asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will publish in the Official Report his letter of 14 January to the hon. Member for Linlithgow on the late Miss Hilda Murrell.

Yes. The text is as follows:

"When I spoke to you on 28th December about my letter rejecting your claim of British Intellingence participation in the events surrounding the death of Miss Hilda Murrell, you said that you would also wish me to respond to the detailed questions about the case with which you opened your speech to the House on 19th December. I have now also received your letters of 24th and 29th December. It may be most straightforward if I deal with the questions in the order in which you raised them.

The police confirmed at Miss Murrell's inquest that there was evidence within the house of a thorough and systematic search and a struggle between Miss Murrell and her assailant, which might well have served to add to the disorder. However, I understand from the Chief Constable of West Mercia Constabulary that the terms "ransacked" is an exaggeration of the true extent of the disorder and has not been used by them in describing the break-in at Miss Murrell's home to the press.

The police have confirmed that the telephone at Miss Murrell's home in Shrewsbury had been disconnected. At first they believed that this had been done by means of removing the connectors at the junction box but at no time, I understand, have the police used the term "sophisticated" to describe the way in which it was done. In the absence of any further evidential confirmation that this was the means of disconnection and after subsequent checks of the junction box, the police now believe that the connecting wires were simply snatched out but that, possibly because the connecting screws were loose, this was the point at which the wires became detached. I further understand that Miss Murrell had a telephone extension in her bedroom, the effect of which to anyone telephoning her would be as you described in the House. As to the telephone in Miss Murrell's cottage at Llanymynech, the fault was discovered by one of Miss Murrell's neighbours in Shrewsbury who, in telephoning Llanymynech in an attempt to trace her, was unable to get through and reported the fault to the telephone exchange. Subsequent checks by telephone engineers revealed that it was out of order because of an electrical fault due to storm damage: no human interference in its operation was evident.

At the inquest the police presented the Home Office Pathologist's report on the wounds which had been inflicted on Miss Murrell. These confirmed that there was no physical evidence of an actual sexual assault upon her; there were however signs in her house of some attempted sexual activity towards her. Even if the unnecessary distress to the family were not a factor, the Chief Constable is unable for properly operational reasons to disclose details of what these signs are: you will recognise that they could prove to be crucial evidence in any future criminal proceedings.

As I said in the House, Miss Murrell's car was first reported to the police by a local farmer on the afternoon of Wednesday, 21st March, as having been abandoned at Hunkington in the ditch of the road running adjacent to the copse where her body was subsequently found. Two officers investigated the report within an hour but, because there were no apparent suspicious circumstances, only superficial damage to the car and no apparent danger or obstruction to the public from the car, took no further direct action. They did, however, check the registration number of the car immediately and obtained the correct name and address of the keeper (Miss Murrell); the Chief Constable informs me that claims that the wrong registration number was checked are factually incorrect: no such error occurred and no comment to that effect was made on Friday, 23rd March by the Shrewsbury police.

On Friday, 23rd March the farmer telephoned the police again to inform them that the car was still in the ditch. An attempt by the police to telephone Miss Murrell met with no reply. The Chief Constable informs me that, having obtained no reply to his telephone call the police officer then went to visit Miss Murrells house: he arrived at 7.00 pm., found the door unlocked and entered the house where a light was on; he saw nothing untoward however (which confirms the police's point about subsequent misuse of the word "ransacked"), assumed that Miss Murrell had left the house briefly and therefore had no reason to make a further search. In leaving the house he requested that further attempts be made to contact Miss Murrell: I now understand these were made by telephone and not by visit as I reported in the debate. I apologise for this error. As I described in the 3rd paragraph the fact that the telephone had been disconnected would not be apparent to an outside caller.

A further visit was made by another police officer at about 7 am on Saturday, 24th March who, making a quick search of the house, found it in the same state as I have described above and the door still unlocked. He returned at about 8.15 am to find the same scene and locked the door; he made enquiries of neighbours and relatives as to where she might be. Miss Murrell's gardener and a neighbour arrived at about 9 am and were able to confirm that a burglary appeared to have taken place. An intensification of police activity had already begun with the result, as you know, that a police officer and the gamekeeper's wife, searching the area near to where the car had been abandoned, found the body in the copse. This police officer noted the time of discovery of Miss Murrell's body as 10.25 am: the police have no record of, nor any reason to believe, that Commander Green was subsequently told different times for the discovery of her body.

The Chief Constable informs me that there is similarly no truth in the "New Statesman" article's claim that the police forced an entry into Miss Murrell's home on the morning of Saturday, 24th March: I have already explained that the police officer who visited her house on Saturday morning found the door unlocked and therefore forcible entry was not required. Indeed it was he who secured the door. I have already explained in my letter of 28th December that the West Mercia Special Branch were consulted by their colleagues in the early stages of the investigation; and I explained the reasons why that was so. To avoid any misunderstanding, I should add that although that ended the involvement of the force's Special Branch in the case, experienced detective officers from Special Branch were subsequently used, not in any respect in a Special Branch role, to assist in routine work connected with this major murder enquiry, which placed a very heavy burden on the detective manpower of a relatively small force such as West Mercia.

Turning to the availability to Miss Murrell's family of the post-mortem report, the release of this on formal application is a matter entirely within the coroner's discretion and not one in which I would intervene. As you say, they would have been entitled to have an independent post-mortem examination: a matter on which their legal adviser would have been expected to inform them. One of the injuries listed in the Home Office Pathologist's report to the coroner was a severe bruise to the right cheek and this may be the mark of a blow below the eye to which Commander Green was referring. The determination of cause of death is however a matter for the coroner and not for a Home Office Minister to determine; as I said in the House, it is recorded on the inquisition as hypothermia.

To put the record straight about the subsequent autopsy and the release of Miss Murrell's body for burial, I have necessarily to touch on somewhat distressing detail. In view of the deteriorating condition of the body, which was stored under refrigeration which, while it retards, does not stop deterioration, a second autopsy was carried out in August by an independent pathologist (who is also on the Home Office list) at the request of the coroner on the advice of the Director of Public Prosecutions, before the body was released by the coroner for disposal. It was carried out for the benefit of the defence of any person who, not yet in custody, may be charged with an offence in connection with the death. It was established at the inquest that the results of the two examinations were entirely consistent, the details of the second were not therefore necessary for the conduct of the inquest. In order not to prejudice any future criminal proceedings, neither post-mortem report was formally disclosed. You will have seen the letter on this point to the "Times" on 10 January from the Pathologist who conducted the first post-mortem.

In dealing with bodies in a deteriorated condition undertakers provide a leak proof container, hence the zinc lined coffin. In the United Kingdom bodies are stored in whatever facilities are available in a particular mortuary, in this case refrigeration but not a deep freeze. The release of a body for disposal is again a matter entirely within the coroner's discretion and I cannot comment on that. Arrangements for disposal subsequent to the release of the body are matters within the control of the family, in consultation with the undertakers whom they selected to arrange Miss Murrell's cremation.

You referred also in your speech to the evidence of Mr. Scott who did not see Miss Murrell's body when he walked on Thursday, 22nd March in the copse where it was subsequently found. This claim seems to me to be one incapable of substantiation either way: while Mr. Scott may know the area extremely well, the pathologist's evidence suggests that she died on Wednesday 21st March in the position in which she was found and the police consider that the fact that Miss Murrell was left in a slight hollow, dressed in clothing of a colour which merged in with that of the undergrowth, could well explain why her body was not noted either by Mr. Scott or by the other witness who, you say, has now come forward about this.

You have yourself dismissed the connection between her death and Miss Murrell's views on nuclear power. However, you referred in the House to her telephone conversation with Mr. and Mrs. Morgan Grenville. They have been interviewed by the police, as have other people with whom Miss Murrell might have been expected to speak on this subject but none said that they had had a similar conversation with her. In the circumstances, the police are unable to take this further. As to your general comments that the police were responsible to the case in a way which was both incompetent and out of character, these are purely subjective assessments and it would be inappropriate for me to comment on them.

I hope that having given you this extremely detailed reply to your other questions you will agree that this discharges the undertaking I gave you in the debate. I trust that you will discharge your obligations as a citizen by giving the West Mercia officers your fullest assistance when you meet them tomorrow."

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to the Minister of State's statement on 19 December 1984, Official Report, column 470, if he will call for a report from the chief constable of West Mercia police as to which day reference was made to establish on the police national computer the ownership of the car, registration number LNT 917W; and what action was taken to try to seek the owner.

The car in question was that belonging to Miss Hilda Murrell and the information requested was contained in my letter of 14 January to the hon. Member, the text of which I have published in answer to his previous question.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will publish the report of the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis on his proposed plans and priorities for the coming year; and if he will make a statement.

I am placing copies of the Commissioner's recent report to me in the Library of the House and I have sent a copy to every right hon. and hon. Member for a constituency in the Metropolitan police district. I hope to meet London Members soon to discuss the Commissioner's proposals and that it will be possible to find time to give the House an opportunity to debate the report before Easter.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many royal warrants establishing royal commissions he and his predecessors have signed since 1945; and what were the subjects the commissioners investigated, the dates they were established, who chaired them, and the dates they reported.

I shall write to my hon. Friend.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the male prison population on 25 December 1982, 1983 and 1984, respectively.

The information for 25 December 1982, 1983 and 1984 is not recorded centrally. The total male population of prison department establishments on 31 December was as follows:

	Number
1982	40,903
1983	39,976

The figures for 31 December 1984 are still being collated. My noble Friend will write to the hon. and learned Member when they are available.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the number of days in 1983 and 1984 that dental clinics were cancelled in Pentonville prison, the number of clinics cancelled, the number of prisoners involved and the reasons for the cancellations.

Some of these matters are at issue in a civil legal action and it would not, therefore, be appropriate to comment at this time.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the number of drug dependants in prison at the latest available date.

The information is not available in the form requested.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will introduce measures which oblige magistrates to impose more stringent sentences for drink-driving offences.

Courts convicting defendants of such offences must disqualify them from driving for at least a year and endorse their licences unless their are special reasons, relating to the offence, for not doing so. They may in addition impose a fine of up to £2,000 or imprisonment for up to six months, or both; we are satisfied that this element of the penalty should, as with other offences, remain within the court's discretion.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department in what circumstances a stateless person, married to a British citizen, working and resident indefinitely abroad, may acquire British citizenship.

I shall reply as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will call for a report from the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis about the progress of police inquiries into the disappearance of log books from HMS Conqueror.

I understand from the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis that the inquiries which the Director of Public Prosecutions asked him to undertake are continuing.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many persons have served prison sentences for non-payment of fines of less than £25 at Winson Green prison in the past three months.

The information requested is not available centrally.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many persons have served sentences of less than one week at Winson Green prison, Birmingham, in the past three months.

According to the provisional records held centrally, about 20 persons were initially received into Birmingham prison in the last three months of 1984 to serve sentences of less than one week.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the annual cost to public funds of a prisoner at Winson Green prison, Birmingham; and how this changes for sentences of less than one week.

The costs of holding different types of prisoner in penal establishments are not available; nor, at present, are the costs of individual establishments. During the financial year 1982–83, the latest year for which information is available, the average annual cost of keeping a person in a local prison or remand centre was £10,440.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the total annual cost of reimbursing police officers the cost of National Health Service prescriptions and dental treatment.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what has been the total cost in each of the last 10 years of providing free dental and medical treatment to police officers.

The information requested is not recorded centrally and could be obtained Only at disproportionate cost.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what contribution his Department and the police will be making to Exercise Brave Defender.

The Department will not be participating in this exercise, which is a military home defence exercise to test the plans for the protection of vital installations in conventional war. The police are being consulted during its planning but it is too early to say whether, and if so to what extent, they will participate in the exercise itself.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many jobs he estimates have been created as a result of automatic regional development grants in each year since 1979.

It is not possible to make a meaningful estimate of jobs created as a result of regional development grants because before 29 November 1984 they were not linked to the creation of jobs. The Co-operative Agency and Industrial Development Act, which came into effect on 29 November 1984, introduced a new scheme of regional development grants which will provide more cost-effective regional incentives with greater emphasis on job creation and which will remove the previous bias towards capital-intensive projects. Small firms will still be able to claim regional development grants where no new jobs are created, but the majority of regional development grants will be related directly to job creation.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many people joined the unemployment register in Scotland in each month from June 1984 to December 1984.

Information of this nature is now available in the House of Commons Library, as was indicated in my right hon. Friend's letter to all Scottish Members of 22 October 1984.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will introduce a revised 1985–86 Housing Support Grant (Scotland) Order or a variation order under section 3 of the Housing (Financial Provisions) Scotland Act 1978 to compensate housing authorities for the latest increase in interest rates.

The draft Housing Support Grant (Scotland) Order 1985 was laid before the House on 11 January and will be debated on the floor of the House shortly. My right hon. Friend will consider introducing a variation order later in the year. In reaching his decision, he will take into account the pattern of interest rates during the year.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list in the Official Report (a) the number and types of fishing vessels acquired by fishermen in the years 1979 to 1983 with the financial assistance from the Highlands and Islands Development Board and (b) the yards where these vessels were built.

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

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when he expects to announce a decision concerning the placing of an order for the construction of a fisheries protection vessel for the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries.

My right hon. Friend is considering replacing the FPV Norna which was commissioned in 1959. A contract has been placed for the preparatory design work. It is too early to say when tenders might be invited and an order placed.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment whether he has yet received an interim report from the Health and Safety Commission on the investigation into the explosion at Newnham house, Manor Fields, Putney, on 10 January.

I am advised by the chairman of the Health and Safety Commission that the investigators from the Health and Safety Executive believe they may have identified the source of the gas explosion.Following detailed tests, a fracture in the cast-iron pipe that served Newnham house has been traced. Indications are that the gas seeped from the cracked mains into spaces below the building, including a service duct that ran the length of Newnham house.Further work will be undertaken by the executive to identify the probable passage of gas through the building and to locate the seat of the explosion. I have asked the chairman to ensure that this work, and the publication of a full report on the findings of the investigation, proceeds with all due speed.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment (1) what are the current guidelines for monitoring, the vibration levels of any vibrating surface which causes discomfort, numbness or deadfinger at United Kingdom workplaces;(2) what steps the Health and Safety Executive is taking regarding the risk to workers from vibration diseases.

The British Standards Institution has published draft guidance on evaluation of the risk to health from vibration in BS DD 32 "Guide to the evaluation of human exposure to whole-body vibration" and BS DD 43 "Guide to the evaluation of exposure of the human hand-arm system to vibration". In 1980 the HSE published "Vibration Injuries of the Hand and Arm: their Occurrence and the Evolution of Standards and Limits" (HSE research paper 9); and in 1982 the executive published guidance on the control of chain saw vibration in its guidance note PM 31 "Chain saws". The executive is preparing further guidance on injuries caused by hand-arm vibration and ways of controlling the risk.Wherever vibration is a risk to the health of persons at work, the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 requires that such action as is reasonably practicable be taken to minimise the risk. When considering whether action is needed in any particular case, HSE inspectors refer to the existing guidance and can seek expert advice from specialists and from the Employment Medical Advisory Service. The Health and Safety Executive is carrying out a survey to discover the extent to which tools and processes associated with vibration white finger are used in industry. The results are expected to be available by the end of 1986.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will make arrangemens for each hon. Member to receive a list of notifiable installations in their constituencies from the Health and Safety Executive.

No. Section 28 of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act prevents the Health and Safety Executive from providing formal lists of installations notified under the Notification of Installations Handling Hazardous Substances Regulations 1982, but the executive would discuss informally the position in an hon. Members's constituency. The Health and Safety Commission is currently reviewing whether more information could be made available to the public and whether the operation of section 28 presents an obstacle to the disclosure of information which the public might reasonably need.

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what alterations were made to colliery review procedures by the National Coal Board in the year preceding the start of the current mining industrial dispute; and if he will make a statement.

None.

asked the Secretary of State for Energy (1) what steps he has taken to implement recommendations in the Waddilove report on subsidence compensation;(2) whether he proposes to consult representatives of surface interests affected by mining subsidence on the introduction of measures to meet the recommendations of the Waddilove report on subsidence compensation.

We are giving very careful and urgent consideration to the Waddilove committee's recommendations. In addition, all organisations who gave evidence to the committee were asked for their comments on the recommendation when the report was published. These are also being studied.

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what discussions he has held with the National Coal Board on the recommendations of the Waddilove report on subsidence compensation; and if he will make a statement.

Officials from my Department and the National Coal Board have met on a number of occasions to discuss in detail the recommendations made in the Waddilove report. The whole question of subsidence compensation and the adequacy of the present system is being given urgent and serious consideration by both Government and the board.

asked the Secretary of State for Energy (1) if he will estimate, for the first 5 per cent. of a reduction of 60 per cent. on 1980 levels of sulphur dioxide emissions from power stations in the Central Electricity Generating Board system, by 1995, what the cost of sulphur abated per tonne would be through (a) electricity or energy conservation, (b) flue gas desulphurisation, (c) substitution of nuclear power by commissioning new plant and (d) coal washing;(2) what information he has as to the number of fossil fuel power stations which would need to be fitted with flue

gas desulphurisation equipment if sulphur dioxide emissions from this source were to be reduced by

These are matters for the Central Electricity Generating Board and I am asking the chairman to reply to the hon. Member.

asked the Secretary of State for Energy how many mines were producing coal on 14 January; and how this compares with three months previously.

I understand from the National Coal Board that 71 pits were producing coal on 14 January. On 15 October the equivalent figure was 55.

asked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will publish in the Official Report the most up-to-date estimates made by his Department of total United Kingdom energy demand over the next 10 years; and if he will show his Department's estimates for the years 1980 to 1983 and the actual demand in each of those years.

Forecast estimates of energy demand for each of the next 10 years are not available. However my Department's energy projections, presented as an annex to the proof of evidence to the Sizewell inquiry, indicate that the total primary energy demands for the United Kingdom in the years 1990 and 2000 could be in the ranges 339–396 and 328–461 million tonnes of coal equivalent respectively.The latest document

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what are his estimates of the likely effects on coal exports of the depreciation of the pound sterling to parity with the dollar.

There has been no depreciation of the pound sterling to parity with the dollar.

asked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will make a statement on his Department's estimate of the effects on the National Coal Board's profitability of the depreciation in the value of the pound sterling since March 1984.

This is essentially a matter for the NCB. Depreciation of the pound against the dollar should, on balance, have a beneficial impact on the NCB's profitability, but this will be very small in comparison with the losses that were being incurred and those resulting from the damage to coal faces and market prospects by the present unjustified industrial action by some sections of the NUM.

asked the Secretary of State for Energy how many coal faces have deteriorated and are now deemed to have been lost to future production in mines considered by the National Coal Board to be economically viable.

I understand from the National Coal Board that 25 producing faces are now regarded as lost.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he has been able to reach any decision on the future use of RAF Stanmore park.

Studies are currently in hand into how we might rationalise our holdings of defence lands in the London area, including Stanmore park. It is too early to say what the outcome of these studies will be, but I will write to my hon. Friend when I have more definite information.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he has any plans to introduce legislation to amend section 10 of the Crown Proceedings Act in so far as it affects the rights of members of the Territorial and Reserve Forces to claim redress from his Department in the event of negligence.

I cannot add to the reply I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for the New Forest (Mr. McNair-Wilson) on 13 December 1984, at column 100, concerning the review of the Crown Proceedings Act 1947.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list in the Official Report all the military uses to which plutonium is put.

Plutonium is used in the defence nuclear programme.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence (1) if he will make a statement on the use of depleted uranium in military equipment;(2) how much depleted uranium has been purchased for military use in each of the last three years for which figures are available; and from whom.

A comprehensive statement on the use of depleted uranium in anti-armour ammunition was placed in the Library of the House on 8 March 1979, at columns 777–78, by the then Secretary of State for Defence, and a further statement was made by the then Secretary of State on 25 January 1980 at column 395. The research and development programme to which these statements refer is continuing. Depleted uranium to the value of some £100,000 in 1981–82, £200,000 in 1982–83 and £300,000 in 1983–84 has been procured for the programme from British and overseas sources.I am today replying to a separate question from the hon. Member on the use of depleted uranium in the Phalanx close-in weapon system.Additionally, depleted uranium may be used in the defence nuclear programme. For security reasons, it is a long-standing practice not to reveal details, including quantities, of materials procured for that programme.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence how many Phalanx close-in weapon systems are in operation in the Royal Navy; and whether they are all equipped with depleted uranium bullets.

There are currently four Phalanx systems in operational use with the Royal Navy. All Phalanx close-in weapon systems are equipped with ammunition made of an alloy containing depleted uranium, the purpose of which is to increase the density, and hence the penetrating power, of the shot.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence (1) if he will list the signals from Northwood to HMS Splendid and from HMS Splendid to Northwood over the period 28 April to 3 May 1982;(2) if he will list the signals from Northwood to HMS Spartan and from HMS Spartan to Northwood over the period 28 April to 3 May 1982.

No. The subject matter of these signals is classified.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence (1) if he will list the course and positions of HMS Splendid over the period 28 April to 3 May 1982;(2) if he will list the course and positions of HMS Spartan over the period 28 April to 3 May 1982.

The courses and positions of Her Majesty's submarines are classified.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence (1) whether HMS Splendid located the Argentine carrier group between 28 April and 3 May 1982;(2) whether HMS Spartan located the Argentine corvette group between 28 April and 3 May 1982.

I shall write to the hon. Member.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence how many TriStars will be available to take troops to the Falklands after the opening of the airport.

Nine TriStar aircraft have been purchased for the RAF. Although their primary role is air-to-air refuelling, all of these aircraft would potentially be available to carry troops to the Falklands. The precise availability of aircraft at any one time will depend on many factors, including other operational priorities and the conversion and servicing programmes. The actual arrangements for the regular air trooping movements to and from the Falklands after the opening of the airport are still under consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what war compensation has been applied for and what amounts have been paid to the Falkland Islands Company since June 1982.

I have been asked to reply.The Ministry of Defence, as agents for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, received a claim from the Falkland Islands Company under the compensation scheme for civil losses announced by the then Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on 28 July 1982, at column

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if it is Government policy to intercept and if necessary destroy missiles launched overseas which pass over the United Kingdom.

It is the Government's policy to take appropriate action justified in the circumstances at the time for the defence of this country.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if any United Kingdom cruise missiles have flight plans which would take them over the territory of third countries not in NATO en route to their intended targets.

It has been the practice of successive Governments not to comment on targeting plans for nuclear weapons.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what consultations he now proposes with the relevant trades unions over the report by Coopers and Lybrand on the directorate general of defence accounts.

The non-industrial trades unions have commented on the phase I report. These comments have been taken into account in preparing proposals for further study of the defence accounts organisation which are now being considered. There will be further opportunities for consultation during the progress of that further work which I hope the unions will take up. I am sorry to say, however, that it is the official policy of the non-industrial trades unions not to co-operate with this review.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will publish the report by Coopers and Lybrand on the directorate general of defence accounts.

Yes. Copies of the report will be placed in the House of Commons Library and in the MOD Library. It will be available as an open Government document.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence on what basis his Department is holding discussions with the Baric, Safe Computing and SIA companies on the future of the civilian payroll operation.

No such discussions are currently being held. Information on a routine exploratory basis had earlier been sought about software packages and bureau services available for the processing of pay accounts.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects to announce his decision upon the placing of orders for type SKK 2400 submarines.

Tenders have been invited for the three boats to follow HMS Upholder but decisions have yet to be taken on the size and timing of orders.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement about the incident involving the aeroplane carrying Lord Trefgarne to the Falklands which caused it to make an unscheduled landing in Senegal.

The RAF VC10 carrying my noble Friend on the first stage of his journey to the Falkland Islands made a scheduled refuelling stop at Dakar on 6 January. Shortly after take-off the aircraft suffered a bird strike and returned to the airport so that the damage could be assessed. As repairs were necessary, the next VC10 flight was brought forward to fly out spares and take my noble Friend's party on to Ascension Island.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he is satisfied that no contracts involving British companies and the supply of navigation and surface search radars for Argentinian MEKO 140 corvettes were signed after July 1982; and if he will make a statement.

I am not aware that any such contracts have been signed since July 1982.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he has authorised the maintenance of Argentine military equipment by British personnel; and if he will make a statement.

No.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what information he has regarding maintenance clauses in contracts involving British companies and the supply of military equipment and spare parts to Argentina; and if all such maintenance clauses were agreed upon before the Falklands conflict.

I shall reply shortly.

asked the hon. Member for Wokingham, as representing the Church Commissioners, what representations were received by the Church Commissioners as to the sale of St. Martin's vicarage, Dorking; whether they are satisfied as to the arrangements on the future relocation of the present incumbent into the Coach house, Westcott road, Dorking; and if he will make a statement as to their general policy over the sale of church property.

The Commissioners have received no representations. The accomodation which will be provided as a result of the conversion of the Coach house accords with the standards currently recommended for new parsonage houses and they are satisfied that it should prove adequate for successive incumbents.Parsonage houses are owned by individual incumbents. In co-operation with the diocesan authorities the Commissioners have, by means of grants and loans, encouraged the replacement of those parsonage houses which are costly to maintain or to occupy with houses which accord more closely to modern requirements.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will introduce legislation to transfer an element of

Civil Service non-industrial union representatives Estimates of numbers and cost of paid time off for industrial relations duties and trade union activities (as at 1 June 1984)
Table 1—Percentage of time off
Department	Under 5	6–10	11–20	21–30	31–40	41–50	51–60	61–70	71–80	81–90	91–99	Full Time
Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food	31	34	22	10	1	1	1	2	—	—	—	4
Customs and Excise	357	186	100	16	16	9	11	15	6	7	—	39
Ministry of Defence (including Royal Ordnance Factories)	1,189	193	116	52	18	16	9	2	12	—	8	8
Department of Employment Group	1,038	920	207	70	26	15	5	6	4	—	—	10
Department of Environment/Transport	309	109	74	9	2	4	5	6	—	2	—	11
Foreign and Commonwealth Office* (including Overseas Development Administration)	50	9	24	2	4	—	—	2	—	1	—	8
Department of Health and Social Security	791	284	487	121	55	47	33	12	20	26	38	60
Home Office* (including Prison Department)	746	77	109	83	5	4	3	5	5	1	1	10
Department of Trade and Industry	308	65	38	10	6	3	2	2	4	5	1	5
Inland Revenue	1,530	234	154	43	19	22	9	3	5	4	2	8
Lord Chancellor's Department	89	19	26	14	8	8	3	2	1	1	—	7
Department for National Savings	170	5	7	9	1	3	3	1	—	3	—	9
Property Services Agency (including Crown Supplies)	311	79	47	5	2	2	1	—	1	—	—	6

I have noted my hon. Friend's suggestion.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he intends to publish the public expenditure White Paper.

"The Government's Expenditure Plans 1985–86 to 1987–88"—Cmnd. 9428, Vol. I and II wll be published at 3.30 pm on Tuesday, 22 January, and copies will be available in the Vote Office.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will give the latest estimates for each of the main Government Departments of the cost of facilities for elected representatives of Civil Service non-industrial unions.

The estimates as at 1.6.84 are shown in the tables. Compared with the position as at 1.6.83 there has been a reduction of about 190 man years in the amount of paid time off for union business, with consequential savings (in real terms) approaching £2·0 million. These savings reflect the tighter control and accountability measures introduced by departmental agreements framed within the national agreement.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement about an advance of own resources payments to the European Communities in January.

The Commission has, in accordance with article 10(2) of Council Regulation 2891/77, invited member states to advance from 20 February to 21 January payments of own resources other than VAT in respect of agricultural, sugar and isoglucose levies and customs duties collected by the Government on their behalf in

asked the Attorney-General what steps he is taking following the proposal by the students union of the Polytechnic of North London to pay £1,000 to striking miners; and if he will make a statement.

Following reports that payments were likely to be made out of the funds of the North London polytechnic students' union which would be incompatible with its charitable status, I applied ex-parte to the High Court on 11 December 1984 for an injunction restraining the officers of the union from making or authorising such payments.That application was granted; and on 14 December the court extended the injunction until 4 February 1985 or further order.It subsequently came to my notice that there was nevertheless a risk that the funds of the union might be applied in a manner that was incompatible with the terms of the injunction. Accordingly, and in the absence of an undertaking on the part of the union officers that they would comply with the injunction, I appled on 27 December for the appointment of a receiver to safeguard those funds. The court has appointed Mr. Clive Sherling, a partner in Arthur Andersen and Co., chartered accountants, to act as receiver until after judgment in the main action, when the court is expected to rule on the legality of the disputed payments.

asked the Prime Minister what is the latest figure for the cost of entertaining at (a) Chequers and (b) 10 Downing street (i) since May 1979 and (ii) since June 1983.

The total cost of entertainment was £92,787 during the period May 1979 to December 1984 and £30,824 during the period June 1983 to December 1984. These figures cover entertainment at both Chequers and No. 10 Downing street; the information is not available by location.

asked the Prime Minister what is the latest figure for the cost of her foreign tours since May 1979.

The total expenditure by the Prime Minister's Office on foreign tours during the period May 1979 to December 1984 is £1,992,092.

asked the Prime Minister what is the latest cost figure for maintaining her Private Office since May 1979.

The information is as follows from and including the financial year 1979–80.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her offical engagements for Thursday 17 January.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Thursday 17 January.

This morning I presided at a meeting of the Cabinet and had meetings with ministerial colleagues and others. In addition to my duties in the House I shall be having further meetings later today.

asked the Prime Minister if any Ministers were consulted by British Airways prior to the setting up of Ivanhoe Investments Ltd. in Jersey for the purpose of payments to creditors of Laker Airways.

No.

asked the Prime Minister if she will take steps to ensure that no company with a Government majority shareholding, establishes or uses any facilities in the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man for the purpose of avoiding United Kingdom tax.

[pursuant to her reply, 16 January 1984, c. 124]: The Government expect companies controlled by the public sector to act responsibly in taxation matters. The law is the same for all United Kingdom companies whether the Government hold a majority stake in them or not, and it is for the companies concerned to ensure that the law is obeyed.

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to require drivers of electric cars to pass a driving test and to hold a current driving licence; and if he will make a statement.

The driver of a motor vehicle propelled by electrical power is already required to pass a driving test and to hold a current driving licence. These requirements do not, however, apply to the riders of electrically assisted pedal cycles, such as the Sinclair C5.

asked the Secretary of State for Transport how many miles of motorway do not have warning lights; what would be the cost of providing them; and if he has considered providing them throughout.

All motorways have warning lights.

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what is his Department's policy concerning the penalties and offences for parking on grass verges and pavements.

Legislation provides for fines of up to £400 for parking illegally on footways and verges. We actively publicise the dangers and inconvenience of this selfish practice.

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what action he proposes to take following the recommendation made by the helicopter airworthiness review panel on the need for the mandatory fitting of crashworthy fuel tanks in public transport helicopters.

The Civil Aviation Authority is statutorily responsible for setting airworthiness requirements. The authority is working with other European airworthiness authorities and with the Federal Aviation Administration of the USA with the joint aim to improve helicopter fuel tank crashworthiness requirements, taking account of the best current practices.

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what action he is proposing to take to ensure that flight-time limitation regulations offer sufficient protection to helicopter pilots against the onset of fatigue.

The regulation of flying and duty hours performed by helicopter pilots is the responsibility of the Civil Aviation Authority. The current flight time limitation regulations ensure that duty and flying hours are restricted to a safe maximum. Whilst the regulations make allowances for the more arduous tasks such as repetitive short sectors, winching and carrying external loads, the CAA are investigating other special features of the North sea oil operations which, although not directly related to fatigue, may produce similar symptoms.

asked the Secretary of State for Transport when he is proposing to issue a prospectus for the sale of British Airways.

There is some slippage in the plans for privatising British Airways because of the uncertainties created by the application of United States anti-trust law to air services under the Bermuda 2 aviation agreement, including the United States civil law suits following the collapse of Laker Airways. It remains my firm intention, however, to proceed with the privatisation as soon as practicable in the next financial year.

asked the Secretary of State for Transport whether he will relax Government controls over trust port undertakings.

Many local enactments governing the operation of trust port undertakings contain ministerial controls and restrictions on their borrowings and related matters. These controls take no consistent form and are no longer appropriate to present day circumstances. Now that most ports (other than local authority undertakings) obtain capital for port investment from the private market, I intend this Session to seek Parliament's approval to the removal of these controls. This will allow the trust ports greater freedom of action, though statutory limits on their total borrowings will remain.Trust ports will then be on the same footing as private sector ports.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the total volume and value of surplus food currently stored in the United Kingdom; and what is the cost of storage.

United Kingdom intervention stocks of beef, breadwheat, butter and skimmed milk powder on 31 December totalled 360,550 tonnes valued at some £500 million. The cost of storing and handling intervention stocks including all forms of cereals in 1983–84 was £49 million.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he is taking to promote the export of British processed foods in the European Community.

The British food industry is already engaged in promoting its products in the Community. In this it is actively aided by Food From Britain which has identified the Benelux countries, the Federal Republic of Germany, and France as specific export markets where the promotion of a priority range of British food products is receiving support.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how much money his Department has disbursed to farmers for draining land in the area of Halvergate marshes.

Since 1 October 1980, when the present capital grant schemes were introduced, we have paid no grant for field drainage in the Halvergate marshes. This area is, however, only a small part of a larger area known as the Halvergate levels. Since 1980 we have paid £21,500 in grant for field drainage, most of which was in this larger area.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the current position of negotiations between Norway and the European Economic Community over the share out of North sea herring fishing.

Negotiations between Norway and the Community on the share-out of North Sea herring are continuing. Meanwhile provisional quotas have been set for Community fishermen in the Community zone.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is satisfied with the operation of the outgoers scheme as far as tenant fanners are concerned; and if he will make a statement.

Yes. Of the 4,826 applicants in England and Wales who originally expressed an interest in the scheme, approximately 40 per cent, were tenant farmers. So far 1,219 producers have accepted invitations to join the scheme. By the beginning of January some 540 producers had received their first year payments and 45 per cent. of these were tenants.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on progress made on the outgoers scheme for dairy farmers.

To date invitations have been sent to a total of 3,536 producers. By January 1,219 producers had decided to go out of production and they will, on a full year basis, surrender a total of 145 million litres. As other producers come to make their decisions, some will no doubt drop out thereby allowing offers to be made to others. I have no reason to suppose that we will not be able to reach our target of 289 million litres.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the effect of the byelaws and codes of practice relating to straw burning on the amount of straw burnt in 1984.

The primary purpose of the byelaws and the code of practice is to ensure that straw is burnt safely and with the minimum of nuisance to others. As my right hon. Friend said in reply to the hon. Member for Knowsley, North (Mr. Kilroy-Silk) on 14 November the number of reported incidents of bad burning was much reduced in 1984.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is satisfied that the accession of Spain and Portugal to the European Economic Community will inflict no permanent damage on the United Kingdom's agricultural and horticultural industries.

I am confident that the industries are in a position to adapt successfully during the transition period to the challenges and opportunities offered by enlargement of the Community.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the latest position regarding the implementation of milk quotas.

So far as the Community as a whole is concerned, I understand that all member states have made individual quotas known to their producers, with the exception of Luxembourg where there are administrative difficulties, and Italy and Greece where liability for levy is not due to be assessed until the end of the marketing year. The extent to which special cases and other administrative details have been completed varies considerably but all member states will have some problems to solve.In the United Kingdom, the work of the local panels was completed by the end of December apart from a very few cases where there are special problems.Most of the work of the tribunals will be completed by early February. Some 3,537 producers in the United Kingdom have now been invited to participate in the outgoers scheme and some 1,219 have committed themselves to the scheme.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is satisfied with the present state of those farming in the hill areas of Britain; and if he will make a statement.

The past 12 months have been a difficult period of adjustment for many farmers, whether in the hills or elsewhere. However, in spite of the financial pressures on the Government we have preserved the levels of compensatory allowances for farmers in the original less favoured areas. In addition, we have introduced compensatory allowances and special rates of capital grants in the marginal lands which will provide significant help to the upland economy. We also have the needs of hill farmers very much in mind in the negotiations on the new Community structures in Brussels.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he is taking to promote exports of British horticultural produce.

My Department provides a range of services to assist exporters of British horticultural produce. In addition, Food from Britain, which my Department funds, actively promotes sales of British horticultural produce abroad.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he will next meet the chairman of the Milk Marketing Board to discuss liquid milk sales.

I am in regular touch with the chairman of the Milk Marketing Board but have no specific plans to meet him at present.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what progress is being made towards integrated farming and the reform of the European Economic Community structures directive to allow European Economic Community funds to be used for this purpose.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what progress has been made by his Department in securing European Community funds for the promotion of integrated farming schemes.

As we have previously informed the House, the Government have tabled amendments to the European Community's proposed agricultural structures legislation which would enable financial assistance to be given to encourage types of farming which are sympathetic to conservation in designated areas which are environmentally sensitive. I am sorry to report that our proposal has received virtually no support. Nevertheless we intend to continue to press it strongly at the next meeting of the Agriculture Council.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is satisfied with present standards of treatment of livestock on farms.

The maintenance of satisfactory standards of welfare of farm animals requires continuing effort on the part of livestock keepers. I believe that the great majority of livestock keepers do this. My Department will also continue to give priority to all aspects of its work on animal welfare.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received concerning salmon tagging.

I have received representations from a number of sources about the idea of tagging salmon in order to reduce illegal fishing. As I announced last February we are examining the practical problems associated with a tagging scheme and we have been taking into account the varying views expressed to us.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what progress has been made in achieving reforms in the common agricultural policy; and if he will make a statement.

Significant progress was made at the 1984 CAP price fixing towards containing the costs of the CAP by reducing common prices on average and by establishing a quota regime for milk at a level well below then current production. This progress was consolidated in December by the agreement on a financial guideline designed to control the growth of Community agricultural expenditure. Also in December the European Council agreed a framework for reform of the Community's wine regime.We shall continue to press in the Community the need for sustained price restraint, including the effective application of guarantee thresholds as the best means of containing CAP costs and bringing about a better balance of supply and demand. We shall press for the effective application of the financial guideline for agriculture. At the same time we are determined to ensure that the measures taken should not discriminate against United Kindom interests.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when the European Economic Council of Agriculture Ministers plans to discuss the agreed financial guidelines in relation to 1985 common agricultural policy expenditure.

The financial guidline for agriculture will first apply to decisions taken in 1985 as they affect expenditure in 1986.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received about the impact of the European Economic Community farm product pricing mechanism on the confidence of the industry.

We have recently consulted representatives of the industry in the context of the annual review of agriculture. They were particulary concerned that the structure of CAP prices has promoted an undesirable imbalance between returns to the arable sectors and those to most livestock sectors.