asked the Secretary of State for Transport when he proposes to publish his detailed plans for road widening at Greenham common military base; and what arrangements he is making for objections to be received and a full public inquiry to be held.

It is only when orders under the Highways Act 1980 are required that detailed plans of our proposals are published, objections invited and public inquiries may be needed. In this case no such orders are required as the improvement is entirely within the existing highway boundary.Because of the need to close temporarily part of the existing carriageway and footway to carry out the works an order under Section 12 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1967 was made. Plans showing the area of the works and an alternative route for pedestrians were made available for inspection. Consultations were held with householders in those few cases where access to their property is temporarily restricted.Work on the road widening scheme at the junction of A339 and the entrance to the Greenham common air base started on 4 April.

asked the Secretary of State for Transport whether he intends to introduce legislation requiring airlines to compensate passengers denied reserved seats as a result of deliberate overbooking.

No. Compensation is a matter for the airlines themselves to settle with their passengers. I understand it is usual to offer some compensation to those refused passage on a flight for which they have a confirmed booking.

asked the Secretary of State for Transport whether he intends to publish the advice to be given to him in July by the Civil Aviation Authority following its current review of the United Kingdom airline industry.

The Civil Aviation Authority expects to make details of its report available to interested parties and a copy of what is published by the authority will be placed in the Library of the House.

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what charges were made by each of the armed services for the provision of helicopter services for Her Majesty's Coastguard in each year since 1970.

Information is not readily available prior to 1972–73. The charges in that year and subsequently were nil for the provision of Royal Air Force helicopters, and the following amounts for those of the Royal Navy.

asked the Secretary of State for Transport whether he will now introduce legislation to provide free access to all public transport for disabled people; and if he will make a statement.

It is for local authorities to decide what arrangements to make for concessionary travel in their areas, and how to help disabled people most effectively within the resources available.

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received about his Department's decision to change the vehicle licence plate transfer rules with effect from 1 May; and if he will make a statement.

There has been no change in the transfer rules. It has been a long-standing requirement that any vehicle from which a registration number is to be transferred should be currently licensed. From January 1983, we have been prepared to consider specific cases where there is genuine difficulty in meeting this requirement. The purpose of this concession has, however, been misunderstood by some applicants and the reprinted transfer form to be introduced on 1 June simply sets out more clearly the criteria already used in considering cases of this kind. I have received a small number of letters from hon. Members and cherished number dealers on this subject.

asked the Secretary of State for Transport when he proposes to announce the details of the feasibility study on a second crossing of the river Severn.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to my hon. Friend the Member for Hertfordshire, West (Mr. Jones) on 11 May at column 477.

asked the Secretary of State for Transport whether, in the light of the murder of two private hire drivers at Heathrow airport, he will amend the law regarding seat belts to exempt such drivers from wearing seat belts; and if he will make a statement.

Drivers of private hire cars are already exempt from wearing a seat belt when passengers are being carried for hire. This exemption therefore covers the circumstances when they are most vulnerable to assault and I see no grounds for extending it further. I understand there is no suggestion that the wearing of a seat belt was a material factor in the cases mentioned by my hon. Friend.

asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the meeting on 10 May with European Community Transport Ministers about Commission proposals for a system of financial support for infrastructure projects, together with co-operation between railway systems, and measures to simplify and clarify certain rules governing road transport.

The meeting of the Transport Council on 10 May made very useful progress. There was agreement that the Council must now establish a timetable for the liberalisation of road transport in the Community, and that any further harmonisation measures should be taken only in parallel with this. The UK obtained agreement to its proposal for a derogation on lorry weights. There was also agreement that the Community road haulage quota should be raised by 30 per cent. next year, and 15 per cent. each year for four years thereafter. This represents real advance.The Council also agreed that a high-level group of officials should report by the end of the year on ways of introducing greater competition and flexibility into European air transport. Again, this is a useful step forward.There was agreement on allocating funds for transport infrastructure projects from the 1983 and 1984 Community Budgets. The UK now stands to receive about £12·5 million from the £55 million available.The Council adopted a number of other measures, including a helpful resolution on road safety; guidelines for future work on drivers hours; and a recommendation encouraging increased international co-operation between railway companies.

asked the Secretary of State for Transport whether he will now announce the result of the consultations on exchange of further foreign driving licences.

Following consultation with representative organisations, my right hon. Friend has made an order under the Road Traffic (Driving Licences) Act 1983, designating the following countries and territory:

Australia, Kenya, New Zealand, Norway, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Hong Kong.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 15 May.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 15 May.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 15 May.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 15 May.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 15 May.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 15 May.

asked the Prime Minister what are her official engagements for 15 May.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 15 May.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 15 May.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 15 May.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 15 May.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 15 May.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 15 May.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 15 May.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 15 May.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 15 May.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 15 May.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 15 May.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 15 May.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 15 May.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 15 May.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 15 May.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 15 May.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 15 May.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 15 May.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 15 May.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 15 May.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 15 May.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 15 May.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 15 May.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 15 May.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 15 May.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 15 May.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 15 May.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 15 May.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 15 May.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 15 May.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 15 May.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 15 May.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 15 May.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 15 May.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 15 May.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 15 May.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 15 May.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 15 May.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 15 May.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 15 May.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 15 May.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 15 May.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 15 May.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 15 May.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 15 May.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 15 May.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 15 May.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 15 May.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 15 May.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 15 May.

This morning I had meetings with ministerial colleagues and others, including one with a delegation of Unofficial Members of the Executive and Legislative Council from Hong Kong. In addition to my duties in the House I shall be having further meetings later today, including one with Sir Robert Muldoon the Prime Minister of New Zealand. This evening I hope to have an audience of Her Majesty the Queen.

asked the Prime Minister when she next proposes to seek to pay an official visit to Brussels.

I have no immediate plans to pay an official visit to Brussels.

asked the Prime Minister what percentage of the age group the Government are planning to attract into higher education over the next 16 years.

The Government's expenditure plans for higher education as set out in Cmnd. 9143 assume that the age participation rate will rise to over 14 per cent. by 1986–87 compared with 12·4 per cent. in 1979–80. Provision for higher education in the longer term is being reviewed.

asked the Prime Minister if she will raise with the South African Prime Minister, during her meeting with him on 2 June, the alleged involvement of the South African embassy in London with the illegal exporting of arms to South Africa by British companies and individuals.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Billericay (Mr. Proctor) on Friday 11 May, at column 471.

asked the Prime Minister if she will invite the views of Commonwealth countries on the main subjects to be discussed at the economic summit meeting in June.

I am already aware of the views of Commonwealth countries on international economic issues from the detailed discussions at the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting last November. I would, of course, welcome any further views which Commonwealth leaders may wish to make known to us in advance of the summit.

asked the Prime Minister what are the main subjects for discussion at the economic summit meeting in June; and if it is intended to discuss debt problems of the Third world.

The main subjects for discussion at the London economic summit will be developments in the world economy, how to consolidate recovery and spread its benefits without provoking a resurgence of inflation, the rollback of protectionism and the problems of debtor countries. I expect the summit to look at these problems in both the immediate and medium-term perspectives.

asked the Prime Minister if the economic summit in June will be considering ways to improve financial flows from developed to developing countries.

As I have said in a separate answer to the hon. Member today, I expect the summit to discuss the problems faced by developing countries, particularly those of debtor countries. Maintaining adequate flows of resources to non-industrialised countries, and helping them to make the necessary economic changes, will be important elements in resolving those problems.

asked the Prime Minister pursuant to her answer of 10 May, at what hour on Friday 30 April 1982 the oiler was detected.

About 6 pm London time.

asked the Lord Privy Seal if he will take steps to make available to (a) hon. Members and (b) the general public on a regular basis, information about the current and prospective inquiries of all Select Committees, including details of the subjects on which each Committee has issued an invitation for evidence to be submitted to it.

Details of forthcoming public meetings of Select Committees, and of evidence and reports published, appear in the Weekly Information Bulletin of the House; and lists of the subjects of current inquiries are carried by British Telecom's Prestel service. In the light of this and of Select Committees' own awareness of the need to keep hon. Members and the general public informed about their inquiries I do not consider any further steps to be necessary.

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what is the total number of people in the United Kingdom who have (a) died from and (b) suffered from contamination following accidents in the nuclear energy processing industry for each year from its inception.

There have been no fatalities as a result of exposure to radiation arising out of accidents in the nuclear energy processing industry since its inception. The number of persons at BNFL who have suffered from contamination in excess of the prescribed limits is being carefully checked and I will let my hon. Friend have this information as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will list the main policy achievements of his Department since May 1979.

The main objective of the Government's energy policy is that all economic forms of energy should be exploited, supplied and used efficiently.Building on our important indigenous energy resource base, it is my aim to assist the contribution of British industry to energy development and to energy-related exports. With my visit to China in late 1983, for instance, and that of the Minister of State to India in early 1984, we are pursuing major initiatives to expand exports of United Kingdom offshore supplies and services to these and other important markets.Last October I launched the energy efficiency office to make Britain the most energy efficient country in the western world. The new initiative is designed to draw the attention of all consumers—from the industrialist to the householder—to the tangible benefits to them of using energy more wisely.I and my Ministerial colleagues have been personally taking this message to senior industrialists in a series of 40 breakfast meetings around the country and indications are that action is being taken in the great majority of organisations whose executives attend the meeting. We have strengthened our international links in this field.The Government's general policy in the energy sector has been to set a framework which allows market forces to operate with a minimum distortion and to ensure that those parts of the energy sector which remain in the public sector and enjoy monopoly privileges are subject to compensating disciplines which stimulate efficiency.To the end of ensuring that the energy market operates as nearly as possible as a free market, we have sold to the private sector Britoil and Amersham International. BGC has made an agreement with the Dorset bidding group for the disposal of its interest in production licence PL 089, which includes the Wytch farm oilfield. Preparations are well advanced for the sale of Enterprise Oil to which have been transferred BGC's licence interest in six offshore oilfields and oil prospective exploration acreage. We have removed BGC's statutory monopoly of the purchase of UKCS gas and greatly reduced the scope of its monopoly over gas sales; and enabled private suppliers to have access to BGC's transmission and distribution system. The Energy Act 1983 has opened the electricity supply industry to private sector competition on fair terms.It has been our aim, together with the energy nationalised industries, to contain price increases by promoting improvements in efficiency, and by encouraging the industries' efforts to ensure that such price increases as there have been were justified and were allocated correctly among different classes of consumer. For industrial consumers, the electricity tariffs standstill will continue for a further 12 months until 31 March 1985, although the fuel price adjustment clause will continue to operate; industrial contract renewal gas prices rose by 2 to 2·5 per cent. in April following a 2-year price freeze. The latest increases in domestic electricity and gas prices — well under 2 per cent. for electricity and 4·3 per cent. for gas—were both below the prevailing rate of inflation and followed price freezes of two years for electricity and 15 months for gas. The CBI survey of "European industrial energy prices" published in January confirmed that in general United Kingdom electricity and gas prices to industry compare well with those elsewhere in Europe; the available evidence suggests the same is true of prices to the home.We have encouraged oil exploration and development with the aim of maximising economic oil production over time. Production in each of the last two years has exceeded 100 million tonnes, putting Britain in the top half dozen world oil producers. The record number of licence awards in recent years have given new impetus to activity offshore, which will be continued in the forthcoming ninth round. The number of onshore licences awarded has also reached a record level. So, too, has the amount of exploration and appraisal drilling activity offshore. The rate of gas flared on the UKCS has fallen from an average of 18 million cubic metres (mcm) a day in 1979 to less than 10 mcm a day in 1983. Over the same period oil production has increased by over 45 per cent. Since 1979, 22 development plans for oil and gas projects have been approved. I hope to be able to approve a further half dozen or so in the near future.The Offshore Supplies Office has encouraged United Kingdom firms to win orders from the development of oil and gas fields on the UKCS and overseas. Since 1979 United Kingdom industry has averaged 72 per cent. of an annual market of about £2·6 billion.Orders have been confirmed for advanced gas-cooled reactor power stations at Torness and Heysham, and encouraging progress has been made in constructing nuclear stations to time and cost. A public inquiry is under way into the CEGB's proposed pressurised water reactor power station at Sizewell in Suffolk. The Government's commitment to the fast reactor has been re-affirmed. In January 1984 the Government signed a memorandum of understanding with France, the Federal Republic of Germany, Belgium and Italy to carry forward the research and development of fast reactors on a collaborative basis.I have announced that, in view of many changes in the UKAEA's programmes in recent years and changes in the nuclear industry since 1954, a wide ranging overall review of the UKAEA's role and activities, including the relationship with the Department, is being undertaken.Following completion of a major programme of work by consultants W. S. Atkins to test the economics and feasibility of combined heat and power/district heating schemes in nine inner city locations, we are proceeding to stage II of the feasibility programme, under which the Government will help fund production of detailed studies for three towns.While working towards the achievement of financial viability in the coal industry, the Government have assisted the NCB in dealing with its financial problems, with grants of approximately £2·5 billion and payments under the RMPS scheme totalling £350 million since we took office, and have supported investment of £3·8 billion invested in the coal industry in the same period. The coal firing scheme introduced in 1981 has helped industry and commerce wishing to convert oil and gas fired equipment to coal burning.Expenditure under the renewable R & D programme has been concentrated on wind power and geothermal energy as having the greatest economic and technical promise.

asked the Secretary of State for Energy when the Government will respond to the Energy Committee's report on combined heat and power schemes.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer my right hon. Friend gave to the hon. Member for Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Central (Mr. Merchant) on 5 April 1984 at column 602.

asked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will publish figures in the Official Report to show the amounts received in the financial year 1983–84 from offshore licensing revenue by (a) the Isle of Man and (b) Northern Ireland.

The amounts paid to the Isle of Man and Northern Ireland respectively during the financial year 1983–84 were (a) £2,484,904, and (b) £42,965,915.

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what are the latest figures available for annual coal production; how these compare with the corresponding figures for each of the previous 10 years; and what projections are available for future coal outputs.

United Kingdom coal production was as follows:

asked the Secretary of State for Energy when he now expects the report of the subsidence compensation review committee to be published.

The report of the subsidence compensation review committee, chaired by Mr. Lewis Waddilove, CBE, JP has been published today. The report, which was commissioned by the Government last year, and is jointly addressed to the Secretaries of State for Energy, the Environment, Scotland and Wales, recommends changes in the provisions and practices of the coal mining subsidence compensation scheme.The Government have thanked the committee for the effort and care put into its report. This constitutes a very thorough analysis of the current compensation scheme, as well as making a wide range of carefully considered proposals on how it might be improved. The Government welcome the committee's efforts to strike a balance between the benefits to individuals and the costs to the NCB in coming to their conclusions and will wish to consider the committee's judgments most carefully before responding to the report.Interested parties will be consulted, especially those who gave evidence to the committee, and account will be aken of other comments received before 31 July. The Government expect to make a full response to the committee's recommendations before the end of the year.Copies of the report have been placed in the Library of the House.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what are the names of the countries which have not implemented the co-insurance directive and have been brought before the European Court of Justice.

The Commission of the European Communities has brought actions in the European Court of Justice against France and Denmark over the manner in which these countries have implemented the non-life coinsurance directive in their own legislations.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations his Department has made regarding unfair competition in the co-insurance industry to the various countries that have not implemented the co-insurance directive; and if he will make a statement.

None specifically, but the United Kingdom is intervening in support of the Commission of the European Communities in the cases against France and Denmark brought by the Commission in the European Court of Justice.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what consideration is being given to the longer-term financing of information technology centres; and how many are now in operation.

[pursuant to the reply, 14 May 1984, c. 14]: Information technology centres are jointly financed by the Department of Trade and Industry, the Manpower Services Commission and individual scheme sponsors. My Department's support is of a pump priming nature and will be received in most cases by an individual ITEC for three years. Well advanced plans exist to ensure that centres are able to remain viable after DTI support ceases. I am hopeful that an announcement will be made very soon.Currently there are 133 established ITECs and plans exist to extend the total number of centres to

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has yet made a decision on the implementation of section 48 of the Criminal Law Act 1977; and if he will make a statement.

[pursuant to his reply, 26 March 1984, c. 22]: I hope to implement section 48 so that advance disclosure of the prosecution case will be available to defendants charged with offences triable either-way before they are required to indicate whether they wish to be tried in the magistrates' court or the Crown court. Disclosure would be made either by a summary of the case or by copies of witness statements taken in the case. The choice of method would rest with the prosecutor, who would have regard to the material which was available at the time disclosure was made. I shall be starting discussions of the proposals with the police, the local authority associations and other interested parties immediately. A final decision will depend on the outcome of these consultations, taking particular account of the likely cost to central and local government. Subject to that, my aim is to implement section 48 and for the rules to be made within a year. Work has therefore been put in hand on the drafting of the rules which will be required.The approach I am adopting should minimise the need for changes in police procedure. I regard my proposals, however, as temporary. The rules which will be made will be reconsidered, in the light of experience and no later than at the time of the introduction of the independent prosecution service, with a view to prescribing a single method of advance disclosure for use in all cases. The single method is likely to be based on the supply to defendants of copies of written statements.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what is the purpose of the provision of £500,000 in his estimates for the maintenance of the Alderney breakwater;(2) if he will list all items of expenditure under the heading of "Channel Islands services" since 1979 for which money has been provided by Parliament.

The Alderney breakwater was built by the United Kingdom Government in the last century to shelter the Fleet. As a consequence, the existing harbour silted up and the breakwater is maintained today to preserve what is now the only commercial harbour on the island. This maintenance expenditure, to which the Alderney authorities make a contribution, is the only money provided by Parliament for Channel Islands services.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list his responsibilities for prisons in (a) Jersey, (b) Guernsey and (c) the Isle of Man; and what information his Department keeps about these matters.

My right hon. and learned Friend has no direct responsibility for prisons in the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man. These dependencies of the Crown are responsible for their own internal affairs, including the administration of their prison services. Information on these matters, other than that obtained as a result of informal contracts or requests for advice, is not therefore collected or retained on a routine basis.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the number of prisoners, and their convictions, who were sentenced by the courts in Northern Ireland and are held in prisons in Great Britain.

Information about the location of the sentencing court is not recorded centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will grant the right of repatriation to all prisoners from Northern Ireland to serve their sentences in prisons in Northern Ireland.

No prisoner has the right to choose his location, either within England and Wales or in another jurisdiction. Applications for transfer to Northern Ireland under the Criminal Justice Act 1961 will continue to be considered on their merits, in the light of the Government's policy on such transfers.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, in view of the success in reducing juvenile crime, of the socialisation project at Caldicot school in Gwent, he would be prepared to encourage the implementation of such schemes throughout the United Kingdom.

I understand that the project to which my hon. Friend refers is regarded locally as having contributed to a reduction in juvenile crime. I am seeking further information about it.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department why South Africa's citizens continue to be granted visa-free entry to the United Kingdom.

I do not consider that any improvement in the effectiveness of our immigration control which might follow from imposing a visa requirement on citizens of South Africa would justify the additional staff and work involved.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department on what date Miss Zola Budd's father applied to register as a British citizen; and on what date the application was allowed.

The hon. Member has misunderstood the position. Mr. Budd had no need to apply for a citizenship he already possessed by descent from his father.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he now expects to receive the report of the committee of inquiry into the Sunday trading laws.

I understand that the committee hopes to report in the summer.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he now expects to lay regulations implementing Lord Whitelaw's pledge to introduce concessionary television licences for disabled or handicapped persons living in hostels.

As I indicated in my reply to a question by the hon. Member for Bradford, West (Mr. Madden) on 3 May, at column 208, we expect to lay regulations before the House shortly to make provision for new television licensing arrangements for hotels and for physically disabled and mentally disordered people in certain residential accommodation to qualify for the concessionary 5p television licence on the same terms as retirement pensioners. Although we propose that the new provisions for hotels should not take effect until the beginning of next year, we intend that those relating to the concessionary licence scheme should come into force as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many Tamils, not currently resident in the United Kingdom, have applied for political asylum in the United Kingdom; and how many applications have been successful;(2) how many Tamils in the United Kingdom have applied for political asylum; and how many applications have been accepted.

Statistics of asylum applications received do not differentiate between ethnic groups within nationalities.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will give the number of local authorities which have now adopted the model byelaws to control straw and stubble burning; and if he will name those authorities;(2) if he will list those local authorities that have not adopted the new model bye laws for the control of straw and stubble burning.

Out of a total of 401 local authorities empowered to make straw and stubble burning byelaws, the 104 authorities listed in table 1 have notified the Home Office that they intend to adopt the new model byelaws. Of the remainder, the 81 authorities listed in table 2 have byelaws based on the previous models. It would be misleading to list the 216 authorities which have not made any byelaws, as many of these are in urban or other areas where cereals are not grown.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will propose amendments to the immigration rules to allow review by an adjudicator in cases where his decision was not made within the immigration rules.

No. The powers of immigration appeals adjudicators are set out in section 19 of the Immigration Act 1971 and my right hon. and learned Friend has no plans to introduce amending legislation on the lines envisaged by the hon. Member.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will review the case of Annie McGuire and John McComb under section 17 of the Criminal Appeal Act 1968.

My right hon. and learned Friend can properly refer a case to the Court of Appeal under section 17 of the Criminal Appeal Act 1968 only on the basis of some relevant new evidence or consideration of substance that has not previously been examined by the courts. The case of Annie McGuire has been carefully considered on a number of occasions, but so far nothing has come to light which would justify taking any action in respect of the conviction. We remain always ready to look carefully at any new information.John McComb recently applied to the Court of Appeal for leave to appeal against his conviction and sentence. It would be inappropriate for me to comment on his case or consider taking any action while it is pending before the court.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the cause of the delay in the assessment of compensation to Mr. R. F. York of Northampton.

Deciding the amount of ex gratia compensation which should be paid to Mr. York is a matter of some difficulty. I hope that it will not be too long before a formal offer can be made to him.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many drug offenders have been successfully prosecuted in Leicestershire in each of the Last five years; and if he will make a statement.

[pursuant to his reply, 11 April 1984, c. 216]: The numbers of persons sentenced for offences under drugs legislation or other offences where controlled drugs were also involved in the Leicestershire police force area in the years 1978 to 1982 were as follows. Information is not yet available for 1983.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what has been the trend in recent years in EEC food aid costs borne by his Department.

The trend is downwards. The United Kingdom's share of European Community food expenditure was £71·7 million in 1981, £69·2 million in 1982 and £51·3 million in 1983. The United Kingdom also provides food aid bilaterally as part of the Community's obligation under the food aid convention. Expenditure in 1981, 1982 and 1983 was £13·9 million, £11·8 million and £13·3 million respectively.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs why EEC food aid costs are charged to the United Kingdom overseas aid Vote.

The United Kingdom share of all Community aid represents a real transfer of resources which constitutes part of the United Kingdom aid effort. It is therefore appropriate to treat it as part of our aid programme, along with our contributions to other multilateral agencies.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what are the major areas of difference which emerged at the recent EEC ministerial meeting in Fiji to discuss the renewal of the Lome convention; and if he will make a statement.

ACP and Community Ministers made good progress at the Fiji meeting towards agreement on a number of important points. Some issues remain to be resolved, notably on trade, where the ACP demanded concessions in regard to access to the Community for ACP products which went further than some of our partners were willing to go. We recognise the importance of trade to the sustained development of the ACP, and we shall continue to press our partners to agree to improvements in the trade regime.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether Her Majesty's Government make any funds available to Christian Aid.

Under the ODA's joint funding scheme which provides funds for such organizations, Christian Aid receives an annual grant to meet 50 per cent. of the cost of agreee development projects overseas. in 1983–84 this grant totalled £330,000. In addition, my Department channels funds through Christian Aid for refugee and disaster relief work.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will give details of the voluntary projects so far approved as part of the initiative for the under-fives in Wales.

I refer the hon. Gentleman to the reply given to the hon. Member for Neath (Mr. Coleman) on 30 April 1984 at columns 1–2.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what was the number of deaths of infants under one year of age for each area health authority in Wales in 1983; and what was the corresponding death rate per 1,000 live births.

The information is as follows:

asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list the number of households and the rate per 1,000 population in each local authority which received assistance in the provision of household aids for disabled persons in 1982–83.

The available information is given in the following table:

asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will give the number of death certificates issued in the counties of Wales in 1983 that mentioned hypothermia.

The provisional number of death certificates in 1983 where hypothermia was mentioned is as follows:

asked the Secretary of State for Wales how many (a) unemployed people there are and (b) vacancies exist in (i) Wales and (ii) the Deeside travel-to-work area.

On 5 April 1984 there were 169,630 unemployed claimants in Wales and 8,099 in the Shotton travel-to-work area. There are no comprehensive figures relating to the total number of vacancies in the economy at any one time.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales how many redundancies have been decided in (a) Wales and (b) the Deeside travel-to-work area since May 1979.

I am informed by the Manpower Services Commission that between May 1979 and March 1984, 132,903 notified redundancies occurred in Wales. Between January 1981 and March 1984, 4,173 notified redundancies occurred in the Shotton travel-to-work area. Information at the local level for the period prior to January 1981 is not available on a comprehensive basis.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales how many (a) steelworkers, (b) coalminers and (c) textile workers were employed in Wales in 1976 and March 1984; and if he will make a statement.

Information in the form requested is available only from the Department of Employment's census of employment. Figures taken from the censuses nearest to the requested dates are as follows:

asked the Secretary of State for Wales how many people in Wales engaged on special employment schemes in 1983 are now engaged in full-time permanent work; and how many are now in receipt of unemployment benefit.

Comprehensive information on the destination of people engaged on the full range of special employment and training measures is not available.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales how many people in the Deeside travel-to-work area have been unemployed for (a) up to six months, (b) six to 12 months, (c) 12 to 18 months, (d) 18 to 24 months, (e) two to three years, (f) three to four years, (g) four to five years and (h) over five years, at the latest available date.

Available information relates to the Shotton travel-to-work area. It is in respect of unemployed claimants in April 1984 and is as follows:

asked the Secretary of State for Wales which are the Welsh county councils currently meeting the guidelines of 12 home helps per 1,000 population over 65 years of age.

None of the Welsh county councils currently meet the guidelines of 12 home helps per 1,000 population over 65 years of age.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales how many disablement resettlement officers are currently employed in Wales.

I am informed by the Manpower Services Commission that 28 disablement resettlement officers are currently employed in Wales.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales how many disabled people currently live in Wales.

The number of people on local authorities registers of handicapped persons on 31 March 1983, was 100,037.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales how many registered disabled people are currently unemployed in Wales.

Information on the number of registered disabled people who are unemployed is only available for those who choose to register for employment at jobcentres and careers offices. On 2 March 1984 there were 2,641 registered disabled and 4,232 unregistered job seekers unemployed.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will meet representatives of the farming unions in Wales to discuss his approach to hardship cases as a result of the dairy milk quota; and if he will make a statement.

Yes. I am meeting the chairman of the Welsh council of the NFU on 16 May and the president of the FUW on 21 May.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will take steps to assist the small dairy fanner in Wales facing problems as a result of the recent EEC dairy quota.

The Government are currently considering possible schemes to assist dairy producers facing special difficulties as a result of the recent EEC dairy quota arrangements apart from those who may benefit as hardship cases under the special reserve.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales how many information technology centres are currently operating in Wales; and what information he has as to plans of the Welsh Development Agency to invest in more such centres.

There are eight information technology centres currently operating in Wales providing 300 approved places.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what is his estimate of the decline in manufacturing investment between 1979 and 1984 in Wales.

The information is not available in the form requested.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales how much derelict land grant was made available to each of the Welsh local authorities for each of the financial years from 1979–80 up to and including 1984–85.

I have asked the Welsh Development Agency to write to the hon. Gentleman.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what is his latest estimate of the total numbers of people engaged in the construction industry in Wales.

The latest available estimate is for September 1983 when the new definition of the construction industry given in the 1980 standard industrial classification was used for the first time. This estimate showed 47,000 persons employed in the construction industry in Wales.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what is his estimate of the amount of money invested by the Welsh Development Agency (a) in the Deeside industrial park, (b) in engineer park, Sandy Croft, (c) on Manor Farm, industrial estate, Bagillt, (d) on Broomfield industrial estate, Mold and (e) on Llay industrial estate, Wrexham.

I have asked the Welsh Development Agency to write to the hon. Gentleman.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales how many Forestry Commission workers are employed in Wales; and what is the total estimated asset value of Forestry Commission forests and assets that have been sold or are earmarked for sale.

At 31 March 1984, the Forestry Commission employed 829 industrial workers in Wales.The estimated asset values of properties in Wales sold by the Foresty Commission between 1 April 1981 and 31 March 1984 and in the process of being sold at the latter date are £4·8 million and £5·3 million respectively.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many income tax assessments were taken to appeal before (a) the general commissioners and (b) the special commissioners in the financial years 1981–82 and 1982–83.

The numbers of cases of all kinds set down for hearing by the general and special commissioners in the calendar years 1981 and 1982 were as follows:

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many Customs and Excise investigation teams are concerned with drugs; and what proportion of their activity is concerned with (a) heroin, and (b) cannabis.

The investigation division of Her Majesty's Customs and Excise has 15 drugs investigation teams based in London. In addition, there are five investigation teams located in Birmingham, Bristol, Glasgow, Leeds and Manchester, which are almost wholly employed on drug smuggling cases.One third of the London-based drugs teams are allocated specifically to heroin work, and a similar proportion to cannabis. The five provincial teams are engaged on the investigation of the smuggling of all types of drugs. In practice their efforts are divided equally and almost exclusively between heroin and cannabis.