Written Answers To Questions
Tuesday 26 June 1984
Attorney-General
Committee On Discovery Of Documents
asked the Attorney-General what progress is being made by the committee on discovery of documents under the chairmanship of Mr. Justice Bingham.
As announced by my hon. and learned Friend the then Solicitor-General to this House on 19 October 1982, this committee was set up by the Lord Chancellor following the decision of the House of Lords that the hon. Member for Peckham (Ms. Harman), as she has since become, was in contempt of court. After that decision the hon. Member submitted an application to the European Commission of Human Rights on the grounds that the United Kingdom was in breach of the European convention. The Commission has now ruled that the hon. Member's application is admissible in relation to article 10 of the convention, but has not yet given an opinion on the merits of her application. In view of this and of the possibility of the issue coming before the European Court, the Lord Chancellor has requested the committee to suspend its proceedings.
Energy
Coal Mines (Economic Criteria)
asked the Secretary of State for Energy what criteria he takes into account before defining as uneconomic a coal mine in Britain; and if these criteria have been agreed with the National Coal Board and the National Union of Mineworkers.
The assessment of economic viability of particular pits is a matter for the NCB.
Coal Production (Costs)
asked the Secretary of State for Energy what is the cost of producing coal at each pit in Britain; and how many pits are within one and two standard deviations, respectively, of the mean cost.
This is a matter for the NCB. I will ask the chairman to write to the hon. Member.
Ncb (Capital Reconstruction)
asked the Secretary of State for Energy what plans he has for a capital reconstruction of the National Coal Board.
I have no such plans. However, the payment of deficit grant to fund the NCB's losses is in effect a year-by-year capital write-off. Over the past five years, this has amounted to nearly £2,000 million.
Ncb (Capital Charges)
asked the Secretary of State for Energy how much of the annual capital charges of the National Coal Board have been consolidated into capital repayments.
None. However, for the purposes of its accounts, the NCB charges certain interest payments to capital account. Interest payments charged to revenue account affect both the board's losses and deficit grant payments to the board. In the past three financial years, deficit grant payments to the board have greatly exceeded interest payments by the board.
Trade And Industry
Trading Standards Officers
asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what additional powers he will be proposing for trading standards officers under his proposals for revision of the Consumer Safety Act.
I hope shortly to present to the House detailed proposals for strengthening the investigative powers of trading standards officers at the point of first supply, for stronger powers to suspend the supply of unsafe goods and for an extension of the range of goods in respect of which enforcement action may be taken.
Civil Defence
asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will encourage industry to create its own civil defence capability.
The main responsibility for the adoption of a civil defence capability in industry has to lie with industry itself. The Government provide advice and assistance, including financial assistance, for the training of selected personnel.
Unsafe Electrical Equipment (Imports)
asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what evidence he has as to the number of times trading standards officers have had occasion to demand that unsafe electrical imports be taken off the market.
Trading standards officers have no power to demand that unsafe electrical equipment be taken off the market. In the year ending 31 March 1983 there were 203 convictions relating to the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations and it is likely that in most of these cases the item was taken off the market subsequent to the serving of the notice of prosecution.No information is available on the proportion of these cases which involved imported goods nor on the number of occasions when unsafe electrical equipment was taken off the market at the request of trading standard officers and no prosecution ensued.
Oil (Imports And Exports)
asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will estimate the amount and cost of the extra oil imported as a consequence of the mining industrial dispute; and what has been the reduction in United Kingdom exports of oil over the same period.
I have been asked to reply.The United Kingdom remains a net exporter of oil by a substantial margin. The coal dispute will not change this. Figures for United Kingdom oil imports and exports appear regularly in
Energy Trends, which is published monthly.
Duolite International Ltd
asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will refer to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission the proposed agreement to sell Duolite International Limited between Diamond Shamrock Limited and Rohm and Hass Company in view of the fact that the latter company will then produce 90 per cent. of ion exchange resins in the world.
[pursuant to the reply, 25 June 1984, c. 340]: The Office of Fair Trading is currently considering whether a qualifying merger is involved. If it is, my right hon. Friend will announce his decision as soon as practicable.
Home Department
After-Care Hostels
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proportion of prisoners who will become eligible for parole as a result of the reduction of the minimum qualifying period for parole it is estimated will require an after-care hostel place.
Information on which to base such an estimate is not available centrally.
Penal Establishments (Qualified Mental Nurses)
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has any proposals for including among the staff of penal establishments an increased number of qualified mental nurses; and if he will make a statement.
Yes. It is our aim to increase the proportion of hospital officers with general or mental nursing qualifications. Already one recruiting campaign directed at registered general nurses and registered mental nurses has been conducted and others are planned.
Youth Custody (Suspended Sentences)
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has considered the article, Roehampton report, at page 10 of volume 1 for 1984 of the bulletin of the Judicial Studies Board; and, in particular, whether he proposes to introduce legislation to enable judges to pass wholly and partly suspended youth custody orders.
I have read the article with interest. We are about to open consultations as to whether the courts should have power to suspend sentences of youth custody.
Public Lighting And Crime
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what evidence he has as to the correlation between reduced levels of public lighting at night and the level of mugging, burglaries, vandalism, and other petty crimes.
There is no conclusive evidence of such a correlation from research and there are severe practical difficulties in carrying out studies to determine whether there is one. However, the increase in the number of crimes reported during periods of reduced street lighting provides some support for the view that good lighting in vulnerable areas helps to prevent crime. It certainly reduces the fear of crime.
Subversion (Definition)
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will define "undermine" in the current definition of subversion used by his Department.
The word bears its ordinary meaning of injure or wear out, secretly, insidiously or imperceptibly.
Security Services
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how the application of section 4 of paragraph 238 of Cmnd. 2152 is enforced and monitored in relation to the security services.
The director general of the security service is directly responsible to the Home Secretary of the day for the efficient and proper working of the service. I am satisfied that the director general takes appropriate measures to ensure that the service operates in full accordance with its directive, including the requirement of political impartiality to which the hon. Member refers. It has however, been the policy of successive Governments not to give detailed public accounts of the security service's operations and procedures.
Court Appearances
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will introduce legislation that no person shall be required to appear in court (a) on the morning following interrogation by the police if that interrogation finishes after 10 pm, and (b) when he has not an opportunity to contact a solicitor or prepare a defence; and if he will make a statement.
A limitation on the times at which persons may be produced in court could lead to some people remaining in police custody for longer than necessary, and undermine the safeguards on police detention in part IV of the Police and Criminal Evidence Bill. These set a limit on the period that a detained person may be held without charge, before the police must bring him before a court to seek a warrant of further detention, and provide that a person charged with an offence should be brought before the court as soon as practicable. The latest draft of the code of practice for the detention, treatment and questioning of persons by the police, to be issued under clause 63 of the Bill—a copy of which is in the Library of the House—requires detained persons to be afforded a minimum of eight hours continuous rest from questioning in any 24 hours, and that this should be at night unless urgent inquiries make this impracticable. The code further provides that a detained person must be permitted to consult a solicitor for a reasonable time before any court hearing.
Coal Industry Dispute
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will call for a report from each police authority involved as to the total additional cost at the latest available date to each such authority of the policing of the miners' dispute.
Not at this stage.
Immigration Appeals Tribunal
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what are the current levels of remuneration paid to adjudicators and full-time officials of the Immigration Appeals Tribunal; how often these levels are reviewed; what are the daily fees paid to the part-time chairman and members of the Immigration Appeals Tribunal; and, in each case, how the levels of payments are fixed.
The pay of the president and vice-president of the Immigration Appeals Tribunal is the same as that of the regional chairmen and chairmen of industrial tribunals, whose salaries are reviewed annually by the Top Salaries Review Body. The chief adjudicator and the adjudicator receive salaries set at 91·5 per cent. and 80·5 per cent. of the president's. The current annual rates of pay—from 1 April 1984—are:
| £ | |
| President | 29,870 |
| Vice President | 27,553 |
| Chief Adjudicator | 27,331 |
| Adjudicator | 24,135 |
| £ | |
| Legal Chairman | 110 |
| Adjudicator | 88 |
| Lay Member | 56 |
| £ | |
| SEO | 12,518 |
| HEO | 10,218 |
| EO | 8,088 |
| CO | 5,708 |
| CA | 5,484 |
| PS | 5,992 |
| Typist | 5,484 |
| Paperkeeper | 4,998 |
Coal Industry Dispute (Orgreave)
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will call for a report from the chief constable of South Yorkshire as to how many police were on duty on Monday 18 June at Orgreave; how many were injured; and how many pickets were arrested.
The chief constable tells me that 4,272 police officers were deployed in connection with the events at Orgreave on 18 June; 37 officers were injured; and 97 people were arrested.
Equal Opportunities Commission
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the cost to public funds of the Equal Opportunities Commission in each of the last five years; how many staff were employed; and what was the proportion of funds expended on salaries, wages and expenses in each year.
The information requested is set out in the following table:
| Financial year (1 April to 31 March) | Total cost to public funds | Staff employed on 31 March | Proportion spent on salaries, wages and expenses |
| £ million | Per cent. | ||
| 1979–80 | 2·146 | 171 | 49·5 |
| 1980–81 | 2·52 | 171 | 57·9 |
| 1981–82 | 2·911 | 173 | 55 |
| 1982–83 | 3·046 | 176 | 56 |
| 1983–84 | 3·24 | 174 | 55 |
Mental Health Act 1983
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what information is available to him with regard to the use of police powers under section 136 of the Mental Health Act 1983; if he will publish any readily available information in the Official Report; and if he will make a statement.
Statistics of persons admitted to hospital under section 136 of the Mental Health Act 1983 are collected centrally by the DHSS. The police also record each occasion on which they exercise their power under section 136, but this information is not collected centrally. Our review of this matter has suggested that central collection of statistics would require a new national reporting system for police forces, would be expensive and, because of the relatively infrequent use of the power, might not lead to wholly reliable conclusions. We are, however, consulting the Association of Chief Police Officers over whether the proposed national custody record, which is being devised in the context of the Police and Criminal Evidence Bill, might also provide the means for standardised local record keeping in respect of persons detained under section 136 in the police station.
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is satisfied with the interpretation given by the Metropolitan police and other police forces to section 136 of the Mental Health Act 1983; whether he has given, or proposes to give, any guidance to the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis and to chief constables with regard to the use of this section; and if he will make a statement.
Existing guidance to the police on mental health legislation is contained in the "Consolidated Circular to the Police on Crime and Kindred Matters", a copy of which is in the Library of the House. In particular, paragraph 4.48 provides that a person removed under section 136 should normally be taken to a hospital. I am not aware of difficulties over the interpretation of the section, or the application of the guidance. We are consulting the Association of Chief Police Officers on whether further specific guidance on the operation of section 136 would be helpful.
Metropolitan Police C Department Computer
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans there are to replace or upgrade either the software or hardware of the Metropolitan police C Department computer; and if he will make a statement.
[pursuant to his reply, 20 June 1984, c. 160]: I understand from the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis that work is in hand to decide when and how best to replace the computer facilities dedicated to C Department.
Animal Experiments
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether the Government intend to give financial support to the work of the Fund for the Replacement of Animals in Medical Experiments.
Yes. The Government are to make a substantial grant to FRAME to further its research into the use of alternatives to live animals in research. Three projects are to be funded, for three years. The first of these is a major new project to examine the use of human tissue cultures instead of animals in medical research and toxicity testing. The second project will support existing FRAME research into the feasibility of an international validation scheme for in vitro alternatives. The third will study the possibility of establishing a database on experience with tissue culture techniques to bring together all the available information from scientific literature and make it readily available to scientists.The Government's objective in supporting FRAME is to promote a significant contribution to efforts being made in many laboratories to reduce the numbers of live animals being used in scientific procedures. Financial support for its work is a pledge of the Government's commitment to the promotion of alternatives to live animals whenever practicable.
Police (Cautioning Practices)
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he intends to publish his proposals for the creation of more constant cautioning practices by the police in England and Wales.
I am today publishing a consultation document "Cautioning by the Police". Copies are being placed in the House Library and the Vote Office. The consultation document consists of the report of a working group of Home Office officials and chief officers of police which was charged with devising a basis for more consistent and effective police cautioning practice; draft guidelines to chief officers drawn up by that group; and a summary of research by the Home Office research and planning unit into existing cautioning practice of police forces which informed the discussions of the working group.The consultation document is being circulated to agencies working in the criminal justice system and others with an interest in cautioning inviting comments on the proposed new guidelines.I am grateful to chief officers of police for the ready cooperation they have given to this work and for their acceptance of the importance of effectiveness and consistency in the use of the caution. The Government believe that the caution has an important role to play as an alternative to prosecution—particularly in the case of juveniles—and that used appropriately it can contribute to increased confidence in the application of the criminal law. I look forward to receiving comments on the consultation document, which will be taken into account before the guidelines are issued in their final form.Further copies of the consultation document may be obtained from:
- Room 530,
- F2 Division,
- Home Office,
- 50 Queen Anne's Gate,
- London,
- SW1H 9AT.
- (Tel. 01–213 7119)
Fine Defaulters
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the number of persons convicted of soliciting or loitering under the Street Offences Act 1959 and subsequently committed to prison for default of payment of the fines in respect of the following courts (a) Nottingham, (b) Old Street, (c) Sheffield and (d) Birmingham for the years 1982, 1983 and so far as available for 1984.
[pursuant to his reply, 14 June 1984, c. 536]: The information available, which is incomplete, is given in the following table.
| Prostitutes committed into custody by magistrates courts in default of payment of a fine | |||
| Magistrates court* | 1982 | 1983 | 1984 Jan.-March |
| Nottingham City | 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Nottingham County | — | — | — |
| Old Street | — | 7 | 13 |
| Sheffield | 1 | 1 | 11 |
| Birmingham | 6 | 10 | 1 |
| Other courts recorded | 32 | 91 | 37 |
| Court not recorded | 42 | 52 | 15 |
| Total | 83 | 167 | 81 |
| * In the case of an offender not given time to pay who was also previously remanded in custody this is not necessarily the same as the court committing in default. | |||
Prime Minister
Engagements
Q6.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 26 June.
Q7.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 26 June.
Q8.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 26 June.
Q9.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 26 June.
Q10.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 26 June.
Q11.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 26 June.
Q12.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 26 June.
Q13.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 26 June.
Q14.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 26 June.
Q15.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 26 June.
Q16.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 26 June.
Q17.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 26 June.
Q18.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 26 June.
Q19.
Page asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 26 June.
Q20.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 26 June.
Q21.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 26 June.
Q22.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 26 June.
Q23.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 26 June.
Q24.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 26 June.
Q25.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 26 June.
Q26.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 26 June.
Q27.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 26 June.
Q28.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 26 June.
Q29.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 26 June.
Q30.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 26 June.
Q31.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 26 June.
Q32.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 26 June.
Q33.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 26 June.
Q34.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 26 June.
Q35.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 26 June.
Q36.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 26 June.
Q37.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 26 June.
Q38.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 26 June.
Q39.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 26 June.
Q40.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 26 June.
Q41.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 26 June.
Q42.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 26 June.
Q43.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 26 June.
Q44.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 26 June.
Q45.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 26 June.
Q46.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 26 June.
Q48.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 26 June.
Q49.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 26 June.
Q50.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 26 June.
Q51.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 26 June.
Q52.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 26 June.
Q53.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 26 June.
Q54.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 26 June.
Q55.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 26 June.
Q56.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 26 June.
Q57.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 26 June.
Q58.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 26 June.
Q59.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 26 June.
Q60.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 26 June.
Q61.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 26 June.
Q62.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 26 June.
Q63.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 26 June.
Q64.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 26 June.
Q65.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 26 June.
Q66.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 26 June.
Q67.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 26 June.
Q68.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 26 June.
Q69.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 26 June.
Q70.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 26 June.
Q71.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 26 June.
Q72.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 26 June.
Q73.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 26 June.
Q74.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 26 June.
Q75.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 26 June.
Q76.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 26 June.
Q77.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 26 June.
Q78.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 26 June.
Q79.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 26 June.
Q80.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 26 June.
Q81.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 26 June.
Q82.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 26 June.
Q83.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 26 June.
Q84.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 26 June.
Q85.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 26 June.
Q86.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 26 June.
Q87.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 26 June.
Q88.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 26 June.
Q89.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for 26 June.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 26 June.
I have been asked to reply.My right hon. Friend is attending a meeting of the European Council at Fontainbleau.
Trades Union Congress
Q47.
asked the Prime Minister when next she intends to meet the leaders of the Trades Union Congress.
I have been asked to reply.My right hon. Friend has at present no plans to do so.
Members' Correspondence (Transfer)
asked the Prime Minister whether she will request all Departments to ensure that when correspondence from an hon. Member to a Minister has to be transferred to another Department, the transfer shall be undertaken within 48 hours of receipt of the correspondence by the first Department.
As I have said before—on 4 March 1982 at column 196—I would hope that my ministerial colleagues would keep up the pressure to ensure that Members' correspondence is dealt with speedily, and that all except particularly complex inquiries receive a reply within three to four weeks. They will, I am sure, note my hon. Friend's point.Surveys carried out last year by the Management and Personnel Office found that Departments generally accorded high priority to Members' letters and had rigorous systems for processing them, although there is an occasional lapse—as in the case about which I have recently corresponded with my hon. Friend. If he is aware of a more general problem, perhaps he would let me know.
Civil Service
Civil Servants (Performance Incentives)
asked the Minister for the Civil Service if he will consider a new pay system for the Civil Service to ensure that those employed are continuously provided with incentives to improve performance, on the lines of that proposed for the National Audit Office by the Public Accounts Commission.
As has been announced, the Government are considering ways of introducing merit pay into the Civil Service in the light of the recommendations of the Megaw report (Report of the Inquiry into Civil Service Pay, Cmnd. 8590).
Statistical Services
asked the Minister for the Civil Service what progress has been made in implementing the recommendation in the "Review of the Government Statistical Services", Cmnd. 8236, that a code of conduct on the use of data for statistical purposes should be published.
A White Paper "The Government Statistical Service Code of practice on the handling of data obtained from statistical inquiries" (Cmnd. 9270) has been laid before the House today, by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister.The code, which has been approved by Ministers, formalises the existing arrangements for safeguarding the confidentiality of data obtained from statistical inquiries by the Government Statistical Service, and covers clerically handled and automatically processed data concerning both people and undertakings. It has been published to make the public aware of the methods employed in statistical inquiries and to enable more statistical research to be undertaken in the universities and institutes instead of in the Civil Service.
National Finance
Income Tax
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what impact the 1983 Budget will have on the herd basis method of valuing cows for the purposes of income tax.
Clause 47 of the current Finance Bill proposes that farmers keeping dairy or other production herds should, following the abolition of stock relief, be entitled to a fresh opportunity to elect for the herd basis if they have not already done so.
Dairy Farmers (Outgoers Scheme)
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will introduce legislation to exempt recipients of payments under the outgoers scheme for dairy farmers from tax on such payments; and if he will make a statement.
The tax treatment of such payments, under existing law, will depend on the detailed arrangements for implementation of the outgoers scheme. These arrangements are under consideration.
Heroin
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many persons in the Customs and Excise Department have specific responsibilities for investigations relating to illegal importing of heroin in the Haven ports of East Anglia.
None. All local staff employed on customs duties have responsibilities for the prevention and combating of illegal importations of heroin.
Customs And Excise
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what numbers are employed in the Haven ports within the Department of Customs and Excise; and what have been the equivalent figures since 1979.
The figures are as follows:
| Numbers employed | |
| 1979 | 577 |
| 1980 | 575 |
| 1981 | 585 |
| 1982 | 607 |
| 1983 | 599 |
| 1984 | 621 |
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what are the specific allocations of manpower by Her Majesty's Customs and Excise to the ports of East Anglia; and what have been the equivalent figures since 1979.
The figures are as follows:
| Manpower | |
| 1979 | 735 |
| 1980 | 747 |
| 1981 | 736 |
| 1982 | 727 |
| 1983 | 735 |
| 1984 | 738 |
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what has been the ratio of customs officers to passengers in the Haven ports since 1979.
The ratio of customs officers to passengers in the Haven ports has been about 1 to 25,000, except for 1981 when it was about 1 to 24,000.
"Taxation Of Husband And Wife"
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what progress has been made following publication of the Green Paper "Taxation of Husband and Wife"; and if he will make a statement.
The large number of wide-ranging responses to the Green Paper are still under consideration. No fundamental reforms will be introduced without Parliament and the public being given an opportunity to assess their detailed implications.
Personal Taxation
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will publish figures showing tax break-even points, defined as the income levels at which net liability to tax arises, including national insurance contribution, for each of a single person, a single-wage married couple, a two-wage married couple, a single-wage married couple with two children and a two-wage married couple with two children, in each year since 1979–80.
The information is in the following table:
| Level of annual earnings (£) at which liability to income tax and NIC equals receipt of child benefit (where payable) | |||||
| Single person | Married couple | Married couple with two children | |||
| One earner | Two earners | One earner* | Two earners | ||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| 1979–80 | 1,013 | 1,013 | 2,027 | 2,734 | 3,861 |
| 1980–81 | 1,195 | 1,195 | 2,391 | 2,960 | 4,302 |
| 1981–82 | 1,375 | 1,403 | 2,807 | 3,064 | 4,444 |
| 1982–83 | 1,533 | 1,533 | 3,067 | 3,361 | 4,918 |
| 1983–84 | 1,689 | 1,689 | 3,379 | 3,773 | 5,536 |
| 1984–85 | 1,767 | 1,767 | 3,535 | 4,194 | 6,144 |
| * Assumed to be the husband. | |||||
| Assuming that earnings are divided between the couple in a way which minimises their overall liability to income tax and NIC. | |||||
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will publish figures showing tax break-even points, defined as the income levels at which net liability to tax arises, for each of a single pensioner and a married persioner in each year since 1979–80.
Assuming that no other reliefs are available, a net liability to income tax would arise when income exceeds the level of the personal allowance, set out in the following table:
| Single person below age 65 | Single person age 65 and over | Married couple* | |
| £ | £ | £ | |
| 1979–80 | 1,165 | 1,540 | 2,455 |
| 1980–81 | 1,375 | 1,820 | 2,895 |
| 1981–82 | 1,375 | 1,820 | 2,895 |
| 1982,83 | 1,565 | 2,070 | 3,295 |
| 1983–84 | 1,785 | 2,360 | 3,755 |
| 1984–85 | 2,005 | 2,490 | 3,955 |
| * Either spouse aged 65 or over. | |||
Finance Council
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the date of the next meeting of the Finance Council; and if he will publish the text of the mechanism agreed on 20 March.
The next meeting of the Finance Council will take place on 9 July. No mechanism was agreed at the European Council on 19–20 March. Negotiations are continuing at the European Council in Fontainebleau today.
Value Added Tax
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer why the collection of value added tax on the motor cycle part one test fee is being fully enforced from 11 June; why it has not hitherto been collected in some cases; and if he will make a statement.
[pursuant to his reply, 25 June 1984, c. 333]: The two-part motor cycle driving test was introduced in March 1982. Because part 1 of this test may be provided by commercial organisations, who may set their own fees, the fees are in law liable to VAT. Following a Customs and Excise ruling which was disputed unsuccessfully by a number of training bodies and after consideration by myself and my hon. Friend the Minister of State for Transport, a common implementation date of 11 June was chosen for the application of this ruling to commercial bodies and the Department of Transport. Customs and Excise will not collect VAT on test fees before that date where the tax has not been charged to the motor cyclist.
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he has any plans to impose value added tax at the standard rate on car driving test fees and MOT test fees.
[pursuant to his reply, 25 June 1984, c. 333]: No.
Agriculture, Fisheries And Food
Agriculture And Food Policy
asked the Minister of Agriclture, Fisheries and Food what steps he takes to promote health issues in the development of agriculture and food policy both in the United Kingdom and within the European Economic Community; and if he will make a statement.
The chief medical officer at the Department of Health and Social Security is our principal adviser on health matters and there is day-to-day contact between my Department and the Department of Health and Social Security. The advice on matters relating to health and diet is one of the considerations in agriculture and food policy both domestically and as a member of the European Community.
Salmon And Sea Trout
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what course of action he proposes for future protection of salmon and sea trout in the light of continuing diminution of breeding stocks.
I refer my hon. Friend to my answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Windsor and Maidenhead (Dr. Glyn) on 17 May 1984 at column 268.
Wales
Teachers' Pay (Dispute)
50.
asked the Secretary of State for Wales how many children in Wales have been affected by the dispute on teachers' pay; and what steps are being taken to mitigate the effects of the dispute upon schools.
The majority of pupils in Wales have probably been affected to some degree, but the local authorities, schools and examination bodies are seeking to mitigate the effects in a variety of ways.
Motorways (Accident Statistics)
asked the Secretary of State for Wales how many fatalities occurred on motorways in Wales in each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement.
The number of fatalities occurring on motorways and A(M) roads in the past five years are as follows:
| Number | |
| 1979 | 4 |
| 1980 | 7 |
| 1981 | 12 |
| 1982 | 6 |
| 1983 | 5 |
Water Restrictions
asked the Secretary of State for Wales what restrictions on the use of water are currently in operation in Wales.
As at 21 June 1984 the Welsh water authority had imposed bans on the use of hosepipes and garden sprinklers in the following areas: Dee and Clwyd division—Clwyd coastal area imminent; the Gower division except for the area supplied from the Towy scheme; in the Gwynedd division, the Dwyfor and Arfon districts and Merionydd district except for the Bala area, lying in the Dee and Clwyd division; the whole of the Taff and Usk divisions; the West Wales division except for that part of Preseli district south of and including Haverfordwest and that part of South Pembrokeshire district south of Lawrennydeffreyston/East Williamston and including Amroth and that area of the Wye division in south-east Gwent from Monmouth southwards.
The WWA has made repeated appeals through the news media for a general reduction in consumption throughout its area, as well as strongly publicising the bans on the use of hosepipes and garden sprinklers. The first such ban became operational on 14 May 1984.
Drought Act 1976
asked the Secretary of State for Wales what applications have been made by the Welsh water authority under the Drought Act 1976 in 1984 to date; and what decisions have been taken.
Applications under sections 1 and 3, where relevant, of the Drought Act 1976 have been received from the Welsh water authority in respect of Taf Fechan and Llwyn-on reservoirs; river Wye at Monmouth pumping station; river Usk at Rhadyr and Llantrisant; Teifi and Egnant reservoirs; Cwymstradl yn reservoir; Ffynnon Llugwy reservoir; river Gwyrfai and Llyn Cwellyn; Llyn Bodlyn and Llyn Eiddew Mawr. Orders have to date been made in respect of the Taf Fechan and Llwyn-on reservoirs, the river Wye at Monmouth pumping station and the river Usk at Rhadyr and Llantrisant.
Housing Allocations
asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will have discussions with the Welsh housing authorities' representatives and housing associations with a view to assessing what prospects there are of increasing the current housing allocations in Wales.
I and my officials have frequent discussions with representatives of local authorities and the Housing Corporation to discuss allocations.
Employment
Jobcentre, Westbury
asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will approve the proposal of the Manpower Services Commission to open a jobcentre in Westbury.
The Manpower Services Commission has approved in principle a strategy for the future development of the employment service. The number of jobcentres is planned to increase from 1,000 to about 1,100 or 1,200, making a staffed vacancy display and filling service more accessible to many people. However, definite decisions on the location of these jobcentres will not be taken until the autumn after a period of consultation with interested parties in each part of the country.
Secondary Picketing
asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many injunctions against secondary picketing have been secured under the Employment Acts of 1980 and 1982 in the last 15 weeks.
I know of three such injunctions during this period but there may have been others.
Youth Training Scheme
asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will introduce further measures to ensure that occupation and opportunity will be afforded to all young people who complete their one year's experience in the youth training scheme both in 1984 and in 1985.
Young people on the youth training scheme receive high-quality training and work experience which should help them take advantage of subsequent employment and training opportunities.Recently introduced changes to the young workers scheme, which focuses its support more clearly on 17-year-olds, will help employers provide more jobs for those completing their training under the youth training scheme.
Association Of British Professional Divers
asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he has reached a decision on the application of the Association of British Professional Divers for the granting of a certificate of independence as a trade union.
The certification officer is responsible for determining the independence of trade unions. I am informed that he has not reached a decision in respect of the application made to him by the Association of British Professional Divers which he received on 20 June 1984.
Carpet Industry
asked the Secretary of State for Employment what help, and in what form, has been provided for the carpet industry in each of the last three years.
It is not possible to estimate exactly how the carpet industry has benefited over the past three years from programmes run by my Department and the Manpower Services Commission. However, in 1982–83 and 1983–84 the industry has received training grants totalling some £60,000 via its voluntary training organisation the Carpet Industry Training Council. The council has not yet submitted firm proposals to the Manpower Services Commission for funding in 1984–85.
Ec Labour And Social Affairs Council
asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will make a statement on the European Community Labour and Social Affairs Council held in Luxembourg on 7 June.
I represented the United Kingdom at this Council. We approved resolutions on local employment initiatives and women's unemployment, which I welcomed. Small firms play a crucial role in creating jobs and the resolution on local employment initiatives recognises the need for the right environment for them. We recognise the seriousness of women's unemployment in a number of member states and I welcome the resolution on this subject, particularly its recognition that attitudes must be changed if women are to have access to a wider range of jobs. I also welcome the conclusions on social aspects of technological change, particularly the emphasis on the important role of education and training.The Council examined the medium term programme for social action, on which agreed conclusions may be submitted to the European Council at Fontainebleau on 25–26 June, the draft recommendation on the reduction and reorganisation of working times. There was a short discussion on Vredeling during which I restated the reasons for our opposition to this proposal.We were not able to agree the draft recommendation on working time; acting on its own initiative the French presidency is expected to place the draft recommendation on the agenda of the European Council. I made clear our view that the present proposal could pose a very real threat to competitiveness which is the only sure basis for the reduction of unemployment in the Community.
Farm Shops
asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many prosecutions have been initiated under regulations relating to shop premises in the most recent annual period for which figures are available; and how many of these prosecutions related to proprietors of so-called farm shops operating on agricultural land.
[pursuant to his reply, 25 June, 1984, c.346]: The 414 local authorities that provided the Health and Safety Executive with information for 1982 completed a total of 285 prosecutions during 1982 under legislation which includes provision for health and safety of shop premises. I regret I am unable to advise my hon. Friend what proportion of this figure relates to shop premises or so-called farm shops without separate inquiries of all local authorities, which could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.
asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will list the health and safety regulations, and other regulations for which he is responsible, which apply to premises described as farm shops; which of these apply also to other retail premises; and if he will make a statement.
[pursuant to his reply, 25 June 1984, c. 346]: A wide variety of statutory provisions to do with health and safety at work apply to retail premises, including premises described as farm shops. The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and its relevant statutory provisions apply and cover such matters as the general duties of employers and employees to protect health and safety at work, washing facilities, sanitary conveniences, dangerous machinery and so on.
Environment
Local Authorities (Expenditure)
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement about the use of powers under section 137 of the Local Government Act 1972 by the Greater London council and the metropolitan county councils.
There is growing concern about the risk of action by the Greater London council and the metropolitan county councils which could seriously damage both successor authorities and ratepayers. In particular, there are grounds for believing that some abolition authorities may seek to frustrate the Government's objectives by depriving themselves of major assets before they are abolished. The existing legal framework already imposes certain constraints upon the actions of local authorities. Moreover, the Local Government (Interim Provisions) Bill contains a number of provisions designed to limit the scope for obstructive or irresponsible actions by these authorities. But the Government believe it is now necessary to propose two further measures.Clause 9(2) of the Bill already requires the Greater London council and each metropollitan county council to consult its constituent councils about its proposals for expenditure and the financing of expenditure in the financial year beginning on 1 April 1985. I have had strong representations that this does not go far enough to protect the interests of successor councils. The Government have therefore tabled an amendment to this clause which will require the councils also to consult successor authorities on expenditure commitments beyond 1985–86.Subsection (1) of section 137 of the Local Government Act 1972 gives power to a local authority to incur expenditure for the benefit of its area or the inhabitants of its area for purposes not otherwise authorised. Subsection (2) enables local authorities to incur expenditure in making contributions to the funds of certain bodies and in respect to certain appeals to the public. It is feared that these powers might be used to enable an abolition authority to sell assets to a convenient, independent body which would repay the authority from grants made to it by the local authority under section 137.The Government have tabled a new clause which will require the GLC or a metropolitan county council to seek my consent before making payments under section 137 from 1 April 1985. Consent will also be required for any payment by any of these authorities as a result of a fresh commitment entered into from today which would fall due from 1 April 1985. I will not give my consent unless I am satisfied that it is expedient for the council in question to make the expenditure and, as regards expenditure under subsection (1) of section 137, that the expenditure is in the interests of the council's area and any part of it or all or some of its inhabitants.Section 137 is used for a number of purposes by the GLC and the metropolitan county councils. Much of the expenditure under this section goes to supporting valuable activities, for example in the voluntary sector. The Government's commitment to a responsible and effective voluntary sector is beyond doubt and I wish to make it clear that it is certainly not the Government's intention to use the new power, if enacted, to restrict the work of worthwhile voluntary sector activities.
Council Houses
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will give a breakdown of the council-owned homes in each Leicestershire local authority empty for more than one year, expressed as a percentage of the total housing stock of each authority.
According to local authorities' most recent housing investment programme returns, copies of which are in the Library, the numbers of dwellings owned by Leicestershire local authorities which had been empty for more than a year on 31 March 1983, and the percentages which these numbers represented of the councils' stock, were:
| Percentage | ||
| Blaby | — | — |
| Charnwood | 5 | 0·06 |
| Leicester | 72 | 0·20 |
| Harborough | — | — |
| Hinckley and Bosworth | 18 | 0·33 |
| Melton | 6 | 0·20 |
| North-West Leicestershire | 15 | 0·24 |
| Oadby and Wigston | — | — |
| Rutland | — | — |
Scottish Assembly Building, Edinburgh
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment which organisations, between May 1980 and 1 April 1983, had applications for use of the former Scottish Assembly building in Edinburgh rejected by his Department.
Applications from the following organisations for use of the former Scottish Assembly building in Edinburgh made between May 1980 and 1 April 1983 were rejected.
- Campaign for a Scottish Assembly: 4 Caledonian Road, Edinburgh, EH11 2DG.
- The Andrew Fletcher Society: 120 Marchmont Road, Edinburgh.
- Scottish National Party: 6 North Charlotte Street, Edinburgh EH2 4JH.
- Young Scottish Nationalists, Scottish National Party, 4 Hillpark Luaan Edinburgh EH4 7BH.
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list the names and addresses of organisations to which his Department gave permission to hold meetings within the former Scottish Assembly building in Edinburgh between December 1980 and 1 April 1983.
Permission was given to eight organisations to hold meetings within the former Scottish Assembly building during the period December 1980 to March 1983. After March 1983 the responsibility for approving such use of the premises has devolved to the Crown Office. The names and addresses are as follows:
- The Scotsman Publications Limited: 20 North Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1YT.
- The Scottish Business Education Council: 22 Great King Street, Edinburgh EH3 6QH.
- The Edinburgh Quartet, 19 Wester Coates Terrace, Edinburgh EH12 5LR.
- Herman Miller Limited, Lower Bristol Road, Bath BA2 3ER.
- The Convention of Scottish Local Authorities, 3 Forres Street, Edinburgh.
- The Scottish Tourist Board, 23 Ravelston Terrace, Edinburgh EH4 3EU.
- United Nations Association, Scottish National Council, 5 St. Vincent Place, Glasgow G1 2DH.
- The Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland, 15 Rutland Square, Edinburgh EH1 2BE.
Housing Action Areas
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many housing action areas, by name, have been renewed beyond their initial five-year life because this time proved insufficient for completing the work.
The duration of 69 housing action areas in England has been extended, for two years in each case. I have today placed a list of these areas in the Library.
Hillingdon (Caravan Sites)
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if, in view of the fact that the London borough of Hillingdon has fulfilled the criteria specified by his Department on 10 January, he will now designate the borough under the provisions of section 12 of the Caravan Sites Act 1968, as amended, so that the powers of sections 10 and 11 of the Act can be applied.
I am considering the latest material submitted by the borough council and will give a decision as soon as possible.
House Of Commons (Air Conditioning)
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will estimate the cost to public funds of the temporary air conditioning units in the kitchens of the House of Commons; if he will estimate the cost of installing and operating a permanent air conditioning system; and if he will make a statement.
A study to consider the feasibility of air conditioning the kitchens of the House of Commons has been undertaken and is now being evaluated by the Property Services Agency. The capital cost alone could be of the order of £500,000, and no decisions have yet been taken to authorise such expenditure. No temporary air conditioning units have been installed, but additional mechanical ventilation was installed on 23 and 24 June at a cost of some £3,000.
Water Restrictions
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what restrictions on the use of water are currently in operation in England.
Three water authorities in England have imposed bans on the use of hosepipes in parts of their areas under section 16 of the Water Act 1945:
| Water Authority | Approximately number of consumers affected |
| North West | 80,000 |
| Yorkshire | 570,000 |
| South West | 1,150,000 |
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what applications have been made by water authorities in England to him under the Drought Act 1976 in 1984 to date; and what decisions he has taken.
Water authorities in England have made applications this summer for orders authorising the augmentation of water resources as follows:
| Source | Area served | Present position |
| South West Water Authority | ||
| Stithians Reservoir | South Cornwall | Order made on 22 June |
| Challacombe Reservoir | North Devon | Hearing arranged for 28 June |
| River Taw below Taw Marsh | ||
| Meldon Reservoir | North Devon/North Cornwall | Application advertised Objection period ends 28 June |
| Upper Tamar Lake | ||
| North West Water Authority | ||
| Ennerdale Water | Whitehaven | Order made on 7 June |
| Ashworth Moor Reservoir | Rochdale | Order made on 19 June |
| Clewbridge Reservoir | Bury | Order made on 19 June |
| Cowpe Reservoir | ||
| Delph Reservoir | Blackburn/Bolton | Order made on 19 June |
| Wayoh Reservoir | ||
| Jumbles Reservoir | ||
| Laneshaw Reservoir | Colne | Application advertised Objection period ends 28 June |
Rates (Empty Properties)
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will extend the Rating (Exemption of Unoccupied Hereditaments) Regulations 1984 to provide relief from empty property rates for warehouses.
Yes. My right hon. Friend intends to lay new regulations before the House which will, from 1 April 1985, suspend local authorities' powers to levy rates on empty warehouses, as well as the industrial premises which are already covered by the current regulations.
Transport
M65 Link (M6/M61)
asked the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received about the implications of the M65 link to the M6/M61 (a) for traffic movement to and from north-east Lancashire and (b) for industrial requirements in the area.
I have received numerous representations from individuals and organisations in Lancashire that, on traffic grounds and for reasons of advantage to industry, a new route should be provided to connect the proposed terminal point of the M65 at Whitebirk, east of Blackburn, with the M6/M61.I am currently considering a detailed case submitted by Lancashire county council that the former "green route", which would have made this connection, should be reinstated in the trunk road programme and hope to announce my decision on this in the near future.
Manchester Airport
asked the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received about the Civil Aviation Authority's proposals regarding Manchester airport; if any organisation or individual in the north has supported the Civil Aviation Authority's recommendations; and if he will make a statement.
The Civil Aviation Authority has not put forward any specific ideas about Manchester airport in its interim assessment of airline competition policy.
Civil Aviation Authority (Review)
asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he intends to introduce legislation to implement sections 4, 5 and 6 of the Civil Aviation Authority's review; and if he will make a statement.
The Civil Aviation Authority has so far published only an interim assessment of its review of airline competition policy on which it has invited comments. The authority expects to produce a final report on its conclusions and recommendations by mid-July.
British Airports Authority (Chairman)
asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will satisfy himself, in accordance with paragraph 2(1) of schedule 1 to the Airport Authorities Act 1975, that the views expressed by the chairman of the British Airports Authority in a public speech on 25 May that further airport capacity was needed in the London area do not amount to an interest likely to affect prejudicially the discharge by the chairman of his functions in respect of the whole of Great Britain; and if he will make a statement.
I am satisfied that a statement by the chairman that
—which is wholly in line with existing traffic projections and in accordance with Government policy—does not constitute such an interest."further airport capacity is needed in the London and south-east area"
Motorways (Accident Statistics)
asked the Secretary of State for Transport how many fatalities occurred on motorways in England in each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement.
The number of fatalities on motorways in England in each of the past five years was as follows:
| Number | |
| 1979 | 180 |
| 1980 | 174 |
| 1981 | 184 |
| 1982 | 181 |
| 1983 | 170* |
| * Provisional | |
Notwithstanding these fatalities, motorways have the lowest fatality rate of all types of road: 0·6 fatalities per 100 million vehicle-kilometres, compared with a rate of 2·5 for other roads.
asked the Secretary of State for Transport what is the current estimated cost of a fatal accident on a motorway (a) at night and (b) during the day.
It is estimated that the costs per fatal accident on motorways in 1982 are as follows:
Those estimates comprise resource costs and an allowance for pain, grief and suffering.
Scotland
Norway Spruce
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many of the Norway spruce tree population of the United Kingdom were killed by disease in each of the last five years; and how many of these were killed by disease bought into the United Kingdom in the bark of Christmas trees imported from Holland and Belgium.
There has been no significant incidence of deaths of Norway spruce trees from disease, and none so far as I am aware as a consequence of importing Christmas trees.
Infant Mortality
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will publish information showing how the infant mortality rate in Scotland compares with European Economic Community countries, Sweden, Japan and the United States of America.
The latest available information, for all countries listed except Greece, is published each year in the annual report of the Registarar General for Scotland, copies of which are in the Libary. I understand that information relating to other countries is published by the World Health Organisation in its annual statistics.
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland, what has been the infant mortality rate in Dundee in each of the past five years; and what are the corresponding figures for Tayside.
The information is contained in the annual reports of the Registrar General for Scotland for 1978 to 1982, copies of which are in the Library.
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland, what has been the infant mortality rate in Scotland in each of the past three years; and if he will subdivide the figures by social class.
The information is contained in tables D1.4 and D1.6 of the annual report of the Registrar General for Scotland for 1982, a copy of which is in the Library.
Housing (Insulation)
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will give figures at the latest available date to show (a) how many local authority houses in Scotland do not have loft insulation to the required standard of 100mm thickness, (b) if he will express this as a percentage of the total number of local authority houses and (c) what information is available to him regarding the total number of all house types in Scotland which have loft insulation less than the standard set in March 1983.
Estimates made by a private firm—Audits of Great Britain Ltd—on the basis of a sample survey carried out in December 1983 indicate that some 375,000 local authority homes in Scotland with an accessible loft do not have loft insulation of at least 100mm thickness. This represents approximately 44 per cent. of all local authority homes, but around 79 per cent. of local authority homes with an accessible loft. The equivalent figures for all dwellings in Scotland are 919,000, 49 per cent. and 77 per cent.
Road Accident Statistics
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many fatalities occurred on motorways in Scotland in each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement.
The number of reported fatalities arising from road accidents on motorways in Scotland in each of the past five years was as follows:
| Year | Number |
| 1979 | 17 |
| 1980 | 25 |
| 1981 | 27 |
| 1982 | 19 |
| 1983 | 14 |
Tourism
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is his estimate of the number of nights spent by angling tourists in Scotland in each of the last five years for which figures are available; what is his estimate of the sums spent by such tourists in each of those years; and what is his estimate of the breakdown between game, sea and coarse anglers.
The available information does not provide an adequate base for reliable estimates.
Seals (Fish Consumption)
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is his estimate of the weight of fish, and if possible which species of fish, are consumed by seals in the United Kingdom waters each year.
The most recent estimate of the quantities of fish eaten by grey seals in United Kingdom waters is contained in a report by the Natural Environment Research Council entitled "Interactions between Grey Seals and UK Fisheries". This report is the result of a three-year research programme conducted by the council's sea mammal research unit on behalf of my right hon. Friends the Secretary of State and the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. Copies of the report have been distributed to interested organisations and we now await their comments. I am today placing a copy in the Library of the House.There have been no recent studies of the food of common seals.
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is his estimate of the population of each seal species in United Kingdom waters which would be unacceptable having regard to the effect they would have on the stocks of fish used for human consumption.
My right hon. Friend has recently received a report from the Natural Environment Research Council entitled "Interactions between Grey Seals and UK Fisheries", and will consider whether there is a need to control grey seal populations when he has studied the report and the comments thereon from fishing and conservation interests.There is no equivalent study in regard to common seals.
Electoral Review
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when he expects proceedings to begin on the next review of local electoral divisions in Scotland.
The Local Government Boundary Commission for Scotland has a statutory duty to review the electoral arrangements for each of the 65 local authority areas in the period 10 to 15 years after it submitted its initial report for that area. As the first of the initial reports was submitted in October 1976, the next statutory review could begin in October 1986, but need not till 1991. I understand that the commission has not taken any decisions on the timetable for the next round of electoral reviews.
Water Supplies
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on water supplies in Scotland.
Reservoir levels and river flows in Scotland are generally lower than usual for this time of year. A few hosepipe bans are in force, or under consideration, mainly as precautionary measures, in some rural areas. The position is, however, at present satisfactory and is not causing the water authorities undue concern.
Health Statistics
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) whether he will list, for each of the past 10 years, the number of cases of cancerous diseases and the corresponding rates per 100,000 population for (a) Scotland, (b) the Forth Valley health board area, (c) the Falkirk local government district and (d) the postal districts FK4, FK5 and FK6; and what significances he attaches to these statistics;(2) whether he will list, for each of the past 15 years, the number of cases of Hodgkins disease and the corresponding rates per 100,000 population for
(a) Scotland, (b) the Forth Valley health board area, (c) the Falkirk local government district, (d) the postal districts FK4, FK5 and FK6 and (e) the corresponding figures for comparable control areas;
(3) whether he will list, for each of the past 15 years, the number of cases of myloid leukaemia and the
corresponding rates per 100,000 population for (a) Scotland, (b) the Forth Valley health board area, (c) the
Falkirk local government district, (d) the postal districts FK4, FK5 and FK6 and (e) the corresponding figures for comparable control areas;
(4) whether he will list, for each of the past 15 years, the number of cases of all forms of leukaemia and the
corresponding rates per 100,000 population for (a) Scotland, (b) the Forth Valley health board area, (c) the Falkirk local government district, (d) the postal districts FK4, FK5 and FK6 and (e) the corresponding figures for comparable control areas;
(5) whether he will list, for each of the past 15 years, the number of cases of abnormalities at birth and the corresponding rates per 100,000 population for (a) Scotland, (b) the Forth Valley health board area, (c) the Falkirk local government district, (d) the postal districts FK4, FK5 and FK6 and (e) the corresponding figures for comparable control areas;
(6) pursuant to the reply to the hon. Member for Falkirk, West on 6 June, Official Report, column 193, when he expects to write to the hon. Member; if he will include figures for the past 15 years; if he will give corresponding figures for comparable control areas in his letter; and if he will publish his letter in the Official Report.
[pursuant to his replies, 6 June 1984, c. 193, 12 June 1984, c. 367, and 13 June 1984, c. 504]: There follows the text of a letter which I have sent today to the hon. Member:Dennis Canavan Esq MPHouse of CommonsLondonSW1A OAA26 June 1984I am sorry that it was not possible in the time available to give you replies to the 4 Parliamentary Questions you put down for written priority answer on 11 June on the number of cases of leukaemia and other disorders in Bonnybridge/Denny and the surrounding areas, and to the Question you put down for answer on 6 June about the number of cases of cancer in the same areas. These figures have now been abstracted and I attach tables showing the numbers of registered cases of:
It must be stressed that the populations concerned are relatively small—for example, the total population in the postal districts FK4, FK5 and FK6 is only just over 40,000. The numbers of blood-related cancers are consequently also very small. It will be seen that there were no registered cases of myeloid leukaemia in these postal districts from 1975 to 1980, although about 8 cases might have been expected if the incidence of this disorder had been the same there as in the rest of Scotland. For all leukaemia cases the actual number of cases registered during the period 1975–81 was 14, though 20 cases might have been expected had national rates applied in this area.
I understand however that the registration of cancer cases in this area was tightened up in 1978 so it is possible that some cases may not have been recorded prior to that date. If we accept that registration was incomplete before 1978, and thus disregard the earlier years, the actual number of cases of leukaemia in districts FK4, FK5 and FK6 for the period 1979–81 was 10, against an expected number of 8·5 had national rates applied. This is not a statistically significant excess.
The picture is much the same with Hodgkins disease. During the period 1975–81 9 cases were recorded in postal districts FK4, FK5 and FK6 against an expected number of 8 had national rates applied. The other forms of blood-related cancers (ICD 200 and 202) show the same minor fluctuations.
The figures in Table (e) (all diagnoses of cancer) differ slightly from those given to the "Falkirk Herald" on 22 May by Dr. M. A. Heasman, Director of the Information Services Division of the Common Services Agency. The earlier tables were compiled using 1981 Census population figures to provide rates per 100,000 of the population. Table (e) was compiled using the Registrar General's current mid year population estimates which give more up-to-date results.
The figures for the later years may give rise to some public concern and the Secretary of State has decided that the matter requires to be investigated by an independent body. He has therefore asked Professor John Lenihan, who was until recently
(a) ICD 204–208 Leukaemias
| |||||||
Cases registered and rates per 100,000 of population
| |||||||
1975
| 1976
| 1977
| 1978
| 1979
| 1980
| 1981
| |
| FK4, FK5, FK6 | |||||||
| Number | 2 | 1 | 1 | — | 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Rate | 5·2 | 2·6 | 2·6 | — | 2·5 | 12·5 | 9·9 |
| Falkirk local government district | |||||||
| Number | 9 | 8 | 6 | 7 | 6 | 13 | 9 |
| Rate | 6·3 | 5·6 | 4·2 | 4·9 | 4·2 | 9·0 | 6·2 |
| Forth Valley health board | |||||||
| Number | 13 | 13 | 20 | 18 | 13 | 27 | 16 |
| Rate | 4·8 | 4·8 | 7·4 | 6·6 | 4·8 | 10·0 | 5·8 |
| Scotland | |||||||
| Number | 415 | 412 | 423 | 451 | 398 | 396 | 379 |
| Rate | 8·0 | 7·9 | 8·1 | 8·7 | 7·7 | 7·7 | 7·4 |
(b) ICD 205 Myeloid Leukaemia
| |||||||
Cases registered and rates per 100,000 of population
| |||||||
1975
| 1976
| 1977
| 1978
| 1979
| 1980
| 1981
| |
| FK4, FK5, FK6 | |||||||
| Number | — | — | — | — | — | — | 3 |
| Rate | — | — | — | — | — | — | 7·4 |
| Falkirk local government district | |||||||
| Number | 4 | 1 | 1 | 3 | — | 4 | 4 |
| Rate | 2·8 | 0·7 | 0·7 | 2·1 | — | 2·8 | 2·8 |
| Forth Valley health board | |||||||
| Number | 5 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Rate | 1·9 | 1·1 | 1·8 | 2·6 | 0·7 | 2·9 | 2·6 |
| Scotland | |||||||
| Number | 173 | 175 | 177 | 201 | 182 | 170 | 179 |
| Rate | 3·3 | 3·4 | 3·4 | 3·9 | 3·5 | 3·3 | 3·5 |
(c) ICD 201 Hodgkins Disease
| |||||||
Cases registered and rates per 100,000 of population
| |||||||
1975
| 1976
| 1977
| 1978
| 1979
| 1980
| 1981
| |
| FK4, FK5, FK6 | |||||||
| Number | 2 | — | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 |
| Rate | 5·2 | — | 2·6 | 2·5 | 2·5 | 2·5 | 7·4 |
| Falkirk local government district | |||||||
| Number | 5 | 2 | 6 | 4 | 6 | 4 | 6 |
| Rate | 3·5 | 1·4 | 4·2 | 2·8 | 4·2 | 2·8 | 4·1 |
| Forth Valley health board | |||||||
| Number | 6 | 6 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 8 | 11 |
| Rate | 2·2 | 2·2 | 4·4 | 4·0 | 4·1 | 2·9 | 4·0 |
| Scotland | |||||||
| Number | 146 | 135 | 147 | 142 | 155 | 153 | 149 |
| Rate | 2·8 | 2·6 | 2·8 | 2·7 | 3·0 | 3·0 | 2·9 |
Professor of Clinical Physics at Glasgow University, to chair a review by a multi-disciplinary working group with the following terms of reference:
"To review any unusual features of morbidity recorded in the Bonnybridge/Denny area and in the surrounding district; to take full account of other available studies of statistical variations in morbidity in areas of comparable size; to report on the significance of any abnormal findings and on any other relevant information that is available; and to advise whether further studies are required."
He has asked Professor Lenihan to report on this as soon as practicable and we hope to have his preliminary findings before the end of this year.
The names of the other members of the review will be announced shortly.
JOHN J. MacKAY
The information is as follows:
(d)ICO
| |||||||
200 & 202 lymphosarcoma, reticulosarcoma and other neoplasms or lymphoid tissue—cases registered and rates per 100,000 of population
| |||||||
| 1975 | 1976 | 1977 | 1978 | 1979 | 1980 | 1981 | |
| FK4, FK5, FK6 | |||||||
| Number | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 4 | 3 | 3 |
| Rate | 2·6 | 2·6 | 5·1 | 2·5 | 10·1 | 7·5 | 7·4 |
| Falkirk LG District | |||||||
| Number | 8 | 5 | 8 | 6 | 13 | 11 | 17 |
| Rate | 5·6 | 3·5 | 5·6 | 4·2 | 9·0 | 7·6 | 11·7 |
| Forth Valley HB | |||||||
| Number | 19 | 13 | 18 | 12 | 18 | 18 | 26 |
| Rate | 7·1 | 4·8 | 6·6 | 4·4 | 6·6 | 6·6 | 9·5 |
| Scotland | |||||||
| Number | 359 | 411 | 401 | 398 | 411 | 472 | 455 |
| Rate | 6·9 | 7·9 | 7·7 | 7·7 | 8·0 | 9·2 | 8·8 |
(e) Cancer registrations—all diagnoses
| |||||||
Numbers/rates per 100,000 population
| |||||||
1975
| 1976
| 1977
| 1978
| 1979
| 1980
| 1981
| |
| FK4;FK5;FK6 | |||||||
| Number | 105 | 135 | 138 | 173 | 152 | 161 | 188 |
| Rate | 273·7 | 348·6 | 353·1 | 438·7 | 381·9 | 400·9 | 464·0 |
| Falkirk LG District | |||||||
| Number | 472 | 493 | 527 | 562 | 528 | 581 | 627 |
| Rate | 330·6 | 344·4 | 366·0 | 389·9 | 367·3 | 403·9 | 432·3 |
| Forth Valley HB | |||||||
| Number | 885 | 985 | 1,054 | 1,068 | 1,037 | 1,141 | 1,138 |
| Rate | 328·7 | 364·7 | 388·2 | 392·9 | 382·4 | 420·7 | 416·1 |
| Scotland | |||||||
| Number | 20,812 | 21,199 | 21,464 | 22,236 | 22,358 | 23,613 | 23,841 |
| Rate | 399·8 | 407·3 | 413·1 | 429·3 | 432·7 | 458·2 | 460·2 |
(f) Abnormalities at Birth
| ||||||
(i) The number and percentage of live births in FK4, FK5 and FK6 with diagnostic codes indicating a congenital anomaly in 1976–81 was as follows:
| ||||||
1976
| 1977
| 1978
| 1979
| 1980
| 1981
| |
| Total number of live births | 465 | 459 | 447 | 519 | 560 | 500 |
| Number of live births with anomaly | 34 | 43 | 39 | 25 | 41 | 47 |
| Percentage of live births with anomaly | 7·3 | 9·4 | 8·7 | 4·8 | 7·3 | 9·4 |
Only 23 of the 229 anomalies could be considered major.
(ii) The incidence of anomalies reported annually in neonatal records in FK4, FK5 and FK6; in Falkirk; in the whole of Forth Valley Health Board; in Fife Health Board; and in comparable Health Board areas in 1976–81 was as follows:
| ||||||
percentage
| ||||||
1976
| 1977
| 1978
| 1979
| 1980
| 1981
| |
| FK4, FK5 and FK6 | 7·3 | 9·4 | 8·7 | 4·8 | 7·3 | 9·4 |
| Falkirk | 10·4 | 10·0 | 8·3 | 6·1 | 6·5 | 8·0 |
| Forth Valley HB | 10·9 | 9·7 | 8·7 | 8·5 | 9·0 | 8·8 |
| FifeHB | 9·7 | 5·8 | 6·0 | 6·0 | 9·6 | 8·1 |
| Dumfries and Galloway HB | 5·5 | 4·8 | 8·6 | 10·3 | 10·1 | 7·7 |
* 8 Health Boards | 11·6 | 11·1 | 12·5 | 10·4 | 13·6 | 14·4 |
* Higland, Grampian, Tayside, Fife, Forth Valley, Lothian, Borders, Dumfries and Galloway | ||||||
Special Employment Programmes (Dundee)
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the number of people in Dundee currently employed on special employment programmes.
[pursuant to his reply, 15 June 1984 c. 598]: The table shows the number of people in Dundee supported on the Government's special employment measures at 31 May 1984, the latest date for which the information is available. In addition, 1059 young people in Dundee had places on the youth training scheme.
Number
| |
| Community Industry | 176 |
| Community Programme | 1,103 |
| Enterprise Allowance Scheme | 105 |
* Job Release Scheme | 248 |
* Young Workers' Scheme | 257 |
* Figures for the number of people currently covered by these schemes in Dundee are not held centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. The figures shown are the number of applications approved in Dundee in the year ended May 1984. | |
Foreign And Commonwealth Affairs
Hong Kong (Student Visas)
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will publish in
| 1st Degree | Secondary | Colleges of Further Education | ||||||
| 'O' Level | 'A' level | Total 'O' & 'A' Level | ||||||
| per cent. | per cent. | per cent. | ||||||
| 1979 | 651 | 1,617 | 1,062 | 358 | 1,420 | |||
| 1980 | 389 | -40·2 | 836 | -48·3 | 510 | 205 | 715 | -49·6 |
| 1981 | 342 | -12·1 | 726 | -13·2 | 283 | 136 | 419 | -41·4 |
| 1982 | 466 | +36·6 | 905 | +24·7 | 341 | 201 | 542 | +29·4 |
| 1983 | 918 | +97·0 | 1,303 | +44·0 | 587 | 312 | 899 | +65·9 |
| 1979–83* | +41·0 | -19·4 | -36·70 | |||||
| * Overall percengate change. | ||||||||
Education And Science
Inner London Education Authority
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what was the total expenditure of the Inner London education authority for each of the last five years.
The ILEA's total net expenditure on education for each of the last five years was as follows:
| £ million* | |
| 1979–80 | 523 |
| 1980–81 | 640 |
| 1981–82 | 706 |
| 1982–83 | 762 |
| 1983–84 | 844 |
| * Figures rounded to the nearest £ million. | |
Chiropodists (Training Costs)
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is the average cost for training a student taking the three-year course to qualify as a National Health Service registered chiropodist.
The average cost to an educational institution is estimated to be of the order of £7,500 over the three years of the course. In some instances a proportion of this sum would be met by local health authorities. It does not include the costs of local authority discretionary awards to chiropody students, which are not recorded centrally.
the Official Report a table showing the number of visas issued by the Hong Kong Government to first-time students in each of the last five academic years under the various headings of first degree, secondary school and colleges of further education indicating any decline by percentage.
The number of visas issued by the Hong Kong Government in the last five years to first-time students attending first degree courses, secondary schools and colleges of education in the United Kingdom was as follows:
Seals
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is his estimate of what would constitute the minimum viable population of each seal species found in United Kingdom waters.
There is no scientific base for calculating a minimum viable population of any seal species: some species have recovered after being reduced to a few hundred individuals, while others do not. However, if the United Kingdom populations of either grey or common seals were reduced to less than 1,000 to 2,000, their continued existence could not be guaranteed.
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is his estimate of numbers of each species of seal found in United Kingdom waters; and where the main colonies of each species are located.
Seal stocks in Great Britain are regularly monitored by the Natural Environment Research Council 's sea mammal research unit under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970. The most recent estimate of the grey seal population of Great Britain is based on surveys undertaken in 1982 and is as follows:
| Numbers | |
| South West Britain | 3,000 |
| Inner Hebrides | 7,500 |
| Outer Hebrides | 62,000 |
| North Rona | |
| Orkney | |
| Shetland | 3,500 |
| Fame Islands and Isle of May | 8,000 |
| Approximate Total | 84,000 |
| Numbers | |
| Inner Hebrides and West Coast of Scotland | 4,500 |
| Outer Hebrides | 1,300 |
| Shetland | 3,800 |
| Orkney | 3,500 |
| East Coast of Scotland | 850–1,050 |
| Wash | 6,600 |
| Approximate Total | 20,500 |
Oxford And Cambridge Universities (Entrants)
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science (1) what action he intends to take to improve the prospects of applicants from comprehensive schools to gain admission to Oxford and Cambridge universities;(2) if he will issue recommendations to seek to ensure that comprehensive school pupils receive appropriate tuition for Oxford and Cambridge university entrance examinations.
My right hon. Friend has no plans to take action or issue recommendations with these specific purposes in mind. However, the Government's policies for raising standards in schools will help all students as they prepare for entry to institutions of further and higher education.
Comprehensive Schools (Specialist Teaching)
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will take steps to facilitate comprehensive schools to attain specialist teaching resources to the level of those of sixth form colleges.
In 1982 the Government set targets for intakes to initial teacher training in the years 1983 to 1985. For the first time these targets specified numbers in particular subjects of the secondary school curriculum, with a view to obtaining a better match between the output from initial training and the demands of secondary schools of all types. It is, however, for local education authorities to determine the appropriate staffing for their schools and colleges having regard to the age, abilities, aptitudes and needs of pupils.
Liverpool Polytechnic (Fine Art Course)
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will seek to ensure the continuance of the fine art course at the Liverpool polytechnic; and if he will make a statement.
The art and design group of the National Advisory Body for Local Authority Higher Education (NAB) is currently reviewing the provision of advanced level courses in art and design. The fine art course at Liverpool polytechnic is included in that review. It would be inappropriate for my right hon. Friend to anticipate the outcome of the work of the Group and any subsequent advice from the National Advisory Body.
Social Services
Child Cruelty And Abuse
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will consider appointing a central body to collate information available from regional bodies and other organisations in the field of child cruelty and abuse.
We have no plans to do so at present. However, the Department has issued a number of guidance circulars on the records that should be kept locally and is currently reviewing this guidance in order to revise, improve and consolidate it.
Transcendental Meditation
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) how many representations he has received since May 1979 to allow transcendental meditation to be available on the National Health Service; and from whom these representations have been received;(2) what consideration he is giving to allowing transcendental meditation to be available on the National Health Service.
I have not received any representations about the use of transcendental meditation in the NHS since 1979. The choice of treatment, including meditative techniques, is for individual doctors and health professionals in consultation with individual patients.
Nhs Waiting Lists
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the mechanism for reviewing, and if appropriate removing from, National Health Service waiting lists those who were placed on the list for elective treatment and for determining whether those on the list still require treatment.
This is a matter for local management. The health services information steering group in its first report has recommended that waiting lists for elective admissions be reviewed regularly to remove patients no longer needing to be admitted.
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many patients were removed from National Health Service waiting lists in each of the last five years, or other appropriate time intervals, because they were originally placed on the list for elective treatment which subsequently became unnecessary due to reasons other than death.
This information is not currently available centrally. The health services information steering group has recommended in its first report that each district health authority should submit a regular return giving the number of patients who had been awaiting elective admission but who were removed from the lists for reasons other than elective admission. The group has also recommended the district health authorities with computerised patient administration systems should further distinguish between removals due to death and removals for other reasons. Health authorities have been asked to plan on the basis that the first report should be implemented by April 1987.
Dental Caries
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the incidence of dental caries in five-year-olds, both numerically and as a percentage of the total five-year-old population, for the last 10 years for which figures are available, in Bristol.
We do not collect local information of this detail centrally.
Patients Confidential Files
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what steps he is taking to ensure confidentiality of patients' files under the Data Protection Bill [Lords].
In addition to the safeguards introduced by the Bill itself, we propose to consult widely on a draft code drawn up in consultation with the health professions which would place further restrictions on disclosure of personal health data held within the National Health Service. This could be given statutory force under the National Health Service Act 1977. A power exists in the Bill to enable my right hon. and learned Friend the Home Secretary to place similar restrictions on the disclosure of personal health data held outside the National Health Service.
Rowley Regis Community Hospital
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services when the Rowley Regis community hospital, Sandwell, was originally planned to be completed; when it will now be completed; what was the originally planned cost; what is his current estimate of the total cost; and if he will make a statement.
In June 1982 the regional health authority envisaged that the Rowley Regis community hospital would be completed by June 1989.The region's draft operational capital programme for the 10 years to 1993–94, which is to be reviewed, recommends a March 1988 start on site, with a probable completion date of December 1990.The overall cost estimate in June 1982 was £8,310,000 at May 1981 prices. In November 1983 this cost was reassessed at £8,731,000 at the same prices, following a reappraisal of building oncosts.
Supplementary Benefit
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether, in view of the assumption for social security purposes that striking miners are in receipt of £15 strike pay, he will disregard gifts in kind up to this level when calculating supplementary benefit.
The effect of section 6(1)(a) of the Social Security (No. 2) Act 1980 and of regulation 12 of the Supplementary Benefit (Trade Disputes and Recovery from Earnings) Regulations 1980 together is that any resources which the striker himself receives as a result of being on strike are deducted in full from any supplementary benefit otherwise payable for his dependants. The only exception to this rule is that the first £15 of payments to the striker from his union are disregarded.Resources to which the above provisions do not apply fall to be considered under the Supplementary Benefit (Resources) Regulations. These regulations apply to all supplementary benefit claimants and provide for an occasional gift to be disregarded up to £100; periodic gifts would be treated as income and normally subject to a disregard of £4 per week. Guidance on the treatment of income in kind is contained in paragraph 6820 of the S manual, a copy of which is in the Library.The Government have no proposals to change this legislation. The application of the law to the facts of individual cases is for the independent adjudication authorities.
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will give the latest figures available for (a) the numbers claiming supplementary benefit, (b) the total number dependent on supplementary benefit and (c) how many of the latter were children.
The estimated figures for December 1983 are (a) 4·3 million, (b) 7·2 million and (c) 1·8 million.
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services why no figures from the 1983 annual statistical inquiry of supplementary benefit cases are yet available; when such figures will be available; and for what reasons it is taking longer to produce the figures from the 1983 survey than the corresponding analysis took based on data from the 1982 statistical inquiry.
Production of final tables from the 1983 supplementary benefit annual statistical inquiry is presently being delayed by the strike by a small number of staff at the Department's computer centre in Newcastle.Provisional data from the 1983 inquiry have been processed and are currently being validated. Unfortunately, the validation process is itself being hampered by the strike and is therefore taking longer than is customary. A limited number of statistics concerning overall numbers of recipients has been cleared and can be released.
Scoop And Save Shopping (Hygiene)
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he is satisfied that current hygiene legislation is adequate to control the growing practice of so-called scoop and save shopping methods.
The law requires that food offered for sale shall not be so placed as to involve any risk of contamination. The doubts surrounding the practice to which my hon. Friend refers—which also goes by the description of "pack your own food"—concern the extent to which it gives rise to any risk to health. Officials of our Department are shortly to discuss the matter with representatives of the local authority associations and of the Institution of Environmental Health Officers.
Parental Rights
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will propose legislation to implement the recommendations of the Social Services Committee that the process of transfer of parental rights should be the subject of judical rather than an administrative decision.
The Government are still giving careful consideration to the recommendations contained in the report of the Social Services Committee. We hope to provide a response before the end of the Session.
Drug Addiction
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what additional allocations have been available to health authorities in the north-west to help deal with the increase in drug addiction.
Under the Government's central funding initiative for services for drug misusers, funding totalling £324,173 has been made available to health authorities in the north-western region and grants totalling £151,094 have been allocated to voluntary organisations in the region. Details of individual projects are as follows:
| Health Authority and Description of Project | |
| £ | |
| North Western RHA Strengthening of existing regional services | 190,992 |
| North Western RHA Nurse training centre | 99,181 |
| Lancaster HA Information gathering—assessment of district needs | 34,000 |
| 324,173 | |
| Voluntary Organisations | |
| Inward House Expansion of existing rehabilitation services—Lancaster | 32,560 |
| NACRO Training development unit—Manchester | 118,534 |
| 151,094 | |
Benefit Costs (Liverpool)
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what has been the total cost in unemployment benefit and social security in the Liverpool travel-to-work area in each year since 1979.
This information could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.
Domiciliary Oxygen
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what recommendations are made in the report by Arthur Andersen and Co. as to the best and most economic way of supplying oxygen concentrators to home respiratory patients; and if he will make a statement;(2) when a decision can be expected from his Department regarding the funding and distribution of domiciliary oxygen, both through oxygen concentrators and cylinders; and if he will take into account the opinions and concerns of hospital consultants and patients;(3) when he received the report by Arthur Andersen & Company on the ways of providing domiciliary oxygen through concentrators; and if he will place a copy in the Library;(4) if he will make provision, when he comes to conclusions on the arrangements for the future supply of domiciliary oxygen, for ending the monopoly of the British Oxygen Company.
We are considering the advice of Arthur Andersen and Co. and will make a statement as soon as our deliberations are completed. I would, however, refer the hon. Member to my reply to the hon. Member for Leeds, West (Mr. Meadowcroft) on 26 March at column 62.
Regional Renal Programmes
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will give details of the spending in each regional health authority on regional renal programmes in 1982 and 1983 and of planned expenditure in 1984.
This information is not available centrally.
Renal Failure (Treatment)
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services which undergraduate teaching hospitals do not have a programme for the treatment of chronic renal failure; and whether there are plans to ensure that dialysis treatment is available in all teaching hospitals.
Undergraduates at all teaching hospitals have access to dialysis units either in the teaching hospital itself or at an associated one.
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what steps he is taking to draw attention to the increased funding available for new initiatives in treatment of end stage renal failure.
We have written to regional health authorities notifying them of their share of the additional funds.
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what steps he is taking to promote higher treatment levels for end stage renal failure by publicity directed at the medical community;(2) if he will take steps to disseminate to the medical community information on the success of new techniques such as the use of cyclosporin A post-transplantetic and continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis in the management of end-stage renal failure.
We do not seek to influence the clinical decision by doctors about how their patients should be treated. The techniques mentioned by the hon. Member, and the success they have achieved, have been fully reported in the medical press as have other developments in the treatment of end-stage renal failure. This is the established method of disseminating knowledge among the medical profession and we are satisfied that it is the right one.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will indicate the number of people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis in the north-west; and if he will make a statement.
For the reasons explained in my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Basingstoke (Mr. Hunter) on 2 February, at columns 335–36, it is not possible to give any kind of reliable figure. The estimate for the number of adults living in private households suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, given in "Handicapped and Impaired in Great Britain, 1971" is 135,000. No regional breakdown of this figure is available.
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what action is proposed to improve services in the north-west for persons suffering from rheumatoid arthritis; and if he will make a statement.
The provision of services for people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis in the north-west is the responsibility of the North-Western regional health authority. The hon. Member may wish to make inquiries of the chairman of the authority.
Blind And Partially Sighted Persons
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will give the latest information regarding the numbers of registered blind persons by age and sex, the numbers of registered partially-sighted persons by age and sex, the numbers of blind persons registered as new cases by age and sex, the numbers of partially sighted persons registered as new cases by age and sex and the numbers of registered blind persons with additional handicap by age and sex in each local authority; and if he will make a statement.
The latest available published information in the form requested is contained in the Department's report "Registered Blind and Partially Sighted Persons. Year ended 31 March 1980 (England)". A copy is in the Library. We hope shortly to publish this information for the year ending 31 March 1982, and a copy of that will also be placed in the Library. I will ensure that the hon. Member is notified when this is done.
Nhs (Drugs Supplies)
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) why he has allowed Astra Pharmaceuticals Ltd. to increase the price charged to the National Health Service of its drugs by an average of 27 per cent;(2) why he has allowed A. H. Robins Co. Ltd. to increase the price of its drugs by an average of 29 per cent. and, in particular, to increase the price charged to the National Health Service of certain counter packs, details of which have been sent to him, by 12 per cent.;(3) why he has allowed the Wellcome Foundation to increase the price charged to the National Health Service of a drug, details of which have been supplied to him, by 44 per cent.;(4) why he has allowed Searle Pharmaceuticals to increase the price charged to the National Health Service for certain drugs, details of which have been sent to him, by 25 per cent.
The freeze on drug prices which followed the 2·5 per cent. average reduction in prices from 1 August 1983 ended on 31 March. Since then we have judged all applications for price increases on the new and more stringent rules of the pharmaceutical price regulation scheme that I announced on 8 December 1983, at columns 477–79.We continue to follow the rules of the scheme which we inherited from the previous Government. This means that we give approvals to increase prices on the basis of a judgment of the global sum necessary to enable the company to achieve its agreed profit target. How that sum is distributed between increases in prices of individual products within the company's range is left largely to its discretion. Consequently, while in the instances quoted prices of some products have increased by relatively large amounts, others in the same companies' ranges have not increased at all. The effect on sales and profits of the company also depends on the volume of sales of each product. All the percentage increases quoted are therefore misleading, and some of them are incorrect.
Benefits (Inflation)
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services to what extent over the past three years social security, unemployment benefit, state pensions and other state benefits have kept up with inflation; and if he will publish figures to show, in the case of each benefit, how it has risen in comparison with inflation.
I shall let the hon. Member have a reply as soon as possible.
Drugs (Clinical Trials)
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) if he will take steps to ensure that adverse drug reactions occurring in volunteers or in patients taking part in clinical trials are included in the register of adverse reactions and made readily available;(2) if he will seek to obtain comprehensive information about the number of volunteers taking part in early studies of drug substances and the incidence of adverse reactions, including deaths;(3) what information he has on the number and nature of adverse reactions suffered by volunteers taking part in early studies of drug substances; how reliable this information is; and how it was obtained.
I refer the right hon. Member to my reply to him on 12 June at column 462.To include adverse reactions which occur in clinical trials or pre-clinical studies on the register of adverse reactions would be statistically incorrect. The register contains only spontaneous adverse reactions reports, and its value for scientific reference could be undermined if these spontaneous reports and reports arising from such trials or studies were mixed together.In the light of the recent advice of the Medicines Commission, we have no plans at present to collect information centrally on the number of volunteers taking part in early studies of drug substances or the incidence of any adverse reactions.
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services, pursuant to his reply of 12 June, Official Report, column 462, which professional bodies give guidance on the use of volunteers in early drug studies; to what extent his Department, the British Medical Association, and student organisations were involved in the preparation of the guidance; whether it is publicly available; and if he will publish it in the Official Report.
The main guidance was listed in my reply to the hon. Member for Bolsover (Mr. Skinner) on 10 February 1984, at column 822, and copies have been placed in the Library. The guidance issued by the Medical Research Council was endorsed by the Ministry of Health in 1964 and that of the Royal College of Physicians by the Ministry of Health in 1968 and by our Department in 1975. These documents have been publicly available for comment by interested organisations. In 1970 the Association of British Pharmaceutical Industries published guidance for its member companies on tests on staff volunteers, and it has since recommended that the principles be applied, so far as they are relevant, to non-employee volunteers. The association has also published guidelines on compensation for medicine-induced injuries. Copies have been placed in the Library. I understand that the Royal College of Physicians and the Association of British Pharmaceutical Industries are currently revising their guidelines. The Medicines Commission will no doubt consider the revisions when they are available.
Mental Health Act Commission
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services when he expects to receive the first annual report of the Mental Health Act Commission; and if he will make a statement.
The commission, which was formed in September 1983, is required to produce a report on its activities in the second year after its establishment and subsequently in every second year.
Mentally Disordered Persons
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he Will make a statement on the operation of section 136 of the Mental Health Act 1983.
No information is yet available on the operation of section 136 of the Mental Health Act 1983.Figures relating to the number of admissions to hospitals in 1980, 1981 and 1982 under the corresponding provisions of the Mental Health Act 1959 were given in my reply to the hon. Member for St. Helens, South (Mr. Bermingham) on 24 January at column
550.
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what representations he has received from mental health organisations and others concerning the implementation of section 136 of the Mental Health Act 1983.
None.
Benefits (Uprating)
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what annual savings will be made from (a) the one week deferral in the timing of the uprating, (b) from the additional 50p deduction in the case of those receiving long-term additional rate and (c) from each other specified change which results from his statement on social security benefit uprating on 18 June.
A periodic adjustment to the 52-week uprating cycle is necessary to maintain the uprating at the same point in the year. Savings do not therefore arise from the proposed 53-week interval between the 1983 and 1984 upratings. As to the other information requested, I refer the hon. Member to my reply to the hon. Member for Pontypridd (Mr. John) on 21 June.
Old People's Home (Erdington)
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many residents in the Church road private old people's home, Erdington, Birmingham, were sponsored by his Department; and how much had been paid in sponsorship to the home in respect of its residents in the last 12 months.
[pursuant to his reply, 15 June 1984, c. 595]: I understand that the Church road home opened in February 1984. Information on any residents in receipt of supplementary benefit who left before the home closed in May is not available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. There were four residents in receipt of supplementary benefit when the home closed: weekly payments to them totalled £325.
Barking Hospital (Dispute)
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will now instruct the Minister for Health to meet the trade union representatives of the Barking hospital strikers following his meeting with their employers.
[pursuant to his reply, 25 June 1984]: No. The Government have no formal or direct relationship with the contractors or with the people with whom they are in dispute. My right hon. and learned Friend has not discussed and will not discuss the merits of the dispute with the employers or with those on strike. He has not had or sought any formal meeting with the employers.
Defence
Cruise Missiles
10.
asked the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects United States ships carrying sea-based cruise missiles to start using British ports.
This is a matter for the United States Government in the first instance, but, as I said to the hon. Member on 10 April, no requests for such port visits have been made.
18.
asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make it his policy to make a statement on each occasion when a flight of cruise missiles becomes operational in the United Kingdom.
Information on the deployment of nuclear forces, including ground-launched cruise missiles, will be provided in the annual "Statements on the Defence Estimates".
31.
asked the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects works at RAF Molesworth to be completed for the future deployment of cruise missiles.
As is stated in the "Statement on the Defence Estimates 1984" Cmnd. 9227-I, paragraph 120, the total planned deployment of 160 cruise missiles in the United Kingdom at RAF Greenham common and RAF Molesworth is due to be completed by 1988.
Nuclear Submarines (Radiological Safety)
13.
asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he is satisfied with the radiological safety procedures for nuclear submarines in British ports.
44.
asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he is satisfied with the provisions for radiological safety of nuclear submarines in British ports.
45.
asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he is satisfied with the provisions for radiological safety of nuclear submarines in British ports.
Yes.
Low-Flying Aircraft
21.
asked the Secretary of State for Defence how many complaints he has received about low-flying military aircraft in the last 12 months.
In the year up to 31 May 1984, 4,541 low flying complaints were received.
Royal Dockyards
22.
asked the Secretary of State for Defence when he hopes to announce his proposals following consideration of the Levene report on the introduction of the private sector in Her Majesty's dockyards; and if he will make a statement.
We are at present considering future management arrangements for the royal dockyards. A statement will be made as soon as possible.
Frigates
23.
asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he has yet made a decision as to which yards are going to build the type 23 frigates and which are going to build the type 22 frigates on order.
Yarrows Shipbuilders Ltd is the lead shipbuilder for the type 23 frigate and negotiations are under way on the order for the first of class ship. We shall be seeking competition on orders for follow-on ships, so we cannot identify which yards will build these. As regards the type 22 frigates, I refer the hon. Gentleman to the reply I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Eastleigh (Sir D. Price) on 22 May, at column 432.
46.
asked the Secretary of State for Defence when he now intends to announce the result of the tendering process for two type 22 frigates.
I have nothing to add to the reply I gave my hon. Friend the Member for Eastleigh (Sir D. Price) on 22 May, at column 432.
Falkland Islands
24.
asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make it his policy to list in future Statements on the Defence Estimates the additional costs of defending the Falklands, broken down between expenditure on personnel, equipment and other items.
asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make it his policy to publish in future Statements on the Defence Estimates details of the costs of defending the Falklands broken down between expenditure on personnel, equipment and other items.
I shall be glad to consider including in future Statements on the Defence Estimates details of expenditure on the Falklands garrison.
Nuclear Weapons
25.
asked the Secretary of State for Defence what recent representations he has received regarding the presence of nuclear weapons in the east midlands.
My right hon. Friend has received an inquiry from Leicester city council.
asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether there are circumstances in which the use of nuclear weapons by the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation is expected to kill or injure non-combatants; and what consideration has been given to the rules of international law in this matter.
As reiterated at the Bonn summit in June 1982 and in the NATO declaration at Brussels on 9 December 1983, none of NATO's weapons will ever be used except in response to attack. In any armed conflict, which NATO trusts will never occur, the use of any weapon would have to be judged as lawful or not in the light of circumstances prevailing at the time.
Nuclear Missiles
42.
asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation missile deployment.
47.
asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement about the disposition of cruise missies in Europe.
The initial deployment of cruise missiles in the United Kingdom and in Italy, and of Pershing II missiles in the Federal Republic of Germany, has been completed successfully. Deployments will continue, but could at any time be halted, modified or reversed if there were a negotiated agreement in Geneva which provided for this.
Air-Land Battle Strategy
26.
asked the Secretary of State for Defence if the air land battle strategy has any implications for United Kingdom defence policy.
Air land battle is not agreed NATO doctrine. United Kingdom defence policy remains as set out in the "Statement on the Defence Estimates 1984" (Cmnd. 9227-I).
Arms Negotiations
27.
asked the Secretary of State for Defence if, following President Reagan's recent statements on East-West relations, he will now seek to include the United Kingdom nuclear strategic deterrent in future strategic arms reduction talks and intermediate theatre nuclear force talks.
No. The British strategic nuclear deterrent does not fall into the category of INF weapons; and it represents only some 3 per cent. of the strategic forces available to the Soviet Union. But we have never said that our deterrent will never be relevant to arms control. As we have repeatedly made clear, if the Soviet and US arsenals were to be very substantially reduced, and if no significant changes had occurred in Soviet defensive capabilities, we would naturally want to review our position and to consider how best we could contribute to arms control in the light of the reduced threat.
Emerging Technologies
28.
asked the Secretary of State for Defence what progress has been made on the investigations of projects utilising emerging technologies agreed at the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation defence planning committee meeting in December 1983; and if he will make a statement.
Work within NATO has demonstrated that there are already many important national and cooperative projects which utilise emerging technology. At the defence planning committee meeting on 16–17 May Ministers noted that several projects had been identified for priority action. They will receive a progress report on these at their next meeting in December 1984.
Noise Disturbance (Raf Cottesmore)
29.
asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he is yet in a position to announce the results of the survey into noise disturbance caused to local residents near RAF Cottesmore, following correspondence between the Under-Secretary of State for the Armed Forces and the hon. Member for Rutland and Melton.
We hope to have the results of the survey evaluated in the next few weeks and my noble Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Armed Forces will write to my hon. Friend when they are.
British Army Of The Rhine
30.
asked the Secretary of State for Defence what percentage of the defence budget is spent on updating the equipment of the British Army of the Rhine.
We plan to spend about 4½ per cent. in 1984–85, excluding running costs and the costs of units based in the United Kingdom but earmarked for the reinforcement of BAOR.
Trident
32.
asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he has had to revise the costs of Trident since the publication of the Defence Estimates.
49.
asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he has had to revise the costs of Trident since the publication of the Defence Estimates.
I refer the hon. Members to the answer I gave earlier today to their hon. Friend the Member for Ogmore (Mr. Powell).
Maralinga Nuclear Tests
33.
asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he is satisfied with the post-mortem procedures used with service men exposed to radiation at Maralinga nuclear tests.
Post mortems are carried out either at the request of a coroner or for clinical reasons by the NHS; I am satisfied with these procedures.
Departmental Land
34.
asked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the acreage of land owned or leased by his Department; and how this figure compares with five and 10 years before.
Some 604,000 acres of land and foreshore, freehold and leasehold were held by my Department in April 1984, of which nearly 7,000 acres were with the Property Services Agency for disposal. This compares with 620,000 acres in April 1979 and 648,000 in 1974.
Greenham Common
35.
asked the Secretary of State for Defence what has been the trend in the level of contact between service men guarding the Royal Air Force base and demonstrators at Greenham common.
Downwards.
Services' Examination (Pass Rate)
36.
asked the Secretary of State for Defence how many of the United Kingdom's service personnel have passed grades I, II and HI of the services' examination; how many have no pass at any level or its civilian equivalent; and if he will make a statement.
There is no overall services' examination. Each service has its own requirements for entry and subsequent promotion. I refer my hon. Friend to table 6.10 in the Statement on Defence Estimates 1984, part 2, for details of selected qualification obtained under service sponsorship.
British Army Equipment Exhibition
37.
asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he will publish in the Official Report the organisations and individuals in the United Kingdom to whom invitations have been extended for the British Army equipment exhibition in 1984.
Invitations to organisations and individuals in the United Kingdom are issued both by the Ministry of Defence and by industry. In broad terms, invitations are extended to defence industrialists, the press, members of certain overseas embassies and high commissions, the Chairman and members of the House of Commons Defence Committee, local MPs and other dignitaries, other MPs and peers who express a particular interest, and to Government officials. The exhibition, however, is not open to members of the general public.
Nato (Nuclear Capability)
38.
asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will now canvass the idea among his North Atlantic Treaty Organisation counterparts of disclosing more information on the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation nuclear capability in an effort to persuade the Soviet Union to do likewise.
Despite the fact that both the British and American Governments already provide a considerable amount of public information, consistent with security considerations, about their nuclear capabilities, the Soviet Union has not followed suit.
Vulcan Phalanx Gun
39.
asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he is satisfied with the spares position on board Her Majesty's warships, particularly in relation to the Vulcan Phalanx gun.
Yes.
Northern Ireland (Allowance)
40.
asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the additional allowance for service men working in Northern Ireland.
The Armed Forces Pay Review Body has said in its latest report that it wishes to consider the continuing justification for Northern Ireland pay. No change could be made without Government approval. In the meantime Northern Ireland pay at the rate of £2·15 a day is continuing.
British Aerospace (Acquisition)
41.
asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will assess the defence capability implications of the proposed acquisition of British Aerospace by another United Kingdom company or companies.
Consideration of any definite proposals resulting from the current discussions between British Aerospace and other companies will be the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry. We will assess the implications for defence of any such proposals in that context.
Submarines And Warships (Refits)
43.
asked the Secretary of State for Defence when orders are likely to be placed with shipyards for the refits of submarines and warships.
As announced in the Statement on Defence Estimates 1984 it is intended to offer two ships for refit by contract following competitive tender during 1984. The ships will be HMS Euryalus (a Leander class frigate) and HMS Otter (an Oberon class conventional submarine). To meet the required refit programme tenders will be invited for the refits in early and late August respectively and it is expected to place the contracts during October.
Departmental Advisers
48.
asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the names and functions of the advisers appointed by him to his Department.
Mr. P. K. Levene was appointed as my personal advisor for a period of six months to advise me on matters relating to the efficent management of the Ministry of Defence.
Ulster Defence Regiment
asked the Secretary of State for Defence how many Ulster Defence Regiment bases there were when the regiment was first formed; how many there are now; and if he will list the bases involved in each case.
Details of the numbers and locations of UDR bases at the time the regiment was formed in April 1970 are not readily available and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost. However, details of the number of UDR bases in each of the past five years are as follows:
| Numbers | |
| 1 January 1980 | 40 |
| 1 January 1981 | 34 |
| 1 January 1982 | 33 |
| 1 January 1983 | 29 |
| 1 January 1984 | 29 |
asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the Ulster Defence Regiment bases which have been closed since the regiment was first formed.
In all 31 UDR bases have been closed since 1975. A list of the bases which have been closed is as follows:
- Tobermore
- Whitehouse
- Oritor
- Newtownstewart
- Maddan
- Maghera
- Magherafelt
- Saintfield
- Markethill
- Mullaghglass
- Killylea
- Killaloo
- Carrickfergus (Nelson Street)
- Clogher (The Deanery)
- Silent Valley
- Annaghmore
- Loughgall
- Ballyclare
- Derryvolgie House
- Kitchen Hill, Lurgan
- Burndennett House, Strabane
- Banbridge
- Newtownards
- Abbotscroft
Defence Contracts
asked the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what notification or facilities are given to foreign companies to allow them to tender for British military projects;(2) if he is satisfied that British companies are afforded the same facilities for tendering for military projects in other European countries as those countries are given for tendering for British military projects.
Defence equipment is exempt from the EEC directive on Government tendering and countries pursue individual national policies on defence procurement. There are no fixed rules about tendering for military projects in Europe. We involve European firms in the procurement of United Kingdom defence equipments on a case by case basis whenever this is necessary to obtain the best long-term value for money in accordance with the criteria set out in the Open Government Document "Value for Money in Defence Equipment Procurement". In such cases it is our practice to negotiate satisfactory safeguards for the interests of British industry either through offset provisions or through other reciprocal procurement arrangements.
Dreadnought Hospital
asked the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has for the use of the site and buildings at the Dreadnought hospital in Greenwich if the hospital facilities were moved to St. Thomas's hospital; and whether he is considering alternative use as a training establishment for North Atlantic Treaty Organisation naval officers.
The Dreadnought hospital at Greenwich is owned by Greenwich hospital, which currently leases it to the Department of Health and Social Security. Decisions on the use of Dreadnought hospital if it becomes available for alternative use are for the director of Greenwich hospital. The MOD is considering whether, in such circumstances, it might seek to use the Dreadnought
| Qualifications | |||
| Grade | No. | Held | Being studied for |
| Under-Sccietary (grade 3) | 1 | MA | — |
| Ex Director (grade 4) | 1 | MA, FCA | — |
| Assistant Secretary (grade 5) | 2 | (a) FBIM, DGA, MIIA | — |
| (b) FCMA | — | ||
| Senior Principal (grade 6) | 2 | (a)— | Diploma IIA |
| (b) MA | — | ||
| Principal | 8 | (a) FCCA, FCMA, J Dip MA, FCIS | — |
| (b) ACMA | — | ||
| (c) FCCA, FCMA | — | ||
| (d)— | — | ||
| (e)— | Diploma IIA | ||
| (f)— | — | ||
| (g) FCA | — | ||
| (h) DMS | — | ||
| SEO | 32 of whom | ||
| 3xFCA (of whom 1 has BSc) | — | ||
| 2xFCCA (of whom 1 has BSc) | — | ||
| 4xACMA (of whom 1 has BA) | 2xDiploma IIA | ||
| 1xIPFA (also holds NCC System Analysis) | — | ||
| 2xICMA part qualified | — | ||
| 1xSAT | — | ||
| 1xMAAT | — | ||
| 1xMBCS | 1xDiploma IIA | ||
| IxNCC Systems Analysis | — | ||
| — | 6xDiploma HA | ||
| — | 2xCIPFA Cert | ||
| — | 2xBATS | ||
| HEO | 70 of whom | ||
| 1xACA | — | ||
| 1xFCCA, FCMA | — | ||
| 6xACMA (of whom 1 has BA and 1 has NCC Systems Analysis) | 2xDiploma IIA | ||
| 2xBATS | |||
| 2xICMA part qualified | — | ||
| 1xIPFA part qualified (also has BSc) | — | ||
| 4xMAAT | 1xDiploma IIA | ||
| 4xOther graduates | — | ||
| 5xNCC Systems Analysis (of whom 1 has BSc Part 1) | 4xDiploma IIA | ||
| — | 18xDiploma HA | ||
| — | 9xBATS | ||
| BO | 41 of whom | ||
| — | 16xDiploma HA | ||
| — | 1xCIPFACert | ||
| — | 11xBATS | ||
| Total | 157 | ||
Note: BATS is the Basic Audit Training Standard promulgated by Her Majesty's Treasury, requiring 2 years of sandwich course training.
I am satisfied that the arrangements made for internal audit in the Ministry of Defence entirely meet the nine primary standards promulgated by Her Majesty's Treasury in the Government internal audit. The director general of management audit, who is head of internal audit, is also responsible for central management services and staff
hospital buildings for additional instructional facilities and accommodation for the Royal Naval college which adjoins it. The MOD has no proposals for its use as a training establishment for NATO naval officers.
Internal Audit
asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the number of (a) civil servants and (b) secondees, who are engaged in internal audit within his Department and the grades and qualifications of each individual; and to what extent the establishment and work carried out by the unit deviates from the nine primary standards listed in "Government Accounting 9/82".
[pursuant to his reply, 18 June 1984, c. 41]: I now supply additional information, as follows:inspection, including overall control of civilian manpower numbers. He is assisted by a professionally qualified deputy with wide experience of internal audit, and the independence of audit is ensured by right of access to our accounting officers.
Northern Ireland
Sports Council
asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list the members of the Sports Council for Northern Ireland whom he has appointed since May 1979, together with their occupational background
| Member | Geographical base | Date of appointment | Present position |
| Mr. K. Burns | County Fermanagh | 2 January 1980 | Membership terminated 30 September 1982 |
| Miss M. Wilson | Belfast | 3 March 1980 | Existing member |
| Mr. D. Boyd | County Down | 1 January 1981 | Membership terminated 30 September 1982 |
| Mr. J. H. Allen (Chairman) | County Antrim | 1 January 1981 | Existing member |
| Mr. T. R. V. Dixon | County Antrim | 1 January 1981 | Existing member |
| Mr. T. Donnelly | County Londonderry | 1 January 1981 | Membership terminated 30 September 1982 |
| Mrs. M. Bell | County Armagh | 1 January 1981 | Existing member |
| Mr. B. Edwards | Belfast | 1 January 1981 | Membership terminated 30 September 1982 |
| Miss M. E. Peters | Belfast | 1 January 1981 | Existing member |
| Miss L. W. Farrington | Belfast | 1 January 1981 | Membership terminated 30 September 1982 |
| Mrs. J. Redpath | Belfast | 1 January 1981 | Membership terminated 30 September 1982 |
| Colonel A. L. Clarke | County Antrim | 1 January 1981 | Existing member |
| Mr. T. McCloy | County Antrim | 1 January 1981 | Membership terminated 30 September 1982 |
| Mr. R. J. McColgan | Belfast | 1 January 1981 | Membership terminated 30 September 1982 |
| Mr. H. McKeag | County Down | 1 January 1981 | Deceased 12 September 1982 |
| Mr. J. McKeever | Belfast | 1 January 1981 | Existing member |
| Mr. J. T. Sweetnam | County Down | 1 January 1981 | Membership terminated 30 September 1982 |
| Mrs. R. Tray nor | County Fermanagh | 1 January 1981 | Existing member |
| Mr. E. Turner | County Tyrone | 1 January 1981 | Existing member |
| Mr. W. Caldwell | County Londonderry | 1 January 1981 | Existing member |
| Mr. R. Connor | County Fermanagh | 1 January 1981 | Existing member |
| Mr. G. J. Ginn | Belfast | 8 April 1982 | Existing member |
| Mr. R. Allen | Belfast | 18 February 1982 | Membership terminated 30 September 1982 |
| Canon C. N. Sanson | County Down | 8 April 1982 | Deceased August 1983 |
| Mr. R. McCullough | County Down | 1 October 1982 | Existing member |
| Mr. V. Haslett | County Down | 1 October 1982 | Existing member |
| Mr. J. T. McBriar | County Down | 1 October 1982 | Existing member |
| Mr. P. McWilliams | County Antrim | 1 October 1982 | Existing member |
| Miss J. Williams | Belfast | 1 October 1982 | Existing member |
| Mr. W. G. Watson | County Antrim | 13 December 1983 | Existing member |
Enterprise Ulster
asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list the members of Enterprise Ulster whom he has appointed since May 1979, together with their occupational background and political and religious affiliations, where known, and their geographical base; and if he will give the same information about those whom they replaced.
Enterprise Ulster was established as a public corporation under the Enterprise Ulster (Northern Ireland) Order 1973 as a job creation and training body. Its term of office was extended for a period of five years from 1 April 1978 and again for a further three years from 1 April 1983.Appointments to Enterprise Ulster since May 1979 are as follows. I do not believe it would be appropriate for me to publicise further personal details of the members.The following board members were serving in May 1979:
Chairman: Vacant.
Board Members:
- Professor W. Black, Belfast
- Mr. S. Craigs OBE, County Antrim
- Mr. J. Hadden, County Tyrone
- Mr. W. V. Hogg, County Down
and political and religious affiliations, where known, and their geographical base; and if he will give the same information about those whom they replaced.
The Sports Council for Northern Ireland is constituted under the Recreation and Youth Service (Northern Ireland) Order 1973. Appointments since May 1979 are as follows:
- Mr. G. Hunter, County Tyrone
- Mr. J. McCann, Belfast
- Mr. J. Montgomery, County Antrim
- The late Lt. Col. J. T. Sleator OBE, DL, Belfast
- Miss D. Wadsworth, Belfast
Mr. H. E. Smith CBE, VRD, BA, LLB, was appointed as Chairman in September 1979 to replace Mr. P. Shea CBE, OBE, whose term of office expired on 31 March 1979.
Mr. T. Smyth was appointed as an employees' representative from September 1979 as a replacement for the late Mr. R. Allen MBE, JP, who retired on 31 March 1979.
Mr. J. Montgomery resigned in November 1980 and was not replaced.
Mr. Richard Gordon was appointed in September 1981 to replace the late Lt. Col. J. T. Sleator OBE, DL.
During 1981–82 the Minister of State decided to restrict membership to the statutory minimum of a chairman and seven members. As a result of this decision three founder members, Professor W. Black and Messrs. W. V. Hogg and J. McCann were not reappointed.
Mr. C. H. Bigg was appointed as an employers.' representative from October 1981 as a replacement for Mr. S. Craigs OBE.
The Board was reconstituted on 1 April 1983 and the following persons were appointed:
Chairman:
- Mr. H. E. Smith CBE, VRD, BA, LLB, County Antrim
Board Members:
- Mr. C. H. Bigg, County Armagh
- Mr. K. J. Conlon, BA, ACA, County Tyrone
- Miss V. Furness, Phd, County Londonderry
- Mr. R. J. Gordon, County Down
- Mr. J. R. Hadden, County Tyrone
- Mr. G. Hunter, County Tyrone
- Mr. T. Smyth, County Antrim
Mr. F. Guckian (Londonderry) was appointed in January 1984 to replace Mr. K. J. Conlon.
Mr. W. Doran (Belfast) was appointed as an employers' representative to replace Mr. R. J. Gordon from January 1984.
Equal Opportunities Commission
asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list the members of the Equal Opportunities Commission for Northern Ireland whom he has appointed since May 1979, together with their occupational background and political and religious affiliations, where known, and their geographical base; and if he will give the same information about those whom they replaced.
Appointments to and departures from the Equal Opportunities Commission for Northern Ireland, since May 1979, are as follows: I do not believe it would be appropriate for me to publicise further personal details of the members.
| Equal Opportunities Commission Appointments Since May 1979 | ||
| Name | Geographical Area | Date of appointment/reappointment |
| Mrs. Margot G. Neill Chairman | Belfast | 12 September 1979 |
| 10 September 1980 | ||
| 1 September 1981 | ||
| Mr. M. T. Clarke BSc DIP ED | Belfast | 12 September 1979 |
| 10 September 1980 | ||
| Mr. Robert G. Cooper LLB | County Down | 12 September 1979 |
| 10 September 1980 | ||
| 1 September 1981 | ||
| Mrs. Nan Douglass | Belfast | 12 September 1979 |
| 10 September 1980 | ||
| Mr. Robert T. Ferris DBS, ATCL, AMBIM | County Antrim | 12 September 1979 |
| Mrs. Phyllis Bateson | Belfast | 12 September 1979 |
| 10 September 1980 | ||
| Mrs. Beatrice Boyd | County Down | 12 September 1979 |
| 13 October 1980 | ||
| Mr. Albert Broomhead | County Fermanagh | 12 September 1979 |
| 10 September 1980 | ||
| 1 September 1981 | ||
| Mr. T. D. Douglas | Belfast | 15 November 1979 |
| 10 November 1980 | ||
| 1 September 1981 | ||
| 18 November 1983 | ||
| Mrs. Inez McCormack | Belfast | 15 November 1979 |
| 10 September 1980 | ||
| 1 September 1981 | ||
| Ms. Bronagh Hinds | Belfast | 22 November 1979 |
| 10 September 1980 | ||
| 1 September 1981 | ||
| Mr. Claude H. Bigg | County Armagh | 4 February 1981 |
| 1 September 1981 | ||
| Mrs. Gladys Gallagher | Belfast | 1 September 1981 |
| Mrs. Caroline Kelly | County Fermanagh | 1 September 1981 |
Name
| Geographical Area
| Date of appointment/ reappointment
|
| Mrs. Janet Trewsdale | County Down | 1 September 1981 |
| Miss Dorothy M. Wadsworth FIPM | Belfast | 1 September 1981 |
| Mrs. K. Muriel I. Wilson | County Antrim | 1 December 1981 |
| Mr. James I. Eccles JP AMIMI | County Down | 6 July 1982 |
| Mr. Robert B.Neilly MA | Belfast | 26 November 1982 |
| Mrs. Collette Quigley | County Londonderry | 26 November 1982 |
| Mrs. Marie Mooney | County Londonderry | 3 October 1983 |
Members of Equal Opportunities Commission Whose Terms of Office Expired Since May 1979
| ||
Name
| Geographical Base
| Date of Termination of appointment
|
| Dr. Florence Pinkerton | Belfast | 31 August 1979 |
| Mrs. Nan Douglass | Belfast | 31 August 1980 |
| Mr. Robert T. Ferris | County Antrim | 31 August 1980 |
| Mrs. Phyllis Bateson | Belfast | 31 August 1981 |
| Mrs. Beatrice Boyd | County Down | 31 August 1981 |
| Mr. Michael T. Clarke | Belfast | 31 August 1981 |
| Mrs. Margot G. Neill | Belfast | 30 November 1981 |
| Mrs. Caroline Kelly | County Fermanagh | 15 February 1982 |
| Mrs. Gladys Gallagher | Belfast | 1 August 1982 |
| Mrs. Collette Quigley 24May1983 | County | |
| Londonderry | ||
| Miss Dorothy M. Wadsworth FIPM MBE | Belfast | 31 August 1983 |
| Mr. Claude H. Bigg | County Armagh | 6 March 1984 |
Housing Council
asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list the members of the Northern Ireland Housing Council whom he has appointed since May 1979, together with their occupational background and political and religious affiliations, where known, and their geographical base; and if he will give the same information about those whom they replaced.
My right hon. Friend does not make appointments to the Northern Ireland Housing Council, which consists of one member from each district council.
Local Enterprise Development Unit
asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list the members of the Local Enterprise Development Unit whom he has appointed since May 1979, together with their occupational background and political and religious affiliations, where known, and their geographical base; and if he will give the same information about those whom they replaced.
The Local Enterprise Development Unit is a company operating under article 30(1) of the Industrial Development (Northern Ireland) Order 1982. Under the company's articles of association its board consists of nine members, one of whom is the chief executive, and four of whom are chairmen of the unit's area panels. In addition to the chairmen, the four panels have a number of members from their respective areas.I do not believe it would be appropriate for me to publicise further personal details of the members.Details of appointments are as follows.
Board members
- Mr. R. Hamilton—County Down; appointed Chairman 22 April 1983 replacing Mr. Hall, County Down.
- Mr. R. Bauer—County Down; appointed 12 June 1980, replacing Mr. M. McCann, County Down.
- Professor A. O'Reilly—County Antrim; appointed 13 November 1980, on establishment of Eastern Panel.
- Mr. A. Damton—County Down; appointed 11 November 1982, replacing Mr. J. Nicholl, County Down.
- Mr. G. Duffy—County Down; appointed 13 January 1983, replacing Mr. D. Mahood, Belfast.
- Mr. P. McGuinness—County Fermanagh; appointed 27 October 1983, replacing Mr. H. McMurray, County Fermanagh.
Panel members
(a) Eastern Area (established November 1980)
- Mr. D. Magill—Belfast; appointed 1 November 1980.
- Mr. G. Keenan—Belfast; appointed 1 November 1980.
- Mr. G. McKinley—Belfast; appointed 11 December 1980.
- Mr. T. Hughes—County Down; appointed 1 November 1980.
- Mr. S. Silcock—County Down; appointed 1 November 1980.
- Mr. M. Mladek—Belfast; appointed 1 November 1980.
- Mr. D. Patton—County Antrim; appointed 1 August 1982, replacing Mr. D. Fisk, County Down.
- Mr. D. Higginson—County Antrim; appointed 1 November 1980.
- Mrs. J. Smith—County Down; appointed 1 December 1983, replacing Mrs. M. Spence, County Down.
(b) Northern panel
- Mr. T. McIlwaine—County Londonderry; appointed 15 August 1980, replacing Mr. P. Dougan, County Londonderry.
- Mr. T. Leighton—County Londonderry; appointed 15 August 1980, replacing Mr. R. Gillanders, County Londonderry.
- Mr. S. Mullan—County Londonderry; appointed 1 December 1982, replacing Mr. D. McLoughlin, County Tyrone.
(c) Southern panel
- Mr. V. Frizell—County Down; appointed 23 June 1980, replacing Mr. R. Bauer on his appointment as Chairman of the Southern panel.
- Mr. R. Wilson—County Down; appointed 1 June 1979, replacing Mr. R. Johnston, County Down.
- Mr. A. McMullan—County Down; appointed 15 August 1980, replacing Mr. Knox, County Down.
(d) Western panel
- All members were appointed prior to May 1979.
Youth Committee
asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list the members of the Youth Committee for Northern Ireland whom he has appointed since May 1979, together with their occupational background and political and religious affiliations, where known, and their geographical base; and if he will give the same information about those whom they replaced.
The Northern Ireland Youth Committee is constituted under the Recreation and Youth Service (Northern Ireland) Order 1973 and each committee is appointed for a four-year term. The current term began in January 1982. Replacements occur only when vacancies arise during the term.Details of appointments are as follows. I do not believe it would be appropriate for me to publicise further personal details of members.
Appointments between May 1979 and October 1981:
- Mr. J. K. Walls, County Tyrone, to replace Mr. H. Frazer, Belfast.
- Rev. W. Good, Belfast, to replace Miss A. Dufton, Belfast.
- Mr. R. Johnston, County Antrim, to replace Mrs. E. Kennedy, County Antrim.
- Mr. A. J. Morrow, Belfast, to replace Mr. R. W. C. Kirkwood, County Antrim.
- Ms. C. McCavara, Belfast, to replace Miss A. O'Neill, Belfast.
Appointments in January 1982 when the Committee was constituted for a further four-year term:
- Mr. R. W. C. Kirkwood, County Antrim—Chairman.
- Mr. P. J. Bradley, County Down.
- Mr. J. Campbell, County Down.
- Mr. T. Doherty, County Londonderry.
- Mr. J. Donnelly, County Londonderry.
- Mr. C. Frampton, County Antrim.
- Rev. W. Good, Belfast.
- Mrs. M. Hinds, Belfast.
- Mr. R. Johnston, County Antrim.
- Miss W. McBride, County Tyrone.
- Miss G. McManus, Belfast.
- Mr. D. McStravoch, County Tyrone.
- Mr. J. G. Martin, County Armagh.
- Mr. G. Meehan, County Antrim.
- Fr. M. Murphy, Belfast.
- Mr. J. Nicholson, County Armagh.
- Mr. P. O'Hagan, County Antrim.
- Mr. E. Rainey, County Antrim.
- Mr. J. A. Savage, Belfast.
- Mr. A. McG. Templeton, County Antrim.
- Mr. E. Turner, County Tyrone.
- Mr. J. K. Walls, County Tyrone.
- Mr. A. Woods, Belfast.
Appointments since January 1982:
- Mr. T. Eastwood, County Antrim, to replace Mr. McStravoch.
- Mr. W. Rader, County Down, to replace Mr. A. Woods. Mrs. M. Simpson, County Armagh, to replace Mr. Nicholson.
- Mr. M. Scott, Belfast—additional representative of Northern Ireland Youth Forum.
Boundary Commission
asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list the members of the Boundary Commission for Northern Ireland whom he has appointed since May 1979, together with their occupational background and political and religious affiliations, where known, and their geographical base; and if he will give the same information about those whom they replaced.
Members of the Boundary Commission for Northern Ireland are appointed under paragraph 5 of the schedule 1 to the House of Commons (Redistribution of Seats) Act 1949. I have not so far appointed any members to the commission. My predecessor appointed Mr. G. P. Duffy from County Down and Mr. W. T. Ewing OBE from County Londonderry in February 1980; both had already served on the commission from before May 1979.
I do not believe it would be appropriate for me to publicise further personal details about the members of the commission.
Council For Education Research
asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list the members of the Northern Ireland Council for Education Research whom he has appointed since May 1979, together with their occupational background and political and religious affiliations, where known, and their geographical base; and if he will give the same information about those whom they replaced.
My right hon. Friend does not appoint members of the Northern Ireland Council for Educational Research, which is an independent charity representative of educational interests; two members are nominated by the Department of Education for Northern Ireland, both of whom are officers of the Department.
Staff Commission For Education And Library Boards
asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list the membrs of the Staff Commission for Education and Library Boards whom he has appointed since May 1979, together with their occupational background and political and religious affiliations, where known, and their geographical base; and if he will give the same information about those whom they replaced.
The staff commission is normally constituted for a four-year term; the current term began on 18 November 1981. Replacements occur only when vacancies arise during the term. Details of appointments are as follows. I do not believe it would be appropriate for me to publicise further details of the members.
Appointments between May 1979 and November 1981:
- 6 August 1979.
- Dr. R. J. Dickson, Chief Officer, North-Eastern Education and Library Board, Co. Antrim to replace Mr. W. K. Dickson, Chief Officer, Southern Education and Library Board, Co. Armagh
- 1 May 1980.
- Rev. W. D. F. Marshall, Belfast to replace Professor M. J. Boyd, Belfast
- 20 August 1980.
- Mrs. C. M. Kelly, Co. Fermanagh, to replace Mrs. J. C. Hopkirk, Co. Down
- 14 September 1981.
- Mr. L. Pimley, Belfast to replace Mr. J. McCusker, Belfast
Appointments on 18 November when the commission was constituted for a further four-year term:
Chairman
- Mr. J. Finney, Belfast
Members of Education and Library Boards
- Mrs. H. E. Bradford (South-Eastern), Co. Down
- Mrs. M. Cullen (Southern), Co. Armagh
- Mr. W. C. Corry (Belfast), Belfast
- Mr. G. V. Peoples (Western), Co. Londonderry
- Mr. S. Spence (North-Eastern), Co. Antrim
Chief Officers of Education and Library Boards
- Dr. R. J. Dickson (North-Eastern), Co. Antrim
- Mr. M. B. Gledhill (South-Eastern), Belfast
Chief Librarian of Education and Library Board
- Mr. J. P. E. Francis (North-Eastern), Co. Antrim
Staff Association Representatives
- Mr. G. McKinley, Belfast
- Mr. L. Pimley, Belfast
Other persons
- Mrs. M. Davey, Belfast
- Mr. W. Devlin, Co. Down
Appointments since November 1981:
- 27 April 1983.
- Mr. R. A. Hamilton, Chief Officer, North-Eastern Education and Library Board, Co. Antrim to replace Dr. R. J. Dickson
- 7 September 1983.
- Mr. T. G. J. Moag, Chief Officer, Belfast Education and Library Board, Belfast to replace Mr. M. B. Gledhill
Health And Safety Agency
asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list the members of the Health and Safety Agency for Northern Ireland whom he has appointed since May 1979, together with their occupational background and political and religious affiliations, where known, and their geographical base; and if he will give the same information about those whom they replaced.
Appointments to and departures from the Health and Safety Agency for Northern Ireland, since May 1979, are as follows. I do not believe it would be appropriate for me to publicise further personal details of the members.
| Members of the Health and Safety Agency appointed since May 1979 | ||
| Name | Geographical base | Date of appointment/reappointment |
| Andrew Barr (former Chairman) | County Down | 1 February 1979 |
| 1 February 1982 | ||
| Gordon Burnison | Belfast | 1 February 1979 |
| 1 February 1982 | ||
| William Wallace | Belfast | 1 February 1979 |
| 1 February 1982 | ||
| James Graham | County Down | 1 February 1979 |
| 1 February 1982 | ||
| Wilson Gamble | Belfast | 1 February 1979 |
| 1 February 1982 | ||
| R. J. McNeill | County Tyrone | 1 February 1979 |
| F. A. Mackle | County Armagh | 1 February 1979 |
| Mrs. H. E. Bradford | County Down | 14 June 1979 |
| 1 February 1982 | ||
| Dr. Michael McVerry | County Down | 14 June 1979 |
| David Robinson | County Down | 9 January 1980 |
| 1 February 1982 | ||
| W. F. Jackson | County Antrim | 29 January 1982 |
| Cecil Maxwell | County Down | 27 April 1982 |
| T. M. Andews | County Down | 26 November 1982 |
| Col. H. J. Porter (Chairman) | County Antrim | 23 September 1983 |
| Members of the Health and Safety Agency whose terms of office have expired since May 1979 | ||
| Name | Geographical base | Date of termination of appointment |
| F. A. Mackle | County Down | 31 January 1982 |
| Dr. Michael Me Very | County Down | 31 January 1982 |
| R. J. McNeill | County Tyrone | 3 August 1982 |
| Andrew Barr (former Chairman) | County Down | 22 September 1983 |
Fair Employment Agency
asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list the members of the Fair Employment Agency for Northern Ireland whom he has appointed since May 1979, together with their occupational background and political and religious affiliations, where known, and their geographical base; and if he will give the same information about those whom they replaced.
Appointments to and departures from the Fair Employment Agency for Northern Ireland, since May 1979, are as follows. I do not believe it would be appropriate for me to publicise further personal details of the members.
| Members of Fair Employment Agency whose terms of office expired since May 1979 | ||
| Name | Geographical base | Date of termination of appointment |
| Mr. E. S. Lamont | County Antrim | 31 August 1979 |
| Mr. Desmond K. Baonon | Belfast | 31 August 1980 |
| Mr. William Wallace | Belfast | 31 August 1980 |
| Mr. Albeit G. Barr | County Londonderry | 31 August 1981 |
| Mr. P. B. Gregory | Belfast | 31 August 1981 |
| Mrs. Inez McCormack | Belfast | 31 August 1981 |
| Mrs. Margot G. Neill | Belfast | 30 November 1981 |
| Mr. Joseph Cooper | Belfast | 31 August 1982 |
| Mr. Donald C. Francis | Belfast | 31 August 1982 |
| Mr. M. W. S. MacLaran | County Down | 31 August 1983 |
| Mr. Claude H. Bigg | County Armagh | 6 March 1984 |
| Fair Employment Agency—Appointments since May 1979 | ||
| Name | Geographical base | Date of appointment/ re-appointment |
| Mr. Joseph Cooper | Belfast | 12 September 1979 |
| 15 September 1980 | ||
| 1 September 1981 | ||
| Mr. Desmond K. | Belfast | 12 September 1979 |
| Mr. Donald C. Francis | Belfast | 12 September 1979 |
| 15 September 1980 | ||
| 1 September 1981 | ||
| Mr. Brian Gregory, BA, | Belfast | 12 September 1979 |
| RIBA | 15 September 1980 | |
| Mrs. Margot G. Neill | Belfast | 12 September 1979 |
| 15 September 1980 | ||
| 1 September 1981 | ||
| Mr. William Wallace | Belfast | 12 September 1979 |
| Mrs. I. McCormack | Belfast | 12 September 1979 |
| 18 November 1980 | ||
| Mr. Thomas E. Conaty | Belfast | 12 September 1979 |
| 15 September 1980 | ||
| 1 September 1981 | ||
| 5 October 1982 | ||
| Mr. Albert G. Barr | County Londonderry | 12 September 1979 |
| 15 September 1980 | ||
| Mr. Claude H. Bigg | County Armagh | 21 April 1980 |
| 15 September 1980 | ||
| 1 September 1981 | ||
| Mr. Howard Burns | County Antrim | 5 May 1981 |
| 1 September 1981 | ||
| Mr. Robert G. Cooper, | County Down | 1 September 1981 |
| LLB | ||
| Mr. John Coutthard | County Down | 1 September 1981 |
| Professor Desmond Rea, Sc.(Econ.), MBA, PhD | Belfast | 1 September 1981 |
| Mr. Christopher Mallon, LLB | County Tyrone | 1 September 1981 |
| Mr. M. W. S. MacLaran | County Down | 1 September 1981 |
| Mrs. K. Muriel I. | County Antrim | 1 December 1981 |
| Wilson, DPA, MBIM | ||
| Mrs. Mary Byrne | Belfast | 6 July 1982 |
Name
| Geographical base
| Date of appointment/re-appointment
|
| Mr. Robert T. Jordan, MBE | Belfast | 5 October 1982
|
| Mr. Tom D. Douglas | Belfast | 17 December 1982 |
| Mr. Ross Campbell, OBE | Belfast | 26 October 1983 |
Standing Advisory Commission On Human Rights
asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list the members of the Standing Advisory Commission on Human Rights whom he has appointed since May 1979, together with their occupational background and political and religious affiliations, were known, and their geographical base; and if he will give the same information about those whom they replaced.
Appointments made to the Standing Advisory Commission on Human Rights under section 20 of the Northern Ireland Constitution Act 1973 were as follows:
At May 1979
Chairman:
- The Lord Plant of Benenden, CBE. East Sussex.
- Appointment expired 30 June 1980.
Members:
- Prof. C. Campbell. County Down. Appointment expired 20 July 1980.
- Mr. W. P. McCollum QC. County Down. Appointment expired 30 June 1981.
- Mrs. M. McGregor. County Antrim. Appointment expired 30 June 1980.
- Mrs. B. Rodgers. County Armagh. Appointment expired 23 June 1980.
- Mr. H. R. McKibbin. CBE ERD. Belfast. Appointment expired 30 June 1980.
- Mr. J. M. Kelly. OBE. County Armagh. Appointment expired 31 July 1980.
- Dr. N. E. Casey. JP. County Fermanagh. Appointment expired 30 April 1980.
- Mrs. N. Byrne. Belfast. Appointment expired 31 July 1980. The Lord Blease of Cromac. Belfast. Appointment expired 23 June 1979.
During 1980
Chairman.
- Rt. Hon. D. W. Bleakley. Belfast. Appointed 1 July 1980 Members:
- Prof. G. Hornsey. County Down. Appointed on 1 October 1980 until 30 September 1982.
- Dr. E. E. Butler. County Down. Appointed on 1 October 1980.
- Mr. J. Frost. OBE. County Down. Appointed on 1 October 1980.
- Mr. J. J. Mackin. County Armagh. Appointed on 1 October 1980.
- Mr. J. Grew. County Armagh. Appointed on 1 October 1980 until 30 September 1982.
- Mr. D. P. Barritt. OBE MA JP. County Armagh. Appointed on 1 October 1980 until 30 September 1982.
- Mrs. C. Kelly. County Fermanagh. Appointed on 1 October 1980 until 30 September 1982.
- Mr. A. Scott. OBE. Tyne and Wear. Appointed on 1 October 1980.
During 1981
- Mr. T. Carlin. Belfast. Appointed on 10 January 1981
- Mr. J. J. Sheil. QC. County Down. Appointed on 1 November 1981 until 31 October 1983.
During 1982
- Dr. J. J. Cosgrove. County Londonderry. Appointed on 1 October 1982.
- Dr. A. Downey. County Londonderry. Appointed on 1 October 1982
- Prof. D. S. Greer. Belfast. Appointed on 1 October 1982.
- Miss. F. Moffitt. County Antrim. Appointed on 1 October 1982.
During 1984
- Mr. A. R. Hart. QC. Belfast. Appointed on 1 April 1984.
I do not believe it would be appropriate for me to publicise further personal details about the members of the commission
Labour Relations Agency
asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list the members of the Labour Relations Agency whom he has appointed since May 1979, together with their occupational background and political and religious affiliations, where known, and their geographical base; and if he will give the same information about those whom they replaced.
Appointments to and departures from the Labour Relations Agency for Northern Ireland, since May 1979, are as follows. I do not believe it would be appropriate for me to publicise further personal details of the members.
| Members of the Labour Relations Agency appointed since May 1979 | ||
| Name | Geographical base | Date of appointment/re-appointment |
| Mr. C. C. Lowry | Belfast | 17 October 1979 |
| 14 October 1980 | ||
| 1 October 1981 | ||
| 7 October 1982 | ||
| 30 September 1983 | ||
| Mr. D. Wylie | Belfast | 17 October 1979 |
| 14 October 1980 | ||
| 1 October 1981 | ||
| Mr. G. Johnston | County Londonderry | 17 October 1979 |
| 14 October 1980 | ||
| 1 October 1981 | ||
| Mr. H. J. Curlis | Belfast | 17 October 1979 |
| 14 October 1980 | ||
| 1 October 1981 | ||
| Mr. W. S. Donaghy | County Londonderry | 17 October 1979 |
| 14 October 1980 | ||
| 1 October 1981 | ||
| Mr. T. H. Kernohan | Belfast | 17 October 1979 |
| Mr. J. J. Gardner | County Antrim | 17 October 1979 |
| 14 October 1980 | ||
| 1 October 1981 | ||
| Mrs. K. M. I. Wilson | County Antrim | 17 October 1979 |
| 14 October 1980 | ||
| Professor J. A. O'Reilly | County Antrim | 10 April 1980 |
| 14 October 1980 | ||
| 1 October 1981 | ||
| Mr. G. Burnison | Belfast | 3 February 1981 |
| 1 October 1981 | ||
| Mr. B. G. Harkin (Chairman) | Belfast | 11 December 1981 |
| Miss A. S. McGuinness | Belfast | 16 February 1982 |
| Mr. F. A. Mackle | Belfast | 7 October 1982 |
| Mr. G. D. Nickell | Belfast | 7 October 1982 |
| Mr. W. Gamble | Belfast | 30 September 1983 |
| Members of the Labour Relations Agency whose terms of office have expired since May 1979 | ||
| Name | Geographical base | Date of appointment/ re-appointment |
| Mr. J. B. McCartney | Belfast | 18 January 1979 |
| Miss A. E. H. Dufton | County Antrim | 30 September 1979 |
Name
| Geographical base
| Date of appointment/ re-appointment
|
| Mr. T. H. Kemohan | Belfast | 30 June 1980 |
| Mrs. K. M. I. Wilson | County Antrim | 30 September 1981 |
| Mr. H. J. Curlis | Belfast | 30 September 1982 |
| Mr. W. S. Donaghy | County Londonderry | 30 September 1982 |
| Mr. J. J. Gardner | County Antrim | 30 September 1983 |
Madams Bank Bridge
asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is now the expected cost and completion date of the Madams Bank bridge across the River Foyle.
£26·9 million, including approach roads, and August 1984.
District Councillors (Expenses)
asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will arrange for a summary of the expenses paid to each district councillor, and of the sums paid to convenors of council committees, to be made available to the public and the press each year in Northern Ireland.
No. Information on councillors' allowances is available under the provisions of section 77 of the Local Government Act (Northern Ireland) 1972; the summaries requested could be compiled only at disproportionate cost.
Salmon
asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is his estimate of the number of salmon redds, alternatively spawning salmon, needed to maintain stocks of salmon in (a) the Foyle system, (b) the river Bann and all its tributaries, including those flowing into lough Neagh and (c) each other river system in Northern Ireland; and by what percentage the needs were met or exceeded on the average of the last five years for which figures are available.
The information requested is available only for the Foyle system. Two Canadian scientists carried out an investigation of the salmon stocks of the Foyle area in the mid-1970s and, based on research undertaken in north American river systems, suggested that the spawning requirement for optimum yield could be 7,746 redds spread evenly throughout the system. The average number of redds counted in the five-year period up to and including the 1983–84 spawning season was 3,389 or 43·8 per cent. Counting of redds is by visual observation when water conditions are suitable and the annual count, while very useful in indicating trends, cannot be regarded as necessarily reflecting the actual number of redds in any year.A research project in which the Department of Agriculture is engaged in the river Bush is to provide scientific information on the required level of salmon ova deposition in this local river. The results should be applicable to river systems throughout Northern Ireland.
Tourism (Anglers)
asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is his estimate of the number of nights spent by angling tourists in Northern Ireland in each of the last five years for which figures are available; what is his estimate of the sums spent by such tourists in each of those years; and what is his estimate of the breakdown between game, sea and course anglers.
In 1983 it estimated that tourists specifically in Northern Ireland on angling holidays stayed some 15,000 bed nights in the Province and spent approximately £500,000. Most of these anglers were engaged in coarse fishing. No information on this subject is available in respect of earlier years.
Hybrid Orders
asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list the draft Orders in Council relating to Northern Ireland published since the Northern Ireland Act 1974 became law which were found by the Hybrid Instruments Committee of the House of Lords to be hybrid orders; and what steps were taken in each case to make the nature of such orders known to those affected by them.
The following draft Orders in Council under the Northern Ireland Act 1974 have been declared hybrid in the opinion of the Chairman of Committees (House of Lords):
- The Draft Ship Building Industry (No. 2) Order 1975;
- The Draft Queen's University of Belfast (NI) Order 1981; and
- The Draft University of Ulster (NI) Order 1984.
Milk Quotas
asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether the EEC Commission has set out any conditions under which the 65,000 tonnes of extra milk quota for Northern Ireland should be distributed
No.
Eastern Health And Social Services Board
asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland why a privately owned company can have facilities granted by the Eastern Health and Social Services Board to promote insurance and building society activities, and can have deductions made from salaries and wages of employees at the board's expense; and why the same facilities were not offered on a competitive basis to other such companies.
[pursuant to his reply, 25 June 1984, c. 344]: Facilities granted by the Eastern Health and Social Services Board for the promotion of insurance and building society activities are at the request of approved staff associations which may negotiate favourable terms for their members who are employees of the board. Similarly, deductions from salaries or wages in respect of such arrangements are made at the employee's request to the staff association concerned. It is the staff association, not the board, which is responsible for the initiation of such arrangements.