- Finance and Personnel functions using microcomputers.
The proposals for computerising social security operations over the next 10 to 15 years were published last autumn in a consultative document "Social Security Operational Strategy; A Framework for the Future", a copy of which is available in the Library. We are considering the way ahead in the light of comments received.
Health Expenditure (Cuts)
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services in cash terms what his announcement of a 2 per cent. cut in capital spending and a 1 per cent. cut in revenue expenditure means in each case for the Northern regional health authority.
The revised revenue cash limit for 1983–84 for the Northern regional health authority is £546,212,000 and the capital cash limit is £37,799,000.
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services in cash terms what his announcement of a 2 per cent. cut in capital spending and a 1 per cent. cut in revenue expenditure means in each case for the South Tyneside health authority.
The allocation of resources to South Tyneside health authority is a matter for the Northern regional health authority. The regional health authority will need to revise the cash limits of each of the district health authorities in the region in the light of its revised cash limits for 1983–84.
Voluntary Unemployment Deductions
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) if he will publish the instructions issued to local offices on the administration of voluntary unemployment deductions;(2) if he will instruct the social security policy inspectorate to carry out a follow-up study of voluntary unemployment deductions in six months time;
| Description | Amount £ | Last Increased | |
| 1. Capital limit for voluntary unemployment deduction. | 100·00 | November 1980 | |
| 2. Blindness addition | 1·25 | 1962 | |
| 3. Age addition | 0·25 | 1971 | |
| 4. Dietary addition | 3·35 | November 1982 | |
| 1·45 | November 1982 | ||
| 9·60 | November 1982 | ||
| 5. Weekly cost of laundry above which an additional requirement for laundry can be given. | 0·45 | November 1982 | |
| 6. House repairs and insurance allowance | 1·70 | March 1983 | |
| 7. Non-dependant deductions | 3·95 | April 1983 | |
| 4·70 | April 1983 | ||
| 2·20 | April 1983 | ||
| 8. Non-householders rent addition | 3·10 | November 1982 | |
| 9. Minimum amounts of urgent needs payment which may be recovered. | 10·00 | November 1980 | |
| 0·50 | a week | November 1980 | |
| 10. Overall minimum benefit amounts payable: where housing benefit not payable | 0·10 | 1966 | |
| for strikers | 3·00 | November 1980 | |
| combined payments by Department of Employment | 0·50 | October 1982 | |
| 11. Tolerance rule on change of circumstances | 0·50 | 1977 | |
| 12. Limit on religious requirements for funerals | 75·00 | November 1978 | |
| 13. Capital limit for voluntary repatriation expenses | 50·00 | November 1975 | |
| 14. Expenses on starting work | 35·00 | November 1981 | |
| 15. Disregards: (i) earnings | 4·00 | November 1975 | |
| (ii) earnings, lone parent | First 4·00 plus½ | November 1980 | |
(3) what steps he is taking to identify persons from whom supplementary benefit has been wrongfully withheld on grounds of voluntary unemployment;
(4) if he will defer implementation of amendments to the supplementary benefit regulations providing for voluntary unemployment deductions until such time as he is satisfied that administrative procedures have been improved and are being applied correctly;
(5) if he will estimate the total amount of supplementary benefit which has been wrongly withheld on grounds of voluntary unemployment in each of the last three years; and what is the average amount per case;
(6) if he will estimate the number of cases in which supplementary benefit has been wrongly withheld on grounds of voluntary unemployment in each of the last three years.
I shall let the hon. Member have a reply as soon as possible.
Supplementary Benefits (Uprating)
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will list all the sums of money specified in the Supplementary Benefits Act 1976 or in regulations made thereunder which are not being altered in the current year's uprating, together with the date at which they were last uprated.
The relevant details are as follows:
Description
| Amount £
| Last Increased
| |
| next 16 | |||
| (iii) earnings, claimant required to be available for work | 4·00 | November 1980 | |
| (iv) other incomes | 4·00 | November 1975 | |
| (v) educational maintenance allowance: | |||
| children at school | 7·50 | September 1979 | |
| young people at college | 9·50 | September 1979 | |
| (vi) student grant in certain circumstances | 2·00 | September 1976 | |
| 16. Single payments | |||
| (i) Bedclothes | |||
| Blanket (cot) | 5·70 | November 1982 | |
| Pillow | 4·70 | November 1982 | |
| Pillow-case | 2·10 | November 1982 | |
| Quilt—terylene (single) | 14·50 | November 1982 | |
| Sheet—cotton (single) | 6·80 | November 1982 | |
| Sheet—cotton (double) | 8·90 | November 1982 | |
| Sheet—flannelette (cot) | 3·00 | November 1982 | |
| Sheet—flannelette (single) | 6·50 | November 1982 | |
| Sheet—nylon (single) | 5·20 | November 1982 | |
| Sheet—nylon (double) | 6·80 | November 1982 | |
| (ii) Men's clothing and footwear | |||
| Anorak | 21·00 | November 1982 | |
| Dressing-gown | 17·75 | November 1982 | |
| Overcoat | 49·50 | November 1982 | |
| Pyjamas | 9·20 | November 1981 | |
| Raincoat | 31·00 | November 1982 | |
| Shirt | 8·30 | November 1982 | |
| Suit | 58·00 | November 1982 | |
| Vest—singlet | 2·05 | November 1982 | |
| (iii) Working clothes and footwear | |||
| Boots | 16·75 | November 1982 | |
| Donkey-jacket | 19·75 | November 1981 | |
| Dungarees | 11·50 | November 1982 | |
| Jeans | 12·50 | November 1982 | |
| Overalls | 10·50 | November 1981 | |
| Suit | 58·00 | November 1982 | |
| Wellingtons | 12·00 | November 1982 | |
| (iv) Women's clothing and footwear | |||
| Briefs | 1·40 | November 1981 | |
| Corset | 12·50 | November 1982 | |
| Knickers | 2·60 | November 1982 | |
| Nightdress (full length) | 8·60 | November 1981 | |
| Overcoat | 43·00 | November 1981 | |
| Petticoat | 5·20 | November 1982 | |
| Raincoat | 31·00 | November 1982 | |
| Slippers | 5·20 | November 1982 | |
| Stockings/tights | 0·75 | November 1982 | |
| Vest—woollen | 4·70 | November 1982 | |
| (v) Boy's clothing and footwear | Small
| Large
| |
| Dressing-gown | 8·60 | 12·00 | November 1981–82 |
| Duffelcoat | 15·50 | 21·00 | November 1982 |
| Jacket/anorak (small) | 11·00 | November 1981 | |
| Overcoat | 18·25 | 26·00 | November 1981 |
| Pyjamas (small) | 4·90 | November 1981 | |
| Raincoat | 13·50 | 20·75 | November 1981 |
| Shirt | 4·30 | 6·50 | November 1981 |
| Shoes | 8·90 | 12·50 | November 1982 |
| Socks | 0·70 | 1·05 | November 1982 |
| Trousers—long (small) | 6·80 | November 1981 | |
| Trousers—short (large) | 5·50 | November 1981 | |
| Underpants | 1·25 | November 1981 | |
| Vest | 1·45 | November 1981 | |
| Wellingtons | 4·15 | 6·20 | November 1982 |
| (vi) Girl's clothing and footwear | |||
| Blouse | 4·70 | 8·30 | November 1982 |
| Briefs | 1·10 | November 1981 | |
| Dress—summerweight (small) | 5·50 | November 1981 | |
| Dress—winterweight (small) | 7·50 | November 1981 | |
| Dressing-gown (small) | 8·60 | November 1981 | |
| Duffelcoat | 15·50 | 21·00 | November 1982 |
Description
| Amount £
| Last Increased
| |
| Jacket/anorak (small) | 11·00 | November 1981 | |
| Jumper (small) | 4·90 | November 1981 | |
| Nightdress | 4·90 | 7·30 | November 1981–82 |
| Overcoat | 17·25 | 25·00 | November 1981 |
| Petticoat (large) | 3·05 | November 1981 | |
| Pyjamas (small) | 4·90 | November 1981 | |
| Raincoat | 13·50 | 19·75 | November 1981 |
| Shoes | 8·90 | 12·50 | November 1982 |
| Skirt | 5·90 | 9·40 | November 1981–82 |
| Socks | 0·70 | 1·05 | November 1981–82 |
| Stockings/tights | 0·75 | November 1982 | |
| Trousers (small) | 6·50 | November 1981 | |
| Vest | 1·35 | November 1981 | |
| Wellingtons | 4·15 | 6·20 | November 1982 |
| (vii) Baby clothing | |||
| Napkin | 1·10 | November 1982 | |
| One-piece stretch sleeping suit | 4·00 | November 1981 | |
| Plastic pants | 0·60 | November 1982 | |
| Pramsuit | 6·50 | November 1981 | |
| Vest | 1·00 | November 1982 | |
| Wrap/shawl | 5·40 | November 1982 | |
| 17. Board and lodging charges maxima are not being increased in the uprating regulations, but are being revised and increased in the Supplementary Benefit (Requirements, Resources and Single Payments) Amendment Regulations 1983, laid before Parliament on 8 July 1983. | |||
| 18. The reduction in benefit for strikers' families is also not increased in the uprating regulations, but will be increased by Specified Sum Order. | |||
Smokers
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will obtain and list in the Official Report the numbers and percentages of smokers and non-smokers at the latest date, aged 16 years and over, of manufactured cigarettes, roll-your-own cigarettes, cigar smokers and pipe tobacco smokers; and if he will make a statement.
The latest estimates based on the general household survey for 1982 are as follows:
| Persons aged 16 and over: Great Britain | ||
| Number (million) | Per cent. | |
| Current smokers of: | ||
| manufactured cigarettes | 13·7 | 32 |
| hand-rolled cigarettes | 1·7 | 4 |
| cigars | 2·6 | 6 |
| Non-smokers of cigarettes or cigars | 26·2 | 61 |
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether the Office of Population Censuses and Surveys figures for the proportion of smokers aged 16 years and over include smokers of roll-your-own cigarettes, cigars and pipe tobacco; and if he will make a statement.
The figures for the proportion of cigarette smokers aged 16 years and over in 1982 published recently in OPCS monitor GHS 83/3 include smokers of both manufactured and hand-rolled cigarettes. The figures do not include those persons who smoke only cigars or pipes.
Transport
Road Construction
asked the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member for the New Forest (Mr. McNair-Wilson) on 4 July, Official Report, c. 34, when a programme of specific bypasses, diversions and relief road schemes to follow on from those now under construction or in preparation will be brought forward; and if he will list the historic towns and villages within the county of Oxfordshire which still await relief from significant through traffic.
As a result of the most recent review of the trunk road construction programme on 12 May 1983 —[Offical Report, Vol. 42, c. 439–440]—13 specific bypasses, including bypasses for the historic towns of Nantwich and Bedford, were added to the future construction programme. We have no plans to add further schemes at present, although the position is being kept under continuous review.In Oxfordshire the only historic towns on or close to trunk roads without a bypass and for which no bypass is currently planned in the road programme are Henly-onThames, which has already benefited substantially from the M4 and M40 motorways, and Burford where the main through road is a county council responsibility. The only similar towns on local authority roads are Chipping Norton and Wantage. There is a protected line for a local authority inner relief road for the latter.
St Neots Bypass
asked the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects to issue a decision on the proposed St. Neots bypass; and if he intends to undertake any further consultations before so doing and with whom.
My right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for Transport and for the Environment hope shortly to announce their decision following the public inquiry held in January and February of this year. They will not be undertaking further consultations before doing so.
Computers
asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will provide information on the current uses of computers within his Department and plans for their further introduction and extension.
Computers play a substantial role in the business of this Department, notably the major facility at the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Centre but also in management information, highway design and maintenance, monitoring vehicle defects, payroll and many research applications. There are extensive plans to promote this, in major projects such as replacement of the DVLC installations and in smaller projects such as office communications and the trial computerisation of bookings for driving tests.
Roadside Facilities
asked the Secretary of State for Transport what the recommendations are for the provision of laybys, telephones and toilet facilities on primary routes; whether he is satisfied that his recommendations for roadside facilities are being met by highway authorities; and, if not, what further steps he will take.
On motorway's, service areas at about 30 mile intervals cater for motorists' needs. Emergency telephones are provided at one mile intervals.On trunk roads, laybys are provided at frequent intervals depending on the availability of suitable sites and the level of traffic. Toilets are provided, where there is evidence of need, subject to the availability of suitable sites and finance. Telephones are not provided but British Telecom is invited to consider suitable sites.Provision of facilities on other roads is the responsibility of the local highway authority. I am not dissatisfied with its performance.
asked the Secretary of State for Transport whether the Government programme for bypass schemes takes account of the need for telephones and other facilities; and whether he considers that present roadside facilities are sufficient to comply with drivers' hours requirements on primary routes.
Bypass schemes are provided both by the Department, on trunk roads, and by local highway authorities. In either case telephones are provided where British Telecom believe they are commercially justified. Laybys and toilets are provided at intervals depending on the evidence of need and the availability of suitable sites. I am satisfied that the existing facilities on trunk roads allow compliance with drivers' hours regulations, but this may on occasion involve use of facilities in a bypassed community.
British Airports International
asked the Secretary of State for Transport what is Government policy concerning the disposal by the British Airports Authority of its holding in British Airports International; and whether sale of this asset is envisaged as part of the Chancellor's recently announced package to meet his public sector disposal target.
There are no proposals to dispose of the British Airports Authority's 50 per cent. holding in British Airports International Limited. BAI provides consultancy services to overseas airport operators and civil aviation authorities and draws on the staff and expertise of the BAA for this purpose.
Aircraft Noise
asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he has received representations to delay the implementations of the aircraft noise regulations due to commence in 1986; and if he will make a statement.
A formal approach was made to my Department by a number of airlines, and I am still considering these and subsequent representations. I shall write to my hon. Friend as soon as possible.
Aircraft Seating Materials
asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will have discussions with the Civil Aviation Authority regarding the dangers arising from the ignition of materials used in the seating in aircraft; and if he will make a statement.
[pursuant to his reply, 18 July 1983, c. 60]: The Civil Aviation Authority is conducting research into the flammability of materials for aircraft seating, and the problems of smoke and toxic fumes. Through the authority's close links with the United States Federal Aviation Agency this research is co-ordinated with the results of the agency's own research programme. The problems are technically very complex but I understand that the FAA is about to announce new specifications for materials and testing criteria which should produce a significant advance in fire block techniques. When these have been proved the CAA will consider changing the standards for such materials incorporated in British Civil Airworthiness Requirements. However, any new standards set will have to be practicable and consistently achievable in quantity production.
Driving (Alcohol And Drugs)
asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he intends to set up a comprehensive central data bank of toxicological information about the effects of alcohol and drugs on driving.
[pursuant to her reply, 18 July 1983, c. 60]: I see no reason for such a system so far as alcohol is concerned, since its effects are already well known and documented.
The relationship between drugs and driving is much more complex and I certainly would not rule out the possibility of a data bank in this area at some stage in the future. However, a project of this kind is unlikely to be feasible until such time as we have assembled a much greater body of hard evidence as to which drugs, particularly medicaments, actually do have an adverse effect on driving ability and behaviour. I want to see more attention devoted to this subject in research during the next few years.