Written Answers

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Written Answers To Questions

Tuesday 8 November 1983

Social Services

Overseas Visitors

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many overseas visitors have used the National Health Service facilities in each of the last five years; and, since the introduction of charges, how many overseas visitors have contributed toward these facilities.

I shall write to my hon. Friend.

Ancillary Workers (Special Duty Allowance)

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the total current annual cost to the National Health Service of paying a special duty allowance to ancillary workers during periods of paid leave.

There is no "special duty allowance" as such, but if my hon. Friend has in mind payments for "on-call" duty the total annual cost in Great Britain of such payments to ancillary staff during periods of annual or sick leave is estimated to be in the order of £25,000.

Health Circular Hc (83) 18

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether it is open to groups of workers in the National Health Service to submit tenders under Health circular HC (83) 18 on any basis other than Whitley council terms.

Present agreements to which management and trades unions are parties mean that in-house tenders must be based on Whitley council terms. However, with the agreement of staff interests, the tenders could provide for the revision of an existing incentive bonus scheme. A group of NHS workers could tender on some other basis as a co-operative, but if successful they would then cease to be NHS employees.

Medicines And Tablets (Expiry Date Stamp)

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether the Government will introduce legislation to require that all medicines and tablets have an expiry date stamp for their usage.

Current regulations require an expiry date to be shown on the labels of medicines that should be used within three years of manufacture. An EC directive of 26 October 1983 requires arrangements to be made for the expiry date to feature in plain language on the labels of all proprietary medicinal products. This will apply first to new products and later to those already on the market. We will be considering tie most suitable means of complying with these requirements. Any consequential regulations will require consultation with the industry and other interested organisations.

Supplementary Benefit Appeals (Kirklees)

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many supplementary benefit appeals are currently outstanding in the Kirklees district.

Supplementary benefit appeals in the Kirklees district are submitted to Huddersfield and Dewsbury tribunals. There are currently 18 appeals awaiting hearing before these two tribunals.

Abortions

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will set out the number of abortions performed in England and Wales to resident girls aged 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15 years for each of the years from 1969 to 1982; and if he will also show the rate of abortions performed on these age groups per 1,000 girls.

The information requested is as follows:

Legal abortions: Numbers and rates per 1,000 population, girls aged 11–15, 1969–82 England and Wales residents
	Age
Numbers	11	12	13	14	15
1969	2	7	38	279	848
1970	3	20	85	391	1,233
1971	3	16	77	529	1,671
1972	—	7	98	586	2,113
1973	4	14	108	695	2,270
1974	1	9	117	718	2,490
1975	—	12	120	747	2,691
1976	6	14	122	73fc	2,545
1977	1	13	105	804	2,701
1978	3	20	113	708	2,454
1979	9	18	116	698	2,693
1980	5	17	141	770	2,717
1981	7	13	98	710	2,701
1982^*	—	15	138	778	2,921
Rates per 1,000 population
1969	0·01	0·02	0·12	0·89	2·63
1970	0·01	0·06	0·26	1·22	3·88
1971	0·01	0·05	0·22	1·57	5·12
1972	—	0·02	0·28	1·69	6·26
1973	0·01	0·04	0·30	1·96	6·50
1974	0·00	0·02	0·31	2·00	7·00
1975	—	0·03	0·31	2·00	7·50
1976	0·01	0·04	0·31	1·92	6·79
1977	0·00	0·03	0·26	2·05	7·03
1978	0·01	0·05	0·28	1·77	6·26
1979	0·02	0·05	0·30	1·74	6·71
1980	0·01	0·05	0·36	1·96	6·77
1981	0·02	0·03	0·26	1·81	6·76
1982^*	—	0·04	0·36	2·04	7·43
^* Provisional.

War Widows Pensions

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will reinstate the war widows pension for those who subsequently remarry but whose marriage ends in divorce.

It would be inequitable to restore the war widows pension in such circumstances.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will place all war widows pensions of those whose husbands were killed on active service on an equivalent footing with those widowed as a result of service in Northern Ireland.

The same rates of war widows' pension apply regardless of the conflict in which the service man was killed.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many war widows there are; and what is the current cost of their pensions.

The number of war widows in receipt of war widows' pension at 30 June 1982 was 70,250 and the total cost of war widows' pensions for the financial year 1982–83 was £174,090,000.

Live Births Occurring in England and Wales by Age of Mother
1969–1982
Year of occurrence	Age of mother (numbers)					Births per 1,000^*
	11	12	13	14	15	11	12	13	14	15
1969	3	11	32	204	1,236	0·01	0·03	0·10	0·65	3·84
1970	3	9	24	217	1,166	0·01	0·03	0·07	0·68	3·67
1971	1	4	32	229	1,248	—	0·01	0·09	0·68	3·82
1972	1	4	27	241	1,317	—	0·01	0·08	0·69	3·90
1973	1	7	38	271	1,361	—	0·02	0·11	0·76	3·90
1974	0	6	23	258	1,282	—	0·02	0·06	0·72	3·61
1975	1	3	35	232	1,259	—	0·01	0·09	0·62	3·51
1976	1	3	34	215	1,173	—	0·01	0·09	0·56	3·14
1977	0	3	22	208	1,074	—	0·01	0·06	0·53	2·79
1978	2	1	22	194	1,164	0·01	—	0·06	0·48	2·97
1979	2	2	26	208	1,138	0·01	0·01	0·07	0·52	2·84
1980	9	8	18	190	1,056	0·02	0·02	0·05	0·48	2·63
1981†‡	10	0	20	190	960	—	—	0·05	0·48	2·40
1982‡	0	11	14	192	952	—	0·03	0·04	0·50	2·42

Notes:

^* Rates per 1,000 have not been calculated where there is only one recorded birth in the age group.

† 1981 figures are estimates based upon a 10 per cent. sample of births; small numbers are therefore subject to particular uncertainty.

‡ Birth rates for 1981 and 1982 are based upon a new series of population estimates not strictly comparable with those for 1969–80.

Stoma Care

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what financial support is provided by Her Majesty's Government for research on ileostomy and colostomy appliance development.

The financing of ileostomy and colostomy appliance development is primarily a matter for the industry. The Ileostomy Association, which has close contact with the industry and doctors and nurses and to which the Department has given financial support, funds some research.The stomacare nursing forum of the Royal College of Nursing is co-operating with the Department in establishing a national trials procedure for ostomy appliances which will lead to improved screening of products. The cost of the trials during the financial years 1983–84 and 1984–85 is estimated to be £9,000 and will be met by the Department.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what records are held in the national Health Service on colostomy, ileostomy and urinary conduit operations carried out since the formation of the National Health Service.

Specific information on the numbers of colostomy, ileostomy and urinary conduit operations carried out in the NHS is not routinely available. However, the numbers of those major surgical procedures with which

Birth Statistics

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will set out the number of births in England and Wales to resident girls aged 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15 years for each of the years from 1969 to 1982; and if he will also show the rate of births to these age groups per 1,000 girls.

The following table shows the information requested. The figures may include a very small number of births occurring in England and Wales to mothers whose usual residence was outside the country.these named operations normally form an integral part can be estimated centrally, for the years 1960 to 1980, from the Hospital In-Patient Enquiry, a one-in-ten sample of inpatient records from NHS non-psychiatric hospitals. Complete records are held by Regional Health Authorities on Regional Hospital Activity Analysis systems.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what was the total cost in the year 1982–83 of free prescription of colostomy and ileostomy products.

The cost in 1982–83 of prescriptions dispensed by chemists for colostomy, ileostomy and urostomy products was £13·2 million, in England. This does not include professional fees paid to chemists; it is not possible to identify these separately from fees paid on other prescriptions.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will consider compiling a voluntary register of all ileostomists and colostomists in the United Kingdom.

We are not yet persuaded of the need for either a central voluntary register or local ones. If, however, the hon. Member would care to write to me explaining the purpose of his request, we will give it further consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make financial and other support available to the Ileostomy Association of the United Kingdom, the Colostomy Welfare Group and the Urinary Conduit Association.

Any assistance from the Department would he in the form of grants under section 64 of the Health Services and Public Health Act 1968. A grant of £3,000 was made to the Ileostomist Association for each of the years 1980 and 1981.It is open to any of the associations to apply for a grant though demands on the funds available under the section 64 budget are currently heavy.

International Year Of Disabled People

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what has been done to continue the aims and objectives of the International Year of Disabled People; and how the moneys available at the end of the year have been distributed.

There were no special moneys available for distribution at the end of the International Year of Disabled People. The aims and objectives of the year continue to be pursued by the Department across the whole range of its relevant activities.

Radiographers

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) how many foreign radiographers who have obtained work permits are working in the National Health Service;(2) how many vacancies there are currently in the National Health Service for radiographers.

Information on the numbers of vacancies and on the numbers of staff holding work permits is not collected.

Action On Alcohol Abuse

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he has any plans to make available public funds to Action on Alcohol Abuse.

No.

Nhs Staff (Working Conditions)

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will analyse the allocation of space and comfort in the National Health Service in relation to senior administrative staff; if he will indicate the ratio of space available to consultants, nurses, paramedical professionals and technicians; if he will take steps in the case of any imbalance to reallocate the space in terms of medical, nursing and technical need; and if he will make a statement.

The allocation of space in health buildings is a matter for health authorities. The Department already provides them with guidance in the form of health building notes with supporting material which describes the spatial and environmental conditions which are needed in each part of health building to enable the staff to do their jobs properly. The space is related to the work which has to be carried out rather than to categories of staff or to particular individuals. I do not believe that it would be sensible for the Department to go further than this by issuing detailed rigid rules on a subject which ought to be resolved locally by common sense appraisals of service needs.

Rehabilitation Medicine

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services in how many places in the United Kingdom degree courses are available in physiotherapy and occupational therapy; when he expects the number of courses and students to be increased; what is his policy on training for these professions for rehabilitation medicine; and if he will make a statement.

The general pattern of training in both physiotherapy and occupational therapy is that students undergo three-year training courses leading to a diploma recognised by the appropriate board of the Council for Professions Supplementary to Medicine as meeting the requirements for state registration.First degree courses in physiotherapy are available in London, Glasgow and Northern Ireland. Proposals are under consideration for a further two courses in London and there are tentative plans in other centres, but it is riot possible to say when any new course is likely to begin. There are no first degree courses in occupational therapy in the United Kingdom and approval has not been given for any course to be established.My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education and Science and I are not convinced that there is a case for an all-graduate status for the physiotherapy and occupational therapy professions. We support in principle the case for a small nucleus of graduates who could specialise in particular fields such as teaching, research and in developing clinical work. This may, however, be most readily achieved through post-registration courses.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many chairs in rehabilitation are currently (a) established and (b) filled in Great Britain; if Her Majesty's Government will fund a new chair in rehabilitation; and if he will make a statement.

There are at present two chairs in rehabilitation in Great Britain of which the one at the University of Edinburgh is filled. The Europe chair at the University of Southampton, established in 1973 with a Government grant to mark our entry into the European Community, has been vacant for some time. I understand that appointment may be made shortly. The filling of this post, for which the Department has agreed in principle to provide financial support, will provide a valuable stimulus to rehabilitation practice. We have no plans for funding additional chairs in rehabilitation.

Nhs Facilities (Charges)

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services by what percentage the average daily charge for use of a National Health Service pay bed and the average charge for private use of a National Health Service operating theatre have risen since 1979; and if he will express the increase (a) in money terms, (b) in real terms, calculated according to the retail price index, and (c) in resource terms, calculated according to the relative price coefficient.

Charges for private patients in NHS hospitals are related to the class of hospital in which treatment is given. The percentages shown in the following table are derived from averages covering all classes and take account, where possible, of the relative use made by private patients in each class.

	1	2	3
	Per cent.	Per cent.	Per cent.
Pay bed charge	87	27	20
Non resident use of operating theatre	71	16	9

The gross increase from 1979–80 to 1983–84.The increase after allowing for movement in the retail price index.The increase after allowing for movement in NHS pay and prices.

Accident And Emergency Facilities (Salford)

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what are the present facilities for accidents and emergencies in Salford; if any changes in such services are envisaged; and if he will make a statement.

At present full accident and emergency facilities are provided at Salford royal hospital and Hope hospital. New facilities for the district will be opening in 1984 at Hope hospital, as part of that hospital's redevelopment. The health authority has appointed a working party to consider the future pattern of services in the light of these new facilities.

Private Hospitals

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether any health authority has applied for any district or part thereof to be designated as one in which all proposed private hospital developments require authorisation under the Health Services Act 1976 as amended by the Health Services Act 1980.

No.30

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will publish in the Official Report a list of the district health authority areas where privately owned hospitals or clinics were opened or extended in 1982; and if he will state the number of new private beds in each district.

Because information about the number of private hospitals and nursing homes registered with health authorities has only just begun to be collected on an annual basis, it is not yet possible to determine accurately changes in numbers from one year to another. The following table is based on a follow-up to notifications made to the Department under the Health Services Act 1976, as amended by the Health Services Act 1980, and may not be comprehensive.

Health Authority	Number of private hospitals opened in 1982	Number of new beds
Scunthorpe	1	20
Airedale	1	45
South West Hertfordshire	1	60

Health Authority	Number of private hospitals opened in 1982	Number of new beds
Bloomsbury	1	100
Canterbury and Thanet	1	60
West Dorset	1	20
Bath	1	50
Northampton	1	30
Wycombe	1	56
Solihull	1	32
Central Birmingham	1	110
Wirral	1	41
Rochdale	—	^*3
^* Extension to an existing facility.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will list the private hospitals offering acute medical and surgical care which treat National Health Service patients under contractual arrangements with health authorities.

The private institutions offering medical and surgical care under contractual arrangements with health authorities in 1982 are as follows, as reported by the authorities, within the NHS regions in which they are located. The list includes care provided in various aspects of patient service including medical, surgical, pre-convalescent and post-operative, diseases of chest, rehabilitation and terminal care.

Private hospitals providing medical and surgical care to NHS patients under contractual arrangements with health authorities

Northern Region

Marie Curie Memorial Foundation, Newcastle-upon-Tyne

The Northumberland Cheshire Home, Matfen, Nr. Newcastle

Yorkshire Region

St. John of God Hospital, Scorton, Richmond, North Yorks.

Sue Ryder Home, Oxenhope, Keighley

Trent Region

St. Lukes Nursing Home, Sheffield

East Anglia Region

North Sea Medical Centre, Great Yarmouth^*

All Hallows Hospital, Bungay

North West Thames Region

St. Vincents Orthopaedic Hospital, Eastcote, Middlesex

British Pregnancy Advisory Service, London Victoria Branch SW1

Marie Stopes House, London W1^*

North East Thames Region

The Marillac, Warley, Essex

St. Josephs Nursing Home, Danbury, Chelmsford

The Hospital and Home of St. Giles, East Hanningfield, Chelmsford

St. Josephs Hospice, Hackney, London E8 4SA

South East Thames Region

Leonard Cheshire Foundation, Maidstone

Benenden Chest Hospital, Cranbrook, Kent

Horder Centre for Arthritics, Crowborough

St. Christophers Hospice, Sydenham, London SE26

Edith Priday Red Cross Home, Blackheath, SE3

South West Thames Region

Holy Cross Hospital, Haslemere

King Edward VII Hospital, Midhurst

Royal Hospital and Home for Incurables, Putney

St. Barnabas Hospital Home, Worthing

Trinity Hospice, Clapham Common, London

Hydon Hill Nursing Home, Godalming, Surrey The Royal Star and Garter Home for Disabled Sailors, Soldiers and Airmen, Richmond-upon Thames

St. Teresa's Hospital, Wimbledon

St. Peters Convent, Woking

Wessex Region

Anglesey Lodge Nursing Home, Alverstoke

Birchy Hill Nursing Home, Lymington

Durban Nursing Home, Romsey

Hill House Rest Home, Lyndhurst

Hordle Grange Nursing Home, Lymington

Maristow Nursing Home, Salisbury

Harnham Croft Nursing Home, Salisbury

Alexandra Nursing Home, Bournemouth

Oxford Region

Byron House Nursing Home, Aylesbury, Bucks

Chiltern Cheshire Home, Gerrards Cross, Bucks

St. Lukes Nursing Home, Oxford

South Western Region

St. Michael's Hospital, Hayle, Cornwall

Penair Nursing Home, St. Clement, Truro

Chypons Residential Home, Newlyn, Penzance

Summer Lodge, Wheal Kitty Lane, St. Agnes

Torbay and South Devon Hospice, Torquay

West Midlands Region

St. Marys Hospice, Selly Park, Birmingham

Derwen Treatment and Rehabilitation Centre, Oswestry Compton Hall, Wolverhampton

Douglas MacMillan Home, Stoke-on-Trent

Department of Physical Medicine, Leamington Spa^*

Warwickshire Orthopaedic Hospital, Coleshill, Birmingham

Mersey Region

David Lewis Centre, Alderley Edge, Cheshire

The Marie Curie Memorial Foundation, Woolton, Liverpool

North Western Region

Cheadle Royal Hospital, Cheadle, Cheshire

David Lewis Centre, Alderly Edge, Cheshire

St. John of God Hospital, Silverdale, Lancaster

St. Ann's Hospice, Heald Green, Cheshire

St. Ann's Hospice, Little Hutton

^* Out-patients only.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will list the private hospitals in England which offer acute medical and surgical care, giving for each hospital the number of beds and the owner.

Information about private hospitals is not held centrally in the form requested, but preliminary information, which may not be comprehensive, on private institutions with operating theatres on 31 December 1982 is given in the following table. Information on ownership is published by Medical Market Information Ltd. in "The Directory of Private Hospitals and Health Services, 1983".

Private Hospitals, Homes and Clinics Registered under Section 3 of the Nursing Homes Act 1975, as amended by the Health Services Act 1980
Institutions with Operating Theatres at 31 December 1982
Region and Institution	Number of beds
Northern
The Cleveland Nuffield Hospital	30
Newcastle Nuffield Hospital	34
Yorkshire
Hull Nuffield Hospital	30
St. Hughs Nursing Home	35
Crosby Nursing Home Ltd.	16
St. John of God Hospital	125

Region and Institution	Number of beds
Purey Cust Nursing Home	24
The Belvedere Nursing Home	40
Duchy House Hospital	37
Biograft Medical Group	0
The Yorkshire Clinic	45
Huddersfield Nuffield Hospital	20
Fulford Grange Private Hospital	24
Mid Yorkshire Nuffield Hospital	30
Marie Stopes Centre	0
East Anglian
Boum Hall Clinic	30
Hope Nursing Home	26
The Evelyn Nursing Home	40
St. Edmunds Nursing Home	31
Ipswich Surgical Home	32
All Hallows Hospital	20
St. Helens House Ltd. Nursing Home	21
The Manor House Nursing Home	8
Trent
The East Midlands Nuffield Hospital	32
St. Mary's Nursing Home	26
Lancaster House Private Hospital	31
The Leicester Clinic	36
London Road Private Hospital	36
The Bromhead Nursing Home	30
Cranleigh Grange Private Surgical Hospital	22
Little Company of Mary Convent NSG Home	43
Danum Lodge Nursing Home	24
St. Wilfrid's Nursing Home	14
Parkfield Private Hospital	17
The Claremont Nursing Home	65
Beechwood Private Clinic	45
North West Thames
The Manor House Hospital	30
Pinehill Hospital	26
Bupa Hospital Bushey	60
The Garden Hospital	30
Novaford Clinic	16
The Manor House Hospital	160
The Clementine Churchill Hospital	99
St. Vincent's Orthopaedic Hospital	132
The Poutney Hair Clinic	6
The Old Court Clinic	50
Parkview Clinic	30
Hillside Hospital	31
Bowley Private Clinic	42
The Royal Masonic Hospital	263
Cromwell Hospital	132
North East Thames
Colchester Nursing Home	29
Fairfield Nursing Home	31
Holly House Private Hospital	26
Uplands Nursing Home	36
Essex Nuffield Hospital	42
Whitehouse Clinic	13
Avenue Clinic	34
West Hampstead Clinic	14
The Arrazi Hospital	50
Fitzroy-Nuffield Nursing Home	64
The Italian Hospital	49
The London Clinic	178
Marie Stopes House	0
Nightingale BUPA Hospital	68
St. Lukes Hospital for the Clergy	27
Wellington Day Surgery Centre	12
Welbeck Private Clinic	44
The Harley Street Clinic	133
Princess Grace Hospital	134
Wellington Hospital	224
Hospital of St. John and St. Elizabeth	142
Regent's Park Day Clinic	5
London Private Hospital	50
The New Cavendish Street Clinic	3
101 Private Clinic Ltd.	2
The North London Nuffield Hospital	30
Highgate Private Clinic	34

Region and Institution	Number of beds
The Park Clinic	12
South East Thames
The Avenue Private Clinic	29
Sussex Nuffield Hospital	36
Wistons Nursing Home	51
Esperance Nursing Home	49
Sussex Private Clinic	45
Hythe Surgical Clinic	18
St. Saviour's Hospital	35
The Chaucer Hospital	60
Fawkham Manor Clinic	40
Somerfield Nursing Home	14
Victoria House Clinic	6
Benenden Chest Hospital	194
Tunbridge Wells Nuffield Hospital	30
The Sloane Clinic	66
Leigham Clinic	29
Raleigh Nursing Home	16
New Cross Nursing Home	14
Churchill Clinic	63
South West Thames
Woking Nuffield Hospital	37
Clare Park Clinic	34
Holy Cross Hospital	101
Mount Alvernia Hospital	121
North Downs Clinic	26
The Southern Clinic	14
St. Francis Nursing Home	24
West Sussex Clinic Ltd.	28
New Victoria Hospital	29
Rosslyn	37
St. Teresas Hospital	65
St. Anthonys Hospital	105
Wessex
Hazeldene Private Orthopaedic Clinic	4
Dean Park Nursing Home	26
Strathallan Hospital	32
Winterbourne Hospital	22
St. George's Hospital	29
Sorum Road Nursing Home	32
Wessex Nuffield Hospital	30
New Hall Hospital	24
Bath Clinic	55
Lansdowne Private Hospital	40
Oxford
HRH Princess Christians Hospital	32
Nuffield Hospital Slough	42
Princess Margaret Hospital	58
Dunedin Private Clinic	39
Gables Nursing Home	20
St. Joseph's Nursing Home	30
The Paddocks Independent Hospital	43
Chiltem Hospital	65
Three Shires Hospital	29
St. Matthew's Private Hospital	34
Acland Nuffield Hospital	41
Foscote Private Hospital	21
South Western
The Chesterfield Clinic	36
St. Mary's Private Hospital	61
St. Michael's Hospital	80
The Duchy Hospital	31
Plymouth Nuffield Hospital	32
The Torby Clinic	27
Cotswold Nuffield Hospital	30
The Gloucester Clinic	20
Somerset Nuffield Hosptial	28
West Midlands
Wye Valley Nuffield Hospital	23
Salop Nuffield Nursing Home	32
North Staffordshire Nuffield Hospital	32
Biograft Medical Group Ltd.	15
T.C.C. Group Ltd.	10
Sedlescombe Nursing Home	18
St. Gerald's Hospital	83
Blackdown Nursing Home	39
Warwickshire Private Hospital	30

Region and Institution	Number of beds
Victoria Nursing Home	22
Calthorpe Nursing Home	23
Edgbaston Nuffield Hospital	66
Priory Hospital	101
Robert Nursing Home	14
Halsowen Private Nursing Home	21
Scott Clinic Private Medical Center	0
Solihull Private Hospital	38
Wolverhampton Nuffield Hospital	34
Colchester Nursing Home	21
Mersey
Grosvenor Nuffield Hospital	30
Cranbrook Clinic	2
Lourdes Hospital	63
Merseyside Nursing Home	31
Fairfield Hospital	50
Carlton Nursing Home	12
Park House Nursing Home	76
BUPA Murrayfield Hospital	41
North Western
St. Joseph's Hospital	124
Our Lady of Compassion Hospital	45
Horwich Clinic	14
Transform Partnership (CS) Ltd.	0
Sister Rose Private Health Care Clinic	0
BUPA Hospital Manchester	93
Rochdale Private Surgical Unit	3
Alexandra Hospital	149
South Manchester Private Clinic	16

asked the secretary of state for Social Services what proposals for private hospitals have been notified to him under the Health Services Act 1976, as amended by the Health Services Act 1980, since 17th January 1983.

Since 17 January 1983, 23 notifications have been received as follows. No applications for authorization have been received in the

same	period.
Proposed Hospital—Site	Number of Beds Proposed
Southbank Nursing Home Worcester	^*42
The Glen	70
Redland Hill
Bristol
Walderslade Woods and Impton Lane Site	60
Walderslade
Kent
Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve Site	119
Kings way, Hove
Sussex
Chamberlain's Wharf	118
Tooley Street
London SE1
Somerfield Hospital	16
London Road
Maidstone
Kent
Roding Lane South	60
Redbridge
Essex
Hove Independent Hospital	33
Kingsway
Hove Sussex

Proposed Hospital—Site	Number of Beds Proposed
Bath Road
Reading RG1 6NB
Solihull Parkway Hospital	33
Damson Parkway
Solihull
Nuffield Homes Trust Hospital	16
Derriford
Plymouth
St. Andrews Brine Baths	36
Droitwich
Worcestershire
Princess Margaret Hospital	11
Osborne Road
Windsor
The Alexandra Hospital	Operating Theatre
Mill Lane
Cheadle
Cheshire
Cromwell House	20
High Street
Huntingdon
Cambs
Girton Grange	42
Huntingdon Road
Cambridge
Elland Hall Farm	40
Elland
Calderdale
W. Yorks
Gablehays	41
Colchester Road
Chelmsford
Essex
Humana Hospital Wellington	40
Wellington Place
London NW8
Beverley and Lowfield Roads	46
Anlaby
Hull
BUPA Hospital Harpenden	16
Ambrose Lane
Harpenden
Herts
Elland Lane	†40
Calderdale
W. Yorks

Notes

^* This is a re-notification following abandonment of the same proposal notified earlier.

† This is a re-notification following refusal of planning permission for the Elland Hall Farm proposal also listed above.

Inpatient Waiting Lists

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many people were on the waiting lists for inpatient treatment at National Health Service hospitals at the end of 1981 and at the end of 1982 in each district health authority area.

The number of persons on the waiting list for inpatient treatment at National Health Service hospitals on 30 September 1982, the latest available date, in each district health authority is as follows, together with comparative information for 30 September 1981 where available.The increase in numbers over this period reflects the consequences of industrial action in the Health Service in 1982.

Number of Persons on Inpatient Waiting List
Region—Northern Regional Health Authority
District Health Authority (DHA)	30 September 1981	30 September 1982
Hartlepool	1,206	1,841
North Tees	1,191	1,958
South Tees	6,175	10,319
East Cumbria	^*	3,323
South Cumbria	^*	1,152
West Cumbria	1,083	1,870
Darlington	1,695	3,140
Durham	989	1,489
North West Durham	973	1,325
South West Durham	676	803
Northumberland	1,470	1,896
Gateshead	937	1,661
Newcastle	8,468	11,524
North Tyneside	680	1,721
South Tyneside	480	1,047
Sunderland	3,703	4,889

Region—Yorkshire Regional Health Authority
District Health Authority (DHA)	30 September 1981	30 September 1982
Hull	5,189	7,050
East Yorkshire	1,698	1,924
Grimsby	2,435	2,355
Scunthorpe	2,235	4,609
Northallerton	484	623
York	1,625	2,710
Scarborough	1,656	2,200
Harrogate	1,315	1,274
Bradford	4,191	6,663
Airedale	1,754	1,686
Calderdale	1,083	1,166
Huddersfield	2,160	3,308
Dewsbury	673	1,181
Leeds Western	^*	4,330
Leeds Eastern	^*	6,169
Wakefield	2,083	3,216
Pontefract	1,397	2,569

Region—Trent Regional Health Authority
District Health Authority (DHA)	30 September 1981	30 September 1982
North Derbyshire	2,962	3,511
South Derbyshire	4,946	6,322
Leicestershire	6,736	7,177
North Lincolnshire	3,286	4,129
South Lincolnshire	4,144	4,428
Bassetlaw	775	1,185
Central Nottinghamshire	5,008	7,154
Nottingham	9,420	10,988
Barnsley	2,648	3,934
Doncaster	^*	6,132
Rotherham	^*	3,871
Sheffield	11,280	14,678

Region—East Anglia Regional Health Authority
District Health Authority (DHA)	30 September 1981	30 September 1982
Cambridge	^*	6,708
Peterborough	3,155	3,770
West Suffolk	^*	2,027
East Suffolk	^*	3,097
Norwich	8,276	10,980
Great Yarmouth and Waveney	3,178	4,194
West Norfolk and Wisbech	1,642	1,688
Huntingdon	^*	471

Region—North West Thames Regional Health Authority
District Health Authority (DHA)	30 September 1981	30 September 1982
North Bedfordshire	2,647	2,657
South Bedfordshire	1,868	2,382
North Hertfordshire	3,140	3,155
East Hertfordshire	1,395	1,847
North West Hertfordshire	2,267	2,697
South West Hertfordshire	2,056	1,986
Barnet	3,346	3,628
Harrow	1,107	1,370
Hillingdon	6,787	6,009
Hounslow and Spelthorne	^*	3,127
Ealing	1,319	1,489
Brent	1,794	1,737
Paddington	2,256	2,813
Hammersmith and Fulham	2,957	3,092
Victoria	2,593	2,796

Region—North East Thames Regional Health Authority
District Health Authority (DHA)	30 September 1981	30 September 1982
Basildon and Thurrock	5,413	5,888
Mid Essex	3,040	3,246
North East Essex	3,572	3,510
West Essex	1,956	2,555
Southend	2,979	3,248
Barking, Havering and Brentwood	4,519	4,474
Hampstead	^*	1,979
Bloomsbury	^*	9,632
Islington	^*	1,098
City and Hackney	3,823	4,586
Newham	1,289	2,222
Tower Hamlets	5,226	6,003
Enfield	2,852	3,068
Haringey	1,743	1,708
Redbridge	1,546	1,719
Waltham Forest	3,520	3,271

Region—South East Thames Regional Health Authority
District Health Authority (DHA)	30 September 1981	30 September 1982
Brighton	4,039	3,863
Eastbourne	2,012	2,552
Hastings	2,759	2,547
South East Kent	3,763	3,946
Canterbury and Thanet	3,561	4,136
Dartford and Gravesham	2,935	2,916
Maidstone	2,239	2,190
Medway	2,245	3,273
Tunbridge Wells	6,514	6,220
Bexley	1,010	1,123
Greenwich	2,004	2,362
Bromley	1,652	1,931
West Lambeth	^*	6,038
Camberwell	2,760	3,388
Lewisham and North Southwark	3,418	5,335

Region—South West Thames Regional Health Authority
District Health Authority (DHA)	30 September 1981	30 September 1982
North West Surrey	2,397	2,315
West Surrey and North East Hants	3,309	3,708
South West Surrey	2,879	2,385
Mid Surrey	2,043	2,150
East Surrey	1,073	1,257
Chichester	2,400	2,786
Mid Downs	2,432	2,621
Worthing	3,007	3,756
Croydon	2,634	3,093
Kingston and Esher	^*	3,194
Richmond, Twickenham and Roehampton	^*	2,313
Wandsworth	2,837	3,239
Merton and Sutton	2,545	3,639

Region—Wessex Regional Health Authority
District Health Authority (DHA)	30 September 1981	30 September 1982
East Dorset	5,185	4,361
West Dorset	1,716	2,015
Portsmouth and South East Hampshire	6,466	6,831
Southampton and South West Hampshire	6,806	9,080
Winchester	2,084	2,309
Basingstoke and North Hampshire	3,384	3,698
Salisbury	4,259	4,770
Swindon	2,560	2,825
Bath	6,632	8,079
Isle of Wight	1,183	1,349

Region—Oxford Regional Health Authority
District Health Authority (DHA)	30 September 1981	30 September 1982
Regional Management	—	—
East Berkshire	7,807	8,244
West Berkshire	2,843	3,256
Aylesbury	^*	6,450
Wycombe	965	1,134
Milton Keynes	^*	6
Kettering	3,234	2,848
Northampton	5,805	6,793
Oxfordshire	6,099	7,003

Region—South Western Regional Health Authority
District Health Authority (DHA)	30 September 1981	30 September 1982
Bristol and Weston	6,571	7,142
Frenchay	6,352	5,855
Southmead	2,046	2,958
Cornwall and Isles of Scilly	4,247	5,238
Exeter	3,255	4,436
North Devon	^*	1,558
Plymouth	^*	5,897
Torbay	2,184	2,368
Cheltenham	^*	1,782
Gloucester	^*	4,959
Somerset	5,047	4,949

Region—West Midlands Regional Health Authority
District Health Authority (DHA)	30 September 1981	30 September 1982
Bromsgrove and Redditch	1,455	1,475
Herefordshire	2,139	2,272
Kidderminster and District	925	1,070

District Health Authority (DHA)	30 September 1981	30 September 1982
Worcester and District	2,482	2,651
Shropshire	7,023	8,441
Mid Staffordshire	2,447	2,440
North Staffordshire	9,529	8,862
South East Staffordshire	2,358	2,026
Rugby	947	864
North Warwickshire	1,907	1,944
South Warwickshire	2,449	3,194
Central Birmingham	^*	7,635
East Birmingham	4,194	4,600
North Birmingham	2,885	2,723
South Birmingham	5,521	6,878
West Birmingham	^*	4,269
Coventry	6,894	8,759
Dudley	5,796	5,441
Sandwell	2,200	1,721
Solihull	1,891	2,278
Walsall	3,025	3,324
Wolverhampton	3,667	3,677

Region—Mersey Regional Health Authority
District Health Authority (DHA)	30 September 1981	30 September 1982
Chester	1,685	2,940
Crewe	4,476	5,128
Halton	8	7
Macclesfield	2,444	2,302
Warrington	3,196	3,037
Liverpool	7,172	8,553
St. Helens and Knowsley	3,558	3,288
North Sefton	1,310	1,373
South Sefton	6,000	6,332
Wirral	3,256	4,714

Region—North western Regional Health Authority
District Health Authority (DHA)	30 September 1981	30 September 1982
Lancaster	1,681	1,784
Blackpool, Wyre and Fylde	3,874	4,117
Preston	^*	5,287
Blackburn, Hyndburn and Ribble Valley	3,761	3,294
Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale	2,978	3,542
West Lancashire	2,282	2,433
Chorley and South Ribble	^*	651
Bolton	3,195	3,348
Bury	904	979
North Manchester	3,213	4,726
Central Manchester	5,166	5,358
South Manchester	6,684	8,120
Oldham	3,762	5,071
Rochdale	2,500	2,342
Salford	3,792	5,371
Stockport	3,995	4,430
Tameside and Glossop	2,159	2,866
Trafford	942	1,301
Wigan	3,596	4,677

Region—Special Health Authorities and Boards of Governors
Hospital	30 September 1981	30 September 1982
The Hospitals for Sick Children	1,454	1,454
The National Hospitals for Nervous Diseases	270	441
Moorfields Eye Hospital	1,328	1,458
The Bethlem Royal Hospital and The Maudsley Hospital	119	128
The National Heart and Chest Hospitals	963	1,073

Hospital	30 September 1981	30 September 1982
The Royal Marsden Hospital	324	331
Hammersmith Hospital	^*	1,790
Queen Charlotte's Hospital for Women	327	377
The Eastman Dental Hospital	nil	nil
^* Comparable figures not available because of NHS restructuring on 1 April 1982.

Private Medicine (Form Sbh 212)

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will publish in the Official Report the text of the form SBH 212 sent to private medical facilities; and when information from the survey will be available.

I have arranged for a copy of form SBH 212 to be placed in the Library of the House.Some preliminary estimates are now available and final figures are expected be available around the end of the year. However, as this is a new return and not all authorities have been able to complete all of its sections, national figures may be restricted to those sections for which we have complete data.

Health Authorities (Resources)

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) if he will give the amounts of revenue and capital originally allocated to each regional health authority in each of the last 10 years; and if he will compare these figures with final expenditure;(2) if he will give the amounts of revenue and capital originally allocated from the North-West Thames regional health authority to Barnet area health authority or Barnet district health authority in each of the last 10 years.

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

Supplementary Benefit

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many people were receiving supplementary benefit at his Department's offices in the west midlands in May 1979 and in September 1983; and what percentage increase there has been.

The total number of supplementary benefit cases in action at the west midlands local offices, and the percentage increase for May 1979 and August 1983, the latest available period, was as follows:

	Total cases (thousands)	Increase Percentage
May 1979	286·6	175·5
August 1983	789·7	175·5

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

Local Offices (Staff)

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many staff there were at each of his Department's offices in Walsall in May 1979 and in September 1983.

The information requested is as follows:

Walsall (East)

Walsall (West)

1 May 1979

157

159

30 September 1983

152

141

The figures for 1983 reflect the actual numbers of staff in post. This information is not available for 1979 and details have been given of the authorised staffing levels then allowed.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many staff there were at his Department's offices in the west midlands in May 1979 and in September 1983.

The information requested is as follows:

	Numbers
May 1979	5,925
September 1983	4,926

These are figures of actual staff in post.

Cancer Survey (Cumbria)

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what group or organisation is carrying out the study of the incidence of cancers in Cumbria on behalf of Cumbria district health authority; when it will report; and if he will publish the report.

I refer the hon. Member to my reply to the hon. Member for Great Grimsby (Mr. Mitchell) on 3 November 1983.—[Vol. 47, c. 458.]Sir Douglas Black's recommendations will be published as soon as possible.

Kidney Patients

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is his best estimate of the numbers of kidney patients in the United Kingdom who die each year due to the non-availability of transplant organs or dialysis.

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

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what categories and age-groups of patients suffering from kidney failure are regarded as ineligible for provision of dialysis or organs for transplant; and why.

The decision on the treatment to be offered to any patient is a clinical one for the doctor concerned.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the current average cost of the provision of dialysis treatment for a kidney patient for a year (a) within the National Health Service and (b) by outside contract.

For costs within the National Health Service I refer my hon. Friend to the reply of my hon. Friend the Member for Hampstead and Highgate (Mr. Finsberg) to the hon. Member for Eccles (Mr. Carter-Jones) on 2 March.—[Vol. 38, c. 159–61.] So far as I am aware, no health authority at present arranges for dialysis to be provided by outside contract and we have no direct information about costs. In comparing them with those of directly provided services, it would be necessary to take account of any costs such as those of treating complications which the health authority still had to meet itself. I understand that two pilot projects are under consideration, which I hope will provide useful information on the provision of contractural dialysis generally. We strongly support such developments where they can be shown to be a cost effective means of meeting patients' needs.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will ensure that cuts in public expenditure will not affect facilities for the treatment of end stage renal failure.

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

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many patients were accepted for treatment for end stage renal failure in 1979, 1980, 1981 and 1982; and what percentage of these were treated by continuous ambullatory peritoneal dialysis.

Following are the figures for the United Kingdom supplied by the European Dialysis and Transplant Association:

	Total New Patients	New Patients Treated by CAPD (per cent.)
1979	1206	63 (5·2)
1980	1373	292 (21·3)
1981	1491	412 (27·6)

Patients treated by continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis include a number who were transferred to this method after an initial spell on intermittent peritoneal dialysis. Figures for 1982 are not yet available.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether, in the light of the research carried out by the renal unit of Guy's hospital London into the successful treatment of end stage renal failure of patients over 55 years, he will take steps to improve the care and facilities for this age group.

The decision about the treatment to be offered to any patient is one for the clinical judgment of the doctors concerned, who will no doubt take account of the conclusions of the research to which the hon. Member refers. As facilities for treating end-stage renal failure have expanded, so an increasing proportion of older patients has been accepted for treatment. For example, the proportion of new patients in the United Kingdom who were aged over 50 has risen from 9 per cent. in 1971 to 20 per cent. in in 1976 and 38 per cent. in 1981.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what percentage of renal failure patients in the age group 55–65 years and over 65 years received treatment in 1980, 1981 and 1982 in (a) West Germany, (b) France, (c) Italy and (d) the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement.

The following table, based on data supplied by the European Dialysis and Transplant Association, shows the numbers of new patients accepted for treatment for end-stage renal failure expressed as rates per million total population in each age group:

	Male			Female
	55–64	65–74	75+	55–64	65–74	75+
1980
West Germany	138·2	118·7	22·9	84·2	56·6	12·5
France	129·2	131·4	57·3	85·5	66·3	17·3
Italy	94·0	113·2	33·3	76·2	65·1	8·0
United Kingdom	52·7	9·7	3·8	31·3	2·7	1·1
1981
West Germany	139·8	104·7	36·2	98·3	71·3	14·4
France	135·2	145·0	79·2	87·1	58·7	27·0
Italy	98·9	119·0	43·3	85·3	86·8	23·3
United Kingdom	73·5	17·4	13·8	34·4	7·8	0·6

Figures for 1982 are not yet available.

Invalid Care Allowance

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will extend eligibility for the invalid care allowance to married and cohabiting women.

I refer the hon. Member to my reply to the right hon. Member for Brent, East (Mr. Freeson) on 27 October 1983.—[Vol. 47, c. 171.]

Household Duties Test

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he has completed his review of the housewives' non-contributory invalidity pension and the household duties test.

We hope to be able to make an announcement about this review shortly.

Nhs (Trade Union Talks)

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services when he next expects to meet trade union representatives of National Health Service workers; and what subjects he expects to discuss.

I am due to meet representatives of the staff side of the General Whitley Council on 14 November 1983. I understand that the staff side wish to discuss two questions: appeal rights of employees who are not members of a nationally recognised negotiating body, and the granting of facilities for the deduction of contributions at source to members of the Association of Professional Ambulance Personnel.

Nhs (Job Vacancies)

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many National Health Service job vacancies there were on 31 March 1983 because of (a) National Health Service reorganisation, (b) previously committed development programmes and (c) any other reasons.

Information on vacancies in the NHS is not held centrally.

Chiropody Services

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) whether he will list in the Official Report the annual amount of grant made by National Health Service health authorities by name to the Birmingham general dispensary to help maintain its foot clinic, in each of the past five years;

(2) what, in each of the last five years, has been the total amount of spending on chiropody services by the National Health Service in each of the Birmingham health districts;

(3) what, in each of the last five years, were the number of full-time and part-time chiropodists employed by the National Health Service in each of the Birmingham health districts;

(4) what, in each of the last five years, was the waiting list for chiropody treatment on the National Health Service in each of the Birmingham health districts; and what is the average time patients have to wait for treatment in each district.

Central information on the total NHS expenditure incurred in the hospitals and community health chiropody services in Birmingham is available only as follows:

		£
Birmingham area health authority (teaching)	1978–79	208,654
	1979–80	230,883
	1980–81	278,039
	1981–82	342,391
Central Birmingham health authority	1982–83	84,233
East Birmingham health authority	1982–83	43,895
North Birmingham health authority	1982–83	51,871
South Birmingham health authority	1982–83	46,271
West Birmingham health authority	1982–83	92,344

Information is not held centrally on waiting lists and times for chiropody treatment in health districts nor on the amount of National Health Service grants made to the Birmingham general dispensary. I suggest that the hon. Member contacts the local health authorities about these matters and about the number of full and pan-time chiropodists they employ.

School Meals (Child Nutrition)

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether his Department will carry out a survey of child nutrition following the reduction in the number of children eating school meals.

Field work of a nationally representative survey of the total dietry intake of schoolchildren over a seven-day period has been completed. A preliminary report providing information on average daily intake of energy and nutrients will be available next year.

Great Ormond Street Hospital

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services when he expects repair work to begin on the cardiac block at Great Ormond street hospital; when it will be completed; and what is the estimated final cost.

Remedial work to the cardiac wing began on 26 September 1983 and is due to be completed in two years from that date. The current estimate of total final cost is £10,958,500.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services who was responsible for the faults which made unsafe the cardiac block at Great Ormond street hospital; and who will meet the cost of putting them right.

Writs have been served on those considered to be responsible for the faults. Legal responsibility and liability for meeting the costs of remedial work will have to be determined by a court hearing if they are disputed.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many patient bed days have been lost since the cardiac block at Great Ormond street hospital had to be evacuated; and how many he estimates will be lost between now and the completion of the structural repairs.

For each year the cardiac block remains unoccupied and assuming an occupancy rate of 83 per cent., a total of 16,790 patient bed days are lost. Structural repairs are expected to be completed in September 1985. Commissioning would normally take a further six months.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many patient bed days have been lost at Great Ormond street hospital in the past four years as a result of industrial action.

I regret that this information is not available.

Bone Marrow Transplants

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what proportion of the sum of £650,000 provided for bone marrow transplant centres is to be used in regional centres; if he will list in the Official Report the actual allocation each London and regional hospital will receive and, in the case of new centres, list the additional trained staff required for each; and how many patients per annum he expects the centres to treat.

I refer the hon. Member to my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Staffordshire, Moorlands (Mr. Knox) on 3 November. —[Vol. 47, c. 456–57.] I will be holding urgent discussion with the health authorities concerned about the allocation of the additional resources we have made available for bone marrow transplant in London.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many patients are at present on waiting lists in the United Kingdom for bone marrow transplants.

The information is not available.

Nhs (Manpower)

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will state the number of part and full-time employees in the National Health Service in the United Kingdom in (a) 1979, (b) 1980, (c) 1981, (d) 1982 and (e) now, showing the increase in each year; and what is the expected increase in 1983 and 1984.

The information is set out in the following table. The total of full-time plus part-time staff is considerably higher than the figures of whole-time equivalent staff normally used for NHS management purposes.

NHS Directly employed staff
	Full-time	Part-time	Total
	(Thousands)	(Thousands)	(Thousands)
June 1979	744	453	1,197
June 1980	756	468	1,123
June 1981	786	474	1,260
June 1982	800	483	1,283
March 1983	797	487	1,284

Notes:

(1) figures have been independently rounded to the nearest thousand.

(2) These figures are compiled by the Central Statistical Office, and have been partially revised recently as a result of more accurate information being included for Scotland. They therefore differ from figures previously quoted for the United Kingdom.

Manpower targets for March 1984 are expressed in whole-time equivalent terms. In England the target is a reduction of 4,837 WTE in the period March 1983 to March 1984, from 817,633 to 812,796. Arrangements in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are the responsibility of my right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what has been the total number of staff employed in the National Health Service each year since 1960; what has been the number of (i) administrative staff, (ii) hospital (medical) specialists, (iii) general practitioners, (iv) nursing staff, and (v) ancillary workers employed each year since 1960; and what has been the percentage change in the numbers of each category of staff each year since 1960.

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

Invalidity Benefit

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services, pursuant to his reply to the hon. Member for Manchester, Wythenshawe, on 3 November, why the information as to the number of persons taken off invalidity benefit and classified as unemployed and as to savings involved is not available; what cost factors are involved in calculating the answer; and if he will make a statement.

I assume the right hon. Member is referring to the numbers of unemployed people whose earier entitlement to invalidity benefit was ended by a decision that they were not incapable of work. Such decisions are given by the independent statutory authorities, the insurance officer in the Department's local office in the first instance.Although each insurance officer keeps a simple record of all his decisions, no separate statistics are kept to show how many fall into the particular category covered by the question. To establish the number of claimants involved it would therefore be necessary to examine local records covering the past year to identify which cases were relevant and to establish whether the person concerned had gone back to work or become unemployed.It is estimated that it would cost £24,000 to produce this information.

Blood Supplies (Handling Charges)

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will introduce handling charges for blood supplied to non-National Health Service hospitals.

It has always been the policy of the national blood transfusion service to meet private hospitals' reasonable requests for blood and certain blood derivatives according to availability and clinical need. After consultation with representatives of the National Health Service, the private sector and the medical profession, I have decided that, in keeping with the Government's policy that economic charges should be made for NHS services offered on an agency basis, private haspitals will be required to meet in full the costs incurred by the blood transfusion service in supplying blood and blood derivatives. This policy will also apply to private patients receiving treatment in NHS hospitals. The charges will be designed to cover the cost of collecting, processing, handling and transporting such materials. I would stress that the charges will not include any element for the blood itself, which is of course freely donated to the national blood transfusion service for use where it is needed. Private hospitals will be free to pass on these handling charges to their patients. It will, however, remain a strict condition of supply that no profit is to be made from blood or derivatives supplied by the national blood transfusion service.The Government are committed to a policy of ensuring that this country becomes self-sufficient in blood products. We are investing £21 million in the redevelopment of the blood products laboratory at Elstree; but self-sufficiency can only be achieved if there is an adequate supply of blood plasma. It is for this reason that I shall be asking regional health authorities to ensure that the income from handling charges is used for this purpose.I shall be discussing the details of these new arrangements, including the operative date, with representatives of the NHS and the private sector and will issue guidance as soon as possible.

Seasonal Workers (Benefit)

56.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will introduce regulations to allow seasonal workers to be entitled to unemployment benefit.

A seasonal worker is not disallowed from receiving unemployment benefit during his off season, if he can satisfy the condition that he has had, or can reasonably expect to obtain, a substantial amount of employment during that off season. That condition is designed to ensure that unemployment benefit is not paid to those seasonal workers who are not in the field of employment during their off seasons. We have no proposals for altering these arrangements. I would add that these regulations do not apply to supplementary benefit; an unemployed seasonal worker can receive that benefit if otherwise eligible, though there are special rules about income earned during the on season.

Special Hardship Allowance

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what sum has been paid in special hardship allowances from the Rochdale office between 31 March 1982 and 31 March 1983; and how many cases were involved.

Summary statistics of special hardship allowance case loads and payments are not available. However, sample counts made between September 1982 and November 1982 indicate that there were at least 1,500 beneficiaries at this office in the period 31 March 1982 to 31 March 1983.

Source: Local office management returns.

Waiting Lists

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many persons are awaiting admission for operations at (a) Birch Hill hospital, Rochdale, and (b) the Infirmary, Rochdale; what is the waiting period involved; and if he will give the numbers by medical category.

Numbers of persons awaiting admission to the surgical specialties at Birch Hill hospital, Rochdale, and the Infirmary, Rochdale, at the latest available date, held centrally, are given in the following table. Information on waiting time by individual hospitals is not available centrally.

Number of persons on the inpatient waiting list at 31 December 1982
Specialty	Number waiting
Birch Hill Hospital
General surgery	214
Ear, nose and throat surgery	142
Ophthalmology	643
Plastic surgery	266
Oral surgery	261
Gynaecology	482
Total	2,008
The Infirmary
Traumatic and orthopaedic surgery	370
Total	370

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many patients are on waiting lists in each of the regions of England.

I refer my hon. Friend to my reply to the hon. Member for Crewe and Nantwich (Mrs. Dunwoody) on 28 October 1983.—[Vol. 47, c. 240–42.]

Supplementary Benefits

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) for those offices covering the Workington travel-to-work area, what was the total number of supplementary benefit claimants for the last month for which statistics are available and the figure for the comparable month last year;(2) for those offices covering the Workington travel-to-work area, what was the total number of unemployed people claiming supplementary benefit during the last month for which statistics are available and the figures for the comparable month last year.

The information requested is as follows:

Cases in action at Workington local office

August 1982 (thousands)

August 1983 (thousands)

All supplementary benefit cases

5·9

6·3

Supplementary benefit cases in respect of unemployed people

2·4

2·8

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

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services, for those offices covering the Workington travel-to-work area, what was the total number of supplementary benefit appeals registered during the last month for which statistics are available.

In the month ending 25 October 1983, the latest period for which statistics are available, Workington local office registered a total of five supplementary benefit appeals.Source: local office management returns.

Nhs (Workers' Hours)

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many hours were (a) contracted to be worked and (b) actually worked in the National Health Service during the most recent period of 12 months for which figures are available and for the preceding such period.

(£ per annum)
	World War 2 (1939–45)		Korean War (death as at 1 January 1953)		Northern Ireland (death as at 1 January 1983)
	From MOD^*	From DHSS†	From MOD^*	From DHSS†	From MOD^*		From DHSS†
Husband's rank					Widow	Children (per child maximum of4)	Widow	Children (per child-no maximum)
Field Marshal	4,226	2,486	4,226	2,486	18,158	4,139	2,226	586
General	3,576	2,486	3,576	2,486	16,273	3,721	2,226	586
Lieutenant General	2,926	2,486	2,926	2,486	12,946	2,981	2,226	586
Major General	2,492	2,486	2,492	2,486	10,618	2,464	2,226	586
Brigadier	2,118	2,426	2,118	2,426	9,621	2,242	2,226	586
Colonel	1,918	2,366	1,918	2,366	8,843	2,070	2,226	586
Lieutenant Colonel	1,590	2,346	1,590	2,346	7,541	1,780	2,226	586
Major	1,273	2,316	1,273	2,316	5,961	1,428	2,226	586
Captain	1,029	2,301	1,029	2,301	4,871	1,187	2,226	586
Warrant Officer I	652	2,239	652	2,239	4,386	1,079	2,226	586
Warrant Officer II	—	2,237	598	2,237	3,945	980	2,226	586
Staff Sergeant	—	2,234	554	2,234	3,819	953	2,226	586
Sergeant	—	2,232	481	2,232	3,308	839	2,226	586
Corporal	—	2,229	364	2,229	2,959	762	2,226	586
Private	—	2,226	364	2,226	2,250	605	2,226	586

Notes:

^* The rates shown are the minimum pension for which a widow could qualify.

† In addition to these rates an age allowance is paid of £216 per annum from age 65 and of £432 per annum from age 70.

Nursing Staff

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will give the number of (a) sisters, (b) staff nurses, (c) nurses, and (d) any other nursing staff per 1,000 patients in England in 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982 and the proportion at the latest available date.

Information for 1979–81 is as follows. The information for 1982 is not yet available.

The information requested is not available.

Service Widows (Pensions)

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will consider seeking powers to uprate the pensions of pre-1973 service widows to bring them into line with widows' pensions post that year; and if he will make a statement.

War widows' pensions paid by the Department are at the same rate regardless of the date of death of the service man, and we have no plans to change this.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will set out in the Official Report the financial benefits received by widows of husbands killed on active service in Northern Ireland and those widowed as a result of world war 2 and the Korean war.

I have been asked to reply.The rates of benefit currently received are as follows. Where there could be eligible children the rates for these are also shown. All rates will be increased by 3·7 per cent. from 21 November 1983.

Ratio of hospital nursing and midwifery staff (whole-time equivalents) per 1,000 patients (inpatient discharges and deaths plus hospital day cases)
	1979	1980	1981
Nursing and Midwifery sisters	7·8	7·4	7·6
Staff Nurses and Midwives	7·5	7·6	8·1
Senior Enrolled and Enrolled? Nurses	9·0	8·9	9·5
Unqualified staff (including learner nurses and student midwives)	26·2	25·6	26·1

Note: Agency Staff are excluded.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many nurses were under training in 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982 and at the latest available date.

The figures supplied by the General Nursing Council for England and Wales show that the average number of nurse learners in training during the years ending 31 March were as follows:

	Numbers
1979	78,816
1980	78,286
1981	77,215
1982	78,072
1983	78,590

Ratio of hospital nursing and midwifery staff (whole-time equivalents) per 1,000 patients (inpatient discharges and deaths plus hospital day cases)
Region	Nursing and Midwifery Sisters	Staff Nurses and Midwives	Senior Enrolled and Enrolled Nurses	Unqualified staff (including 'earner nurses and student midwives)
Northern	6·8	8·6	10·9	23·6
Yorkshire	7·1	7·0	9·6	25·6
Trent	7·3	7·2	10·3	27·4
East Anglia	6·4	8·5	7·6	25·0
North West Thames	8·2	10·8	9·1	24·2
North East Thames	6·9	8·5	9·0	27·3
South East Thames	7·3	9·4	9·0	26·0
South West Thames	9·0	10·3	10·2	28·2
Wessex	7·0	8·8	7·9	26·3
Oxford	7·2	8·0	7·3	24·3
South Western	7·9	10·0	10·1	27·3
West Midlands	8·2	6·4	10·2	29·1
Mersey	9·2	6·1	11·3	28·1
North Western	7·8	5·7	8·9	24·8
Average 14 Regions	7·6	8·1	9·5	26·3
Boards of Governors	6·4	12·1	10·2	13·6
England Average	7·6	8·1	9·5	26·1

Note: Agency staff are excluded.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will now make it his practice to collect statistics on the number of trained nurses out of employment; and if he will make a statement.

The Department is not in a position to collect statistics on the number of trained nurses out of employment.

Nhs (Drugs Purchase)

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the policy of Her Majesty's Government towards bulk purchasing of drugs by National Health Service hospitals.

Health authorities are encouraged to make their own cost effective arrangements for purchasing drugs. These arrangements can include bulk purchasing contracts covering several hospitals or even a region where this is advantageous. The Health Service Supply Council is responsible for the policy for supply arrangements to the NHS and has set up a national group to examine the present arrangements for the supply of drugs.

Drugs (Prices)

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will investigate the practice of the

These numbers relate to students and pupils at various stages of training and not solely to those who commenced training during the year.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will indicate the number of (a) sisters, (b) staff nurses, (c) nurses and (d) any other nursing staff per 1,000 patients in each of the area health authorities; and if he will make a statement.

The information requested could be made available only at disproportionate cost. The information for each regional health authority for 1981 is given in the following table:export of drugs from the United Kingdom to other European countries and their subsquent re-import at costs lower than those applying through the National Health Service and pharmaceutical outlets; and if he will make a statement.

Medicines differ in price in various countries, as do most other products. In other European countries, prices of some medicines are lower than in the United Kingdom, while others are higher. The main reasons are currency fluctuations and the effects of each country's different price control systems.Where the margin is attractive enough, re-import or import of equivalent medicines manufactured in the other countries takes place. Our paramount concern is the safety of these medicines and we are currently considering whether any changes are required to ensure that safety standards for re-imported and imported medicines are as high as they are for those manufactured and sold in Britain.

Unemployment Benefit

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what percentage of average earnings is represented by unemployment benefit in the United Kingdom and in each other country of the European Community.

I refer the hon. Member to section VII of "Tables of Social Benefit Systems in the Member States of the European Communities, Portugal and Spain (position at 1 January 1983)", a copy of which is in the Library. The tables show the percentages of earnings on which unemployment benefit may be based in those Community countries which calculate unemployment benefit on an earnings-related basis and the flat rates paid in the other three countries, which include the United Kingdom.The percentages of net average male earnings in Great Britain in November 1982 represented by unemployment benefit, for various family types, can be derived from table 6.1b in the "Abstract of Statistics for Index of Retail Prices, Average Earnings, Social Security Benefits and Contributions", a copy of which is also in the Library.

Widows (Benefits)

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is his latest estimate of the number and percentages of widows (a) aged over 40 years but below retirement age and in receipt of widows pension and (b) in receipt of widowed mothers allowance, who are in paid work.

The latest available figures — based upon the 1982 family expenditure survey — are as follows:

	Total number of widows	Numbers working	Percentage of total
Widows in receipt of widowed mother's allowance with an increase for a dependent child	81,000	42,000	52
^*Other widows aged under 60 with national insurance widows' benefits	280,000	160,000	57
^* Includes widows without children receiving the personal rate of widowed mother's allowance.

Lone Parents (Benefits)

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will publish figures showing total benefit expenditure by his Department on lone parents, other than widows, in 1960, 1970, 1980 and 1982, distinguishing so far as is possible between the different types of benefit involved, and also relating the expenditure to total expenditure by his Department in each year.

There is only one benefit directed specifically to lone parents other than widows, viz, one-parent benefit, which was introduced in 1976. Most other benefits are payable whether or not the claimant is a lone parent other than a widow. It is not therefore possible separately to identify that part of benefit expenditure which is paid to such claimants. However, information which is readily available is as follows:

£ million
	1960–61	1970–71	1980–81	1982–83
One-parent benefit	—	—	61	91

1960–61

1970–71

1981–82

1982–83

Child benefit paid for children whose parent receives one parent benefit

—

150

220

Supplementary benefit paid to lone parents other than recipients of widow's benefit

585

915

Health Authorities (Resources)

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) pursuant to his answer to the right hon. Member for Worthing on Friday 29 July, Official Report, c. 663–664, regarding the allocation of resources to health authorities on the basis of the resources allocation working party's formula, if he will now collect such data centrally on a consistent basis as will enable him to ensure that underfunded districts in overfunded regions are not penalised in relation to overfunded districts in other regions which are underfunded;(2) if he will take steps to ensure that the position of health districts which are underfunded under the resources allocation working party formula do not have their position in relation to other districts in the same region and districts and other regions made worse as a result of the revision of revenue targets and the proposed reduction in manpower.

I refer my right hon. Friend to my reply to him on 3 November—[Vol. 47, c. 465.]

Hospitals (Liverpool)

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will publish in the Official Report the current bed occupancy at the Royal Liverpool hospital at the latest date.

During 1982, the latest period for which figures are available, 734 beds were occupied daily on average at the Royal Liverpool hospital representing 94·5 per cent. of available beds.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what savings to the Liverpool area health authority will be made through closing a ward at the Women's hospital, Liverpool.

I understand that Liverpool health authority is confident that it can maintain present levels of services to patients with fewer beds and that it expects the closure of one ward at the hospital to produce savings of the order of £100,000 in a full year.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the estimated saving to the Liverpool area health authority by the reduction of beds at the St. Paul's eye hospital, Liverpool.

I understand that the health authority has satisfied itself that it can continue to provide present levels of service with fewer beds with a saving of the order of £70,000 in a full year. It is considering how it can best organise services within the hospital so as to maintain levels of service to all groups of patients.

Ambulance Service

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what guidance he gives as to suitable levels of ambulance cover to regional health authorities; and what is the basis of that guidance.

I am sending my right hon. and learned Friend a copy of our current guidance on recommended standards of service, covering emergency and non-emergency work. The deployment of services to attain a given standard is a matter for decision by the responsible health authorities.

Pharmacists (Clawback)

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services why he is seeking to impose a clawback upon pharmacists who were not in business as pharmacists between October 1980 and July 1983; and whether he will make arrangements to prevent financial disadvantage to them.

Arrangements for recovering over-reimbursement of drug costs from October 1980 to July 1983 inclusive were agreed with the pharmacists' negotiators, the pharmaceutical services negotiating committee—PSNC. A discount surcharge scale has been applied to reimbursement for drugs used in prescriptions dispensed on and after 1 August. Because the pharmacists' contract with the NHS includes a provision for averaging the recovery of discount, pharmacists who ceased business

Number of Staff (WTE) as at 30 September—England
	1978	1979	1980	1981	1982
Home Helps^*	44,692·9	44,660·1	46,636·7	46,541·3	47,208·3
Health Visitors	8,670	9,010	8,890	9,240	9,500
Community nurses	13,190	13,740	13,900	14,520	14,900
Social Workers	22,163·0	22,733·6	22,491·4	22,950·7	23,111·7
^* Does not include home help organisers.

	1977–78	1978–79	1979–80	1980–81	1981–82
	million	million	million	million	million
Number of meals served during year ending 31 March	41·1	40·9	41·7	41·4	40·3

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what, according to the latest figures available, is the number of (i) home helps, (ii) health visitors, (iii) community nurses, (iv) meals on wheels workers and (v) social workers, all in whole-time equivalents, in each local authority; what, in each case, is the ratio per 1,000 elderly people over 65 years in that local authority; and what were the equivalent figures in 1978–79.

Information in the form requested is not readily available. I will provide the information relating to local authority staff from returns submitted to the Department as soon as it can be assembled. The hon. Member may find it useful to consult the personal social services statistics for the years in question published by the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy, for population figures, number before August 1983 may have retained the benefit of I he discounts they received, while those who took their place may be paying for discounts which they did not receive. In the past the pendulum has swung the other way, benefiting newer pharmacies at the expense of their predecessors. Nevertheless, we have undertaken to consider any representations which the PSNC decides to make on this matter.

Hospital Closures (London)

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many hospitals in Greater London are being considered for closure under the statutory procedures.

Sixteen.

Social Workers

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what was the total number of (i) home helps, (ii) health visitors, (iii) community nurses, (iv) meals on wheels workers and (v) social workers, all in whole-time equivalents employed in each of the last five years.

The following table gives the total numbers of whole-time equivalent home helps, health visitors, community nurses and social workers, as at 30 September, for each year for 1978 to 1982. Information on the number of meals on wheels workers is not collected, but the numbers of meals served in the relevant financial years can be given.of home helps and field work staff — Social and community workers—and meals served—not workers—for each local authority.The information relating to health authority staff--community nurses and health visitors-is only available centrally broken down into figures for each health authority. To break it down into figures for each local authority would incur disproportionate cost.

Nhs (Expenditure)

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what has been the total expenditure on the National Health Service each year since 1960 in current prices and at 1983 prices; what has been the percentage change in real terms each year; and what was National Health Service expenditure each year as a percentage of gross national product that year;

(2) what was the total wage and salary bill of the National Health Service each year since 1960; and what has been the percentage annual change since then and the percentage that this represents of total National Health Service cost; what was the breakdown each year as between (i) administrative staff, (ii) hospital medical specialists, (iii) general practitioners, (iv) nursing staff, and (v) ancillary workers; what was the average pay each year of staff in each category; and what was the percentage change each year in the average pay of each staff group.

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

Home Department

Commercial Fraud

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he intends to take any new measures to deal with serious commercial fraud.

We understand the concern which has been expressed about the range of problems generated by

	(a)	(b)	(c)	(d)
	Population	Certified normal accommodation	Prison Officer Class Staff-in-post	Prison Officer authorised staffing level
Establishments for males
Remand centres
Ashford	494	377	201	236
Brockhill	216	177	94	108
Cardiff	72	85	213	221½
Chelmsford	104	65	169	182
Dorchester	19	24	94	101
Exeter	71	48	227	234
Glen Parva	138	141	238½	279½
Latchmere House	185	128	76	84
Low Newton	241	153	116	128
Norwich	81	60	243	251
Pucklechurch	101	103	107	117
Risley	757	511	435½	475
Swansea	75	78	154	154½
Thorp Arch	232	173	98	110
Winchester	89	64	286	304
Local prisons
Bedford	297	179	172	214
Birmingham	1,026	562	407	416
Bristol	609	574	257	263
Brixton	767	486	598	675
Camp Hill (remand unit)	7	12	194	206
Canterbury	315	249	168	224
Cardiff	362	254	^*	^*
Coldingley (remand unit)	72	74	155	180
Dorchester	163	155	^*	^*
Durham	989	664	379	413
Exeter	388	269	^*	^*
Gloucester	293	193	138	143
Leeds	1,204	621	351	382
Leicester	402	201	224	246
Lewes	354	144	195	218
Lincoln	601	356	223	251
Liverpool	1,276	1,006	394	461
Manchester	1,489	1,024	450	493
Norwich	345	227	^*	^*
Oxford	245	123	107	117½
Pentonville	1,115	814	323	345
Reading	311	177	102	115½
Shrewsbury	239	170	150	162
Swansea	215	158	^*	^*
Wandsworth	1,343	1,258	365	395

allegations of serious commercial fraud. As one aspect of the matter, we have decided that it would be appropriate that the way in which courts deal with such cases be examined by an independent body and the Lord Chancellor and I have therefore decided to appoint a committee with the following terms of reference:

"To consider in what ways the conduct of criminal proceedings in England and Wales arising from fraud can be improved, and to consider what changes in existing law and procedure would be desirable to secure the just, expeditious and economical disposal of such proceedings."

I am pleased to say that Lord Roskill has agreed to be chairman of this Committee. The names of the other members will be announced as soon as possible.

Prison Statistics

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list for each of Her Majesty's prisons (a) the number of prisoners currently held, (b) the certified normal accommodation, (c) the number of prison officers currently in post and (d) the current establishment for prison officers.

The information requested is as follows:

	(a)	(b)	(c)	(d)
	Population	Certified normal accommodation	Prison Officer Class Staff-in-post	Prison Officer authorised staffing level
Winchester	524	422	^*	^*
Wormwood Scrubs	789	561	461	543
Closed training prisons
Acklington	352	325	236	269
Albany	157	136	258	306
Blundeston	338	338	136	158
Camp Hill	435	437	^*	^*
Channings Wood	408	426	136	150
Chelmsford	271	172	^*	^*
Coldingley	221	222	^*	^*
Dartmoor	548	550	211	233
Featherstone	527	510	133	162
Frankland	318	318	327	339
Gartree	266	310	248	303
Grendon	182	191	154	188
Haverigg	536	520	103	125
Highpoint	535	506	142	193
Hull	288	318	254	293
Kingston (Portsmouth)	141	140	64	67
Lancaster	229	153	91	95
Lewes	133	177	^*	^*
Long Lartin	375	406	319	356
Maidstone	503	520	206	207
Northeye	427	450	92	104
Norwich (annexe)	163	200	^*	^*
Nottingham	294	215	128	136
Parkhurst	275	261	304	364
Preston	600	429	147	150
Ranby	407	420	125	133
Shepton Mallet	264	169	83	84½
Stafford	705	461	223	222
Standford Hill	159	162	108	132
Verne	495	520	134	141
Wakefield	712	757	428	466
Wormwood Scrubs	261	300	^*	^*
Wymott	857	816	209	233
Open training prisons
Ashwell	357	400	68	76
Ford	570	572	98	105
Kirkham	609	632	76	83
Leyhill	328	332	57	63
Rudgate	340	378	61	65
Spring Hill	210	210	(included in Grendon figures)
Standford Hill	322	338	^*	^*
Sudbury	376	384	70	74
Closed youth custody centres
Aylesbury	239	294	121	130
Castington	169	180	(included in Acklington figures)
Deerbolt	288	300	116½	135½
Dover	228	232	104½	113½
Erlestoke	93	107	91½	98½
Everthorpe	361	304	102½	115
Exeter	44	45	^*	^*
Feltham	186	270	164	187½
Glen Parva	472	480	^*	^*
Grendon	66	69	^*	^*
Hindley	315	323	104	116
Huntercombe	176	187	60	68½
Northallerton	210	127	81	90
Onley	413	420	148	168
Portland	501	520	167	181
Rochester	343	367	135	143
Stoke Heath	442	360	133½	151½
Swinfen Hall	182	182	98	116
Warren Hill	183	185	^*	^*
Wellingborough	338	328	118½	145
Open youth custody centres
Finnamore Wood	77	79	(included in Feltham figures)
Gaynes Hall	177	181	54½	62
Guys Marsh	134	151	67½	78½
Hatfield	189	180	80½	91

	(a)	(b)	(c)	(d)
	Population	Certified normal accommodation	Prison Officer Class Staff-in-post	Prison Officer authorised staffing level
Hewell Grange	139	136	45	55
Hollesley Bay	172	180	208	251
Lowdham Grange	289	304	86½	90½
Usk (Prescoed)	89	120	79	82
Wetherby	220	226	76	82
Senior detention centres
Aldington	95	116	41	44
Buckley Hall	67	139	45	49½
Erlestoke	56	98	^*	^*
Gringley	59	72	(included in Hatfield figures)
Guys Marsh	3	48	^*	^*
Haslar	80	100	46	48
Hollesley Bay	154	180	^*	^*
Medomsley	96	133	4l½	46
New Hall	88	104	43	46
North Sea Camp	129	166	61	71
Usk	81	105	^*	^*
Wellington	72	110	43	46
Whatton	78	119	79	85
Junior detention centres
Blantyre House	78	122	43	47
Campsfield House	50	70	37	39
Eastwood Park	94	146	47½	53½
Foston Hall	54	76	37½	40½
Kirklevington	115	150	48	51
Send	57	118	43½	49½
Whatton	72	118	^*	^*
Establishments for females
Askham Grange	105	129	36	45
Bullwood Hall	33	30	66	91
Bullwood Hall youth custody centre	58	90	^*	^*
Drake Hall	173	178	70½	70
Drake Hall youth custody centre	65	72	^*	^*
Durham	37	39	^*	^*
East Sutton Park	39	24	^*	^*
East Sutton Park youth custody centre	28	42	27	291½
Holloway	341	247	306½	323
Low Newton	37	35	^*	^*
Pucklechurch	71	56	^*	^*
Risley	111	84	^*	^*
Styal	211	150	^*	^*
Styal youth custody centre	50	85	130	146

^* Notes

(1) The figures given in column (a) relate to returns from establishment for the night of 27 October; the figures in the remaining columns are the latest available centrally and relate to 30 September.

(2) Some establishments have more than one role and appear more than once in the table. In such cases the figures in columns (c) and (d) relate to the whole establishment and are given on the first occasion it appears in the table. On second and subsequent occasions columns (c) and (d) are left blank.

(3) The figures in column (c) may be distorted by the inclusion of a number of new entrant prison officers spending a preliminary period in establishments before undergoing training.

Police Statistics

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what are the most recently available figures of the number of police in each police force area in England and Wales and the ratio of police officers per 100,000 of home population;

	Police strength on 30 September 1983	Estimate (30 June 1981) of population of each force area (000's)	Police officers per 100,000 population
Avon and Somerset	2,985	1,354	220
Bedfordshire	991	509	195
Cambridgeshire	1,142	589	194
Cheshire	1,841	928	198

(2) what is the population of each police force area in England and Wales.

The information is as follows:

	Police strength on 30 September 1983	Estimate (30 June 1981) of population of each force area (000's)	Police officers per 100,000 population
Cleveland	1,454	568	256
Cumbria	1,120	476	235
Derbyshire	1,770	910	195
Devon and Cornwall	2,731	1,386	197
Dorset	1,173	596	197
Durham	1,309	606	216
Dyfed Powys	928	443	209
Essex	2,623	1,410	186
Gloucestershire	1,136	503	226
Greater Manchester	6.968	2,624	266
Gwent	958	440	218
Hampshire	3,070	1,595	192
Hertfordshire	1,570	819	192
Humberside	1,971	852	231
Kent	2,866	1,482	193
Lancashire	3,149	1,382	228
Leicestershire	1,739	857	203
Lincolnshire	1,179	547	216
Merseyside	4,630	1,524	304
Norfolk	1,271	701	181
Northamptonshire	1,001	532	188
Northumbria	3,335	1,462	228
North Wales	1,278	626	204
North Yorkshire	1,357	673	202
Nottinghamshire	2,245	991	227
South Wales	3,090	1,297	238
South Yorkshire	2,860	1,315	217
Staffordshire	2,091	1,015	206
Suffolk	1,124	604	186
Surrey	1,583	746	212
Sussex	2,812	1,332	211
Thames Valley	3,162	1,795	176
Warwickshire	919	474	194
West Mercia	1,906	1,016	188
West Midlands	6,679	2,674	250
West Yorkshire	5,121	2,065	248
Wiltshire	1,019	521	196
City of London	808	5	(population 5,000)
Metropolitan	26,638	7,329	363
Total	119,602	49,573	241

Police Service (Cost)

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the actual total cost of providing a police service in England and Wales in each of the last 10 years.

The information is as follows:

Financial Year	£ million
1973–74	483
1974–75	622
1975–76	819
1976–77	964
1977–78	1,035
1978–79	1,150
1979–80	1,482
1980–81	1,779
1981–82	2,129
1982–83	^*2,445

£ million
	Financial Year
Expenditure borne by	1972–73	1973–74	1974–75	1975–76	1976–77	1977–78	1978–79	1979–80	1980–81	1981–82
Prisons Vote^*	77·8	91·3	124·5	173·2	188·0	208·9	242·4	297·6	402·1	438·9

^* Provisional.

Prison Service (Cost)

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the total cost of the prison service in each of the last 10 years in England and Wales.

The total annual cost of the prison service in each of the financial years 1972–73 to 1981–82, the latest 10-year period for which figures are fully available, was as shown below. These figures are published in greater detail in the annual "Report on the work of the Prison Department".

	Financial Year
Expenditure borne by	1972–73	1973–74	1974–75	1975–76	1976–77	1977–78	1978–79	1979–80	1980–81	1981–82
Notional Allowance for Superannuation	7·6	8·6	12·2	17·8	21·3	22·3	27·6	33·4	44·8	53·3
Allied Services^*	3·0	3·9	8·1	11·8	10·6	11·4	15·2	13·4	8·2	10·4
Total	88·4	103·8	144·8	202·8	219·9	242·6	285·2	344·4	455·1	502·6
^*Prior to 1 April 1974, the costs of Prison Department Headquarters were borne on the Home Office Central Administrative Services Vote and PSA costs of new buildings are not available.

Crime Statistics

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he will give the most recent figures available of the number of indictable offences known to the police in England and Wales; and what is the ratio per 100,000 of home population;(2) if he will list the 10 police force areas in England and Wales with the highest crime rates; how many indictable crimes there were in each; and how many offences per 100,000 of population.

Information on the number of notifiable offences recorded by the police in each police force area and the number per 100,000 of the population is published annually in "Criminal Statistics, England and Wales" (Table 2.5 and 2.7 of the volume for 1982, Cmnd. 9048).

Winson Green Prison

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many inmates of Winson green prison, Birmingham, are under 18 years of age.

On 30 September 1983 about 30 prisoners in Birmingham prison were aged under 18.

Fine Defaulters

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department on 30 September 1982 and 30 September 1983 how many fine defaulters were detained in Her Majesty's prisons.

About 1,000 fine defaulters were in prison department establishments in England and Wales on both 30 September 1982 and on 30 September 1983.

Criminal Offenders (Sentences)

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will publish in the Official Report a table showing the number of (a) custodial and (b) non-custodial sentences pronounced in west Yorkshire courts for each year since 1978; and if he will make a statement.

The readily available information covers 1979–82 and is published in "Criminal Statistics, England and Wales, Supplementary tables, Volume 3" (Tables 3.3 and 3.4 of the issue for 1982 and equivalent tables for earlier years).

National Finance

Value Added Tax

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if it is his intention to terminate the facility whereby

national tourist offices of foreign countries operating in the United Kingdom can reclaim value added tax; and if he will make a statement.

Yes, in so far as such tourist offices operate in the United Kingdom without being in business here. Hitherto, registration for VAT has been allowed in such cases under the special provisions of zero rate schedule group 15 item 2 of the Value Added Tax Act 1983. In view of clear legal advice that such registrations are incorrect, the facility is being withdrawn from 1 January 1984. Tourist offices which make taxable supplies in the United Kingdom may of course continue to register for VAT normally, and reclaim the input tax which is attributable to those supplies.

Group Relief (Tax Avoidance)

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer when drafts will be published of legislation to be introduced in the Finance Bill 1984 to counter the avoidance of tax through the use of group relief.

With my approval the Inland Revenue is publishing draft legislation on this subject today.Clauses 38 and 39 of this year's first Finance Bill—with schedule 6 — were designed to counter tax avoidance through the use of group relief where a company disposes of assets acquired before it joins a new group. Clause 38 dealt with the case where the disposal precedes the change of group; clause 39 and schedule 6 dealt with the cases where the disposal comes after the change. These provisions were dropped from the first Finance Bill when its passage had to be accelerated because of the impending general election.We have reviewed these clauses carefully in the light of subsequent representations. In general, there was broad acceptance of the need for action, in particular in the cases covered by clause 38. Some of those who commented, however, suggested an alternative approach, in particular in relation to post-entry disposals, under which transactions would be affected only where the securing of a tax advantage was the main motive or benefit. But this kind of approach is necessarily less certain than a test with clear-cut rules which we continue to believe would be more appropriate in these cases.The immediate problem relates in the main to pre-entry disposals and there are already provisions on the statute book which may counter avoidance in some other cases. With this in mind my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer has decided not to reintroduce in next year's Finance Bill provisions along the lines of the former clause 39 and schedule 6. This will make a welcome simplification to the original proposals. But we shall keep a careful watch on the situation, and, if the need arises, we shall take further legislative action to counteract any avoidance involving post-entry disposals.

As for pre-entry disposals, we intend to reintroduce a provision in next year's Finance Bill broadly along the lines of the former clause 38. However, we have included in the draft legislation a number of technical changes to take account of detailed points which were put to us. We propose that, as revised, the provisions should take effect from today.

Departmental Staff

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the number of staff in post in central Government Departments on 1 October 1983.

At 1 October 1983 there were 636,300 staff in post — 510,800 non-industrial and 125,500 industrial; that is a reduction of 6,500 since 1 July 1983. The number of civil servants has fallen by 96,000 or 13·1 per cent. since the beginning of the last Parliament. This means that we now have the smallest Civil Service since the second world war.

Tax Tables

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the cost to the Inland Revenue of producing tables detailing levels of tax contribution for which individual companies or taxpayers are liable.

The Inland Revenue produces PAYE tax tables to enable employers to calculate the correct weekly or monthly deductions due from the pay of employees. There are no tables produced detailing the levels of tax contributions for which individual companies or taxpayers are liable.The cost of producing the PAYE tax tables in 1983 to give effect to the Chancellor's Budget proposals was £239,692.

Bloodstock Industry (Taxation)

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he has made any new arrangements for the charging of value added tax on British bloodstock, in the light of the settlement arrived at between the French Government and the European Communities, following Her Majesty's Government's submissions to the European Court on the subject of harmonisation of value added tax on thoroughbred horses.

No. The VAT treatment of bloodstock in the European Community is governed by the provisions of the EC sixth directive on the harmonisation of VAT. France has now brought its system for charging VAT on bloodstock into line with the directive. The United Kingdom's treatment of bloodstock already conforms to it.

Environment

Development Corporations (Complaints)

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what administrative facilities are available to complainants aggrieved by decisions or actions of development corporations.

It is open to complainants to take matters up with the development corporation concerned and, if still aggrieved, with Ministers. In the latter case, Ministers would seek to satisfy themselves that the corporation had been acting reasonably and, if not so satisfied, would suggest to the corporation an appropriate line of action. Consideration is also being given to the possibility of bringing development corporations within the jurisdiction of the Commission for Local Administration for certain of their functions.

Local Authority Staffs (Pay)

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what grades of official of local authorities receive salaries of over £15,000 per annum; how many persons are in each grade; and if he has figures available for individual local authorities.

I refer my hon. Friend to section (b) of my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister's reply to his recent question of Monday 18 July 1983.—[Vol. 46, c. 7.] At 1 April 1983, the latest date for which figures are available, 449 chief executives and 5,285 chief officers—most of whom receive over £15,000 a year but whose pay settlement for July 1983 has yet to be finalised—were employed in local government. Figures for the numbers employed in each of the relevant grades for all other local government groups and for individual local authorities are not held by my Department.

Mortgage Interest Rates

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) if he is satisfied with the current requirements of section 110 of the Housing Act 1980—Local Authority Interest Rates — relating to the determination of the local average rate at six-monthly intervals;(2) if, in view of the fact that general interest rates for mortgage loans are reducing and change at more frequent intervals than the six months provided for under section 110 of the Housing Act 1980, he will take steps to vary the requirements so that the local average rate is redetermined whenever a revised standard national rate is declared.

I am satisfied that, for the time being, the local average rate should continue to be redetermined every six months. The local average rate reflects the authority's borrowing costs, and these costs do not necessarily change at the same time, or as quickly, as building society interest rates, on which the standard national rate is based.

Albert Dock, Liverpool

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the proposed redevelopment of the Albert dock, Liverpool, by the Merseyside Development Corporation.

When I visited Liverpool on 29 July I announced my approval for Merseyside Development Corporation's proposals for restoration of the Albert dock warehouses in a joint venture with the private sector—the Arrowcroft group. Phase 1 of the works involves structural repairs, external treatment and the provision of basic services by the corporation, together with the refurbishment by the Arrowcroft group of the quayside-mezzanine levels for retail and leisure use. Phase 2 provides for the subsequent development, a marketing of the warehouses for commercial and residential use using private sector capital. The northern part—block D—of the warehouses is being developed as an extension to the county council's maritime museum. Work has already commenced on blocks D and E of the warehouses.

Clayton Square, Liverpool

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list in the Official Report the organisations and individuals who have made representations against the proposed redevelopment of Clayton Square, Liverpool.

I shall write to the hon. Member.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when he expects the public inquiry into the proposed redevelopment of Clayton Square, Liverpool, to be heard.

The public inquiry into the compulsory purchase order, various road closure orders and an application for consent to demolish listed buildings—all of which are associated with the Clayton Square redevelopment proposals — is expected to be held in about six months' time.An inquiry into these matters due to be held on 27 September 1983 was deferred, by agreement with the appellants, to allow further closure orders to be submitted. When these are received it will be necessary to rearrange the inquiry for a date which allows the statutory closure order formalities to be completed.

Rate Rebates

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is his latest estimate of the cost of rate rebates in England in each year since 1978–79, including and excluding rebates payable with supplementary benefit.

Based on rate rebate returns, the information available on the cost of rate rebates paid to households not receiving supplementary benefit, including local authorities' contribution, is as follows:

	Million £
1978–79	141
1979–80	169
1980–81	223
1981–82	310

The figures for 1982–83 are still being collected from local authorities. Rebates payable to claimants with their supplementary benefit did not start until November 1982 with the partial start of housing benefit.Authorities' estimates given to the Department of Health and Social Security of rebates in 1983–84 are as follows:

All rate rebates—£1,066 million

Rebates excluding those payable with supplementary benefit—£441 million.

Black Country Limestone

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he is able to announce the names of the chairman and members of the expert panel being established to advise him on issues relating to black country limestone; and if he will make a statement.

I am very pleased to announce that Sir Edward Parkes, vice-chancellor of Leeds university and until recently chairman of the University Grants Committee, has agreed to be the chairman of this panel. I am also pleased to announce the appointments as panel members of the following, with specialisms in brackets:

Dr. D. I. Blockley (Structural Risk Analysis)
Professor J. B. Burland (Soil Mechanics)
Mr. Owen Gregory (Minerals Surveying)
Mr. D. A. D. Reeve (Civil Engineering)
Mr. J. R. Trustram Eve (Surveying and property development)

My Department will provide an assessor to the panel, Mr. P. F. Everall, and the panel secretary, Dr. D. Brook.The first meeting of the panel will take place on 15 November, at which terms of reference will be agreed and a programme of work established.

Ordnance Survey Advisory Board

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he is now able to say when the report of the Ordnance Survey Advisory Board on proposals for a trading fund for that organisation will be available.

The OSAB has now submitted its report and I am having copies placed in the Libraries of both Houses. The Government are considering this helpful report and the recommendations which the advisory board makes about the financial structure of the Ordnance Survey and will make a statement as soon as this is possible. I am taking steps to make the report available to the public from the Ordnance Survey at a small charge.

The Arts

Expenditure

asked the Under-Secretary of State answering in respect of the Arts what is the latest figure per capita spent on the arts in the United Kingdom and the other countries in the European Community.

Per capita expenditure on the arts in England, including central Government contributions, estimated local authority commitments and business sponsorship, was nearly £14 in 1982–83. No figures exist for spending by individuals. Corresponding figures for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are matters for the Secretaries of State concerned. Comparable figures for other European Community countries are not available.

Grants

asked the Under-Secretary of State answering in respect of the Arts what was the total grant and the cash and percentage increase over the previous year made by the Minister for the Arts to (a) the Arts Council and (b) each separate body to which he gives a grant for the years 1978–79, 1979–80, 1982–83 and the estimated figures for 1983–84.

[pursuant to his reply, 7 November 1983, c. 1]: The information which is given in the following table relates primarily to recurrent funding and excludes expenditure on capital and maintenance for the buildings of the national museums and galleries and the British Library.

	Provision	1978–79 Percentage increase over previous year	Provision	1979–80 Percentage increase over previous year	Provision	1982–83 Percentage increase over 1981–82ob/	Estimates	1983–84 Percentage increase over previous year¶
	£m	per cent.	£m	per cent.	£m	per cent.	£m	per cent.
Arts Council	50·5	21	60·0	19	90·9	13	91·1	—
Other arts bodies^*	7·2	13	8·4	17	22·4	64	17·2	-23
Total arts	57·7	20	68·4	19	113·3	20	108·3	-4
National Museums and Galleries†	26·8	23	33·1	24	49·2	7	53·1	8
British Library and other library and information bodies‡	24·6	4	30·6	24	43·5	12	45·3	4
Total	109·1	17	132·1	21	206·0	15	206·7	—

Notes:

^* Includes British Film Institute, National Film Training School, Crafts Council, South Bank Theatre Board, Museum of London and Sir John Scene's Museum; and, for 1982–83 and 1983–84 only, Museums and Galleries Commission, Government Art Collection, National Heritage Memorial Fund and Acceptances in Lieu of Tax, and Public Lending Right.

† Includes British Museum, Imperial War Museum, National Gallery, National Maritime Museum, National Portrait Gallery, Science Museum, Tate Gallery. Victoria and Albert Museum and Wallace Collection.

‡ Includes British Library, Royal Geographical Society; and, for 1982–83 and 1983–84 only, Royal Commission on Historical Manuscripts, British Records Association.

ob/ Includes Supplementary estimate provision of £10·5m in 1982–83 for Arts Council, British Film Institute, National Film School and the National Heritage Memorial Fund.

¶ The 1983–84 figures represent the Supply Estimate provision as amended by the cash limit reductions announced in July 1983. Figures for earlier years represent outturn expenditure borne on the relevant Votes.

Scotland

Banff And Buchan (Unemployment)

57.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will take steps to alleviate the escalating level of long-term unemployment in the 13anff and Buchan district council area.

The Government's economic strategy is aimed at creating a lasting increase in output and employment. In the short term the community programme provides temporary employment for long-term unemployed adults. At 28 October, the latest date for which information is available, 78 places had been approved in Banff and Buchan.

Nursing Staff

asked the Secrelary of State for Scotland if he will give the number of (a) sisters, (b) staff nurses, (c) nurses, and (d) any other nursing staff per 1,000 patients in Scotland in 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982 and the proportion at the latest available date.

Taking "patients" to comprise inpatient discharges, deaths and day cases, the whole-time equivalent numbers of staff per 1,000 patients were as follows:

	1979	1980	1981	1982
Sisters	7·4	7·2	7·2	7·3
Staff Nurses	8·3	8·4	9·0	9·7
Enrolled Nurses	9·8	9·7	10·2	10·6
Nurses in training	15·0	14·8	14·9	14·0
Unqualified Nursing Staff	21·5	21·3	21·1	21·0

Notes:

(a) Figures are based on the whole-time equivalent of hospital

nursing staff at 30 September, except that figures for 1982 relate to 31 March.

(b) Inpatient discharges, deaths and day cases are for the 12 months ended 30 September, except that figures for 1982 are based on 31 March data. Accident and emergency, casualty and outpatients are excluded.

(c) The reduction in the working week from 40 to 37½ hours is taken into account in the figures from 1980 onwards.

Rate Rebates

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is his latest estimate of the cost of rate rebates in Scotland in each year since 1978–79, including and excluding rebates payable with supplementary benefit.

The information relating to rate rebates paid to recipients and non-recipients of supplementary benefit is in the following table:

Year	Rate Rebates granted to non-recipients of supplementary benefit (Prior to Housing Benefit)	Rate Rebates granted to recipients of supplementary benefit (under Housing Benefit)	£ million Total
1978–79	21·4	—	21·4
1979–80	24·5	—	24·5
1980–81	34·0	—	34·0
1981–82	53·6	—	53·6
1982–83	62·5	14·7	77·2
1983–84^*	68·4	65·7	134·1
^* (under Housing Benefit).

Note: Up to November 1982—for council tenants—and April 1983—all other recipients—supplementary benefit payments took account of rates payable but did not specify any "rate rebate element" No information is available on the rates covered by supplementary benefit payments. After these dates rate rebates were granted separately from supplementary benefit under the housing benefit scheme.

Mentally Handicapped Persons

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will estimate the cost of raising the school leaving age to 18 years for the mentally handicapped in Scotland; and if he has any plans to do so.

We have no plans to vary the upper limit of school age in respect of pupils with special educational needs arising from mental handicap; to introduce such a differential would be directly contrary to the advice of the Warnock committee. On present costs, a leaving age of 18 years for these pupils would entail additional expenditure of about £6 million per year.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) what future plans he has for new hostel accommodation for the mentally handicapped; what is the total number of places involved; and where they will be located;(2) what future plans he has for new residential care for the mentally handicapped; what is the total number of places involved; and where they they will be located.

The provision of residential care in hospital and of hostel accommodation within the community is the responsibility of health boards and local authorities respectively, who assess the needs and make plans for their own areas. No detailed information is held centrally on the content of these plans.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) how many places there are in Scotland for hostel accommodation for the mentally handicapped; how the number of places compares with the figure of 0·6 places per 1,000 population recommended in the Peters report; and if he will identify where the places are provided by district council area;(2) how many places there are in Scotland for residential care accommodation for the mentally handicapped; how the number of places compares with the figure of 1·8 places per 1,000 population recommended in the Peters report; and if he will identify where the places are provided by district council area.

The information requested is set out in the following tables; the figures for residential care accommodation are shown by health board area. The total number of hostel places is equivalent to 0·24 per thousand population; the places in residential care accommodation correspond to 1·28 per thousand population. Detailed information on the number of places in unstaffed group homes and in accommodation provided by housing associations is not held centrally

Provisional number of places in homes for mentally handicapped 1982
District	Local Authority	Registered Voluntary	Total
Berwickshire	—	—	—
Ettrick/Lauderdale	14	149	163
Roxburgh	2	—	2
Tweeddale	—	—	—
Clackmannan	—	7	7
Falkirk	8	—	8
Stirling	13	—	13
Annandale/Eskdale	—	—	—
Nithsdale	—	—	—
Stewartry	10	—	10
Wigtown	—	—	—
Dunfermline	—	—	—
Kirkcaldy	20	—	20

District	Local Authority	Registered Voluntary	Total
North East Fife	—	—	—
Aberdeen	67	103	170
Banff/Buchan	35	—	35
Gordon	12	—	12
Kincarkine/Deeside	—	41	41
Moray	37	—	37
Badenoch/Strathspey	—	—	—
Caithness	19	—	19
Inverness	10	8	18
Lochaber	—	—	—
Nairn	—	—	—
Ross/Cromarty	10	—	10
Skye/Lochalsh	—	—	—
Sutherland	—	—	—
East Lothian	45	44	89
Edinburgh	43	17	60
Midlothian	—	—	—
West Lothian	12	—	12
Argyll/Bute	—	—	—
Bearsden/Milngavie	—	—	—
Clydebank	8	—	8
Cumbemauld/Kilsyth	—	—	—
Dumbarton	8	—	8
Strathkelvin	—	—	—
Cumnock/Doon Valley	12	—	12
Cunninghame	12	22	34
Kilmamock/Loudoun	12	—	12
Kyle/Carrick	22	115	137
Glasgow	65	29	94
East Kilbride	—	—	—
Hamilton	—	—	—
Lanark	42	—	42
Monklands	12	—	12
Motherwell	—	—	—
Eastwood	—	—	—
Inverclyde	16	—	16
Renfrew	14	—	14
Angus	54	—	54
Dundee	55	—	55
Perth/Kinross	—	—	—
Orkney	12	—	12
Shetland	6	—	6
Western Isles	—	—	—
Scotland Total	707	535	1,242

Beds in mental handicap hospitals by health board area—September 1981
	Number
Argyll and Clyde	344
Ayrshire and Arran	111
Borders	32
Dumfries and Galloway	20
Fife	510
Forth Valley	1,230
Grampian	708
Greater Glasgow	1,465
Highland	241
Lanarkshire	612
Lothian	742
Orkney	—
Shetland	—
Tayside	596
Western Isles	—
Scotland Total	6,611

Police Services (Costs)

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the actual total cost of providing a police service in Scotland in each of the last 10 years.

The information requested is set out in the following table:

Year	£ million (at cash prices)
1973–74	54
1974–75	68
1975–76	93
1976–77	103
1977–78	109
1978–79	122
1979–80	155
1980–81	186
1981–82	218
1982–83	^*238
^* Provisional: Final outturn not yet available.

Crime Statistics

asked the Sectetary of State for Scotland if he will give the most recent figures available of the number of indictable offences known to the police in Scotland; and what is the ratio per 100,000 of home population.

The term "indictable offences" is not used in Scottish criminal statistics. A rough equivalent would be "crimes"; such figures are, however, not strictly comparable with those of indictable offences for England and Wales because of differences in the legal systems and the classifications and counting rules used in compiling the statistics north and south of the border. The most recent information available on the number of crimes recorded by the police in Scotland was published in Scottish Home and Health Department Statistical Bulletin No. 2/1983, "Recorded Crime in Scotland 1982", on 30 September 1983. The 1982 figure of 435,081 is equivalent to a rate of 8,421 crimes per 100,000 of home population.

	Police strength^ (at 30 September 1983)*	Population of force area (at 30 June 1982)	Police officers per 100,000 of population
Central	532	273,033	195
Dumfries and Galloway	313	145,619	215
Fife	655	341,899	192
Grampian	950	490,270	194
Lothian and Borders	2,403	850,348	283
Northern	590	270,314	218
Strathclyde	6,781	2,398,900	283
Tayside	963	396,174	243
Total	13,187	5,166,557	255
^* The police strength figures include officers on secondment, on national training courses and on central service and those employed at ports, airports and oil-related industrial sites whose costs are not borne entirely by police authorities.

Prison Service

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the total cost of the prison service in each of the last 10 years in Scotland.

Financial Year	Expenditure under Law, Order and Protective Services programme	Allied Service Costs	Notional Superannuation	Departmental administrative Costs	Total
	£000	£000	£000	£000	£000
1972–73	7,516	539	1,129	565	9,749

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the police force areas in Scotland by order of their crime rates; how many indictable crimes there were in each; and how many offences per 100,000 of population.

There is no category of "indictable crimes" in Scottish criminal statistics. The figures below relate to "crimes", which is the term used to denote more serious contraventions of the law, as distinct from "offences", which generally cover less serious matters.

Crimes recorded by the police, Scotland 1982
Police Force	Number	Rate per 100,000 population
Strathclyde	240,349	10,019
Lothian and Borders	79,613	9,362
Tayside	29,398	7,420
Central	18,912	6,927
Grampian	30,037	6,127
Fife	18,900	5,528
Dumfries and Galloway	7,674	5,270
Northern	10,198	3,773

Police (Manpower)

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) what is the population of each police force area in Scotland;(2) what are the most recently available figures of the number of police in each police force area in Scotland and the ratio of police officers per 100,000 of home population.

The information requested is set out in the following table:

The total cost of the prison service in Scotland in each of the 10 years from 1972–73 to 1981–82—the latest year for which figures are available—is as follows:

Financial Year	Expenditure under Law, Order and Protective Services programme	Allied Service Costs	Notional Superannuation	Departmental administrative Costs	Total
1973–74	9,918	1,179	1,397	663	13,157
1974–75	12,487	1,463	1,814	735	16,499
1975–76	16,068	2,467	3,002	983	22,520
1976–77	18,243	4,813	3,209	1,197	27,462
1977–78	19,602	1,446	3,739	1,192	25,979
1978–79	21,617	2,103	4,336	1,185	29,241
1979–80	25,722	3,404	4,193	1,453	34,772
1980–81	35,898	3,163	4,976	1,547	45,584
1981–82	40,539	4,253	6,238	1,865	52,895

Land Registration

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how much of Scotland is now covered by the land registration system.

Compulsory registration of sales of heritable property under the Land Registration (Scotland) Act 1979 is currently in effect for the counties of Renfrew and Dunbarton; and will be extended to the county of Lanark from 3 January 1984. Up to 7 November 1983, 23,538 units of property had been so registered.

Education And Science

A-Level Students

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will take steps to introduce mandatory maintenance awards to students taking re-sit A-level examinations at colleges of further education.

No.

Higher Education

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science when he expects to make a statement on the recommendations relating to higher education from the National Advisory Board, and, in particular, the recommendations relating to east Anglia.

My right hon. Friend will be receiving recommendations from the National Advisory Body on the provison of local authority higher education in 1984–85 in east Anglia and elsewhere, and on the associated allocation of resources, in a few weeks' time. He will announce his decisions in the light of these recommendations as soon as possible thereafter.

Energy

Conservation

asked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will institute a Government-funded publicity programme of advice and information on the advantages of energy conservation measures.

On 31 October my right hon. Friend launched a comprehensive publicity campaign directed at promoting energy efficiency and providing advice and information on the advantages of cost-effective energy saving.

Coal Consumption

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what was the total amount of coal consumed in power stations in 1980, 1981 and 1982.

The information requested is given in the following table:

Coal consumption^ at public supply power stations—United Kingdom*
Year	Quantity (million tonnes)
1980	89·57
1981	87·23
1982	79·95
^* Includes small quantities of coke.

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what was the total amount of coal consumed in 1979, 1980, 1981 and 1982.

The total amount of coal consumed in the United Kingdom in the years 1979 to 1982 was:

Year	United Kingdom Coal Consumption Million tonnes
1979	129·4
1980	123·5
1981	118·4
1982	110·0

These figures include coal consumed at collieries.

Source: Digest of United Kingdom Energy Statistics, Department of Energy.

Severn Barrage

asked the Secretary of State for Energy at what state is his consideration of the Severn barrage proposals.

The Government are jointly funding the £500,000 study by the Severn Tidal Power Group (STPG) of the technical and financial viability of a barrage built and operated by the private sector. Its report is expected towards the end of 1984. I have also received a proposal, on which no decision has yet been taken, for a feasibility study of a barrage at a Severn site upstream of that being studied by STPG.

Transport

Accident Statistics

asked the Secretary of State for Transport how many fatal or serious spinal injuries occurred as a result of road accidents in each of the last five years; how many of these injuries were suffered by people in seats which were or were not, respectively, fitted with proper head restraints; whether he has any estimate of how many such injuries could have been avoided if all car seats were fitted with such head restraints; and if he will estimate the additional cost per car of fitting such restraints.

The regular police road accident reports to my Department give no details of type of injury sustained nor indicate whether head restraints were fitted. In a 1980 TRRL study of 130 car occupants in rear impacts, no fatal or serious injuries were recorded.Mortality statistics show 30 to 40 deaths from spinal injury—ICD 806,952—among motor vehicle drivers and passengers in England and Wales. The sample hospital inpatients inquiry shows around 250 spinal injuries a year arising from all traffic accidents in England and Wales.I have no information on fitting costs.

Bus Services

asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list in the Official Report the private bus services that have been licensed since 1979 and their routes.

The information requested is not held centrally and the answer could be found only at disproportionate cost to the Department.

Nuclear Waste (Transportation)

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what are the reasons which led to the introduction of new containers for the transport of spent nuclear fuel by rail.

I understand that the Central Electricity Generating Board has, since 1979, been renewing its fleet of flasks used for transporting spent fuel from first generation—Magnox—reactors.Each flask design is subject to rigorous assessment and must be certified on my behalf as complying with stringent safety standards formulated by the International Atomic Energy Agency before the flasks can be put into use.The board has informed me that, in the course of a continuing programme of research, it has carried out tests on a reduced scale model of a now obsolete type of flask. These tests suggested that under extreme impact in one particular attitude, a seal weld of flasks of that type could have been capable of suffering some minor cracks. This conclusion is not directly relevant to the types currently being phased out but the board, although satisfied there is no significant risk to the public, has informed me that it is accelerating their withdrawal.In the light of this information I am cancelling the relevant certificates of compliance from 14 November.In view of the hon. Member's question, I have asked the Central Electricity Generating Board to make a statement. I will arrange for copies to be placed in the Library of the House.

Port Costs

asked the Secretay of State for Transport if he will publish in the Official Report the results of his study of the levels of subsidy of port charges provided either by central Government or local authorities for continental ports such as Hamburg and Rotterdam.

[pursuant to his reply, 7 November 1983, c. 26.] A comparison of costs, excluding the handling of cargo, at three British and four continental ports was carried out on behalf of the former National Ports Council and published by it in 1974. It showed that if the British ports had been operating under the continental financial conditions their charges could have been on average something like 30 per cent. lower. In addition, in most continental countries the cost of lighthouse services is met out of the state funds rather than by dues payable by ships entering and leaving port.

asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will raise the issue of subsidising port charges with other member countries of the European Community under the competition rules; and if he will make a statement.

[pursuant to his reply, 7 November 1983, c. 26.] While the financing of ports differs between member states, and some costs borne by ships entering British ports are met elsewhere in the EC out of public funds, I have little evidence of the effect that these differences have on British ports. If the hon. Member has evidence that these matters bring about a significant disadvantage to British ports, perhaps she would write to me.

Prime Minister

Engagements

Q4.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 8 November.

Q5.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 8 November.

Q6.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 8 November.

Q7.

asked the Prime Minister what are her official engagements for Tuesday 8 November.

Q8.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 8 November.

Q9.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 8 November.

Q10.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 8 November.

Q11.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 8 November.

Q12.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 8 November.

Q13.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 8 November.

Q15.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 8 November.

Q16.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 8 November.

Q17.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 8 November.

Q18.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 8 November.

Q20.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 8 November.

Q21.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 8 November.

Q22.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 8 November.

Q23.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 8 November.

Q24.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 8 November.

Q26.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 8 November.

Q29.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 8 November.

Q30.

Fields asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 8 November.

Q31.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 8 November.

Q33.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 8 November.

Q35.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 8 November.

Q37.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 8 November.

Q38.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 8 November.

Q39.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 8 November.

Q40.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 8 November.

Q41.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 8 November.

Q42.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 8 November.

Q43.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 8 November.

Q44.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 8 November.

Q45.

asked the Prime Minister what are her official engagements for 8 November.

Q46.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 8 November.

Q47.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 8 November.

Q48.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 8 November.

This morning I had meetings with ministerial colleagues and others. Later this afternoon I shall be going to Bonn to attend an Anglo-German summit meeting.

European Community Resources

Q14.

asked the Prime Minister in what circumstances an increase in resources available to the European Community would be in the interests of the United Kingdom.

Where the need was proven, expenditure was brought under effective control and the pattern of burden-sharing was changed so as to reduce the United Kingdom's net contribution to an acceptable level.

Plumstead

Q19.

asked the Prime Minister if she will pay an official visit to Plumstead.

I have at present no plans to do so.

Birmingham

Q25.

asked the Prime Minister if she will pay an official visit to Birmingham.

I have at present no plans to do so.

Wales

Q27.

asked the Prime Minister when she next proposes to visit Wales.

I have at present no plans to do so.

Political Prisoners

Q28.

asked the Prime Minister whether it is Her Majesty's Government's policy to give help in cash or in kind to individual political prisoners in countries with which the United Kingdom has diplomatic relations.

We have contributed to an appeal by the International Committee of the Red Cross for its worldwide programme of protection and assistance for political detainees, but we are not normally able to provide assistance directly.

Portsoy

Q32.

asked the Prime Minister if she will pay an official visit to Portsoy.

I have at present no plans to do so.

Moscow

Q34.

asked the Prime Minister whether she will seek to pay an official visit to Moscow.

I have no plans to do so.

Nurses

Q36.

asked the Prime Minister how many nurses Her Majesty's Government plan to be employed in the National Health Service in 1986 and how this compares with the number now employed or being trained in the National Health Service.

Decisions about the numbers of nurses to be employed are made by individual employing authorities and estimates for 1986 are not available centrally. At 31 March 1983, 486,700 nurses and midwives were employed in the National Health Service in Great Britain. This figure includes qualified nurses, nurses in training, unqualified nurses, and agency nurses.

Anglo-Irish Summit

asked the Prime Minister if she will make a statement on her recent meeting with Dr. Garret Fitzgerald.

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

Q49.

asked the Prime Minister if she will make a statement about her meeting with the Taoiseach.

I refer the hon. Gentlemen and my hon. Friend to the statement that I made earlier today.

Health Expenditure

asked the Prima Minister what is the distribution of health expenditure in the United Kingdom for each English, Scottish arid Welsh region as a percentage of the total United Kingdom expenditure.

The information requested is as follows:

Region	Expenditure in 1983–84 on hospital and community health services
	£ million	Per cent.
English Regions
Northern	593·8	5·22
Yorkshire	670·6	5·90
Trent	802·3	7·05
East Anglia	333·6	2·93
North West Thames	698·9	6·15

	First and second world wars		Northern Ireland 1969–73 (Death as at 1 April 1970)		Northern Ireland—Post 1973 (Death as at 1 April 1974)		Falklands 1982
	Gross weekly pension paid		Gross weekly pension paid		Gross weekly pension paid		Gross weekly pension paid
	By MOD^*	By DHSS	By MOD^*	By DHSS	By MOD	By DHSS	By MOD	By DHSS
	£	£	£	£	£	£	£	£
(a)Private Soldier	—	42·70	21·08	42·70	56·02	42·70	43·16	42·70
(b) Sergeant	—	42·80	21·08	42·80	76·02	42·70	63·43	42·70
(c) Captain	20·92	44·13	21·08	44·13	105·03	42·70	93·41	42·70
^* Minimum pension.

asked the Prime Minister if she will tabulate the weekly pensions payable as from 21 November to war widows, distinguishing between pensions paid by the Department of Health and Social Security and pensions paid by the Ministry of Defence,

Region	Expenditure in 1983–84 on hospital and community health services
	£ million	Per cent.
North East Thames	882·2	7·76
South East Thames	776·0	6·82
South West Thames	587·0	5·16
Wessex	489·8	4·31
Oxford	378·8	3·33
South Western	584·8	5·14
West Midlands	924·5	8·13
Mersey	486·4	4·28
North Western	834·6	7·34
Scottish Boards
Argyll and Clyde	91·3	0·80
Ayr and Arran	61·5	0·54
Borders	18·1	0·16
Dumfries and Galloway	32·1	0·28
Fife	59·4	0·52
Forth Valley	58·0	0·51
Grampian	108·2	0·95
Greater Glasgow	335·0	2·94
Highland	46·0	0·40
Lanarkshire	101·7	0·89
Lothian	199·9	1·76
Orkney	3·3	0·03
Shetland	4·1	0·04
Tayside	118·3	1·04
Western Isles	6·2	0·05
Wales	594·2	5·20
Northern Ireland	497·2	4·37
Total	11,377·8	100·0

War Widows (Pensions)

asked the Prime Minister if she will publish figures comparing the gross weekly pensions payable by the Ministry of Defence and by the Department of Health and Social Security to the widows of (a) private soldiers, (b) sergeants and (c) captains, whose husbands were killed in action or on active service (i) during the 1914–18 war, (ii) during the 1939–45 war, (iii) in Northern Ireland since 1970 and (iv) in the Falklands in 1982.

The gross weekly rates of pension currently paid by the Ministry of Defence and by the Department of Health and Social Security are as follows. These rates will be increased by 3·7 per cent. from 21 November 1983.with examples for each Army rank, showing the additions payable for dependent children, and also whether or not the different amounts are reckonable for income tax.

The rates of pension for each Army rank payable from 21 November to war widows where the husbands' death is presumed to be 1 January 1983 are:

£ per week
	Forces family pensions paid by MOD^*		War pensions paid by DHSS†
	Widow	Children (per child— maximum of four)	Widow under 40 and with no children	Widow over 40 or with children	Children (per child— no maximum)
	£	£	£	£	£
Private	44·76	12·02	10·22	44·25	10·95
Corporal	58·84	15·15	10·22	44·25	10·95
Sergeant	65·79	16·69	10·22	44·25	10·95
Staff Sergeant	75·95	18·95	10·22	44·25	10·95
Warrant Officer II	78·45	19·50	10·22	44·25	10·95
Warrant Officer I	87·23	21·42	10·22	44·25	10·95
Captain and below	96·87	23·60	10·22	44·25	10·95
Major	118·55	28·42	10·22	44·25	10·95
Lieutenant Colonel	149·97	35·40	10·22	44·25	10·95
Colonel	175·87	41·15	10·22	44·25	10·95
Brigadier	191·33	44·59	10·22	44·25	10·95
Major General	211·18	49·00	10·22	44·25	10·95
Lieutenant General	257·46	59·28	10·22	44·25	10·95
General	323·63	73·99	10·22	44·25	10·95
Field Marshall	361·12	82·37	10·22	44·25	10·95
^* Liable to income tax.
† Tax free.

The April 1983 pensions rates for senior officers have yet to be promulgated. The above rates are therefore April 1982 rates, uplifted by the appropriate pensions increases for November 1982 and 1983.

Trade And Industry

Coal Firing Scheme

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will now extend the coal firing scheme beyond December; and if he will make a statement.

The future of the coal firing scheme is under consideration and an announcement will be made within the next few weeks.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will now make the coal firing scheme available to local authorities.

The coal firing scheme operates under the Industrial Development Act 1982 which does not provide for assistance to be given to local authorities. No changes will be made to the scope of the coal firing scheme while its future is under review.

Steel

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many tonnes of steel were imported into the United Kingdom during 1980, 1981, 1982 and to the nearest available date in 1983.

The information is as follows:

United Kingdom Steel Imports
Year	Thousand Tonnes
1980	4,627
1981	3,375
1982	3,846
1983 Jan-Sept.	2,362

Source: United Kingdom Overseas Trade Statistics data corresponding to SITC(R2) Groups 672, 673, 674 and 675; Sub-groups 678.2, 3, 4 and 679.3; and Items 679.42, 676.01 (part). 676.02 (part) and 791.99 (part).

2,4,5-T (Imports)

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what quantity of 2,4,5-T was imported into the United Kingdom in each of the last four quarters for which figures are available; how much was handled, processed and then exported in each quarter; and what information he has as to the size of the work force involved in these processes.

The quantity of 2,4,5-T imported into the United Kingdom in the last four quarters is as follows:

	Tonnes
1982
Q1	72·0
1983
Q1	177·5
Q2	72·0
Q3	7·5

No figures are available for the quantities handled, processed or re-exported, or for the size of the work force involved.

Glass (Imports)

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what was the level of import penetration of foreign glass into the United Kingdom from June 1981 until June 1983.

The latest available information relates to the 12 months ended March 1983.In the 24 months ended March 1983, imports accounted for a quarter of the domestic glass market, covering flat glass, glass containers and other glass products.

Companies (Forms And Questionnaires)

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry on how many occasions in the most recent 12-month period for which figures are available his Department asked companies to complete forms and questionnaires for the provision of information to his Department; and what was the purpose of each individual request.

Following is the information in respect of statistical surveys conducted by my Department in 1982:

Surveys Addressed to the Production & Construction Industries
Subject of Survey	Frequency	Purpose
Manufacturers' Sales	Quarterly	To provide indicators of output trends. Used for compiling index of industrial production.
Census of Production (Manufacturing)	Annual	To provide information about the structure and development of industries. Needed for the national accounts and to meet statutory EC obligations.
Census of Production (Construction)	Annual	To provide information about the structure and development of the construction industry. Needed for the national accounts and to meet statutory EC obligations.
Minerals Raised	Annual	To provide basic information on minerals mined and quarried in Great Britain. Needed to help in planning and policy.
Extraction of Petroleum and Natural Gas	Quarterly	To provide basic data about the output of petroleum and natural gas. Needed for the national accounts and for monitoring the industry.
Building Materials (Production)	Monthly and Quarterly	To provide data about the production of building materials. Used for compiling the index of industrial production.
Engineering Sales and/ or Orders	Monthly	To compile indices of production and orders for the engineering industries.
Electricity Generated by Large Users	Quarterly	To provide data needed for the formulation of energy policy and for monitoring price trends and stock levels.
Fuel Purchases and Stocks	Quarterly
Expenditure on Research and Development	Biennial	To provide data on research and development expenditure needed to help formulate government policy and to meet OECD and EC requirements.
Manufacturers' Investment Intentions	Half Yearly	To compile forecasts of investment for the National Income Forecasts produced by HM Treasury.
Manufacturers' Capital Expenditure	Quarterly	To compile estimates of short term trends in investment. Used for national accounts and other policy purposes.
Manufacturers' Stocks	Quarterly	To compile estimates of short term trends in changes of stock levels. Used for national accounts and policy purposes.
Misc. enquiries into production and/or orders	Monthly and Quarterly	To provide indicators of trends in output and orders. Used for compiling the index of industrial production.
Wholesale Prices	Monthly	To produce the index of wholesale prices (now renamed producer price index).

Subject of Survey	Frequency	Purpose
Overseas Transactions^*	Annual and Quarterly	To provide figures of certain overseas transaction* between UK companies and their related concerns overseas for the balance of payments.
Company Liquidity	Quarterly	To provide a timely indicator of company liquidity to help in fiscal and monetary policy.
Census of Overseas Assets and Liabilities	Triennial	To provide the framework for the overseas transactions survey needed for the balance of payments.
Register Proving Forms	Ad Hoc	To maintain the quality of the statistical register of companies.
Survey of Intermediate Production	Ad Hoc	To assess the extent of intra-company sales in considering the company as a basis for statistical reporting.
Surveys Addressed to the Distribution and Service Industries
Retailing	Annual	To provide basic information needed for the national accounts.
Wholesaling	Annual	To provide basic information needed for the national accounts.
Motor Trade	Annual	To provide basic information needed for the national accounts.
Catering	Annual	To provide basic information needed for the national accounts.
Road Transport	Biennial	To provide basic information needed for the national accounts.
Property	Biennial	To provide basic information needed for the national accounts.
Other Services	Biennial	To provide basic information needed for the national accounts.
Film Exhibitors	Annual	To provide information about cinemas needed for departmental policy purposes.
Retail Sales, Credit and Stocks	Monthly	To compile monthly index of retail sales and series of stock changes for the national accounts.
Wholesalers' Stocks	Quarterly	To compile series of stock changes for the national accounts.
Investment Intentions	Half Yearly	To produce forecasts of investment for the National Income Forecasts compiled by HM Treasury.
Capital Expenditure	Quarterly	To compile estimates of short term trends in investment for the national accounts and other policy purposes.
Insurance Companies and Pension Funds	Quarterly and Annual	To compile flow of fund and balance sheet information needed for monetary policy and the financial accounts.
Consumer Credit Grantors	Monthly	To obtain information about credit granted for the financial accounts and for credit control.
Finance Houses: Assets and Liabilities	Quarterly	To obtain flow of funds and balance sheet information for the financial accounts.
United Kingdom Sea Passenger Movements^**	Arrival/ Departure	To provide information for the Overseas Travel Account for the balance of payments.
Computer Services	Quarterly	To obtain information needed to monitor progress of the industry for policy purposes.

Subject of Survey	Frequency	Purpose
Overseas Payments and Receipts for Films, TV Materials and Programmes	Annual	To provide information about overseas transactions in films and television material for use in the balance of payments.
Earnings of UK Insurance Brokers on Business Written in Overseas Currencies	Quarterly	To provide information relating to the brokerage earned for use in the balance of payments.
^* Also covers the distribution and service industries.
^** Transferred to the Department of Transport in June 1983.

Foreign And Commonwealth Affairs

Cyprus (British Nationals)

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many United Kingdom nationals have still to receive compensation for damage and loss suffered during the Turkish invasion of Cyprus; and what is the total sum being claimed in compensation.

Of the 1,000 claims registered by private British nationals, there are about 760 who have not received compensation from the Turkish Cypriot authorities. However, 117 of these have accepted ex-gratia awards and are expected to receive payment soon. The remainder covers claims from British nationals with Greek Cypriot origins and connections and claims arising from losses in Varosha—Famagusta—which are not currently being dealt with by the Turkish Cypriot claims commission. It is not possible to give the total sum involved in British claims since some British nationals have been pursuing their claims direct with the Turkish Cypriot claims commission without notifying our high commission in Nicosia. Through the British high commission in Nicosia we are continuing to press the Turkish Cypriot authorities to expedite settlement of all outstanding British claims.

Torture Victims (United Nations Fund)

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if Her Majesty's Government will contribute funds to the United Nations fund for torture victims; and if he will make a statement.

I have nothing further to add to the reply I gave on 26 October to the hon. Member for Inverness, Nairn and Lochaber. (Mr. Johnston).—[Vol. 47, c. 103.]

Libya

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on Her Majesty's Government's present relations with Libya.

We have normal diplomatic and trade relations with Libya. Many British citizens live and work in Libya and a considerable number of Libyans live and work in the United Kingdom. We are continuing to seek ways of developing our relations.

Israel (Ministerial Visit)

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will make a statement on the Minister of State's visit to Israel; and what visits the Minister made to those areas of the former British mandate in Palestine which were annexed by Jordan between 1949 and 1967 and have been occupied by Israel since 1967.

I visited Israel as part of a wider tour of the middle east and had talks with the Prime Minister, other Government Ministers, and opposition leaders. I had useful and wide-ranging discussions on many topics, including the middle east and bilateral relations. I had talks with West Bank and Gaza leaders in Jerusalem on 3 November and then travelled by road from there to the Allenby bridge.

Nato (United Kingdom Delegation)

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many members of the United Kingdom delegation to the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation are citizens of any country other than, or in addition to, the United Kingdom.

[pursuant to the reply, 27 October 1983, c. 155]: All members of the United Kingdom delegation to the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation are British citizens and hold only British passports. However, not all members of the delegation were born in the United Kingdom itself and some therefore have claims to the citizenship of other countries, by virtue of their place of birth or ancestry.

Defence

Egypt (British Military Manoeuvres)

asked the Secretary of State for Defence how many British personnel were involved in the British military manoeuvres in Egypt.

HMS Hermes participated in the naval exercise. The land exercise involved some 300 Royal Navy and Royal Marines personnel disembarked from the ship.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the estimated cost of the recent British military manoeuvres in Egypt.

This information is not readily available and could not be provided except at disproportionate cost.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the British military manoeuvres in Egypt.

Following HMS Hermes's participation in the NATO Exercise Display Determination in the Eastern Mediterranean, the opportunity was taken to visit Alexandria and to conduct joint training with the Egyptian armed forces.On 2 November, HMS Hermes took part in an exercise at sea with the Egyptian navy while personnel of 40 commando group Royal Marines carried out training ashore with units of the Egyptian army. Both exercises were successful.

Employment

Manpower Services Commission (London)

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what procedures there are for co-ordinating the work of the area manpower boards of the Manpower Services Commission in London.

The work of the area manpower boards in London is kept under review by the Manpower Services Commission's regional director, and the secretaries to the four boards, and arrangements are made to ensure that information about the London labour market is presented in common form to all boards.

Labour Statistics

15.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many people have been unemployed for 52 weeks or longer; and what percentage this is of the total unemployment figure.

On 14 July, the latest date for which such information is available, there were 1,102,581 claimants in the United Kingdom who had been unemployed for over 52 weeks. This represented 36·5 per cent. of the total number of unemployed claimants.

16.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what is the percentage unemployment in the travel-to-work areas covering the Easington constituency, the northern region and the United Kingdom, respectively.

On 13 October the percentage rates of unemployment in the Peterlee and Wearside travel-to-work areas were 18·1 per cent. and 20·7 per cent. respectively. The corresponding figure for the Northern region was 17·3 per cent. and for the United Kingdom 13·0 per cent.

Percentage changes in numbers unemployed
	Yorkshire and Humberside region	West Yorkshire	Kirklees
Registered unemployed
May 1979 to October 1982	+164·4	+185·5	+246·3
Unemployed claimants
October 1982 to October 1983	(+5·1) -0·8	-3·8	-6·1
May 1979 to October 1983	(+180·7) +164·8	^*	^*
^*Not available. Estimates of unemployed claimants are not available below regional level for dates prior to October 1982.

The above figures for claimants are affected by the 1983 budget provisions for men over 60. The figures in brackets allow for the estimated effects of these provisions in Yorkshire and Humberside, separate figures are not available for West Yorkshire or Kirklees.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what was the total number of persons unemployed, percentage rate of unemployment, and the total number of vacancies for (a) the Workington travel-to-work area and (b) Cumbria at the latest date for which figures are available.

At 13 October the total number of unemployed claimants in the Workington travel-to-work

29.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what is his latest estimate of the numbers of people taking their names off the unemployment register each month; and what is his estimate of the numbers starting new employment each month.

In the five weeks to 13 October a total of 591,498 people ceased claiming unemployment benefit in Great Britain. The figure is not seasonally adjusted.The latest estimate of labour turnover for the whole economy relates to the year ending March 1982, when there were about 6 million engagements, an average of 500,000 per month.

52.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many young people under 25 years of age are unemployed; and what percentage this represents of the total number of people unemployed.

On 14 July, the latest date for which an analysis by age is available, the number of unemployed claimants aged under 25 years in the United Kingdom was 1,196,407. This number, which does not include 211,125 unemployed school leavers under 18 years of age who were not entitled to claim benefit, represented 39·6 per cent. of the total number of unemployed claimants.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what has been the percentage increase in unemployment since May 1979 in (a) the Yorkshire and Humberside region, (b) West Yorkshire and (c) Kirklees.

The following table gives the available information for the Yorkshire and Humberside region, the West Yorkshire metropolitan county and for the area covered by the Huddersfield, Dewsbury, Batley and Spen Valley jobcentres, which corresponds closely to the Kirklees metropolitan district. The figures on which the changes are based include school leavers and are not seasonally adjusted.area was 5,383 and the unemployment rate was 17·3 per cent. The corresponding figures for Cumbria were 22,005 and 11·4 per cent.On 7 October the numbers of notified vacancies remaining unfilled at jobcentres and careers offices in the Workington travel-to-work area were 115 and three, respectively. The corresponding figures for Cumbria were 1,368 at jobcentres and 59 at careers offices. Vacancies notified to jobcentres are estimated to be about one-third of all vacancies in the country as a whole. Because of possible duplication the figures for jobcentres and careers offices should not be added together. The number of vacancies unfilled at a particular date takes no account of the flow of vacancies being notified, filled or withdrawn which would reflect activity more closely. For example, during the 12-month period to September 1983 the number of people placed in jobs by jobcentres in Cumbria was 14,723. It is estimated that the public employment service accounts for about one in four of all placings.

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

On 13 October the total number of unemployed claimants in the area covered by the Brixton, Stockwell, Streatham and West Norwood jobcentres, which corresponds closely to Lambeth, was 20,931. On 14 July, the latest date for which an analysis by duration of unemployment is available, out of a total number of 20,346 unemployed claimants in the area, 7,477 had been unemployed for over 52 weeks.

	Greater London		Kilburn, Wembley and Willesden jobcentres
Occupational group	June 1979	September 1983	June 1979	September 1983
Managerial (general management)	40	8	—	—
Professional and related supporting management and administration	866	80	5	10
Professional and related in education, welfare and health	1,486	521	40	16
Literary, artistic and sports	152	163	2	7
Professional and related in science, engineering, technology and similar fields	1,089	159	30	34
Managerial (excluding general management)	1,315	451	29	20
Clerical and related	11,927	5,230	552	288
Selling	5,429	3,336	150	143
Security and protective service	1,359	586	29	28
Catering, cleaning, hairdressing and other personal service	12,552	6,239	268	183
Farming, fishing and related	269	92	5	2
Materials processing (excluding metal)	741	201	28	10
Making and repairing (excluding metal and electrical)	5,543	1,908	172	73
Processing, making, repairing and related (metal and electrical)	6,921	1,505	426	113
Painting, repetitive assembling, product inspecting, packaging and related	2,913	675	151	67
Construction, mining and related not elsewhere classified	1,531	503	84	23
Transport operating, materials moving and storing and related	4,911	1,239	289	96
Miscellaneous (including general labourers)	2,900	426	178	36
TOTAL ALL OCCUPATIONS	61,944	^*23,322	2,438	^*1,149
^* Excludes community programme vacancies and those notified to Professional and Executive Recruitment offices. These numbered 1,871 in Greater London; separate figures for individual jobcentres are not available.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what are the latest unemployment figures in (a) the Greater London area, (b) the Kilburn employment office area, (c) the Wembley employment office and (d) the Harlesden employment office area; if he will give the average period of unemployment and the age breakdown in each case; and what were the figures in May 1979.

[pursuant to his reply, 2 November 1983, c. 396.]: Table 1 gives the total numbers unemployed on 10 May 1979 and 13 October 1983.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will list by trade and occupation the registered vacancies in (a) the Greater London area and (b) the Brent travel-to-work area in May 1979 and the latest available date.

[pursuant to his reply, 2 November 1983, c. 396]: The following table gives an analysis by major occupational groups of the numbers of notified vacancies unfilled on 9 June 1979 and 2 September 1983. The figures, which are available quarterly, relate to vacancies notified to jobcentres but not to careers offices.Vacancies notified to jobcentres are estimated to be about one-third of all vacancies in the economy as a whole.There is no Brent travel-to-work area and figures are given for the area covered by the Kilburn, Wembley and Willesden jobcentres, which corresponds closely to the London borough of Brent.Table 2 gives the median duration of unemployment on 5 April 1979—not available for May—and on 14 July 1983, the latest date for which an analysis by age and duration of unemployment is available. Table 3 gives an age analysis for the same dates.The figures for July and October 1983 are affected by the 1983 Budget provisions, which meant that some men aged 60 or over no longer had to sign on.

Table 1
	Registered unemployed	Unemployed claimants
	May 1979	May 1979	October 1983
Greater London	134,050	122,900	367,781
Kilburn jobcentre area	1,468	^*	4,466
Wembley jobcentre area	1,278	^*	3,745
Willesden jobcentre area (includes Harlesden)	1,771	^*	5,745
^* Not available. Estimates of unemployed claimants for local areas are not available prior to October 1982.

Table 2
Median duration of unemployment		Registered unemployed
Unemployed claimants
	April 1979	July 1983
Greater London	20 weeks	30 weeks
Kilburn jobcentre area	20 weeks	30 weeks

Table 3 Age analysis of the unemployed
	Greater London		Kilburn jobcentre area		Wembley jobcentre area		Willesden jobcentre area
Age	Registered unemployed	Unemployed claimants	Registered unemployed	Unemployed claimants	Registered unemployed	Unemployed claimants	Registered unemployed	Unemployed claimants
	April 1979	July 1983	April 1979	July 1983	April 1979	July 1983	April 1979	July 1983
Under 18	5,676	19,191	61	153	35	152	92	341
18	4,638	16,872	58	157	49	138	68	293
19	5,319	18,591	67	222	48	197	76	354
20–24	25,368	78,425	321	1,049	241	807	376	1,313
25–29	19,649	49,097	287	723	166	451	262	767
30–34	14,505	34,653	153	438	131	348	167	539
35–44	20,068	51,802	214	666	173	529	297	835
45–49	8,997	23,089	107	295	124	287	142	376
50–54	9,160>	23,681	69	306	104	314	123	387
55–59	10,570	26,564	84	308	109	323	113	365
60–64	12,700	13,641	72	149	169	164	114	167
65 and over	489	240	3	1	5	4	3	4
Total, all ages	137,139	355,846	1,496	4,467	1,354	3,714	1,833	5,741

Youth Training Scheme

17.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will make a statement on the degree of co-operation received from employers, unions and voluntary bodies in the organisation of the youth training scheme.

Over 415,000 youth training scheme places have now been approved. This is the clearest possible indication of the tremendous co-operation being given by all those involved, and in particular employers, in getting the scheme off the ground.

20.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what proposals he has for the continued training of present participants in the youth training scheme.

The youth training scheme aims to equip youngsters with a foundation of basic skills on which further training can build. Responsibility for identifying subsequent training needs and arranging to meet them remains with employers, who are best placed to respond quickly and flexibly to market demand.

22.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many young people entered full-time employment at the last count without recourse to the new youth training scheme.

Median duration of unemployment		Registered unemployed
Unemployed claimants
	April 1979	July 1983
Wembley jobcentre area	16 weeks	24 weeks
Willesden jobcentre area	17 weeks	31 weeks

This information is not yet available. It is presently being obtained from sample surveys.

26.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many fatal accidents involving young people on youth training schemes have taken place in the last two years.

There were 15 fatal accidents to young people on the youth opportunities programme and the youth training scheme in the period 1 November 1981 to 28 October 1983.

30.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many places have now been taken up in the youth training scheme; and if he will make a statement.

53.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment whether he will make a statement on the current take-up of places on the youth training scheme.

Over 250,000 young people had entered the youth training scheme by 3 November and we are satisfied that many more will do so in the weeks ahead.

31.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he is satisfied with the working of the youth training scheme.

32.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will make a statement about the operation of the youth training scheme.

39.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment whether he will make a statement on the operation on the youth training scheme to the latest convenient date.

I refer my hon. Friends to the reply my right hon. Friend gave earlier today to the hon. Member for Gordon (Mr. Bruce).

33.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many young people aged 18 years and under are unemployed or on the youth training scheme in the United Kingdom.

Figures of people aged 18 years and under who were unemployed on 13 October will be available shortly. At 3 November some 251,000 young people had entered the youth training scheme.

41.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if, in the light of protests from the National Association of Teachers in Further and Higher Education, he will withdraw his draft memorandum relating to off-the-job training on the youth training scheme.

The Manpower Services Commission agreed at its meeting on 27 October a memorandum relating to the content of off-the-job training on the youth training scheme and will shortly be issuing the memorandum to its staff. The memorandum makes it clear that political activities and the propagation of political opinions are not permitted within the scheme.

43.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment when he next plans to meet the chairman of the Manpower Services Commission to discuss the progress of the youth training scheme.

I have, and have had for several months, very regular meetings with the chairman of the Manpower Services Commission to discuss the youth training scheme. I intend to continue this close co-operation.

44.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what representations he has received concerning the financial problems being faced by colleges operating youth training schemes; and if he will make a statement about Manpower Services Commission funding for these courses.

Some colleges have reported difficulties in keeping within the financial limits set for courses under the youth training scheme. The current rates payable for off-the-job training for the scheme in colleges were agreed between the local authority associations and the Confederation of British Industry. The Manpower Services Commission is considering the matter and will shortly be discussing the funding arrangements for the scheme in 1984–85 with the local authority associations.

45.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he expects that the full number of places on the youth training scheme will be occupied in the current year.

It is still too early to say how many young people will join the scheme this year. Early indications suggest that more young people than expected have either obtained jobs or are staying on in full-time education. The numbers taking up places in October have, however, been higher than expected and by 3 November 251,000 young people had entered the scheme.

51.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what, at the latest convenient date, are the number of young people taking part in each version of the youth training scheme; and how this compares with the number of places available.

By 3 November some 251,000 young peole had entered the youth training scheme, 178,000 of whom went into mode A scheme, 55,000 into mode B1 and 18,000 into mode B2. Over 415,000 places have been approved of which 297,000 are in mode A schemes, 86,000 mode B1 and 32,000 mode B2.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many places have been approved for the youth training scheme; and how many places have been filled at the most recent date for which figures are available.

At 3 November, over 415,000 places had been approved for the youth training scheme and some 251,000 young people had entered the scheme.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will make a statement on the progress of implementation of the youth training scheme in the Billericay area.

some 650 young people had entered the youth training scheme in Basildon and Brentwood by the end of October and I am satisfied that take-up of places is progressing satisfactorily.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what are the numbers and composition of staff engaged, whether by his Department or by the Manpower Services Commission, on the administration and inspection of the youth training scheme.

The Manpower Services Commission employs some 3,800 permanent staff for work on the youth training scheme, of whom nearly 3,000 are employed in area office setting up, inspecting amd monitoring individual schemes.A further 300 staff are employed elsewhere within the commision on the recruitment of young people to places on the scheme and on other support services related indirectily to it.23 Department of Employment staff are engaged either full-time or part-time in monitoring the overall performance and achievement of the scheme.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what discussions he has had with representatives of small business on the youth training scheme.

Ministers in the Department of Employment have regular discussions with organisations representing small firms on a range of matters, including the youth training scheme.

Employment Act 1982

18.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment whether he is considering any amendments to the Employment Act 1982.

We have no plans to amend the Employment Act 1982 but we do, of course, keep the operation of that Act and the Employment Act 1980 under close review.

42.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment whether he is satisfied with the working of the Employment Act 1982.

Yes, although we shall, of course, continue to keep the operation of its provisions under review.

Wages Council Award

19.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what representations he has received concerning the recent wage award of the licensed residential establishment and licensed restaurant wages council.

We have received a number of letters from hon. Members and others about the level of the recent award by this council. The most common representation concerned the effect of the settlement on businesses and jobs, especially for young people.

Trades Union Congress

21.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what recent discussions he has had with trade union leaders regarding the political levy; and if he will make a statement.

23.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will make a statement on his recent talks with leaders of the Trades Union Congress.

I met members of the employment policy and organisation committee of the TUC on 19 October to discuss the operation of the political levy. I made clear the Government's concern that trade union members should be able freely to decide whether or not to pay the levy. I invited the TUC to bring forward proposals for steps which the trade unions might themselves take to guarantee a fair, unfettered, effective and informed right of choice.

Trade Unions (Political Funds)

24.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will study the implications of recent cases concerning the use of trade union political funds with a view to considering amending legislation.

We are aware of these cases and we have included in the Trade Union Bill provisions designed to remove the uncertainties which have arisen about the operation of the Trade Union Act 1913. For example, the Bill contains an updated and clarified definition of the activities which must be financed only from trade unions' political funds. The revised definition makes it clear that, amongst other things, expenditure on the pro vision of any property for use by a political party should be regarded as political expenditure. The Bill also contains a provision to make clear that political fund deficits may not be paid off from union funds other than the political fund.

Greater London

25.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what is the current level of unemployment in Greater London.

On 13 October the number of unemployed claimants in Greater London was 367,781.

Merseyside

27.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will give the latest unemployment figures for Merseyside.

On 13 October the number of unemployed claimants in the Merseyside special development area was 139,128.

36.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment when he expects employment prospects on Merseyside to improve.

Real and sustainable new jobs will be created on Merseyside and elsewhere when our industries become more competitive and sell more goods and services. There are continuing signs that the Government's policies are succeeding in establishing the economic conditions which will help them to do so. Inflation is firmly under control, output is 2½ per cent. higher than a year ago and productivity in manufacturing has risen by about 20 per cent. since 1980.

46.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many (a) men, (b) women and (c) young persons are currently unemployed on Merseyside.

On 13 October the total number of unemployed claimants in the Merseyside special development area was 139,128 — 101,380 males and 37,748 females. On 14 July, the latest date for which an analysis by age is available, out of a total of 135,872–100,275 male and 35,597 female — unemployed claimants in the area, 8,188 were aged under 18 years. The figures for July do not include 7,057 unemployed school leavers under 18 years of age who were not entitled to claim benefit.

Unemployed Mineworkers

28.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what is the average cost to public funds for each unemployed mineworker during the first and subsequent years of unemployment.

Any attempt to estimate the cost to public funds of an unemployed mineworker would require a number of uncertain assumptions. The range of such assumptions is so great that no single realistic answer can be produced.

Job Vacancies

34.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what is the current trend in vacancies and its implications for future employment patterns.

Unfilled vacancies notified to jobcentres have continued to increase and in October were 44 per cent. higher than in the same month last year, and are now at the highest level since early 1980.While this is encouraging, steadily falling unemployment will be achieved only if Britain proves it can compete in world markets. Any letting up in the fight to get inflation and pay settlements down would only undo the very evident progress we are making.

Enterprise Allowances

35.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many people are now in receipt of the enterprise allowances.

On 21 October 1983, 13,325 people were in receipt of the enterprise allowance. Of these, 1,648 had joined the pilot scheme operating prior to the national extension on 1 August 1983.

Asbestos

37.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he is satisfied that the law requires all proper precautions to be taken to ensure the safety of workers in proximity to asbestos.

The exposure of workers to asbestos is already controlled by the Asbestos Regulaations 1969 and the relevant provisions of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. However, three new legislative initiatives which will provide additional control are under way. First, we are considering new regulations governing the licensing of work with asbestos insulation and asbestos coating which we intend to lay before Parliament shortly.Secondly the Health and Safety Commission has recently agreed the issue of a consultative document containing proposals for regulations to prohibit the importation, marketing and use of blue asbestos — crocidolite — and brown asbestos—amosite — together with products containing them and to prohibit asbestos spraying and asbestos insulation. The Consultative document will be published in the near future with the aim of introducing legislation by June 1984.Third, new legislation to implement the remaining requirements of two recently adopted European Community Directives on asbestos is in preparation. The HSC intend to issue a consultative document early next year, with a view to submitting draft regulations for my consideration by the end of that year.

Industrial Stoppages

38.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what are the latest figures for the number of working days lost through industrial stoppages in the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement.

It is provisionally estimated that 267,000 working days were lost through industrial disputes in the United Kingdom during September 1983, the latest month for which figures are available. The totals for the first nine months of the year and for the 12 months up to the end of September were 2,864,000 and 3,642,000 respectively, compared with an annual average of over 10 million days in the previous 10 years.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many working days were lost through industrial action in the first nine months of 1983; and what were the comparable figures for the last 10 years.

It is provisionally estimated that 2,864,000 working days were lost through stoppages of work due to industrial disputes during January to September in 1983. Comparable figures from 1973 are as follows:

January to September	Days lost
1982	4,537,000
1981	3,265,000
1980	11,531,000
1979	25,170,000
1978	5,087,000
1977	6,512,000
1976	2,515,000
1975	5,305,000
1974	10,873,000
1973	5,512,000

Regional Planning

40.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will assess the effect of regional planning on employment trends.

The Government do not carry out regional planning. Regional economic policy helps industrial change and encourages new businesses and jobs in areas which have been dependent on declining industries. It is difficult to measure precisely the effects of regional economic policy on employment trends but the Government aims to ensure that regional policy measures are economical and effective in creating genuine jobs.

Community Programme

47.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what progress is being made in the community programme; and if he will make a statement.

At the end of September over 139,500 places had been approved on the community programme — including the community enterprise programme—and more than 96,500 of these had been filled. The programme is now well on its way to meeting its target of 130,000 filled places.We are pleased with the success of the programme so far and the help that it has given to long-term unemployed people.

Work Permits (West Lindsey)

48.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many work permits have been granted to those wishing to work in west Lindsey, Lincolnshire, in the part 12 months.

In 1982, 21 permits were issued for employment in Lincolnshire but the information relating to an individual district is not available except at disproportionate cost.Certain other workers from non-European Community countries may be admitted by the Home Office without a work permit. Two significant categories are short-term seasonal workers in approved agricultural camps and working holidaymakers. So far this year approval has been given to 61 overseas workers to take up employemt at the agricultural camps in Lincolnshire, but no statistics are available for working holidaymakers taking employment in the county.

1981 Census

49.

asked the Secreury of State for Employment when he plans to publish the local area employment results of the 1981 census.

There are no plans to publish results of the 1981 census of employment for areas smaller than regions. However, local area results will be available to enquirers early in the new year.

Government Training Centres

50.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many employees in Government training centres have been allowed to apply for early retirement.

Since 1 January 1983 54 staff employed in the Manpower Services Commission's skillcentres have been allowed to retire early.

Disabled Persons (Training Courses)

54.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many disabled people are engaged in training courses funded by the Manpower Services Commission.

I regret that information is not available in the precise form requested.Some 4,300 disabled adults were trained under the training opportunities scheme and other training schemes supported by the Manpower Services Commission in the 1982–83 financial year, the latest period for which figures are available.Statistics on the number of young disabled people entering the youth training scheme, based on returns from sponsors, are being collected at quarterly intervals. The figures for September show that some 1,100 disabled young people had been identified as entering the Scheme at that date.

South Yorkshire

55.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many people are unemployed in the county of South Yorkshire; and how this number compares with the position five years ago.

In October 1983, the number of unemployed claimants in the South Yorkshire metropolitan county was 92,583. The number of registered unemployed in the county in October 1978 was 36,754.

Noise Protection

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what is the estimated cost to industry of implementing the proposed European Community Council directive on protection of workers from noise, as submitted by the Commission to the Council on 18 October 1982.

I am fully aware of the very considerable concern in industry over this proposed directive. In its present form it is impossible to estimate accurately the cost to industry of implementation. The Government are determined to see that any final directive that results shall not place unnecessary nor uncompetitive burdens on industry.

Industrial Tribunals

asked the Secretary of State for Employment whether, having regard to his reply on 31 October, Official Report, c. 287, there are any plans to change the areas administered by the Leeds and Sheffield regional offices of industrial tribunals.

No changes in the territorial boundaries of the regional offices beyond those referred to in my reply to my hon. Friend on 31 October—[Vol. 47, c. 287]—have been decided upon.

School Leavers

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many young people left school in South Shields in the summer and of those how many (a) entered employment, (b) joined the youth training scheme and (c) are currently unemployed.

It is estimated that 1,575 16-year-olds were eligible to leave school in South Shields in the summer. Of those whose whereabouts were known to the careers service on 2 November, 160 had entered employment and 850 had joined the youth training scheme. 60 are currently unemployed.

Northern Ireland

Nurses

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will give the number of (a) sisters, (b) staff nurses, (c) nurses and (d) any other nursing staff per 1,000 patients in Northern Ireland in 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982 and the proportion at the latest available date.

Expressed in whole-time equivalents, the numbers at 31 December for the years 1979–82 are as follows:

	1979	1980	1981	1982
Sisters	5	5	5	5
Staff nurses	15	16	17	19
Nurses	11	12	12	13
Other nursing staff	31	31	32	33

Agriculture, Fisheries And Food

Livestock (Transport)

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food on how many occasions in each of the past five years members of the state veterinary service have accompanied consignments of livestock during sea transport, detailed by port of embarkation and port of arrival.

My Department's records show that members of the state veterinary service have made the following numbers of sea crossings in connection with their animal welfare duties:

	Numbers
1978	24
1979	10
1980	8
1981	22
1982	21
^*1983	18
^* To September.

I shall write to the hon. Member with details of the routes involved.

Fishing Industry

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what progress is being made in the restructuring scheme for the British fishing industry.

[pursuant to his reply, 4 November 1983, c. 471]: Following agreement on structures in the Council of Ministers last month we are now able to proceed with the preparation for the introduction of schemes for grants for decommissioning and laying up vessels and to provide for support for exploratory voyages and joint ventures with certain third party countries. An announcement about the details of these new schemes will be made as soon as possible after the necessary preparatory work, including discussion with the industry and the Commission, has been completed.Meanwhile, parliamentary approval is being sought in the Winter Supplementary Estimates for expenditure of £4 million to provide for the payment of decommissioning grants to owners of fishing vessels in the current financial year, so that following approval of the Estimates payment of such grants can commence as soon as the details of the schemes have been agreed and implementing legislation has been laid.The proposed £4 million will be distributed as follows:

£3,230,000—to the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food to meet expenditure arising in both England and Northern Ireland;

£600,000—to the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries for Scotland;

£170,000—to the Welsh Office.

The cash limit for Class III Vote 5—MAFF—will be increased by £2,005,000, from £26,203,000 to £28,208,000; and the cash limit for Class XV Vote 2—DAFS — will be increased by £600,000 from £57,943,000 to £58,543,000. In the case of Class III Vote 5, the addition of £3,230,000 for decommissioning grants is being partly offset by savings on other services in the Vote totalling £1,225,000. Otherwise the additions are being met from within the existing public expenditure survey provision for fisheries, and will therefore not add to the planning total of public expenditure.

A separate announcement is being made about the change to the cash limit for Class XVI Vote 5—Welsh Office.

Wales

Nhs (Consultants And Surgeons)

asked the Secretary of State for Wales (1) for 1982 and 1983 respectively, how many orthopaedic consultants were employed within the National Health Service in Wales;(2) for 1982 and 1983 respectively, how many consultant gynaecologists were employed by the National Health Service in Wales;(3) for 1982 and 1983 respectively, how many consultant ear, nose and throat surgeons were employed by the National Health Service in Wales;(4) for 1982 and 1983 respectively, how many consultant general surgeons were employed by the National Health Service in Wales.

The information is as follows:

Specialty	Number of consultants^*
	1982	1983
General surgery	49·2	52·2
Ear, nose and throat surgery	20·5	20·6
Traumatic and orthopaedic surgery	33·7	34·2
Obstetrics and gynaecology	41·6	40·7
^* Whole-time equivalents at 30 September.

Breast Cancer (Screening)

asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will provide details of the availability within Wales of early screening facilities for the detection of mammary carcinoma; and if he is satisfied with the quality and the distribution of these facilities.

There is not yet sufficient evidence of the effectiveness of breast screening in reducing morbidity and mortality from breast cancer to justify the introduction of a national service. The health departments are currently funding trials to obtain more information on the effectiveness and logistics of screening large populations of women. It is expected that the first results of the trials will become available in 1988. In the meantime it is considered prudent for women to examine their breasts regularly and report any changes promptly to their doctor.

Rheumatology

asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he is satisfied with the provision and the distribution of consultant rheumatology services in Wales.

Improvements are always possible, but it is for individual health authorities in Wales to decide the level of their rheumatology services in the light of local needs, resources and priorities.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list the area health authorities in Wales that have the services of consultants in rheumatology; and what provision he proposes in the next years for those areas without such services.

At September 1983 the position was as follows:

District Health Authority	Number of Consultants
Clwyd	1
East Dyfed	—
Gwent	1 (shared with Powys)
Gwynedd	1 (physician with a special interest in Rheumatology)
Mid Glamorgan	2
Pembrokeshire	—
Powys	1 (shared with Gwent)
South Glamorgan	4 (including 1 part-time)
West Glamorgan	1

I am always prepared to consider, in the light of all Wales priorities, requests by authorities for additional consultant posts.

Ambulance Service

asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he is satisfied with the ambulance service in Wales; what information he has as to average age of ambulances in each health authority; and how many vehicles in each authority considered inadvisable to use cannot be replaced.

Yes. Information about the age and condition of ambulances is not held centrally.

School Leavers (Dyfed)

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what percentage of July 1983 school leavers in each

£ million
	1978–79	1979–80	1980–81	1981–82	1982–83	1983–84
Statutory—Local Rate Rebates^*	5·6	7·0	9·2	11·7	17·3	2·5
Housing Benefit Rebates	—	—	—	—	4·4	36·4
Enterprise Zone Rebates	—	—	—	0·5	1·0	1·3
	5·6	7·0	9·2	12·2	22·7	40·2
^* From the end of 1982–83 these comprise only rebates under the Rating (Disabled Persons) Act 1978.

Cash Limits

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what changes have been made to the cash limit of Class XVI, Vote 5, "Agricultural services, support for the fishing industry, regional and industrial development, Wales".

The cash limit for Class XVI, Vote 5, has been decreased by £2,830,000 from £52,478,000 to £49,648,000.This change has occurred for two reasons:1. Support for the fishing industry is being increased by £170,000 to provide for the payment of decommissioning grants under the European Community's structures programme announced by the Minister of Agriculture,

of the Dyfed travel-to-work areas have found work or have been taken on under temporary employment schemes; and how many are unemployed.

Comprehensive information is not available in the form requested, but is limited to 1983 minimum age school leavers whose destination is known to the Dyfed careers service. Of the 4,628 in that category, 43 per cent. have found work or entered some form of training, 54 per cent. have continued in full-time education and 3 per cent. are presently unemployed.

Nursing Staff

asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will give the number of (a) sisters, (b) staff nurses, (c) nurses and (d) any other nursing staff per 1,000 patients in Wales in 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982 and the proportion at the latest available date.

I shall write to the hon. Gentleman.

Rate Rebates

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what is his latest estimate of the cost of rate rebates in Wales in each year since 1978–79, including and excluding rebates payable with supplementary benefit.

The information requested is as follows:Fisheries and Food today. This increase is being met from within the existing public expenditure survey provision for fisheries, and will therefore not add to the planning total of public expenditure.2. More applications for available ECSC funds have been received by the Welsh Development Agency in the present financial year, in respect of projects in areas of coal and steel closures, than was forecast at the time of last year's public expenditure survey. So that the WDA cart respond to this by utilising this year the outstanding balance of its present three-year European Coal and Steel Community borrowing allocation, £3 million has been switched from the agency's existing grant-in-aid, and national loans fund and European Investment Bank borrowing adjusted accordingly.

Volume 48: debated on Tuesday 8 November 1983

Written Answers To Questions

Social Services

Overseas Visitors

Ancillary Workers (Special Duty Allowance)

Health Circular Hc (83) 18

Medicines And Tablets (Expiry Date Stamp)

Supplementary Benefit Appeals (Kirklees)

Abortions

War Widows Pensions

Stoma Care

Birth Statistics

International Year Of Disabled People

Radiographers

Action On Alcohol Abuse

Nhs Staff (Working Conditions)

Rehabilitation Medicine

Nhs Facilities (Charges)

Accident And Emergency Facilities (Salford)

Private Hospitals

Inpatient Waiting Lists

Private Medicine (Form Sbh 212)

Health Authorities (Resources)

Supplementary Benefit

Local Offices (Staff)

Cancer Survey (Cumbria)

Kidney Patients

Invalid Care Allowance

Household Duties Test

Nhs (Trade Union Talks)

Nhs (Job Vacancies)

Chiropody Services

School Meals (Child Nutrition)

Great Ormond Street Hospital

Bone Marrow Transplants

Nhs (Manpower)

Invalidity Benefit

Blood Supplies (Handling Charges)

Seasonal Workers (Benefit)

Special Hardship Allowance

Waiting Lists

Supplementary Benefits

Nhs (Workers' Hours)

Nursing Staff

Service Widows (Pensions)

Nhs (Drugs Purchase)

Drugs (Prices)

Unemployment Benefit

Widows (Benefits)

Lone Parents (Benefits)

Health Authorities (Resources)

Hospitals (Liverpool)

Ambulance Service

Pharmacists (Clawback)

Hospital Closures (London)

Social Workers

Nhs (Expenditure)

Home Department

Commercial Fraud

Prison Statistics

Police Statistics

Police Service (Cost)

Prison Service (Cost)

Crime Statistics

Winson Green Prison

Fine Defaulters

Criminal Offenders (Sentences)

National Finance

Value Added Tax

Group Relief (Tax Avoidance)

Departmental Staff

Tax Tables

Bloodstock Industry (Taxation)

Environment

Development Corporations (Complaints)

Local Authority Staffs (Pay)

Mortgage Interest Rates

Albert Dock, Liverpool

Clayton Square, Liverpool