Written Answers To Questions
Monday 24 October 1983
Energy
Energy Conservation
asked the Secretary of State for Energy why his Department has still not responded to the Select Committee on Energy report on energy conservation in buildings.
The Government have been reviewing their organisation for handling energy conservation and will be responding to the Select Committee's report very shortly.
Energy Efficiency Office
asked the Secretary of State for Energy (1) when he expects to announce the establishment of the new energy efficiency office;(2) what progress he is making in the implementation of the recommendations of the Rayner scrutiny into his Department.
Arrangements for establishing an energy efficiency office in my Department are at an advanced stage and we shall be making an announcement very shortly.
Petroleum Products
asked the Secretary of State for Energy what directions he plans to make under section 6(2) of the Energy Act 1975 specifying the level of stocks to be kept and the time scale on which such stocks are to be established as regards substantial suppliers of petroleum products brought within the definition of such a supplier by the Petroleum Stocks (Amendment) Order 1983; and if he will make a statement.
No directions can be issued until the necessary information about 1983 deliveries is available early in 1984. At present, non-refining companies are required to hold stocks equivalent to 66 days of their average daily deliveries into internal United Kingdom consumption during the preceding calendar year. The obligation placed on companies brought within the coverage of the stocking obligation for the first time will take account of their individual circumstances, and they will be given a reasonable time to adjust to the requirement.
asked the Secretary of State for Energy how many suppliers of petroleum products are presently substantial suppliers within the meaning of the Petroleum Stocks Order 1976; how many further substantial suppliers there will be following the carrying into effect of the Petroleum Stocks (Amendment) Order 1983; and what steps he has taken to identify these additional suppliers.
At present 23 substantial suppliers are subject to a stocking obligation. I expect that figure to increase to about 30 when the new 1983 order comes into effect but the precise number cannot be established until 1983 figures of deliveries into final consumption are available after the end of the year. Additional suppliers are identified through routine enquiries made by officials in my Department.
Isle Of Grain Power Station
asked the Secretary of State for Energy what was the cost of building the Isle of Grain power station; and how much use is being made of it.
I am advised that the CEGB's latest estimate of the total cost of the Isle of Grain power station, which is due for completion in 1984–85, is £615 million. I understand that in 1982–83 the three units already commissioned at the power station generated 1,177 gigawatt hours of electricity.
Prime Minister
Energy Conservation
asked the Prime Minister if she will implement the proposals that energy conservation be controlled by one body as recommended in paragraphs 3.2, 3.3 and 7.2 of the Rayner scrutiny entitled "How the Government Handles Energy Conservation".
The Rayner scrutiny proposals affected the responsibilities of several Departments. We have been considering our policy and my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Energy will be making an announcement shortly.
Canada And The United States (Visit)
asked the Prime Minister if she will make a statement on her recent meeting with the President of the United States of America.
I had talks with President Reagan and senior members of his Administration in Washington on 29 September. We discussed a number of major international issues including East-West relations and arms control questions, the Middle East, including the situation in Lebanon, as well as the problems in Central America and matters relating to the Falkland Islands. We also discussed economic questions and I raised the concern felt in the United Kingdom about such issues as unitary taxation.
asked the Prime Minister which Ministers accompanied her on her official visit to Canada and the United States of America, and during which portions of her visit.
No British Ministers accornpanied me on my recent visit to Canada and the United States. However, my right hon. and learned Friend the Foreign Secretary, who was in New York for the United Nations General Assembly, came to Washington on 29 September to attend a working lunch given for me by President Reagan and to hold separate talks with the United States Secretary of State, Mr. Shultz.
General Belgrano
asked the Prime Minister if she will now make a statement on the request she has received for a judicial inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the decision to sink the General Belgrano.
No.
"Alcohol Policies In The United Kingdom"
asked the Prime Minister if she will now publish the central policy review staff report "Alcohol Policies in the United Kingdom"; and if she will make a statement.
No.
Department Of Health And Social Security
asked the Prime Minister (1) whether Her Majesty's Government are considering any changes in arrangements for the administration of the National Health Service;(2) whether she proposed to alter any of the functions of the Department of Health and Social Security.
My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Services will be making a statement shortly.
Attorney-General
Criminal Proceedings (Northern Ireland)
asked the Attorney-General if he will cease the practice in Northern Ireland of instituting criminal proceedings which rely on the evidence of admitted accomplices who have been granted immunity from prosecution; and if he will make a statement.
There is a number of misconceptions which appear to be current, and which should be corrected, about the use of evidence of accomplices in criminal trials in Northern Ireland and about immunity from prosecution which may be granted to such accomplices.There is nothing new about the use of the evidence of accomplices in criminal trials. The law in England and Wales and Northern Ireland is the same. In both jurisdictions, where an accomplice gives evidence for the prosecution it is the duty of the judge to warn the jury that, although it may convict on his evidence, it is dangerous to do so unless is it corroborated. This is an old rule, well-recognised and rigidly applied, and it now has the force of a rule of law. A precisely similar rule applies where a judge is trying a case without a jury. The judge must warn himself that, although he may convict on the evidence of an accomplice, it is dangerous to do so unless it is corroborated. Subject to these rules, the uncorroborated testimony of an accomplice is admissible in law and the tribunal of fact has the right to convict upon it.It is in the nature of serious organised crime, and particularly terrorist crime, that persons who are not themselves implicated in it but who could give evidence are liable to be intimidated so that they will not come forward as witnesses. In Northern Ireland terrorist crime is a serious problem and the full extent of the involvement of many of the terrorists is perhaps known only to those engaged with them in their criminal activities.
When one of those who has been involved in terrorism and is thus an accomplice indicates his willingness to give evidence about crimes of which he knows and in which he may have been a participant, it is the duty of the chief constable to put the full facts before the Director of Public Prosecutions. It is then the duty of the director to consider all the evidence and information before him with a view to the initiation of criminal proceedings.
The director must consider each case on its own facts and in the light of the interest of the public that criminals, and particularly dangerous criminals, should be brought to justice. Where the evidence of an accomplice appears to be credible and cogent and relates to serious terrorist crime, there is an overriding public interest in having charges brought before the court. This is especially so when the evidence which such an accomplice can give relates to murder, robbery, explosions and other similar atrocious crimes.
In such circumstances it is the clear duty of the director to put the cases before the court for adjudication. It will then be for the court to determine whether the evidence of the accomplice is so convincing as to its content and so reliable in itself that it reaches the standard of proof beyond reasonable doubt.
Where an accomplice is himself to be prosecuted, the practice in Northern Ireland is that he is put forward for trial and sentenced before he gives evidence. This is so that there may be no suggestion that, in giving his evidence, he is motivated by the hope of getting a shorter sentence than he otherwise would. There are, however, cases in which the accomplice will not give evidence unless he himself is freed from the possibility of prosecution.
The Director of Public Prosecutions must then decide whether it is right to grant him immunity from prosecution. Where the evidence which the accomplice can give is credible and cogent and involves perhaps a large number of alleged terrorists who cannot otherwise be charged or brought before the court, the prospect of saving lives, whether the lives of ordinary members of the public or members of the security forces, and the prevention of further violent crime must weigh heavily with the director in making that decision.
The general criteria which are observed in Northern Ireland in considering the possible granting of immunity to an accomplice are the same as those that are applied in England and Wales. I described them (in a different context) in the written answer which I gave in this House on 9 November 1981 in reply to the hon. Member for Walsall, North (Mr. Winnick) as including:
In every instance the director's decision to grant any immunity from prosecution to an accomplice is of a limited nature. It relates only to the offences which he has disclosed and of which he has given a truthful account. He is thus liable to be prosecuted in respect of any offence committed by him which subsequently comes to light and which he did not originally disclose and any offence in respect of which it subsequently emerges that he gave a false or misleading account. If, therefore, in the course of further police interview of the accomplice it appears that there are reasonable grounds for suspecting that he has committed an offence which he has not already admitted or that he has given a false or misleading account of an offence which he has admitted, the director's instructions to the police are that the accomplice must be cautioned in accordance with the judges' rules before he is further questioned and evidence of any further offence or any false or misleading account given by the accomplice must be referred immediately to the director for his consideration.
The decision whether to grant immunity to any individual is taken by the director personally. No immunity can be granted by the police. Before any application to grant immunity can be made to the director, the chief constable must recommend that the accomplice should be called as a Crown witness. The director has in a number of instances declined to grant immunity and there have been instances where, although immunity has been granted, the director has subsequently decided that the evidence was not sufficiently reliable to permit him to proceed. When a person is given an immunity from prosecution the director has done all that is within his power to remove from the mind of that person any possible fear, hope or expectation which might tempt him to give untrue evidence in court.
When a prosecution witness is given immunity from prosecution, this fact is disclosed to the defence and to the court and there is no bargain or arrangement between the witness and the prosecution. The director has given instructions that, in every case, the chief constable will furnish him with a statement of all financial arrangements made for the support of the witness and his family and any arrangement for future financial payment to the witness or for his benefit and that these particulars will be disclosed to the defence and will be available to the court of trial.
In all these matters—and I refer now to the decision to institute proceedings in reliance on the evidence of an accomplice as well as the decision to grant immunity to an accomplice—the primary responsibility is vested in the Director of Public Prosecutions for Northern Ireland. The decision in each case is wholly within his discretion which he exercises in accordance with his professional judgment and in full consciousness of his responsibility for the independent and impartial discharge of the duties of his office. He acts, however, under my superintendence and is subject to my direction. He keeps me fully informed of the general policies which he applies in this field. We consult each other regularly on these matters, both as regards those general policies and as regards specific difficult cases.
I am entirely satisfied both as to the correctness of the principles in accordance with which the director has taken his decisions and with the information which I have received from the director as to the decisions taken in individual cases.
Parentage
47.
asked General whether the Lord Chancellor will Commission the law relating to parentage.
The Law Commission's report on illegitimacy was published 10 months ago and deals comprehensively with the law relating to the parents of children born out of wedlock. It would be premature to refer any other matters relating to parentage to the Law Commission, or any other body, before the Government have considered the report, which is expected next year, of the Committee of Inquiry into Human Fertilisation and Embryology set up in September 1982 under the chairmanship of Mrs. H. M. Warnock.
Junior Bar (Fees)
48.
asked the Attorney-General if the Lord Chancellor will raise the level of remuneration to members of the junior bar in instances where counsel's fees are paid from public funds.
Such scales and rates of remuneration are already regularly reviewed in consultation with the profession.
Mr Anthony Hamilton (Trial)
49.
asked the Attorney-General whether he was consulted by the Director of Public Prosecutions before the Director decided to prosecute Mr. Anthony Hamilton on a charge of attempted murder of a baby.
Yes.
Court Of The European Community
asked the Attorney-General on how many occasions in each of the calendar years 1980, 1981, 1982 and 1983 to date United Kingdom courts have referred cases to the Court of the European Community before making judgment; and where such cases are listed for public inspection.
Six references were made by United Kingdom courts in 1980; five in 1981; four in 1982; and five in 1983 to date. References to the European Court are published in the Official Journal of the European Communities.
Education And Science
Pupil-Teacher Ratio
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what are the pupil to teacher ratios in Essex and in England and Wales, respectively.
The provisional pupil-teacher ratios for maintained schools in Essex and in England in January 1983 are as follows:
| Essex | England | |
| Pupil-teacher ratios within maintained nursery schools | 27·4 | 20·1 |
| Pupil-teacher ratios within maintained primary schools | 24·1 | 22·3 |
| Pupil-teacher ratios within maintained secondary schools | 17·3 | 16·5 |
| Pupil-teacher ratio overall* | 19·7 | 18·1 |
| * The teacher numbers in the overall ratio include all qualified teachers, student teachers and instructors paid for service in maintained nursery, primary and secondary schools. | ||
Mowden Hall, Darlington
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he will transfer additional departmental work to Mowden Hall, Darlington; and if he will make a statement.
The work undertaken in Darlington is an important and substantial part of the Department's responsibilities. The Scope for utilising the advantages of locating further work there is a matter which is under continuous review as part of the management of the Department.
Scotland
River Pollution
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what studies are being undertaken into the effects of discharge from abandoned mines on the pollution of river water in Scotland; when he expects the result of these studies; and how he proposes any recommendations arising from the results should be considered.
Consequent upon the report of the Commission on Energy and the Environment, all river purification boards have been asked to provide information on the extent of pollution from abandoned mines in their area. When I have received their replies I shall be considering, with my right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for the Environment and for Wales, who are conducting similar surveys, what further action may be necessary.
Environment
Local Authority Expenditure
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment to what factors the increase in local authority current expenditure in cost terms in 1982–83 and 1983–84, shown in the reply of 14 April, Official Report, Vol. 40, c. 451–2, to the former hon. Member for Lewisham, West, was due.
Since the answers of 14 April — [Official Report, Vol. 40, c. 451–2], — local authorities have provided information on their budgets for 1983–84, and have updated estimates of their expenditure in 1981–82 and 1982–83. The revised figures are as follows:
| Local Authority Current Expenditure in Cost Terms (Using the GDP Deflator): England | |
| £ million Base Year 1981–82 | |
| 1981–82 | 19,050 |
| 1982–83 | 19,500 |
| 1983–84 | 19,900 |
Central Heating (Rating Valuation)
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will consider removing from consideration for valuation purposes for rates central heating systems regardless of the date on which they were installed.
No. The presence of central heating may affect the rent that a vacant property would command on the open market, which is the basis of its rateable value. Like all other characteristics of the property, it must therefore be taken into account in assessing that value.Section 21 of the Local Government Act 1974 introduced a short term rate relief for minor home improvements made and central heating installed since 1 April 1974. At a revaluation any relief given under this provision would cease. We are urgently considering the case for a domestic revaluation, including the issue raised by this relief.
Falkland Islands Airport
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many construction workers have been recruited from the United Kingdom for work on the Falklands airport contract at the latest available date.
The Laing-Mowlem-Amey Roadstone construction joint venture had recruited 166 workers as at 20 October.
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) if he is satisfied with the rates of pay and conditions of service of construction workers recruited from the United Kingdom for the Falklands airport contract; and if he will make a statement;(2) what rates of pay and conditions of service are given to construction workers recruited for the Falklands airport contract; and how they compare with pay and conditions in the United Kingdom.
I am satisfied that the terms and conditions of service are generally fair and reasonable. The precise wage rates and terms offered to prospective employees are a commercial matter for the LaingMowlem-Amey Roadstone construction joint venture.
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the contract price of the new Falkland Islands airport; and what qualifications are included in the contract terms to allow for deviations in the price for any reasons.
I have nothing to add to the figures for the cost of the work to be executed under this contract given by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence on 27 June [Vol. 44, c. 345.] The terms of the contract allow as usual for the price to be varied in the event of agreed changes in labour rates and in the price of materials; to cover the actual cost of transport, shipping and insurance and if the scope of the work is changed.
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what timetable has been set for the various stages of construction of the new Falkland Islands airport; and what is the expected completion date.
The timetable is as announced by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence on 27 June [Vol. 44, c. 345.] Work is starting on site this month; the main runway should be usable from April 1985 and the whole airfield complex completed by about February 1986.
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what sub-contractors have been appointed by the main contractor for the Falkland Islands airport; and what are the arrangements for monitoring of the progress of construction by the Property Services Agency.
Sub-contractors for the project are: Balfour Kirkpatrick Limited for mechanical and electrical services;0
- GEC Diesels Limited for power generation services;
- Capper Neil International Limited for the bulk fuel installation;
- Wyeseplan Limited for the labour camp;
- Hallam Group of Nottingham PLC for RAF living accommodation;
- Kelvin Catering Limited for messing and camp management services.
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will take steps to ensure that people employed on the construction of the Falkland Islands airport are fully protected by legislation in relation to unfair dismissal, health and safety and union membership.
I am satisfied that the terms and conditions of service offered to prospective employees are fair and reasonable in the areas in question and generally.
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received from the Transport and General Workers Union concerning the recruitment, terms and conditions of employment of the construction workers recruited in the United Kingdom for work on the Falklands airport contract; what reply he has sent; and if he will make a statement.
None. These terms and conditions of service are a matter for the contractor, the Laing-Mowlem-Amey Roadstone construction joint venture. I understand that the Transport and General Workers Union is discussing certain aspects with the joint venture today.
Free Ports
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether Her Majesty's Government propose any changes in its green belt policies to accommodate free ports sited in green belt areas.
No. The draft circular on the memorandum on structure and local plans and green belts issued for consultation in August affirms Government commitment to the development control advice set out in MHLG circular 42/55. This establishes a general presumption against industrial and commercial development in the green belt.
Nunhead And Highgate Cemeteries
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will discuss with the local authorities concerned the future of Nunhead and Highgate cemeteries and their future maintenance.
My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State is aware of the difficulties arising over the maintenance of these cemeteries, but he does not consider that it would be right for him to intervene.
Henry Moore Statue
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will consider removing the statue carved and donated by Mr. Henry Moore and which stands by the Abbey Garden and opposite the Victoria Tower.
No. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment has no intention of removing Henry Moore's sculpture "Knife Edge—two piece" from Abingdon Street garden. The work was given to the nation in 1967 by the artist and the Contemporary Art Society. The site was considered to be the finest in London for the purpose. I can see no reason to remove it now.
Shared Ownership Scheme
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many people have to date taken advantage of the do-it-yourself shared ownership scheme.
At the end of September the Housing Corporation had approved the sale of 2,651 dwellings in England under the do-it-yourself shared ownership scheme.
Asbestos
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether, in view of the known dangers, he will give guidance to local authorities as to how to deal with problems of asbestos in public buildings; and if he will also consider making provision in the rate support grant settlement for the cost to local government of removing asbestos from its buildings.
The Department of the Environment published a detailed guidance note on asbestos materials in buildings in August 1983 and copies have been sent to all local authorities in England and Wales. Local authorities are expected to accommodate the costs of removing or sealing asbestos materials within the expenditure guidance issued to them by the Government.
Home Improvement Grant Scheme
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he has any proposals for extending the home improvement grant scheme at its present rate of 90 per cent. beyond 31 March 1984.
The Department made the following announcement as in the following letter to the local authority associations on 19 October:
- G. McCartney Esq.
- Secretary
- Association of District Councils
- 25 Buckingham Gate
- London SW1
You will remember that special arrangements were made in 1982/83 and 1983/84 to increase the rates at which grants for installing basic amenities and for carrying out structural repairs were made. In addition, special capital allocations were made available to local authorities to support extra expenditure on grants at the higher rates.
Local authorities will now be preparing their housing programmes for next year. They have already been informed that they can plan on the basis that Housing Investment Programme allocations in 1984/85 will be at least 80 per cent. of the amounts notified in 1983/84 provided that they can justify the need for this investment. The Government will announce its future expenditure plans later in the year; and HIP allocations will be made as soon as possible afterwards. Many local authorities have, however, asked for an early indication of likely arrangements for expenditure on Home Improvement Grants next year.
The higher rates for intermediate and repairs grants which have been in force since April 1982 will not be extended to applications made after 31 March 1984. It is not envisaged that any special arrangements will be made for additional retrospective allocations to be available to local authorities for expenditure on improvement grants in 1984/85. Such expenditure will, however, continue to be regarded by Government as an important part of the housing programme, and will be taken fully into account in determining the allocations made to individual authorities. Careful consideration will also be given to requirements for expenditure on area based improvement projects, particularly enveloping schemes.
Ethylene Dibromide
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if it is his intention to set safety limits for the amount of ethylene dibromide in the atmosphere in connection with grain fumigation and anti-knock petrol additives.
No. Ethylene dibromide is not used for grain fumigation in the United Kingdom, and the kerbside concentrations arising from its use in petrol are far below those which might give rise to concern. Its use in petrol will decrease in line with the reduction of lead.
Urban Programme
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on his proposals for implementing the urban programme during the next 12 months.
The Government will continue to concentrate the resources available for the urban programme, including urban development grant, on the areas of greatest need, and will encourage local authorities to secure good value for money in applying these resources to economic and environmental improvement, and the alleviation of social needs. We shall continue to promote the involvement of the private sector in urban renewal.
Wales
Nhs (Staff Reductions)
asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will tabulate in the Official Report for each area health authority in Wales the reduction in the numbers of Health Service employees recently determined under the headings of (a) doctors, (b) nurses, (c) other medical staff and (d) others, respectively.
My right hon. Friend has not specified reductions of this kind.
Burns And Plastic Unit
asked the Secretary of State for Wales whether he has yet decided on the new location of the burns and plastic unit in South Wales.
No. A decision will be announced shortly.
Agriculture, Fisheries And Food
Olives
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what powers are available to Her Majesty's Government to prevent unjustified payment of European Community subsidies for olive growing and marketing; and if he will make a statement.
As in other sectors of the common agricultural policy, the responsibility for preventing unjustified payments under the European Community olive oil regime lies with the member state making the payments and with the Community institutions, not with the other individual member states.
Wheat And Grain
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food why he is able to specify the total sums paid in export rebates for wheat and grain by country of destination, but not to provide similar information in respect of other foodstuffs enjoying export rebates.
Information on export refund expenditure by country of destination is not readily available. When considering specific requests for such information, I am obliged to consider the cost of the special procedures necessary to obtain it, which can vary according to the nature and extent of the information requested.
Aspartame
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what advice the food additives and contaminants committee has given on the safety in use of aspartame when heated and used for cooking.
Before recommending that the use of aspartame should be permitted, the food additives and contaminants committee sought the advice of the committee on toxicity of chemicals in food, consumer products and the environment, which, following detailed consideration of all the toxicoligical data, saw no objection to the use of aspartame in food.
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what consideration was given by the food additives and contaminants committee to warning consumers about the undesirability of using aspartame for cooking.
The Food Labelling Regulations 1980 require instructions for use to be provided on labels when it would otherwise be difficult for consumers to make appropriate use of a product.
Woking Constituency
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how much land in the Woking constituency is currently owned or administered by the Foresty Commission; and how this compares with the situation in 1979.
The Forestry Commission currently manages 30 hectares of land in the Woking constituency. This is the same as in 1979.
Straw And Stubble Burning
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will consider introducing legislation to prohibit straw and stubble burning for up to three years by farmers who burn straw and stubble in a reckless manner.
Straw burning must be carried out safely and considerately, and it may well be necessary to strengthen the NFU code and the local authority byelaws to ensure this. I have already announced that I am holding discussions with my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary about strengthening the model byelaw. I believe that in this way we must ensure that those farmers who do not show reasonable consideration can be compelled to do so.
Foresty Commission (Unplanted Land)
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many acres of unplanted land were owned by the Forestry Commission on 1 August 1980 and on 1 August 1983.
The Forestry Commission's land use statistics are collected and updated centrally on an annual basis as at 31 March. Figures for 1 August 1980 and 1 August 1983 could be produced only at disproportionate cost.On 31 March 1980 the Forestry Commission had 372,500 hectares (920 500 acres) of unplanted land under its management. The corresponding figure for 31 March 1983 was 334 300 hectares (826,000 acres).Unplanted land includes land which is unsuitable for growing trees, land used for agricultural purposes (mainly rough grazing), and land awaiting planting.
European Agriculture Guidance And Guarantee Fund
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was the value of grants received by United Kingdom farmers from the guidance section of the European agriculture guidance and guarantee fund for each year since entry into the European Community.
The amount of grants received by United Kingdom farmers which was subsequently reimbursed from the guidance section of the European agricultural guidance and guarantee fund was as follows:
| £ million | |
| 1973 | negligible |
| 1974 | 5 |
| 1975 | 17 |
| 1976 | 16 |
| 1977 | 21 |
| 1978 | 31 |
| 1979 | 36 |
| 1980 | 54 |
| 1981 | 49 |
| 1982 | 58 |
Artificial Sweeteners
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will introduce a new labelling regulation to warn consumers that artificial sweeteners should not be used in foods prepared in the home specifically for babies and young children.
No. There are no special risks from the use of sweeteners in the home which make this necessary.
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will introduce legislation to implement the recommendation of the Food Additives and Contaminants Committee that artificial sweeteners should not be used in foods manufactured specifically for babies and young children.
We have already done so in the Sweeteners in Food Regulations 1983.
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if, in view of the concern expressed by the Food Additives and Contaminants Committee that much of the information considered by it when reviewing sweeteners in foods has not been published, he will arrange for the information to be placed in the Library of the House.
The scientific data remain the property of those who submitted them to the committee. I regret that even if they were content that these data should be placed in the Library, the cost to public funds would be disproportionate.
House Of Commons
Visitors
asked the Lord Privy Seal whether the Services Committee will consider admitting visitors into the precincts of the House while Parliament is in recess; and whether it will give consideration to the possibility of charging for such admission.
The line of route through the Palace of Westminster is closed to the general public during recesses for reasons of security, and therefore the question of a charge for admission does not arise.
National Finance
International Monetary Fund
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what matters he expects to discuss at the next meeting of the interim committee of the International Monetary Fund.
The interim committee on 25 September considered the world economic outlook, the policy on access to fund resources, and SDR allocations. A copy of the interim committee communique has been placed in the Library.
Industrial Building Allowances
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement about future levels of industrial building allowances.
In common with other capital allowances, the level of industrial buildings allowances is kept under regular review.
Insurance Salesmen (Taxation)
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer further to his answer of 29 July, Official Report, c. 733, if he will estimate how many insurance company employees involved in selling life insurance are treated as self-employed for tax purposes.
I regret that information is not available centrally on the numbers of life insurance salesmen who are treated as self-employed for tax purposes.
Value Added Tax (Small Business)
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what are the value-added tax exemption thresholds for small businesses in each of the member countries of the European Economic Community.
The information is as follows:
| £ sterling (exchange rates as at 11 October 1983) | ||
| Country | Annual limit | Type of limit* |
| United Kingdom | 18,000 | Taxable turnover |
| Luxembourg | 2,506 | Tax-exclusive turnover |
| Denmark | 710 | Turnover |
| Irish Republic | ||
| Business mainly involved in | 9,520 | Turnover |
| supplying services | ||
| Other businesses | 19,833 | |
| Germany | 5,135 | Tax-inclusive turnover |
| Netherlands | 470 | Tax |
| France | 113 | Tax |
| Belgium | No exemption | |
| Italy | ||
| * As shown in the table exemption limits differ in kind between EC countries. In addition they are often operated in conjunction with special schemes for small traders. | ||
Housing Associations (Corporation Tax)
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if the Inland Revenue will issue a guidance note making it clear that housing associations engaged in shared ownership schemes are not regarded as trading for the purpose of being subject to corporation tax on surpluses.
No. Although unusual, it is not unknown for housing associations to engage in trade and it is only right that any profits from such a trade should be taxed in the usual way.
Home Brewing Kits (Taxation)
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether consideration has been given to the possibility of raising revenue on kits for brewing beer and making wine at home; and if any estimate has been made of the potential revenue lost by the diversion of consumption from commercially-produced beer and wine to home brew.
The kits are liable to VAT. Various proposals for levying excise duty have been submitted but these are not considered likely to achieve their objective in practice. The potential revenue lost by diversion of consumption from duty-paid drinks is not known.
Investment Income Surcharge
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what has been the annual return to the Exchequer of the investment income surcharge over each of the last five years; how many representations he has received objecting to this tax; and if he will make a statement on the future of this tax.
The yield of the investment income surcharge over the last five years has been as follows:
| £ million | |
| 1978–79 | 249 |
| 1979–80 | 230 |
| 1980–81 | 246 |
| 1981–82 | *265 |
| 1982–83 | *280 |
| * Provisional figures. | |
Civil Servants (Creches)
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will take steps to ensure that where a subsidised nursery creche is provided for Civil Service staff the annual amount of such subsidy will be added to the salary of the staff member and that if the combined total exceeds £8,500 then the benefit of the subsidy will be subject to income tax.
It already is the case that, where a chargeable benefit in kind is provided for civil servants, the same tax rules apply to them as to other employees. I understand however that the Civil Service does not at present provide subsidised nursery creches for its staff.
Coin-Operated Machines (Duty)
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what were the total taxes received from licence duty levied on coin-operated machines in the financial years 1980–81, 1981–82 and 1982–83; and what is the anticipated income in the current financial year.
The information is as follows:
| £ million | |
| 1980–81 | 17·7 |
| 1981–82 | 26·2 |
| 1982–83 | 57·2 |
| * 1983–84 | 55 |
| * Budget estimate. | |
Fixed Capital Formation (Agriculture)
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the value of gross fixed capital formation for agriculture in respect of which depreciation allowances were given for the most recent twelve months period.
The value of depreciation allowances given for agriculture in 1982 is estimated to be £930 million. These allowances arise from expenditure on gross fixed capital formation in a number of earlier years depending on whether the expenditure attracted initial, first year on writing-down allowances.
Free Ports
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will ensure that in any port or airport given free port status no change will take place which prejudices the traders' rights under existing customs legislation and regulations.
The provision of customs facilities outside free port areas will continue to be considered on their merits under existing criteria.
Official Report (Price)
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the price of the Official Report.
Her Majesty's Stationery Office budgeted for a small increase in the price of the daily edition from 1 April 1983. This increase was not in fact implemented and the situation has further deteriorated through the loss of sales revenue as a result of the dissolution of Parliament and the long recess. In the circumstances I have authorised an immediate increase of 50p in the daily part, with corresponding increases in the prices of indexes, Standing Committee debates, bound volumes and subscription rates. The scale of charges for reprints of Members' speeches appearing in the Official Report will also be raised. Despite these increases Hansard will still need a substantial subsidy.
| Year of Advance and Name of Company | Register Number | Type of Property | Valuation of Property still under Mortgage* £ | Balance Outstanding in February 1983 £ |
| 1972 | ||||
| Citybrae Properties Ltd. | 1031136 | Private dwelling houses | 115,000 | 83,340 |
| 1972 | ||||
| Villagate Properties Ltd.† | 1031124 | Private dwelling houses | 221,000 | 64,383 |
| 1981 | ||||
| Jovine Estate Holdings Ltd. | 1188334 | Private dwelling houses | 133,250 | 74,000 |
| 1982 | ||||
| Villagate Properties Ltd. | 1031124 | Private dwelling houses | 366,000 | 280,235 |
| * Valuation at time of advance, adjusted for properties subsequently released from mortgage charge. | ||||
| † The property was subsequently transferred, subject to mortgage, to Jovine Estate Holdings Ltd. | ||||
Home Department
Immigration
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects to complete his review of the supervised departure procedures; and if he will make a statement.
I have written to the hon. Member in reply to his letter of 27 September.
Inspectors Of Taxes
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what progress has been made since the announcement in April of the Inland Revenue's outline scheme for reorganisation of the local offices of the inspector of taxes.
The Department has taken full account of all the representations made since the outline scheme was announced and of discussions with the unions involved and has now drawn up final plans for the local office network. These involve the closure over the remainder of the decade of 164 offices out of a total of 765. There will be significant savings in administrative and accommodation costs. A full note of the revised plans is being placed in the House of Commons Library today.
Value Added Tax (Youth Training Scheme)
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if value added tax will be refunded to Government Departments where levied by private firms engaged in the youth training scheme.
No. The scheme has been set up in such a way as to minimise the VAT falling on it, and I am not convinced that further measures to permit refunds are justified.
Building Societies
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will now give full details of the advances to companies in which Bernard Clarke and Partners has an interest which make up the £502,000 balance which is outstanding to the Britannia Building Society.
[pursuant to his reply, 21 July 1983, c. 178]: The society has provided the following information, with the consent of the borrower, in respect of the advances referred to.
Television Licences
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is now in a position to state when the extension to concessionary television licences will be introduced following the answer to the hon. Member for Dudley, West (Dr. Blackburn) on 23 February 1983, Official Report, c. 439.
We remain committed to doing so as soon as we can.
Victims Of Crime (Compensation)
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether Her Majesty's Government intend to sign the Council of Europe convention on compensation for victims of violent crime, which will be opened for signature on 24 November.
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether Her Majesty's Government will ratify by signature on 24 November the Council of Europe convention on compensation for victims of violent crime which fixes minimum requirements in respect of loss of earnings, medical, hospital and funeral expenses and, in the case of dependants, loss of maintenance.
We intend to sign the convention on 24 November with a view to ratifying it as soon as possible thereafter.
Police Cells
asked the Home Secretary what methods he proposes to use in order to eliminate the use of police cells by prisoners.
We plan to remove all prisoners from police cells by bringing new and refurbished accommodation into use and by making better use of existing facilities. In the longer term the reduction of the minimum qualifying period for parole will have an appreciable effect on the prison population.
Rape
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if, in view of the serious nature of the crime of rape and its effect on women victims, he will seek to establish firm procedures for the investigation of rape cases, after consultation with appropriate groups, which would include the following elements: (a) that police officers not implementing this procedure would be liable to disciplinary action, (b) that the woman victim is given the choice of being examined by a woman doctor as of right, (c) that all police officers are given training in this area to enable them to carry out questioning with tact and understanding, (d) that the woman should not be asked about the nature of her employment throughout the investigation, and (e) that the woman is given information about court procedures and possible referrals to other agencies.
In March this year the Home Office issued circular 25/1983 on the invesigation of offences of rape. This drew attention to earlier advice on this subject and brought that advice up to date. The circular covered such issued as the initial proceures to be followed; considerations to be borne in mind in arranging for medical examinations; the particular care required in questioning complainants in such cases; the need to provide for the welfare of complainants and to refer them to relevant local agencies; and the desirability of follow-up action. It also drew attention to the possible need for specialist training in this area.We see no reason to issue further advice at this stage.
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has plans to introduce legislation to make rape within marriage an offence.
The Criminal Law Revision Committee is reviewing the law on sexual offences, including the question whether the offence of rape should be extended to cases where a man has sexual intercourse with his wife without her consent. We prefer to await the committee's recommendations before reaching a conclusion.
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, in view of the act that the guidance issued by his Department in March 1983 in circular 25/1983, "Investigation of Offences of Rape", is not being followed in certain Metropolitan police districts, what steps he proposes to take to ensure that these guidelines are implemented by the police.
Much of the advice contained in the circular is already reflected in Metropolitan Police force orders. I understand from the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis, however, that work is in hand to produce a new order designed to ensure that all officers are aware of the most recent guidance. It is hoped that this will be issued shortly.
Domestic Fires (Accidents)
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people were injured or killed in the course of fires in domestic premises caused by faulty plugs, sockets and switches in each of the years from 1970.
Information on casualties from fires in dwellings attended by local authority fire brigades reported as ignited by electrical wiring is published annually in Fire Statistics United Kingdom (table 27 of the issue for 1981). Of these, the numbers from fires reported as ignited by plugs, sockets and switches are available only from 1978 and are given in the following table.
| Casualties from fires in dwellings in which the source of ignition was an electrical plug, socket or switch† United Kingdom | ||
| Number of persons | ||
| Year | non-fatal | fatal |
| 1978* | 28 | 1 |
| 1979 | 13 | 1 |
| 1980* | 15 | 1 |
| 1981 | 13 | 2 |
| * Figures for 1978 and 1980 include estimates covering periods of industrial action by fire brigades. | ||
| † Including not only fires caused by faults in the devices but also from other causes such as unsatisfactory connections. | ||
Prisons (Discipline)
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has any proposals with regard to the system of discipline in prisons.
I propose to establish a departmental committee to look at the system of adjudications in prison. The committee's terms of reference will be:
and to make recommendations.The membership of the committee will be announced in due course.To consider the disciplinary offences applying to prisoners, and the arrangements for their investigation, adjudication and punishment, having regard in particular to:(i) the need within custodial institutions for a disciplinary system which is swift, fair and conclusive; (ii) the extent to which it is appropriate to use the ordinary criminal law, courts and procedure to deal with serious misconduct by prisoners; (iii) the connection with the investigation of related allegations by prisoners about their treatment; (iv) the pressure on prison and other criminal justice resources:
Trade And Industry
World Communication Year
asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what contribution Her Majesty's Government are making to the 1983 United Nations World Communication Year.
The United Kingdom national committee for World Communications Year has organised a wide ranging programme of events and activities during the year, including increased training opportunities and overseas study visits for young people. As part of the year an important Commonwealth conference on telecommunications and development sponsored by the Government, British Telecom and Cable and Wireless will be held at Leeds Castle in November. The conclusions will be submitted to the International Commission for World Wide Telecommunications Developments. I will present a full report to the House on the United Kingdom contribution to the year in due course.
Overseas Companies (Grants)
asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) what is his policy regarding the giving of grants to overseas companies wishing to operate in a development area, if as a likely consequence, the resultant competition would reduce job opportunities in a United Kingdom-based business of a similar nature;(2) what consultations are undertaken to determine the effects on existing United Kingdom-based businesses of overseas companies establishing competing businesses in the United Kingdom within special development areas or development areas when applications are received from such companies for grants for such purposes;(3) what technical advice is available to his Department on the products and services of businesses from overseas applying for grants in relation to operations in a special development area or a development area;(4) what assurances are sought from overseas businesses applying for grants in relation to operations in a special development area or in a development area as to matters such as job creation, local sourcing of raw materials, re-patriation of profits and export potential; and what action is taken when any assurances given prove later to be inaccurate;(5) what criteria are applied when examining applications for grants from overseas businesses in relation to operations in a special development area or a development area.
Regional assistance under the Industrial Development Act 1982 is available to companies regardless of the nationality of their ownership: the applicable rules and criteria are applied to United Kingdom and overseas owned companies without discrimination.There are two main categories of regional assistance. Regional selective assistance is available in special development, development and intermediate areas. These grants, which are administered by my Department in England and in Scotland and Wales by the Scottish arid Welsh offices, are discretionary. Applications are subject to detailed appraisal.To qualify for assistance a project must either create or maintain employment and must, with the assistance, be commercially viable. It must also be demonstrated that assistance is necessary for the project to go ahead as proposed and that it is likely to benefit both the national and regional economy. In deciding whether this last criterion is satisfied careful consideration is given to the potential impact of the project concerned on the activities of other companies both locally and nationally.Where a project is internationally mobile, i.e. when it might go ahead either in the United Kingdom or in another country, this consideration is taken into account in the appraisal, in order to ensure that desirable investment is secured for the United Kingdom.Appraisal of applications for regional selective assistance requires detailed and often commercially sensitive information from the applicant. For this reason cases are handled under conditions of strict confidentiality and there is normally no consultation with outside bodies. But the Secretaries of State for Trade and Industry, Scotland and Wales receive independent advice on individual cases from the industrial development advisory boards and from regional development boards. all of which consist mainly of business men. In addition, the advice of professional accountants, economists, scientists and technologists is available within the Departments.When an offer of RSA is made and accepted, this constitutes a contractual agreement between the Secretary of State and the firm. The details of these agreements are confidential. They sometimes contain undertakings by the firm on job creation, exports and sourcing of raw materials and components. There are provisions for withholding RSA grants, in whole or in parts, in the event or provisions in the contractual agreement not being fulfilled.The second category of assistance consists of regional development grants. In the special development areas and development areas in England, Scotland and Wales, firms engaged mainly in manufacturing are eligible to receive regional development grants on the cost of capital assets provided at qualifying premises. Conditions of grant ensure that the assets are used for four years. They are administered on an automatic basis without appraisal.
Electrocution
asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many people were electrocuted as a direct result of faulty accessories and wiring in domestic premises in each of the years from 1970; and whether he will introduce legislation to require all manufacturers to tit plugs to accessories which are safe and to require similar standards for imported goods.
According to information supplied by the electricity boards, the number of people recorded as electrocuted as a result of faulty wiring and accessories was:
| Year | |
| 1970 | 8 |
| 1971 | 31 |
| 1972 | 24 |
Year
| |
| 1973 | 19 |
| 1974 | 20 |
| 1975 | 22 |
| 1976 | 26 |
| 1977 | 17 |
| 1978 | 10 |
| 1979 | 15 |
| 1980 | 10 |
| 1981 | 8 |
| 1982 | 14 |
*1983 | 13 |
* To September. | |
The information does not show that these accidents were due to defects in plugs or other accessories at the time they were sold.
I am not aware of any cases in which faulty plugs fitted by manufacturers to other accessories have caused electrocution but I will look into any evidence of this, if my hon. Friend would supply it, and consider whether the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 1975 and 1976 would have been contravened.
Regional Development Grants (Merseyside)
asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how much regional development grant has been received on Merseyside in each of the last four years.
Payments of regional development grant each amounting to over £25,000 in the Merseyside special development area in each of the last four years were:
| Year | £,000 |
| 1979–80 | 29,432 |
| 1980–81 | 55,860 |
| 1981–82 | 75,790 |
| 1982–83 | 64,993 |
asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) if he will list those firms in the county of
| Outward Trade Missions (January 1982–22 June 1983) Organised by Birmingham Chamber of Industry and Commerce with British Overseas Trade Board Support | ||||
| Mission/Market/Date | Number of Companies Participating* | Total Firm Orders Reported | Estimate of Possible Additional Orders | Cost to BOTB |
| 1982 | £ | £ | £ | |
| Sudan (15–20 January) | 13 | 771,400 | 1,716,000 | 4,500 |
| New Zealand/Australia (5–20 February) | 15 | 302,600 | 1,571,000 | 13,460 |
| Malaysia/Hong Kong (30 April–14 May) | 12 | 180,228 | 630,100 | 8,050 |
| Trinidad/Jamaica (8–22 May) | 12 | 425,912 | 2,230,000 | 6,510 |
| United Arab Emirates (6–18 May) | 15 | 291,600 | 1,484,000 | 6,000 |
| Singapore/Thailand (12–26 February) | 11 | 47,200 | 6,244,600 | 7,475 |
| South Africa (21 June–3 July) | 15 | 87,650 | 575,000 | 7,055 |
| Kenya/Zambia (18 June–1 July) | 11 | 660,000 | 2,813,000 | 5,525 |
| Australia (9–24 September) | 10 | 110,000 | 979,000 | 7,920 |
| Peru/Chile (9–22 October) | 16 | 230,000 | 45,229,750 | 12,690 |
| Nigeria/Cameroon (18 November–4 December) | 18 | 843,950 | 14,113,600 | 9,750 |
| Japan (5–19 November) | 23 | 355,826 | 2,799,000 | 19,625 |
| 1983 | ||||
| Saudi Arabia (14–28 January) | 17 | 430,706 | 5,935,576 | 6,365 |
Merseyside from which regional development grants have been reclaimed since May 1979 and the amounts involved in each case;
(2) if he will list (a) regional development grant payments of over £25,000 to firms in the county of Merseyside between June 1979 and September 1983, inclusive, (b) those firms in receipt of such regional development grants which subsequently closed their plants in Merseyside, (c) the number of redundancies declared by firms in receipt of regional development grants during the same period and (d) the number of additional jobs created by the firms listed in (a).
I will reply to the hon. Member as soon as possible.
British Rail Stations (Taxi Franchises)
asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what progress has been made towards ending the practice of franchise systems for taxis at British Rail stations following representations about this matter to British Rail by the Office of Fair Trading.
British Rail is carrying out a review of all franchise systems at its stations, with a view to introducing, where practicable, open systems that would allow any licensed taxi to ply for trade. I understand that in some cases a reasonable fee might be charged by British Rail.
Birmingham Chamber Of Industry And Commerce
asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what was the cost to public funds of each of the 12 outward missions made in 1982 and the nine made up to 22 June 1983 by the Birmingham chamber of industry and commerce; how many persons went on each overseas visit; what were their names and companies; and what orders resulted from each trip.
Information on the 21 British Overseas Trade Board-supported outward trade missions organised by the Birmingham chamber of industry and commerce during 1982 and to 22 June 1983 is provided as follows. Names of firms and individuals taking part have not been included, since such information could be commercially sensitive.
Mission/Market/Date
| Number of Companies Participating*
| Total Firm Orders Reported
| Estimate of Possible Additional Orders
| Cost to BOTB
|
| Singapore/Indonesia (18 February–4 March) | 12 | 229,413 | 1,880,000 | 11,690 |
| Yemen Arab Republic (4–11 March) | 13 | 335,000 | 6,140,200 | 6,150 |
| Korea (4–11 March) | 17 | 113,900 | 7,305,000 | 15,010 |
| Australia (7–22 April) | 20 | 503,400 | 4,575,000 | 18,040 |
| Philippines/Hong Kong (16–29 April) | 18 | 134,939 | 1,444,500 | 15,395 |
| Iraq/Kuwait/Qatar (6–20 May) | 11 | 182,820 | 5,055,000 | 4,680 |
| Iran (20–31 May) | 15 | 422,300 | 12,627,000 | 6,375 |
| USSR (13–17 June) | 17 | — | 15,040,000 | 5,700 |
| Totals | 311 | 6,658,844 | 140,387,326 | 197,965 |
* BOTB grant is normally payable to one representative per company only. The number of companies participating is therefore, in the majority of cases, the same as the number of company representatives who went on each trip. Apart from company representatives missions are also accompanied by a Mission Secretary who is provided by the organiser or sponsor. | ||||
asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what were the reasons for the larger number of government-sponsored overseas visits made by the Birmingham chamber of industry and commerce than by any other organisation in 1982 and 1983.
Following the Rayner report on my Department's services to exporters and to achieve economies in public expenditure and civil service manpower, the number of outward trade missions supported by the British Overseas Trade Board was reduced by about half with effect from April 1981. This was done by reducing the geographical coverage of the scheme and by limiting the number of missions allocated to each of the organisations (mainly chambers of commerce and trade associations) who sponsor missions.The allocations or quotas were based on the level of sponsors' previous outward mission activity in the markets included in the scheme under the revised geographical coverage. The quota system has been in operation for over two years, and although there has been some re-allocation of unused quotas in response to demand, Birmingham chamber's mission activity reflects the application of this system.
Overseas Trade Missions
asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what was the total cost to public funds of overseas trade missions in 1982 and so far in 1983.
Total direct expenditure from public funds on British Overseas Trade Board supported outward trade missions in 1982 was £1,135,834 and in 1983, to 11 October, it is £1,263,343.
asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many orders have been obtained in 1982 and so far in 1983 directly as a result of overseas trade missions.
The information requested in this question is not readily available.
asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what contribution is made towards the cost of overseas trade missions supported by his Department by those going on these trips.
The British Overseas Trade Board's outward mission scheme provides a grant towards the travel expenses of each company participating in an outward mission. Grants are normally limited to one per company. The remainder of the costs are borne by the company itself. The sponsoring organisation (a chamber of commerce, trade association, or similar body specifically approved for the purpose by BOTB) which organises the mission and provides the mission secretary is entitled to a double grant. The grants vary in amount from £115 to £1,015 according to the location of the market or markets visited. The rates are published in the booklet "BOTB Services".
Petrol Sales (Short Measures)
asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations he has received advocating the introduction of legislation making it an offence to set retail petrol pumps permanently to deliver short measure.
None. Delivery of short measure is already an offence under the Weights and Measures Act 1963.
Ship's Radio Licence Fee
asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what is the current fee for a ship's radio licence for small boats; and if he has any proposals for reducing the cost of the licence.
The fee for the Ship (VHF) radio licence, which is used by many yachtsmen and other small boat-owners, was reduced to £15·00 on 1 June 1983.
Television (Broadcasting Interference)
asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he is satisfied that the power of French television stations is limited to levels which do not interfere with reception of British television programmes in the south coast of England; and if he will make a statement.
Stations each side of the channel are carefully configured to provide satisfactory reception without material interference. I have received no complaints of interference such as is implied but would be very ready to see that any are looked into if my hon. Friend would let me have details.
The Arts
Business Sponsorship
asked the Under-Secretary of State answering in respect of the Arts how much money was made available to the Arts in 1982–83 through business sponsorship; and what information he has as to how much was tax deductible.
Companies are not required to make any return to the Government of their expenditure on arts sponsorship. The Association for Business Sponsorship of the Arts estimates that around £13½ million was made
| 1982–83 £000's (Estimated outturn) Revenue | Capital | 1983–84 £000's (Budget estimates) Revenue | Capital | |
| Greater Manchester | 2,033 | 442 | 2,393 | 566 |
| Merseyside | 6,203 | 987 | 5,298 | * |
| South Yorkshire | 140 | 42 | 153 | 70 |
| Tyne and Wear | 2,846 | 253 | 2,732 | 231 |
| West Midlands | 465 | * | 532 | * |
| West Yorkshire | 254 | * | 216 | 40 |
| Greater London | 14,239 | (55) | 18,315 | 1,297 |
| *Not known. | ||||
Civil Service
Dispersal Policy
asked the Minister for the Civil Service, pursuant to his reply, Official Report, 4 July, c. 16, whether he will list the regional factors he takes into account in assessing future dispersal policy.
The Government remain committed to the dispersal programme announced on 26 July 1979 and has no plans for any further dispersal. However, if existing Government work were to be relocated or new work undertaken, one factor in deciding where it should be based would be the regional needs for employment. The main criteria must, however, be operational efficiency and cost.
Lecture Fees
asked the Minister for the Civil Service whether fees are charged to outside organisations when they are addressed by members of the Civil Service; and if he will publish the scale of fees charged.
Departments are free to make their own judgments on whether they should charge a fee when outside organisations are addressed by civil servants. Where there is likely to be a benefit to the service, the normal practice would be not to charge a fee. Where fees are charged there is no set scale of fees and the amount charged would depend upon the going rate, content, the level of lecturer and other relevant factors. In general, any fee would be paid to the department concerned.
available to the arts in this way in 1982–83. Because of the different ways in which sponsorship may be given, it is not possible to estimate what proportion was tax deductible.
Municipal Funding
asked the Under-Secretary of State answering in respect of the Arts if he will give the gross figures of funds made available to the arts, including museums, by each of the six metropolitan authorities and the Greater London council in the years 1982–83 and 1983–84.
From the information available to us, the figures for revenue and capital expenditure are roughly as follows:
Overseas Development
Aid Budget
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what effect the variation in exchange rate between the dollar and the pound sterling will have on the United Kingdom contribution to each of the multilateral aid agencies in the current year; and what effect there will be on the budget of the Overseas Development Administration.
United Kingdom capital subscriptions and contributions to certain multilateral development banks, and annual subscriptions to certain international organisations, are denominated in US dollars. Payments against certain individual commitments are made over a number of years. Within each year the precise timing of payments cannot be anticipated and thus it is not possible at this stage to say what the overall effect of fluctuations in the US dollar/£ sterling exchange rate will be in each case in the current financial year. £16,422,090 was spent in 1982–83 in meeting commitments of this kind which amounted to US$27,800,661.The effect of exchange rate variations in the current financial year will be met from within the existing provision for overseas aid. This provision includes an unallocated element which, subject to parliamentary approval, can be used to meet unforeseen items of expenditure, including those arising from exchange rate fluctuations.
Departmental Staff
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what changes have been made in the staff of the Overseas Development Administration and its associated units in each of the last four years; and what plans there are for staff reductions.
The table shows the staff in post, including casual employees, in the Overseas Development Administration's headquarters (London and East
| 1 April 1980 | 1 April 1981 | 1 April 1982 | 1 April 1983 | |
| Headquarters (London and East Kilbride) | 1,218 | 1,171 | 1,173 | 1,133 |
| Overseas | 58 | 48 | 42 | 53 |
| Scientific units | 823½ | 799 | 770 | 694 |
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will give full details of the staffing in each building of the Overseas Development Administration before and after the occupation of the East Kilbride building, with the number of staff in each Civil Service grade working at each building.
The move of certain departments of the Librarians Overseas Development Administration's headquarters to East Kilbride took place over the period February to August 1981. Details in the following tables show the staffing situations on 1 February 1981 and 1 April 1982.
| TABLE 1 | ||
| Overseas Development Administration Staff in Post, February 1981–April 1982 | ||
| Locations | 1 February 1981 | 1 April 1982 |
| Headquarters, | ||
| Eland House and, prior to November 1981, 29 Bressenden Place, London | 1,197 | 752 |
| Abercrombie House, East Kilbride | — | 421 |
| Sub Total* | 1,197 | 1,173 |
| Five scientific and special units, at 10 locations, in London, Worcs, Wilts, Oxon and Berks. (Scientific, Technical, Industrial and Administration staff) | 809½ | 770 |
| UK-based staff overseas at regional development divisions based in Barbados, Kenya, Malawi, Thailand, Jordan (1981 only), and at UNESCO Paris (Advisers, administrative and support staff) | 50 | 42 |
| 2,056½ | 1,985 | |
| *See staff details in Table 2. | ||
Kilbride); United Kingdom-based staff in ODA posts overseas; and staff in post in the scientific and special units, at 1 April in each of the last four years.
| TABLE 2 | ||||
Headquarters Staff 1 February 1981
| 1 April 1982
| |||
Grades
| London
| London
| East Kilbride
| Total
|
| Open Structure | 12 | 11 | — | 11 |
| Administration group: | ||||
| Assistant secretary | 20 | 17 | 1 | 18 |
| Senior principal | 6 | 1 | 4 | 5 |
| Principal | 73½ | 62½ | 6 | 68½ |
| Senior executive officer | 60 | 32 | 19 | 51 |
| Higher executive officer | 147½ | 98½ | 33 | 131½ |
| Executive officer | 203 | 87 | 95 | 182 |
| Clerical officer | 306 | 145 | 174 | 319 |
| Clerical assistant | 35 | 14 | 25 | 39 |
| Support staff | 248 | 192 | 64 | 256 |
| Information group | 10 | 10 | — | 10 |
| Economist group | 25 | 25 | — | 25 |
| Statistician group | 9 | 11 | — | 11 |
| Librarians | 5 | 5 | — | 5 |
| Departmental class of advisers | 37 | 41 | — | 41 |
| 1,197 | 752 | 421 | 1,173 | |
Foreign And Commonwealth Affairs
Falkland Islands
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what responsibility his Department will have for persons employed in the construction of the new Falkland islands airport.
Under the terms of the contract let by the Property Services Agency of the Department of the Environment, all arrangements for the work force are the responsibility of the contractor.
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs at what cost to public funds goats have been transported to the Falkland Islanders to provide goats milk to those who cannot drink cows milk.
None.
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign arid Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has received concerning the employment of United Kingdom construction workers on the Falklands airport contract; and if he will make a statement.
I have received no representations concerning the employment of United Kingdom construction workers on the new Falklands airfield.
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what arrangements have been made for sale to islanders or others of the land owned by the San Carlos Sheep Farming Co. Ltd.; and what facilities are being provided by Her Majesty's Government for the Government of the Falkland islands for loans to suitably qualified islanders who wish to purchase land, sheep and plant.
San Carlos Sheep Farming Co. Ltd. has offered San Carlos farm for sale direct to Falkland islanders and others in the Falkland Islands in appropriate subdivisions. The Falkland Islands Government have agreed to assist the company with deciding on appropriate subdivisions and the legal and administrative arrangements. The Falkland Islands Government have also agreed to consider applications from prospective buyers for loans and we are prepared to make limited funds available from the £31 million development grant for this purpose if requested to do so by the Falkland Islands Government.
Argentina
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what response has been made by the Argentine Government to the further demarche made on 28 June by the presidency spokesman on behalf of all member states of the European Community reaffirming their demand that a satisfactory clarification is given concerning the fate of persons who disappeared in Argentina after 1976, many of whom are believed to have been tortured and killed.
No satisfactory response has yet been made by the Argentine Government to the Ten's démarche of 28 June.
European Court Of Human Rights
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the current expiry date of the effectiveness of the United Kingdom's agreement to allow individual citizens to petition the European Court of Human Rights; and whether Her Majesty's Government plan to take any steps to extend this period.
The United Kingdom's agreement to allow individual citizens to petition the European Commission of Human Rights, under article 25 of the European convention, expires on 12 January 1986. We will consider whether to extend this period nearer the time.
Pakistan
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the policy of Her Majesty's Government towards the readmission of Pakistan to the Commonwealth.
We would welcome Pakistan's return to the Commonwealth, but this is a matter for the Commonwealth as a whole.
Hong Kong
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on his recent meeting with the governor of Hong Kong.
My right hon. and learned Friend met the Governor of Hong Kong and the Unofficial Members of Hong Kong's Executive Council in London on 6 October.
The meeting was part of the regular process of consultation on the question of Hong Kong's future. I had earlier visited Hong Kong from 24 to 28 September.
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions have taken place in Peking on the future of Hong Kong.
The latest round of discussions in the second phase of Sino British talks on the future of Hong Kong took place on 19 and 20 October in Peking. Both sides agreed that they were useful and constructive. The next session will be on 14 and 15 November, again in Peking.
Portugal
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what financial assistance he is proposing to give the Government of Portugal to acquire frigates or helicopters.
We have offered to the Portuguese Government a grant of up to £5 million for the purchase of British equipment for the NATO project to provide frigates for the Portuguese navy.
Transport
British Rail
5.
asked the Secretary of State for Transport when next he will meet the chairman of British Rail.
I have already met the chairman of British Rail and will be meeting him frequently to discuss railway matters.
39.
asked the Secretary of State for Transport how many meetings he has had with the chairman of British Rail since his appointment; and when he expects to meet him next.
I have already met the new chairman of British Rail, and will continue to have talks with him whenever necessary.
Coaches (Speeding)
15.
asked the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received over the summer months concerning speeding by coaches.
I have received a number of letters recording individual observations of coaches travelling too fast. I shall shortly receive statistical data on actual vehicle speeds collected in the survey carried out this summer.
St Pancras-Sheffield Line
17.
asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he has any plans to discuss the electrification of the St. Pancras to Sheffield line with the chairman of the British Railways Board.
I plan to invite the hon. Member to discuss his ideas with me, shortly.
British Rail (Safety)
19.
asked the Secretary of State for Transport what steps he will take to ensure that safety standards on British Rail are maintained.
This year's annual report by the chief inspecting officer of railways will show that the railways in Great Britain were safer in 1982 than at any time in their history. I know that the British Railways Board, which is statutorily responsible for the railway's safety, is determined to maintain these high standards, and it will have the Government's full support in this.
Marylebone Station
20.
asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he has received from British Rail any proposal to end services from Marylebone station.
No. But British Rail announced in August that it was considering making such a proposal.
Merchant Fleet
21.
asked the Secretary of State for Transport when next he expects to meet the president of the General Council of British Shipping to discuss the state of the British merchant fleet.
My first meeting with the president of the General Council of British Shipping will be next week.
Rail Network
22.
asked the Secretary of State for Transport whether it is the policy of the Government to maintain the rail network at approximately its present size.
As I shall be making clear in my statement, it is not the Government's intention that the board should embark on a programme of major route closures.
Archway Road Scheme
23.
asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he has now fixed a date for a public inquiry into the Archway Road scheme.
As announced in July, the public inquiry will open at 10.30 am on 10 January 1984.
British Rail (Investment)
24.
asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will arrange to meet the chairman of British Railways and leaders of the railway trade unions to discuss investment in British Rail.
My right hon. Friend has, during his first week as Secretary of State, had an initial meeting with the chairman of British Rail and plans to meet him again shortly. He has also invited the leaders of rail unions to meet him.
Midland Link Motorway
25.
asked the Secretary of State for Transport how much money has so far been returned by the builders of the Midland link motorway following his announcement in May.
The full £1·47 million mentioned in my written Answer to the hon. Member on 11 May has been received by my Department. [Vol. 42, c. 329.]
Public Transport (London)
26.
asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement about progress on making alternative arrangements for the future control of London Transport.
The White Paper "Public Transport in London" (Cmnd. 9004) was published on 26 July 1983. We are now consulting on these proposals.
27.
asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will meet the leader of the Greater London council to discuss transport policy.
I and my predecessors have always been ready to discuss with the GLC constructive solutions to London's transport problems.
37.
asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will introduce proposals for the future organisation of all means of transport in London.
The Government's plans for the future organisation of public transport were published in the White Paper "Public Transport in London" (Cmnd. 9004) on 26 July. Proposals for the future allocation of highways and traffic management responsibilities were published in the White Paper "Streamlining the Cities" (Cmnd. 9063) on 7 October.
British Airways
28.
asked the Secretary of State for Transport what consultations he has had or intends to have in connection with the proposed privatisation of British Airways.
My right hon. Friend intends to continue the practice of his predecessors of having frequent contact with both the chairmen of British Airways and representatives of the private sector about the future of British Airways and of the airline industry as a whole.
32.
asked the Secretary of State for Transport when next he will meet the chairman of British Airways.
I intend to maintain frequent contact with the chairman of British Airways on a wide range of matters.
asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he intends to revise British Airways' external finance limit for the current financial year.
As a result of a favourable revision to British Airways' estimated financial requirements, I have agreed with the British Airways Board that its external finance limit for the 1983–84 financial year should be reduced from the present figure of £1 million to £–58 million, the new limit representing a net repayment of external funds by British Airways.
Tyne And Wear
29.
asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will meet the leaders of Tyne and Wear metropolitan county council to discuss their protected expenditure limit for public transport subsidy.
Yes. My right hon. Friend has agreed to meet them and expects to do so on Tuesday 8 November.
Severn Bridge
30.
asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he is satisfied with the progress being made on the repairs and maintenance work on the Severn bridge; when he now expects the work to be completed; and if he will make a statement.
The options for strengthening the crossing as set out in the consultants' feasibility report are still being studied. Meanwhile, the essential maintenance work programmed for this autumn is proceeding and is expected to be completed early next month.
40.
asked the Secretary of State for Transport what is the total revenue obtained from tolls upon the Severn bridge; and what is the total cost of collecting that revenue in the latest available 12 month period.
£2,746,407 was obtained from tolls on the Severn bridge in the year ending 31 March 1982 and the cost of collecting it was £482,941.
Environment (Protection)
31.
asked the Secretary of State for Transport what progress has been made on implementing the package of bypasses and other environmental protective measures announced in the debate on heavy lorries on 25 November 1982.
On 12 May this year we announced the addition to the active trunk road programme of 15 bypass schemes worth £116 million, bringing the total number of bypasses then in planning or construction to 160. Last month our White paper "Policy for Roads in England 1983" gave full details of the good progress being made with the construction of bypasses and announced new studies into the need for further roads. Good progress is also being made on implementing other environmental protective measures. Lower noise limits for heavy lorries came into force on 1 October and developments now in hand should result in the heaviest lorries being no noisier than today's cars by the 1990s. We are continuing to make lorries safer by means of new standards for side- and rearguards and spray suppressors. The problem of overloading is being tackled and enforcement stepped up. — [Vol. 42, c. 439–440.]
Coaches (Safety Standards)
33.
asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he has received representations from the Transport and General Workers' Union on coach safety standards; and if he will make a statement.
Representatives of the Transport and General Workers' Union participated in a discussion I held last July about coach safety and speed limits with representatives of both sides of the passenger transport industry. However, I have not received any formal representations from the TGWU on this subject.
36.
asked the Secretary of State for Transport what proposals he has to introduce and enforce stricter safety standards for coaches and coach drivers.
We are pressing for international agreement to new standards which will improve the strength of coach seats and roof structures. Coach drivers are already trained and tested to high standards. I have made clear to the industry that violations of speed limits are unacceptable and we are monitoring driving at present. Following our July meeting with him, the European Commissioner for Transport has already written to all other European Ministers of Transport expressing the need for stricter compliance of standards by operators and drivers according to the law of the country of travel.
Road Building
34
asked the Secretary of State for Transport whether he plans any reduction in the capital available for major road building schemes in the current financial year.
No.
M11 (Birchanger)
35.
asked the Secretary of State for Transport what stage has been reached in the provision of a service area on the Mll motorway at Birchanger.
I hope that the land acquisition difficulties at this site will soon be resolved so that we can quickly invite tenders for development of a motorway service area.
Airports
38.
asked the Secretary of State for Transport how many airports he has visited in his ministerial capacity since 9 June.
My right hon. Friend has not visited any airports in his official capacity since his appointment as Secretary of State for Transport.
A12 Chelmsford Bypass
42.
asked the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects publication of the findings of the public inquiry for the A12 Chelmsford bypass; and if he will make a statement.
We are considering the inspector's report and recommendations. There is a number of complex issues to be resolved but I hope we can announce a decision later this autumn.
Road Accident Statistics
asked the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to his Answer dated 20 July, Official Report, c. 151, if he will tabulate in the Official Report the serious accidents involving heavy lorries, buses or coaches in the year 1982, stating for each category the numbers of cases where mechanical failure, including maintenance, or driver error, were the main causes, and the number of cases in each category where an owner was prosecuted and revocation of operator's licence made or design defect taken up with a manufacturer.
We do not collect information in the way requested by the hon. Member. However, in 1982 there were 2,303 fatal and serious accidents involving buses and coaches and 4,594 involving heavy goods vehicles. If the hon. Gentleman has a specific case in mind, I hope he will write to me.
Estuarial Crossings (Tolls)
asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will reconsider the policy of his Department in relation to tolls on estuarial crossings; and if he will make a statement.
Governments of both parties have for many years considered it right that estuarial crossings, which are very expensive to build, but provide exceptional benefits to users, should be paid for by those who use them rather than by the general public. Parliament has endorsed this view by enacting the statutory powers needed before tolls can be charged. My right hon. Friend does not propose any change in these arrangements.
M27 (Completion)
asked the Secretary of State for Transport in view of the progress made in the summer, when he now expects the missing link on the M27 between Chilworth and Hedge End to be completed.
This "missing" central section of M27 is due for completion in the summer of next year. However, subject to the weather, and to continued good progress by the contractors, I hope that it may be possible to complete the motorway by the spring.
Heavy Lorries
asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he has studied the report of the Wood inquiry into heavy lorries in London, commissioned by the Greater London council; and if he will make a statement.
I have noted that Mr. Wood's report to the GLC sets out findings rather than recommendations. I understand that, following consideration of the report on 21 September, the GLC transport committee instructed officers to carry out additional studies and to report further on a possible night-time and weekend lorry ban.
Motorway Repairs
asked the Secretary of State for Transport what would be the additional cost if motorway repairs took place round the clock instead of the present system of working normal hours.
It is not always practicable to work round the clock. Some repairs can be carried out only during the day, some only during the night. As a rough guide, costs for evening or night working can be twice as high as costs for normal day working.
asked the Secretary of State for Transport what consideration has been given to the use of a quick setting compound, details of which have been supplied to him, to speed motorway repairs.
Two quick setting compounds for patching roads that have been brought to my right hon. Friend's attention this year are now under trial. Conclusions cannot be drawn until sufficient time has elapsed to determine their durability.
Motorways (Contra-Flow Working)
asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he is satisfied that contraflow working on motorways is safe; and if he has any plans to improve safety where this is in operation.
I am satisfied that the use of contraflow working as advised on motorways is sufficiently safe. But the present arrangements are being monitored, and any improvements resulting from this further study will be incorporated into future advice.
Motorways (Construction Materials)
asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he has any plans to require all future motorways to be constructed in concrete instead of tarmacadam; and what is the life of a concrete motorway compared with tarmac.
No. My Department is satisfied that both forms of construction are suitable. Bituminous roads are at present designed to last for 20 years and concrete for 40 years.
Fixed Channel Link
asked the Secretary of State for Transport whether he has yet received the report of the group of British and French banks studying the financial feasibility of the various schemes for a fixed Channel link which have been advanced; and whether he will make the report public.
I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given today by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Transport to the hon. Member for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley (Mr. Foulkes).
asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he has yet received recommendations as to the form of Channel link most likely to be privately financed.
I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given today by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Transport to the hon. Member for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley (Mr. Foulkes).
Car Registrations
asked the Secretary of State for Transport whether he will investigate the possibility of ending the year identification system of car registration.
I have no plans to do so. My Department's 1981 consultation exercise on the number plate format showed that the age identification system was strongly supported by a wide range of interests, including the police and most motor trade organisations.
asked the Secretary of State for Transport whether there is any evidence to suggest that the annual change in car registration number-plates benefits importers of foreign vehicles.
Information collected by my Department provides no such evidence.
M65 (Completion)
asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the timescale for the completion of the M65 motorway from Whitebirk, Blackburn, to the M6/M61 near Preston.
Plans to build a motorway connection between Whitebirk and M6 were abandoned in 1980 and replaced by proposals to improve the existing A677/A6119 route to the north of Blackburn. Further consideration of Lancashire county council's case for the "green route" is being undertaken, and I look forward to my meeting with the hon. Member, the county council and constituents from the area early next month.
British Rail (Grants)
asked the Secretary of State for Transport what grant aid the Government will be paying British Rail in 1983 under the public service obligation.
The central Government PSO grant for 1983 will be £819 million, subject to adjustment for certain factors to be settled with the board. This figure reflects the Railways Board's efforts to contain and reduce costs. I welcome the progress by the board that the grant figure represents.Expenditure on renewal and replacement of infrastructure, and on redundancy payments will be "ring-fenced". This will help to ensure that necessary work to maintain the system and secure greater efficiency can go ahead.Of the total grant settlement £147 million is in respect of the board's inter-city business, £266 million for the London and South East sector and £406 million for other provincial services, excluding those financed separately by the passenger transport executives.
Ministerial Responsibilities
asked the Secretary of State for Transport what changes he has made in the responsibilities of the junior ministers in his Department; and what is the present division of responsibilities between them.
In June 1983 the Department of Transport took over responsibility for shipping, marine and civil aviation matters from the former Department of Trade. I have asked my hon. Friend the Member for Hampshire, North-West (Mr. Mitchell) to assist me on these matters as Under-Secretary of State. As a consequence, the responsibility for some subjects which were previously handled by his predecessor have been transferred to my hon. Friend the Member for Wallasey (Mrs. Chalker) as Minister of State.These matters include local public transport, the bus industry, the Department's work affecting the road freight industry and the Department's research programme. In addition, the Minister of State will now be responsible for assisting me with the Department's work arising from the Government's proposals for reforming local government in London and the metropolitan counties. In particular I have asked her to handle work in connection with the establishment of London Regional Transport.The present division of responsibilities is therefore:
Minister of State: Motorway and trunk road programmes, local roads, the bus industry, local public transport including the establishment of London Regional Transport, road freight, rural transport, road safety standards, driver and vehicle licensing, vehicle testing and safety transport for disabled people, general responsibility for the Department's work in connection with the European Community and other European organisations, research, and the export of transport expertise.
Under-Secretary of State: Railways, ports, shipping and marine, aviation.
Road Maintenance (Report)
asked the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects to respond to the report on road maintenance published earlier this year by the Transport Committee; and if he will make a statement.
I have today responded to the Transport Committee's report and copies of my response have been placed in the Library of the House. The report, which I welcome, contains a thorough and constructive discussion of all the important aspects of road maintenance. To a significant extent the report endorses the work which my Department is doing in that field. I agree with the committee's view that the country's road network is a vital asset. The Government will continue their commitment to maintaining that asset to an acceptable standard in close collaboration with the local authorities, having regard to the need to contain public expenditure.
Marine Pilots
asked the Secretary of State for Transport (1) if he will make a statement on the progress of the consultations being undertaken by the Pilotage Commission on the proposals to reduce the surplus of United Kingdom marine pilotage by some 40 per cent.;(2) when he expects the Pilotage Commission to report to him its findings about the reactions of various parts of the shipping industry to the Samuel Montagu report on aspects of pilotage;(3) if he will list all the bodies and individuals who have been consulted by the Pilotage Commission so far on the findings of the Samuel Montagu report on aspects of pilotage; and if he will also list those further bodies and indiviuals the commission still intends to consult.
[pursuant to his reply, 25 July 1983, c. 479]: In August last Samuel Montagu and Co. Ltd. was invited by the Under-Secretary of State for Trade to advise him on the financial implications of proposals put to him by the Pilotage Commission for paying compensation to surplus pilots; and in March, after considering the Samuel Montagu recommendations, he asked the commission to take the matter forward as quickly as possible with representatives of the interests concerned, in order to establish whether the recommendations provided a basis for agreement.The Samuel Montagu report said that there was no authoritative basis for estimating the number of pilots surplus but that
"a figure of 600 would test the true extent of the surplus."
That is about 43 per cent. of the present total number of pilots.
I am told the commission has consulted the General Council of British Shipping, the Passenger Shipping Association, the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers, the United Kingdom Pilots' Association, the Transport and General Workers' Union, the Association of Pilotage Authorities of the United Kingdom, the British Ports Association, and the pilots' national pension fund. The commission, I understand, does not at present envisage consulting any other bodies.
I am told the commission hopes to be able to reach conclusions by the end of the year, although I fully recognise the difficulties that may stand in the way of agreement.
Northern Ireland
Her Majesty's Prison, Armagh (Strip Searches)
asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many strip searches were made of female prisoners in Her Majesty's prison Armagh in the months of July, August and September, respectively; if he will give the number of prisoners involved and the number of times each prisoner was searched; and whether any prison contraband, smuggled items or illegal correspondence was discovered in any of the searches.
During July 1983, 76 strip searches were carried out on 23 female inmates in Her Majesty's prison, Armagh. During August 1983, 90 such searches were carried out on 24 female inmates; and during September 1983, 103 such searches were carried out on 30 female inmates. Individual prisoners were searched the following number of times:
| Number of Prisoners | Number of searches in each case |
| July | |
| 1 | 22 |
| 1 | 18 |
| 2 | 4 |
| 2 | 3 |
| 5 | 2 |
| 12 | 1 |
| August | |
| 1 | 25 |
| 1 | 24 |
| 1 | 4 |
| 3 | 3 |
| 10 | 2 |
| 8 | 1 |
| September | |
| 2 | 26 |
| 1 | 6 |
| 1 | 3 |
| 16 | 2 |
| 10 | 1 |
317.]
Imports And Exports
asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will (a) give total figures for the value of Northern Ireland's imports and exports with the European Community countries and with Great Britain since the United Kingdom's accession to the Community; and (b) break down the figures in accordance with the 2 digit United Nations standard international trade classification.
Figures for Northern Ireland imports and exports are not separately identified in United Kingdom trade statistics.
Youth Unemployment
asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will estimate the current level of youth unemployment for (a) 16 to 19-year-olds and (b) 20 to 25-year-olds on a travel-to-work area basis in Northern Ireland.
It is not possible to produce unemployment rates for the 16–19 and 20–24-year-old age groups because a breakdown of employees by age group is not available.The number of unemployed claimants at 14 July 1983 aged 16–19 and 20–24-years-old by travel-to-work area in Northern Ireland is as follows:
| Travel to work area | 16–19-year-olds | 20–24-year-olds |
| Armagh | 496 | 659 |
| Ballymena | 1,719 | 2,174 |
| Belfast | 9,476 | 12,503 |
| Coleraine | 977 | 1,287 |
| Cookstown | 314 | 477 |
| Craigavon | 1,382 | 1,811 |
| Downpatrick | 681 | 966 |
| Dungannon | 515 | 849 |
| Enniskillen | 637 | 969 |
| Londonderry | 2,068 | 2,982 |
| Newry | 847 | 1,424 |
| Omagh | 472 | 799 |
| Strabane | 590 | 843 |
Note: Separate figures for the 20–25-year-old age group are not available.
Emigration
asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will give estimates of emigration from Northern Ireland for each year since 1965 showing (a) the number of persons emigrating and (b) the destination of emigrants.
Estimates of outward migration have been kept only since 1979 and the information requested for that and later years is set out as follows. Figures for the current year are not yet available.
| Emigration | Scotland | Destination England and Wales | Other | |
| 1979 | 18,389 | 1,721 | 12,230 | 4,438 |
| 1980 | 18,432 | 1,503 | 11,510 | 5,419 |
| 1981 | 18,187 | 1,425 | 10,880 | 5,882 |
| 1982 | 17,224 | 1,759 | 9,120 | 6,345 |
Domestic Capital Formation
asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will estimate the gross domestic formation in Northern Ireland for each year since 1975, indicating how much was (a) public and (b) private.
The information coming closest to that sought is published annually by the Central Statistical Office in "Economic Trends", copies of which are available in the Library.
Investment
asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will estimate the amount of investment in agriculture, industry and services in Northern Ireland by British firms from Great Britain for each year since 1975.
This information is not available.
Claims Settlements
asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how much money has been paid in Northern Ireland by his Department each year since 1969 in settlement of claims either private or arising from civil court actions and relating to the death or injury of citizens or damage to private property.
The information is as follows:
| (a) | (b) | (c) | |
| Financial Year | Compensation payments under the Criminal Injuries (Compensation) (NI) Order 1977 and earlier legislation | Compensation payments under the Criminal Damage (Compensation) (NI) Order 1977 and earlier legislation | Compensation under the Northern Ireland (Emergency Provisions) Act 1978 and earlier legislation |
| £ | £ | £ | |
| 1968–69 | 2,356 | 12,036 | — |
| 1969–70 | 131,876 | 1,976,760 | — |
| 1970–71 | 443,474 | 2,780,604 | 2,505 |
| 1971–72 | 724,470 | 3,966,680 | 1,246 |
| 1972–73 | 2,173,524 | 26,592,312 | 13,142 |
| 1973–74 | 3,886,429 | 27,901,114 | 34,156 |
| 1974–75 | 6,022,556 | 40,209,285 | 27,848 |
| 1975–76 | 7,937,751 | 45,844,522 | 122,529 |
| 1976–77 | 6,300,336 | 49,975,314 | 133,797 |
| 1977–78 | 7,491,533 | 37,217,730 | 108,890 |
| 1978–79 | 10,612,634 | 39,098,648 | 82,845 |
| 1979–80 | 8,737,357 | 39,526,039 | 148,571 |
| 1980–81 | 10,009,218 | 44,627,341 | 157,073 |
| 1981–82 | 6,251,314 | 36,523,503 | 115,375 |
| 1982–83 | 7,132,522 | 31,058,498 | 143,619 |
| TOTALS | 77,857,350 | 427,310,386 | 1,091,596 |
ex gratia payment of £537,153 was made in 1982–83 as compensation for damage to private property in border areas of the Republic of Ireland.
Repair Grants (Churches)
asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when he expects to have formulated a scheme for repair grants to churches which are listed buildings.
The process of consultation with interested bodies has commenced; amending legislation is necessary and I hope a scheme to provide historic buildings grant for listed churches will be introduced within eighteen months.
Exchequer Subventions
asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will break down the allocation of subvention, for the latest available year, from the United Kingdom Exchequer to Northern Ireland to (a) current expenditure and (b) capital expenditure.
The provisional figures for the subvention from the United Kingdom to Northern Ireland for the latest available year, 1982–83, broken down between current and capital expenditure are as follows:
| Current £ million | Capital £ million | Total £ million | |
| Expenditure by Northern Ireland Office | 336 | 20 | 356 |
| Expenditure by Northern Ireland courts service | 8 | 2 | 10 |
| Expenditure by Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food | 17 | 51 | 68 |
| Contribution from the Great Britain National Insurance Fund | 85 | — | 85 |
Employment
Youth Opportunities Programme
asked the Secretary of State for Employment what compensation has been awarded to young persons who have died or been injured on youth opportunities programmes in the period April 1980 to March 1983.
The responsibility for insuring trainees rests with scheme sponsors. The Manpower Services Commission is not a party to claim for damages arising out of personal injury and cannot therefore supply any information concerning the number of claims or compensation paid. However, the Manpower Services Commission does make payments of benefit equal to those available to employed persons under the statutory injuries scheme. During the years 1981–82 and 1982–83 payments totalling £154,295 and £169,705 respectively were made by the Commission. I regret figures for the year 1980–81 are not available.
asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many youth opportunities programmes have been closed down as a result of accidents in the period April 1980 to March 1983.
There are no separate records of those youth opportunities programme schemes closed primarily as a result of accidents. I am arranging for such information to be available in future in respect of schemes under the youth opportunities programme and the youth training scheme.
asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many days have been lost by trainees on youth opportunities programmes as a result of accidents in the period April 1980 to March 1983.
I regret that the number of training days lost due to accidents is not available. However, during the period April 1980 to March 1983, when nearly 1.5 million young people entered the programme, 8,853 accidents involving young persons on the programme were reported to the commission. The great majority of these involved absence from work of three days or less.
asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many trainees on youth opportunities programmes have died or been seriously injured in the period April 1980 to March 1983.
The information is as follows:
| April 1980 March 1981 | April 1981 March 1982 | April 1982 March 1983 | |
| Fatalities | 4 | 6 | 7 |
| Major injuries reportable under NADOR 1980* | 176 | 271 | 311 |
| * Notification of Accidents and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1980. | |||
asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many schemes under the youth opportunities programme were terminated for health and safety reasons in the period April 1980 to March 1983.
There are no separate records of those youth opportunities programme schemes closed primarily for health and safety reasons. I am arranging for such information to be available in future in respect of schemes under both the youth opportunities programme and the youth training scheme.
asked the Secretary of State for Employment what measures he proposes to ensure that the Manpower Services Commission will fulfil its commitment that unemployed trainees will enjoy the same benefits as employees under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act, in view of the number of fatal and serious injuries that occurred on the youth opportunities programme.
At the present time trainees in the youth training scheme receive the protection of section 3 of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act, which, in practice, gives a similar protection as that for employees under section 2 of that Act. This protection is strengthened by the contractual obligation on providers of training to take all necessary steps to secure the health, safety and welfare of young people participating in their schemes as if they were in employment.However, in order to remove any possible doubt about employers' obligations in respect of trainees in the scheme, the Health and Safety Executive has recently announced its intention to bring forward proposals for new regulations to extend the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act to ensure that the position of trainees is exactly the same as employees.
asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many people who completed the youth opportunities programme have secured employment since the programme was terminated in March 1983.
Information is not available in the form requested. The Manpower Services Commission follows up a national sample of entrants to the youth opportunities programme 12 months after the start of their schemes. The most recent survey results relate to young people who joined the programme between January and March 1982. About 38 per cent. of these young people found employment immediately on leaving their schemes, and 42 per cent. were in employment six months later.
Youth Training Schemes
asked the Secretary of State for Employment if any steps have been taken, or are to be taken in the near future, to ensure that sponsors or managing agents have statutory obligations under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 in respect of trainees on youth training schemes.
Sponsors and managing agents already have substantial responsibilities under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 towards trainees on the youth training scheme. However, to bring the full powers of the Act as well as other health and safety legislation to bear on this scheme the Health and Safety Commission has announced its intention of bringing forward proposals for regulations which will have the effect of putting YTS trainees on the same footing as employees.
asked the Secretary of State for Employment if any steps have been taken or are to be taken in the near future to ensure that all sponsors or managing agents of youth training schemes are registered with the Health and Safety Executive.
Registration with the appropriate enforcing authority is required under the Offices Shops and Railway Premises Act, and also under the Factories Act, for building sites expected to last six weeks or more and for factories. Registration is not a requirement of the Health and Safety at Work Act itself.The Manpower Services Commission is at present investigating the feasibility of making it a condition of contract with managing agents that they should place trainees in premises or activities requiring registration only where they are satisfied that registration has been carried out.
asked the Secretary of State for Employment if arrangements have been made to ensure that all trainees on youth training schemes have been and are issued with a copy of "What Should I Know About Health and Safety at Work?".
The Manpower Services Commission has arranged for all trainees on youth training schemes to receive a copy of a new booklet "Working Safety on the Youth Training Scheme" through the organisation providing their training.
asked the Secretary of State for Employment what steps he has taken to ensure that sponsors of the youth training scheme, managing agents and the Manpower Services Commission are carrying out their obligations in relation to the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.
I am satisfied that the Manpower Services Commission is doing all it reasonably can to fulfil its obligations to trainees under the health and Safety at Work Act by bringing home to managing agents and sponsors their duties to protect traines' health and safety. This it does, inter alia, by providing booklets containing safety advice and by drawing up contractual conditions for YTS schemes which stress obligations under the Act. In compiling the booklets and forms of contract, it has had continuing advice from the Health and Safety Executive.
HSE staff must give inspection priority to known workplaces and activities of high hazard but they investigate accidents and complaints and respond to requests for advice.
But none of this activity by MSC or HSE should be taken to detract from the primary responsibility of those actually providing the training and work experience under the YTS to comply with health and safety legislation since they and only they have control of the premises and plant.
asked the Secretary of State for Employment what steps he has taken to ensure that young people entering the youth training scheme receive adequate information on health and safety at work.
The Manpower Services Commission has made arrangements for providers of training to issue the leaflet "Working Safely on the Youth Training Scheme" to all young people at the commencement of their training programme. Providers of training are further reminded of the need to give health and safety information in the commission publications "Health and Safety on the Youth Training Scheme", the handbook for managing agents, and the handbooks for information technology centres and for training workshops.
asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will take measures to ensure that youth training scheme sponsors fulfil their contractual obligations to report all accidents involving youth trainees to the Manpower Services Commission.
I am satisfied that providers of training in the youth training scheme are meeting their contractual obligation to report accidents involving youth trainees.
asked the Secretary of State for Employment what steps he has taken to ensure that workplaces of potential sponsors of the youth training scheme are properly inspected with regard to standards of health and safety.
The Health and Safety Executive and its factory inspectorate inspect premises, including those where youth training scheme trainees are present, according to a system of risk-related priorities, and endeavour to visit promptly new workplaces where there is likely to be a significant level of risk.
Youth Training Scheme And Community Programme
asked the Secretary of State for Employment how much has been spent on advertising for the youth training scheme and community programme, respectively.
The total advertising expenditure, up to September 1983, for the youth training scheme has been £2·6 million and for the community programme £0·6 million.
Factory Inspectorate
asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many employees of the factory inspectorate are currently involved in health and safety aspects of youth training schemes.
Most of the 550 factory inspectors based on area offices deal with youth training schemes during the course of planned inspections of premises and investigation of accidents and complaints.
asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he envisages increases in the staff of the factory inspectorate to accommodate the additional work load arising from the numbers of young people entering workshops under the youth training scheme.
No. Young persons entering workplaces under the youth training scheme do not represent any significant additional work load beyond what would have existed had the trainees been in employment.
Youth Training (Health And Safety)
asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will ensure effective liaison between his Department and the factory inspectorate to ensure that safety and health are closely monitored for all entrants into youth training schemes.
Close liaison between the Manpower Services Commission and Health and Safety Executive area offices is well established. HSE Inspectors will take individual YTS schemes fully into account in the course of normal inspection of new and existing workplaces and in the investigation of accidents and complaints. Inspectors are also participating in the training of MSC YTS officials and certain providers of training.
Social Services
Mr Larry Gostin
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services why he decided not to appoint Mr. Larry Gostin, the former legal director of MIND, to serve on the Mental Health Commission.
We received about 700 nominations for membership of this new commission and many distinguished people with much to offer had to be left out. It would, however, be inappropriate to comment on the reasons for choosing or not choosing particular individuals. The members of the commission have a wide range of experience of mental health and include several members of MIND.
Fluoridation
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he has completed his considerations of the implications of Lord Jauncey's judgment in McColl v Strathclyde for the lawfulness of fluoridation.
We are still considering the implications of Lord Jauncey's judgement.
Family Planning
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many family planning clinics there were in England in each year since 1977; how many general practitioners there were holding Family Planning Association or joint committee on contraception certificates; and how many people received family planning advice from (a) family planning clinics and (b) general practitioners offering the relevant service, for each year since 1978.
The Department does not have information on the number of Family Planning Association and Joint Committee on Contraception certificates held by general practitioners. The other information requested is as follows:
| Number of family planning clinics in each year since 1977 | |
| Number | |
| 1977 | 1,745 |
| 1978 | 1,735 |
| 1979 | 1,743 |
| 1980 | 1,753 |
| 1981 | 1,744 |
| 1982 | 1,739 |
| Number of people who received family planning advice from family planning clinics in each year since 1978 | |
| Thousands | |
| 1978 | 1521·4 |
| 1979 | 1494·0 |
| 1980 | 1492·7 |
| 1981 | 1473·0 |
| 1982 | 1460·7 |
| Number of patients for whom general practitioners were receiving payment for providing family planning advice at 1 October in each year since 1978 | |
| Thousands | |
| 1978 | 1,959·0 |
| 1979 | 1,921·8 |
| 1980 | 2,023·9 |
| 1981 | 2,091·5 |
| 1982 | 2,190·6 |
Sterilisations
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many male sterilisations were performed in (a) family planning clinics and (b) National Health Service hospitals in each year since 1974.
The following figures relate to England and Wales. Those derived from the Hospital In-Patient Inquiry are the most recent available.
| Year | NHS hospitals (estimated numbers)* | Family planning clinics | |
| In-patients | Day cases | ||
| 1974 | 4,060 | N/A | 11,368 |
| 1975 | 2,380 | 15,080 | 17,604 |
| 1976 | 2,960 | 19,280 | 17,528 |
| 1977 | 3,220 | 27,130 | 17,182 |
| 1978 | 4,340 | 35,880 | 18,097 |
| 1979 | 3,470 | †38,760 | 16,336 |
| 1980 | †3,340 | †36,810 | 14,432 |
| 1981 | 14,189 | ||
| * Derived from hospital in-patient inquiry. | |||
| † Provisional. | |||
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many female sterilisations have been carried out in National Health Service hospitals in each year since 1971; and how many of these in each year were performed at the time of delivery, at the time of abortion and at other times, respectively.
The following figures relate to England and Wales. Those derived from the Hospital In-Patient Inquiry are the most recent available.
| Estimated number of sterilisations associated with delivery | |
| Year | Number |
| 1971 | 26,650 |
| 1972 | 22,600 |
| 1973 | 21,860 |
| 1974 | 19,200 |
| 1975 | 17,480 |
| 1976 | 16,380 |
| 1977 | 14,110 |
| 1978 | 13,940 |
Source: Hospital in-patient inquiry.
Sterilisations associated with terminations
| |
Year
| Number
|
| 1971 | 14,193 |
| 1972 | 13,512 |
| 1973 | 11,434 |
| 1974 | 10,250 |
| 1975 | 8,515 |
| 1976 | 8,145 |
| 1977 | 7,889 |
| 1978 | 7,971 |
| 1979 | 7,972 |
| 1980 | 8,077 |
| 1981 | 7,351 |
Source: Office of Population Censuses and Surveys, abortion statistics.
Estimated number of sterilisations performed in other circumstances
| |
Year
| Number
|
| 1971 | 20,880 |
| 1972 | 24,420 |
| 1973 | 28,910 |
| 1974 | 29,780 |
| 1975 | 23,680 |
| 1976 | 35,120 |
| 1977 | 42,250 |
| 1978 | 53,310 |
| 1979 | 58,500 |
Source: Hospital in-patient inquiry.
Departmental Grants
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what grants have been given by his Department to (a) Life, (b) Lifeline, (c) Let Live, or (d) the Life Care and Housing Trust; when such grants were most recently made; for what purpose; and what sum of money was involved in each case.
We have made no grants to these organisations.
Supplementary Benefit
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many people in Dundee are currently receiving supplementary benefit; and how many are (a) one-parent families, (b) pensioners and (c) unemployed.
The numbers of supplementary benefit cases in action in the categories requested in the Dundee offices at the latest available date were as follows:
| Local Office | August 1983 (Thousands) |
| Dundee East | |
| (a) Supplementary benefit | 11·3 |
| (b) One-parent families | 1·6 |
| (c) Pensioners | 2·8 |
| (d) Unemployed | 5·7 |
| Dundee West | |
| (a) Supplementary benefit | 10·4 |
| (b) One-parent families | 0·9 |
| (c) Pensioners | 3·6 |
| (d) Unemployed | 4·6 |
Source: 100 per cent. count of cases in action.
Family Incomes
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is his estimate of the number of households in both Scotland and Great Britain whose income is (a) below supplementary benefit level, (b) at supplementary benefit level and (c) up to 40 per cent. above supplementary benefit level, inclusive; what percentage of the total number of households they represent in each case; and what is his estimate of the number of children living in such households in each case.
The information requested, in respect of Great Britain, is shown in the following table. The figures are based on estimates contained in a set of tables under the general heading "LOW INCOME FAMILIES —1981", copies of which have been placed in the Library of the House today. I will let the hon. Member have similar information for Scotland as soon as possible.
| Families with or without children, with income at specific levels and number of children in those families | |||
| 1981 average thousands | |||
| Great Britain | Below Supplementary Benefit level | In receipt of Supplementary Benefit | Above Supplementary Benefit level but within 140 per cent. of it |
| Families | 1,760 | 3,010 | 3,580 |
| Per cent. of all families in Great Britain | 7 | 11 | 13 |
| Children | 550 | 1,180 | 1,950 |
Orobronze
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what representations he has received concerning the supposed suntanning product called Orobronze; if he is satisfied that this product is not a health hazard; and if he will make a statement.
We have received no representations on the use of Orobronze sun-tan capsules. However, the Department has been asked by the consumer safety unit of the Department of Trade and Industry to assess the safety-in-use of this product, and we have in turn sought the comments of our independent expert advisory committee on the toxicity of chemicals in food, consumer products and the environment. This committee has advised that, although the available data show no evidence of harm, there is currently insufficient information available to adequately assess the safety of this product. The committee's request for additional information has been passed to the Department of Trade and Industry which, I understand, is taking the necessary follow-up action with the manufacturers.
Regional Health Authorities
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will tabulate in the Official Report the changes in finance and manpower, respectively, requested or required since June 1983 of each of the regional health authorities in England and Wales.
The following table sets out the changes in regional health authorities' revenue and capital cash limits which followed the statement by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer on 7 July — [Vol. 45, c. 418] — and the changes in manpower required for each region under the Government's policy of improving manpower planning and control.
| Region | Changes in revenue cash limits | Changes to capital cash limits | Changes in manpower |
| Northern | -5,334 | -805 | -186 |
| Yorkshire | -5,994 | -1,019 | -264 |
| Trent | -7,090 | -1,103 | +520 |
| East Anglian | -3,038 | -435 | +374 |
| North West Thames | -6,195 | -716 | -1,000 |
| North East Thames | -7,838 | -873 | -1,200 |
| South East Thames | -6,896 | -818 | -1,081 |
| South West Thames | -5,386 | -658 | -730 |
| Wessex | -4,296 | -946 | +40 |
| Oxford | -3,418 | -498 | +229 |
| South Western | -5,225 | -903 | -124 |
| West Midlands | -8,322 | -1,502 | -140 |
| Mersey | -4,378 | -579 | -506 |
| North Western | -7,340 | -1,477 | -562 |
| TOTAL ALL RHAS | -80,750 | -12,332 | -4,630 |
Note: The changes in cash limits exclude joint finance; they show the differences between the initial cash limits announced in January and the revised cash limits announced in August.
Royal Liverpool Teaching Hospital
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make a statement on the recent report of the working party at the Royal Liverpool teaching hospital, details of which have been sent to him by the hon. Member for Liverpool, Riverside.
The working party referred to was considering the introduction of an agreed admissions policy to the Royal Liverpool hospital. Most of the problems mentioned in the report were attributable to the lack of such a policy. A trial scheme has now been implemented and I understand that it is working satisfactorily.
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he has any plans to pay an official visit to the Royal Liverpool teaching hospital.
My right hon. Friend has no plans at present to visit the Royal Liverpool teaching hospital.
Health Expenditure (Liverpool)
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will meet a deputation of hon. Members from Liverpool to discuss proposed cuts in expenditure by the Liverpool area health authority.
Yes.
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he is satisfied with the current level of funding of the National Health Service in Liverpool; and if he will make a statement.
Resource allocation to district health authorities is the responsibility of regional health authorities. Liverpool health authority is currently receiving slightly more than its fair share of the resources available to the Mersey RHA. In view of the projected decline in the city's population and changes in the authority's catchment area for patients, Liverpool would be considerably overfunded in comparison with other health districts by the end of this decade if no action were taken. The RHA has decided that Liverpool's revenue budget should be reduced by six per cent. by 1988–89, against a background of a projected nine per cent. decline in population. At the same time, Liverpool should receive nearly £30 million capital investment over approximately the same period to assist in rationalising services and providing more community-orientated facilities.
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what representations he has received opposing proposed cuts in the budget of the Liverpool area health authority.
We have received two letters from the hon. Member for Liverpool, Riverside (Mr. Parry) and one other letter on this matter.
Retirement Pensioners
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will estimate how many more retirement pensioners there will be in 1983–84 compared with 1978–79; and what is the estimated extra annual cost in 1983–84 of paying the basic retirement pension to these new claimants.
It is estimated that there will be 600,000 more retirement pensioners in 1983–84 than in 1978–79. The cost of paying basic retirement pension in 1983–84 to these additional pensioners is estimated to be £730 million.
Hospital Closures (London)
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what proposals he has received from the North-West Thames regional health authority in relation to West Hendon hospital; and what will be the effect on patients and staff at the hospital if their proposals are agreed by him;(2) what are the expenditure limits placed on the Barnet district health authority and the North-West Thames regional health authority for 1983–84, 1984–85 and 1985–86 respectively; and what is the estimated effect of each on manpower in the respective authorities.(3) if he has received any proposals regarding the future of Hendon cottage hospital and Finchley memorial hospital from the Barnet district health authority or the North-West Thames regional health authority;
(4) what representations he has received from hon. or right hon. Members regarding the proposal to close West Hendon hospital and the future of Hendon cottage hospital and Finchley memorial hospital.
The proposals for the closure of West Hendon hospital and the change of use of 21 beds at Hendon district hospital made by Barnet health authority as part of its plans to streamline acute services within the district were approved by Ministers earlier this month. The patients in West Hendon hospital will be moved to upgraded accommodation in Colindale hospital and to the vacated beds in Hendon district hospital. The staff concerned will be employed elsewhere in the district and compulsory redundancies are not anticipated. No formal proposals have been received in relation to Finchley memorial hospital.We have received representations about the proposals from my hon. Friend the Member for Hendon, North (Mr. Gorst) and from my right hon. and learned Friend the Member for Hendon, South (Mr. Thomas), and have responded explaining why the proposals were approved. In relation to expenditure, North-West Thames regional health authority's cash limit for 1983–84 is £655,440,000. Allocations for future years have yet to be decided. The level of allocation made to Barnet health authority is for the regional health authority to determine, within the broad framework of financial policy laid down centrally.Finally, in relation to manpower, the North-West Thames regional health authority's manpower target for 31 March 1984 has been settled at 58,626 whole time equivalent staff, a reduction of 1,000 on the number in post at 31 March 1983. Setting targets for individual districts within the region is the responsibility of the regional health authority.
Nhs (Plasma Imports)
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the current level and cost of blood plasma imports by the National Health Service; and when he expects Great Britain to be self-sufficient in blood plasma and products.
As far as I am aware, no human blood plasma is imported into the United Kingdom by the National Health Service. Over the next three years the blood products laboratory will be redeveloped at a cost of £21 million. When completed the Laboratory will be of a size capable of making England and Wales self-sufficient in blood products.
Asbestos (Cancer)
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if his Department will investigate and seek to ascertain the extent to which ingestion of asbestos fibres has exacerbated, or been responsible for, cancer in digestive organs.
Both our Department's medical staff and its independent expert advisory committees continue to review the results of research undertaken here or abroad into the medical effects of asbestos fibres. So far there is no convincing evidence that asbestos fibres ingested from food, water or other drinks exacerbate or cause cancer of the digestive organs. Among the current research is a number of projects supported by the Medical Research Council, which is the main Government funded body supporting research into asbestos linked illness or death, from their grant-in-aid under the Science Vote of the Department of Education and Science.
Nhs Blood (Charges)
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what charge he proposes to make to the private medical sector for the use of blood collected by the National Health Service.
I refer the hon. Member to my reply to him on 27 July 1983—[Vol. 46, c. 503.]
Elderly Persons (Hospitalisation)
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will take steps to provide people caring for elderly relatives with advice on the various steps they should take when the individual concerned is admitted to hospital on a permanent basis.
Because of the variations which occur in arrangements for patient care, it seems better to rely on advice which is produced locally. Many hospitals issue their own guidance for families. Information about social security matters is available in benefit order book notes, in leaflets and on inquiry at social security offices. In addition hospital social workers offer advice on a wide range of individual problems.
Nursing Staffs (Shortages)
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what consideration he is giving to the collection of information on manpower shortages in specific groups of nursing staff on a central basis; and if he will make a statement.
The steering group on health service information is currently reviewing local and central information needs. Manpower information is one aspect being considered. The Steering Group is expected to report on this aspect early next year when my right hon. Friend will consider its recommendations.
Overseas Pensioners
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the total number of pensioners living overseas who are currently in receipt of United Kingdom pensions; and if he will show (a) the numbers in each of the respective countries, (b) the countries where the annual increments are applied and (c) the countries where the annual increments are not applied.
At 31 December 1982, 306,639 United Kingdom retirement and widow pensioners were receiving their pensions abroad. Annual uprating increases are payable to pensioners abroad only where they are in other EC countries or in countries with which the United Kingdom has a bilateral social security convention which allows some or all increases to be paid.At 31 December 1982, 121,114 United Kingdom pensioners were in countries where increases are payable. Of these, 57,690 were in other EC countries. The remainder were in Austria (1,628), Bermuda (234), the Channel Islands (9,457), Cyprus (1,681), Israel (1,604), Jamaica (6,721), Malta (1,708), Mauritius (66), Portugal (924), Spain (9,225), Switzerland (1,466), Turkey (145), USA (27,553), and Yugoslavia (1,012).Of the pensioners in countries where increases are not payable, the majority were in Australia (85,326), Canada (40,962), New Zealand (21,377) and South Africa (15,077).
Phenylalanine
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) whether he will make it his policy, in the interests of the health of phenylketonurics to take steps to prevent the introduction of phenylalanine into food and drink products where it does not occur naturally;(2) what is the incidence of phenylketonuria in the population of the United Kingdom; and whether he will take steps to alert parents of phenylketonurics to the introduction of any new food product containing phenylalanine.
All proposed new food additives are reviewed for safety-in-use by the Department's independent expert advisory committee on toxicity of chemicals in food, consumer products and the environment. Should any additive recommended for use by the committee contain phenylalanine, then consideration would certainly be given to alerting those responsible for the care of phenylketonurics to its proposed introduction onto the market. However, on the basis of advice received, we see no reason to bar the use of any food additive containing this essential amino acid as a matter of general policy. The incidence of phenylketonuria varies between different parts of the country, but the average for the United Kingdom is about 1 per 10,000 live births.
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what consultations have taken place and what arrangements have been made concerning drawing to the attention of consumers the fact that the new sweetener, aspartame, contains phenylalanine, a substance dangerous to phenylketonurics.
The Department's chief medical officer has written to regional and district medical officers to inform them of the introduction onto the market of this new sweetener. This letter has also been distributed to organisations and individuals with a particular concern in the dietary supervision of phenylketonurics.
Chemist Contractors (Discounts)
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what saving to the National Health Service is generated each year from the discount applied to the calculation of ingredient costs of the medicines supplied on National Health Service prescriptions by chemist contractors; why similar savings are not made on the cost of medicines supplied on National Health Service prescriptions supplied by dispensing doctors; and if he will estimate the saving to the National Health Service if dispensing doctors were subject to the same discounting principle applied to chemist contractors;(2) whether dispensing doctors enjoy similar wholesaler and/or supplier discounts to those given to, and recovered from, chemist contractors; and what is the average percentage figure that dispensing doctors receive in discounts.
The discount withheld from chemists in 1982, the latest period for which figures are available, was £53·3 million (England only). That figure will now be subject to adjustment following the recently published results of an inquiry into chemists' discount levels.As far as doctors are concerned, the Health Departments and the General Medical Services Committee of the British Medical Association are currently undertaking a joint exercise for the purpose of determining whether discounts are available to dispensing doctors, and if so how much. However, because of the system of remuneration of general medical practitioners any amount withheld from the remuneration of dispensing doctors because of discounts would need to be redistributed to the profession through fees and allowances to achieve the intended average net income. Consequently there would be no saving to the Exchequer.
Doctors (Retirement Pensions)
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if, in view of the fact that additional income over and above the doctor's remuneration for his medical services paid to a dispensing doctor is, in part, taken into account when the doctor's retirement pension is calculated, he will quantify the additional cost to the Exchequer and compare the figures with the dispensing costs of chemist contractors.
General medical services include dispensing, in certain instances, by doctors and remuneration from dispensing is not treated any differently from other remuneration for superannuation purposes. There are therefore no clearly identifiable additional costs falling to the Exchequer.
Occupational Pensions
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what progress has been made on the introduction of pension arrangements for employees which do not discriminate against those who change their jobs.
The first major step was the Social Security Act 1973 which required pension rights of early leavers with five or more years' service to be preserved but not increased. The second step was the Social Security Pensions Act 1975 which provided for all employees to build up earnings related pension rights which, within the limits of the state pension scheme, are payable irrespective of job changes and protected against inflation.More recently, we called a special conference on early leavers on 14 September which was most valuable in identifying the action needed to protect other pension rights in excess of the statutory minimum. We are still considering the various points of view and will make a further statement as soon as we have agreed proposals for future Government action.
Nhs (Staff Reductions)
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will tabulate in the Official Report for each health authority in England under regional headings the reduction in the numbers of Health Service employees recently determined under the headings of (a) doctors, (b) nurses, (c) other medical staff and (d) others, respectively, together with respective regional and national totals.
The Government have not determined targets for each staff group nationally or regionally. Each regional health authority has been set a global manpower target and it is for regional health authorities to decide how to allocate this target within their regions. Decisions on the distribution among staff groups will be taken by individual health authorities.The table below shows the overall changes in manpower for each region between 31 March 1983 and 31 March 1984.
| Change in Manpower Required (Whole Time Equivalents) | |
| RHA | |
| Northern | -186 |
| Yorkshire | -264 |
| Trent | +520 |
| East Anglia | +374 |
| North-West Thames | -1,000 |
| North-East Thames | -1,200 |
| South-East Thames | -1,081 |
| South-West Thames | -730 |
| Wessex | + 40 |
| Oxford | + 229 |
| South Western | -124 |
| West Midlands | -140 |
| Mersey | -506 |
| North Western | -562 |
| Special health authorities | -207 |
| boards of governors | |
| Total | -4,837 |
Mental Health Services
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many local authorities have achieved the 1975 White Paper targets in the provision of long-stay hostel places, day centre places and community psychiatric nursing facilities, respectively.
The 1975 White Paper, "Better Services for the Mentally Ill" (Cmnd. 6233) contained provisional planning guidelines on future levels of provision which were dependent on economic circumstances and developments in alternative ways of providing care. There are no targets as such. The White Paper indicated that completion of the new pattern of care was likely to take up to 20–30 years.The Department's annual "Personal Social Services: Local Authorities Statistics" shows that local authorities' progress has varied greatly. As the White Paper says,
"The level of local need can only be fully determined in the context of the individual locality."
Some local authorities prefer to rely less on their own provision and more on accommodation and day care provided locally by voluntary bodies, which the local authority supports financially.
Despite problems, progress is being made, by local authorities and by health authorities (which are responsible for community psychiatric nursing services), towards a comprehensive district psychiatric service based in, the community. The allocation of extra funds for joint finance which I announced on 14 March 1983 — [Vol. 39, c. 54–55]— under our care in the community initiative should further assist progress.
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will make available additional financial resources in order to assist district health authorities and local authorities in the development of comprehensive local mental health services.
No. Authorities must finance developments in all services within existing cash allocations and from resources released through greater efficiency.
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many psychiatric beds are available based in district general hospitals; how far short of the Government's estimate of the numbers required this figure is; and what steps he intends to take to rectify this.
District general hospitals are not explicitly identified in statistics collected centrally. During 1981, the latest year for which information is available, the average daily number of available beds in what are broadly classified as mental illness units in general hospitals was 14,236. No precise target has been set but I expect the number to continue to rise.
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what criteria district health authorities are expected to observe in the development of their mental health services;(2) what are the essential components of a district based psychiatric service, and how the cost of providing these district based facilities will compare with the average revenue cost of a large mental hospital;(3) how many district health authorities have a full range of services for the treatment and care of mentally ill people within their district boundaries;(4) what is Her Majesty's Government's policy on the future of large mental hospitals in excess of 200 beds; and what considerations district health authorities should take into account in planning for the future of these hospitals.
The Government's long-term policy is for the development of comprehensive district-based mental health services, as set out broadly in the 1975 White Paper "Better Services for the Mentally Ill". I am sending the hon. Member a copy of a recent note for regional health authorities, which summarises our current thinking. The nature and size of the elements of an individual district's service must be determined locally, in the light of each district's particular circumstances, preferences and priorities, and after consultation with the social service departments, other statutory services, and voluntary organisations.Assessment of whether a district has a reasonably full range of services for the district population within its boundaries is best done locally. We expect that in the long run the change in the pattern of services will not greatly change the overall revenue cost falling on a district, compared with the cost of mental hospital-based services for the same population, but this too will depend on local factors.Health authorities which manage a large hospital need to decide whether that hospital can continue to provide a base for services reaching out into the community, or whether plans should now be made to redeploy the resources of people and money which are locked up in the hospital into a range of alternative facilities within the community. We are discussing with regional health authorities the complex issues which must be faced in planning the hospital's future, to safeguard present and future patient care.
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services which district health authorities are currently not providing psychiatric beds.
Information is not available centrally in the form requested. The latest information available centrally relates to 1981, which is prior to the establishment of the new district health authorities.
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he is satisfied with the current level of services provided for elderly mentally infirm people; and if he will make a statement.
We remain concerned about both the quantity and the quality of services available for this group. But in the past year we have seen signs of improvement in both respects, partly linked to the £6 million initiative we took last year to provide an added incentive to the development of better services. We will continue to keep a close eye on progress.
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services which local authorities are not currently providing any residential care places for elderly mentally ill people.
This information is not available. Local authorities usually provide for elderly people suffering from dementia or other forms of mental illness in homes for the elderly, provided under Part III of the National Assistance Act 1948, and statistics do not separately identify those residents suffering from mental illness. All local authorities in England make some provision for the residential care of elderly people, and it is likely that some proportion of residents will suffer a form of mental illness.
Secure Facilities
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether it is Her Majesty's Government's policy that secure facilities should be part of the district or supra-district mental health service plans.
The Government's policy is that every regional health authority should have, as part of its overall range of psychiatric provision, an adequate number of places available in secure facilities, including regional secure units. The deployment of secure facilities and the extent of their catchment areas are matters for individual health authorities. Such facilities may be provided on a regional or subregional basis.
Defence
Royal Air Force (Helicopter Responsibilities)
asked the Secretary of State for Defence what recent studies his Department has made of the increased efficiency, and the saving of expenditure, that might result from the transfer of the Royal Air Force's helicopter responsibilities to the Royal Navy and the Army Air Corps; and if he will make a statement.
Some staff studies are under way to determine what scope there may be for rationalising the Army Air Corps' battlefield and the RAF's light support helicopter roles. Transfer of other RAF helicopter roles has been examined in the past but found not to be justified on operational or cost effective grounds.
New Army Helmet
asked the Secretary of State for Defence what tests have been conducted on the Army's new helmet to ascertain its protective value when it is subjected to heat, flames or flash conditions; and if he will make a statement.
The shell of the new Mk 6 combat helmet is required to provide protection to the head against high intensity thermal radiation, and it has been successfully tested for this. The helmet shell has also been tested for non-flammability in various fire conditions, and the cloth cover and chinstrap tested for melting characteristics. The helmet will protect the wearer's head against heat, flame and flash conditions at least to the point where he is likely to succumb to their effects on less well protected parts of his body.
Raf Woodbridge (Alleged Incident)
asked the Secretary of State for Defence (1) if he has seen the United States Air Force memo dated 13 January 1981 concerning unexplained lights near RAF Woodbridge;(2) whether, in view of the fact that the United State's Air Force memo of 13 January 1981 on the incident at RAF Woodbridge has been released under the Freedom of Information Act, he will now release reports and documents concerning similar unexplained incidents in the United Kingdom;(3) how many unexplained sightings or radar intercepts have taken place since 1980.
I have seen the memorandum of 13 January 1981 to which my hon. Friend refers. Since 1980 the Department has received 1,400 reports of sightings of flying objects which the observers have been unable to identify. There were no corresponding unexplained radar contacts. Subject to normal security constraints, I am ready to give information about any such reported sightings that are found to be a matter of concern from a defence standpoint, but there have been none to date.
Royal Ordnance Factories
asked the Secretary of State for Defence what are the conditions of appointment of Messrs. Lazard Brothers and N. M. Rothschild as advisers to the Royal ordnance factories and the Ministry of Defence; what will be the estimated total cost of these appointments; and to which vote these will be chargeable.
Messrs. N. M. Rothschild and Sons has been appointed by the Ministry of Defence to advise on the commercial aspects of the legislation proposed to change the Royal ordnance factories' (ROFs') status; and Messrs. Lazard Brothers by the ROFs to advise on financial and related questions arising in the period of transition. Their conditions of appointment vary but each is paid from Vote 2 and the Royal ordnance factories' trading fund respectively, at prescribed intervals according to work done. It is impossible at this stage to estimate precisely how much work this will involve, and any attempt to calculate a total cost could be seriously misleading.
Trident Programme
asked the Secretary of State for Defence in the event of a delay in the development of the Trident programme, what financial penalties are invoked; and over what time scale.
There would be no financial penalties invoked between the United States and United Kingdom authorities under the Polaris sales agreement (which encompasses the purchase of Trident) or, as such, between Her Majesty's Government and participating British firms. The profits earned by British firms could, however, he affected by failure to meet delivery dates.