Written Answers

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Written Answers To Questions

Friday 15 March 1985

Northern Ireland

Equal Opportunities

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what arrangements are in hand to ensure that his Department complies with the monitoring and positive action recommendations of the draft code of the Equal Opportunities Commission following the publication on 9 February 1984, of the programme of action on women in the Civil Service.

The code of practice of the Equal Opportunities Commission will not apply to the Northern Ireland Civil Service. However, in respect of staff in the Northern Ireland Civil Service, a new joint management and trade union side equal opportunities committee is monitoring and reviewing all aspects of equal opportunities policy, including those which particularly affect women, such as recruitment, promotion, training, career development and opportunities for part-time working or job sharing.In light of the committee's deliberations and following further consultation with the Equal Opportunities Commission in Northern Ireland, a document will be issued for the Northern Ireland Civil Service corresponding to the programme of action on women in the Civil Service.In respect of the Home Civil Service, existing joint management and trade union machinery is being used at departmental and national level to review such matters as promotion, selection for training and the incidence of part-time working.

Transport Costs

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will investigate with leaders of business, commerce and the transport industry ways in which they may be able to overcome the high costs of transporting goods to and from Northern Ireland.

[pursuant to his reply, of 12 March 1985, c. 125]: I am always ready to give full consideration to suggestions as to how the problems—including transport costs — resulting from Northern Ireland's peripheral location might be alleviated. I refer the hon. Gentleman to the recent report on transport costs in peripheral regions jointly commissioned by the Department of Economic Development, the Industry Department for Scotland and the European Commission, a copy of which has been placed in the Library.

House Of Commons

Private Members' Bills

asked the Lord Pivy Seal if he will list the sponsors of private Members' Bills which received extra parliamentary time by the Government in each Session since 1955.

The information requested is given in the table.1954–5

Public Libraries (Scotland)

Sir William Darling, Sir Ian Hutchison, Major McCallum, Mr. Rankin, Mr. Malcolm MacMillan, Sir David Robertson, Mr. Oswald.

Public Service Vehicles (Travel Concessions)

Mr. Short, Mr. David Jones, Mr. Popplewell, Mr. Blenkinsop, Mr. Wheeldon, Mr. Ernest Davies, Mr. Willey, Mr. Lee, Mr. Mitchison, Mr. Champion, Mr. Callaghan, Mr. Gibson.

1955–6

Death Penalty (Abolition)

Mr. Sydney Silverman, Mr. Ede, Mr. Clement Davies, Mr. Bevan, Mr. Hyde, Mr. Paton, Mr. Daines, Dr. Stross, Mr. Wedgwood Benn, Mr. Paget, Sir Beverley Baxter, Mr. Wade.

Hotel Proprietors

Mr. O'Neill, Sir Charles Taylor, Mr. Eden, Mr. Renton, Sir Peter Macdonald.

Marriage (Scotland)

Mr. Bence, Mr. Grimond, Mr. John MacLeod, Mr. Malcolm MacMillan, Mrs. Mann, Mr. Timmons, Lady Tweedsmuir.

Sanitary Inspectors (Change of Designation)

Sir Wavell Wakefield, Mr. Albu, Dr. Bennett, Mr. Beswick, Wing Commander Grant-Ferris, Mr. Ian Harvey, Mr. Philips Price, Dame Irene Ward, Mr. William Wells.

1956–7

Registration of Births, Deaths and Marriages (Special Provisions)

Mr. Dudley Williams, Sir Harold Roper, Mr. du Cann, Mr. Robinson, Miss Vickers, Mr. Lucas, Sir Beverley Baxter, Viscount Hinchingbrooke, Mr. Beswick, Commander Maitland.

1957–8

Divorce (Insanity and Desertion)

Mr. Deedes, Mrs. White, Mr. John Rodgers, Mr. Kaberry, Mr. John Peyton, Mr. Reader Harris, Mr. Blenkinsop, Mr Michael Stewart, Mr. Robinson.

Licensing of Bulls and Boars [Lords]

Sir Archer Baldwin.

Merchant Shipping (Liability of Ship Owners and others)

Mr. Forrest, Sir David Campbell, Mr. Armstrong, Mr. Chichester-Clark, Mr. Cunningham, Mr. Currie, Mr. Godman Irvine, Mrs. McLaughlin, Capt. Orr, Mr. Sumner, Mr. O'Neill.

Variation of Trusts

Mr. Crowder, Sir Lionel Heald, Major Hicks-Beach, Mr. Gower, Mr. Hay, Mr. Elwyn Jones, Mr. Stevens, Mr. Black, Sir William Anstruther-Gray, Mr. Doughty, Sir Hugh Lucas-Tooth.

1958–9

Fatal Accidents

Mr. Robert Cooke, Sir Lionel Heald, Mr. Deedes, Mr. Holt, Mrs. Emmet, Mr. John Hobson, Mr. MacDermot, Mr. Bingham, Mr. Maddan, Mr. Hutchison, Mr. Body, Mr. Elwyn Jones.

Landlord and Tenant (Furniture and Fittings)

Mr. Mawby, Mr. Page, Mr. Gurden, Mr. Maurice Macmillan, Mr. Farey-Jones, Mr. Freeth, Mr. Henry Price.

Legitimacy

Mr. Parker, Sir Robert Cary, Mr. Isaacs, Miss Vickers, Dr. Stross, Mr. Shepherd, Mr. de Freitas, Mr. Royle.

Obscene Publications

Mr. Roy Jenkins, Viscount Lambton, Mr. Ede, Mr. Maurice Macmillan, Mr. Robinson, Mr. Hugh Fraser, Sir Leslie Plummer.

1959–60

Adoption

Mr. Parker.

Clean Rivers (Estuaries and Tidal Waters)

Mr. Ramsden, Mr. Ede, Sir Lionel Heald, Mr. Ronald Bell, Mr. Deedes, Mr. Green, Mr. Greenwood, Mr. Jeger, Mr. Mellish, Mr. Morrison, Dame Irene Ward, Mr. Willey.

Noise Abatement

Mr. Speir, Mr. Ronald Bell, Mr. Ede, Mr. Eden, Vice-Admiral Hughes Hallett, Mr. Reader Harris, Dame Irene Ward, Mrs. White, Mr. Houghton, Mr. Hirst, Wing Commander Bullus, Mr. Cledwyn Hughes.

Offices

Mr. Marsh, Mr. Redhead, Mr. Mulley, Dr. Summerskill, Mr. Wade, Mr. Creech Jones, Mrs. Castle, Mr. Victor Yates, Mr. Charles Pannell, Mr. Darling, Mr. Frederick Lee, Mr. Padley.

Public Bodies (Admission to Meetings)

Mrs. Thatcher, Sir Lionel Heald, Sir Robert Grimston, Mr. Corfield, Mr. Bishop, Mr. Kirk, Wing Commander Grant-Ferris, Mr. Robson, Mr. Gurden, Sir Peter Agnew.

Road Traffic (Driving of Motor Cycles)

Vice-Admiral Hughes Hallett, Mr. Gresham Cooke, Mr. Deedes, Mr. Arthur Lewis, Mr. Charles Pannell, Mr. Geoffrey Wilson, Mr. Russell, Mr. Frederick Harris, Mr. Prentice, Mr. Victor Yates, Mr. Norman Pannell.

1960–611

Credit-Sale Agreements (Scotland)

Sir James Henderson-Stewart, Sir James Duncan, Mr. John MacLeod, Mr. Hutchison, Mr. Stodart, Commander Donaldson.

Highways (Miscellaneous Provisions)

Mr. Aitken, Mr. Bell, Mrs. Emmet, Mr. Hobson, Mr. Gooch, Dr. King, Mr. McLaren, Lt. Cmdr. Maydon, Mr. Kimball, Mr. Foster, Mr. Woodnutt.

Police Federation

Mr. Thomas Jones, Lord Balniel, Mr. Gallaghan, Mr. Dingle Foot, Lady Megan Lloyd George, Mr. Cledwyn Hughes, Mr. Idwal Jones, Mr. Morgan, Mr. Goronwy Roberts, Mr. George Thomas, Sir Lynn Ungoed-Thomas, Mr. Watkins.

Rivers (Prevention of Pollution)

Mr. Temple, Colonel Beamish, Mr. Corfield, Mr. de Ferranti, Mr. Gurden, Sir Lionel Heald, Mr. Jack Jones, Sir Hugh Lucas-Tooth, Lt. Cmdr. Maydon, Mr. Goronwy Roberts, Mr. Short, Dame Irene Ward.

1961–62

Local Government (Records)

Mr. Ridley, Dr. Stross, Mr. Aitken, Sir Hamilton Kerr, Mr. Snow, Mr. Temple, Mr. Bell, Mr. Channon, Mr. Dugdale, Mr. Fletcher, Sir Richard Nugent.

Lotteries and Gaming

Mr. Bidgood, Sir Harmar Nicholls, Cmdr. Donaldson, Mr. Farey-Jones, Mr. Denis Howel, Mr. Lagden, Mr. Lipton, Mr. McAdden, Mr. Norman Pannell, Mr. Albert Roberts, Sir Eric Errington, Mr. Eric Johnson.

1962–63

Animal Boarding Establishments

Mr. Frederick Bennett, Sir Roland Robinson, Wg. Cmdr. Bullus, Mr. Hayman, Mr. Russell, Mr. Skeffington, Mrs. Emmet, Mr. David Griffith, Lady Gammans, Mr. Beaney, Mr. William Clark, Mr. Hooson.

Dog Racing (Betting Days)

Mr. Rees-Davies, Miss Bacon, Mr. Lagden, Mr. Mellish, Brigadier Clarke.

Limitation

Mr. Buck, Sir Lionel Heald, Mr. Arthur Irvine, Mr. Finch, Mr. Charles Royle, Mr. Walder, Mr. van Straubenzee, Mr. Taverne, Mr. Hooson, Mr. Brewis.

Local Government (Financial Provisions)

Mr. Speir, Wg. Cmdr. Bullus, Sir Gerald Wills, Mr. Stephen Davies, Sir Herbert Butcher, Mr. Mellish, Mr. Digby, Mr. Temple, Mr. Ainsley, Mr. Slater, Mr. Probert.

Matrimonial Causes

Mr. Abse, Miss Vickers, Mr. Hooson, Mr. Weitzman, Mr. Llywelyn Williams, Mr. Morris, Mr. Foster, Mr. Parker, Mr. Ridley, Mr. Michael Foot, Mr. Taverne.

Performers (Protection) [LORDS]

Mr. Ronald Bell.

Wills

Mr. Hutchison, Mr. John Henderson, Mr. Hendry, Mr. Oswald, Mr. Wolrige-Gordon, Mr. Woodburn, Mr. Brewis.

1963–64

Betting Gaming and Lotteries

Lord John Hope, Mr. Buck, Sir Lionel Heald.

Divorce (Scotland) [LORDS]

Mr. Forbes Hendry.

Episcopal Church (Scotland) [LORDS]

Sir John Arbuthnot

Hairdressers Registration

Mr. Partridge, Mr. Barter, Lady Gammans, Mrs. Hill, Dame Patricia Hornsby-Smith, Sir Barnett Janner.

Local Government (Pecuniary Interests)

Sir Hubert Ashton, Mr. Arbuthnot, Mr. Bourne-Anon, Mr. Lagden, Sir Richard Nugent, Sir Hendrie Oakshott, Mr. Pargiter, Mr. Parkin, Sir Kenneth Pickthorn, Mr. Temple, Mr. Skeffington.

New Forest [LORDS]

Colonel Sir Oliver Crosthwaite-Eyre.

Scrap Metal Dealers

Sir Donald Kaberry, Mr. Gresham Cooke, Mr. Tiley, Dame Edith Pitt, Mr. Wall, Mr. Biggs-Davison, Mr. Steward, Mr. John Howard, Mr. Frederick Bennett, Mr. Hollingworth, Mr. Farey-Jones, Mr. Proudfoot.

Riding Establishments

Sir Jocelyn Lucas, Mr. Morrison, Sir John Gilmour, Mr. Greenwood, Mr. Kimball, Sir Walter Bromley-Davenport, Mr. Lubbock, Sir Thomas Moore, Mr. Leavey, Mr. Moyle, Mr. Hayman, Mr. Burden.

Trading Stamps

Mr. Osborn, Sir Cyril Osborne, Sir Charles Taylor, Mr. Proudfoot, Mr. Longbottom, Mr. Buck, Mr. John Howard, Mr. Hirst, Mr. Stonehouse, Mr. Wedgwood Benn, Mr. Francis Noel-Baker, Mr. Holt.

1964–65

Murder (Abolition of Death Penalty)

Mr. Sydney Silverman, Mr. Berkeley, Mrs. Braddock, Mr. Chataway, Mr. Foot, Sir Geoffrey de Freitas, Mr. Hale, Mr. Newens, Mr. Paget, Mr. Shinwell, Mr. Thorpe, Mrs. Williams.

Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries [LORDS]

Colonel Sir Tufton Beamish.

Criminal Procedure (Attendance of Witnesses)

Mr. McLaren

1965–66

Nil

1966–67

Live Hare Coursing (Abolition)

Mr. Heffer, Mr. Pounder, Mr. William Price, Dr. Winstanley, Mr. Yates, Miss Lestor, Captain Kerby, Mr. Bessell, Mr. Ensor, Mr. Ellis, Mr. MacNamara.

National Health Service (Family Planning)

Mr. Brooks, Mr. Abse, Sir Clive Bossom, Mr. Dunwoody, Mr. Fisher, Dame Joan Vickers, Dr. Winstanley.

Sexual Offences (No. 2)

Mr. Abse, Mr. Grimond, Mr. Wood, Mr. Pannell, Mr. Strauss, Sir Peter Rawlinson, Mr. Foot, Mr. Hugh Fraser, Mr. Varley, Mr. Gilmour, Mr. St. John Stevas, Mr. Horner.

Abortion

Mr. David Steel, Dr. Winstanley, Dr. Kerr, Dame Joan Vickers, Mrs. Short, Mr. Digby, Mr. Eadie, Viscount Lambton.

Civic Amenities

Mr. Sandys, Mr. Strauss, Mr. Grimond, Mr. Deedes, Mr. Blenkinsop.

Road Traffic Amendment

Mr. Randall, Mr. Palmer, Mr. Symonds, Mr. Ronald Lewis, Mr. Dobson, Mr. Cordle, Mr. Edwin Wainwright, Mrs. Spriggs, Mr. Weitzman, Mr. Fisher.

Matrimonial Homes [LORDS]

Mr. Robert Edwards

Road Traffic (Driving Instruction)

Mr. Owen, Colonel Sir Harwood Harrison, Mr. Molloy, Mr. Gregory, Mr. Floud, Mr. Gresham Cooke, Mr. Ogden, Dame Joan Vickers, Mr. George Rogers.

Vessels Protection

Mr. Gresham Cooke, Dr. Bennett, Sir John Langford-Holt, Sir Harwood Harrison, Mr. Edward Mallalieu, Mr. Paget, Mr. Grant-Ferris, Mr. Cronin, Mr. Parker, Dr. Owen, Mr. Costain, Mr. Jenkin.

1967–68

Adoption

Mr. Alldritt, Mrs. Braddock, Mr. Crawshaw, Mr.Dunn, Mr. van Straubenzee, Mr. Ogden, Mr. Simon Manon, Mr. Oakes, Mr. Fortescue.

Caravan Sites

Mr. Lubbock, Mr. Macdonald, Sir Lionel Heald, Mr. Deedes, Mr. Wellbeloved, Mr. Pardoe.

Clean Air

Mr. Maxwell, Mr. Robert Edwards, Mr. Allaun, Mr. Rhodes, Mr. Dan Jones, Sir Gerald Nabarro, Mr. Lubbock, Mr. Deedes, Mr. Sandys.

Design Copyright

Mrs. Knight, Mr. Weatherill, Mr. Humphrey Atkins, Mr. Ensor, Mr. Gurden, Mr. Eyre.

Domestic and Appellate Proceedings (Restriction of Publicity)

Sir Lionel Heald, Sir David Renton, Mr. Goodhart, Mr. Buck, Mr. Rossi.

Friendly and Industrial and Provident Societies

Mr. Paget.

Hearing Aid Council

Mr. Pavitt, Mr. Turton, Dr. Winstanley, Mr. William Williams, Dame Joan Vickers, Mr. Alistair Mackenzie, Dr. Dunwoody, Mr. Gardner.

Highlands and Islands Development (Scotland)

Mr. Maclennan, Mr. Dewar, Mr. Gregor Mackenzie, Mr. Mackintosh, Mr. Malcolm MacMillan.

Maintenance Orders

Mr. Hogg, Mr. Pannell, Dame Joan Vickers, Mr. Lubbock, Mr. Abse, Mr. Gresham Cooke, Mr. Grant.

Theatres

Mr. Strauss, Sir David Renton, Mr. St. John-Stevas, Mr. Hooson, Mr. William Wilson, Mr. Faulds, Mr. Foot, Mr. Hugh Jenkins.

1968–9

Divorce Reform

Mr. Alec Jones, Mr. Abse, Mr. Awdry, Dame Joan Vickers, Mrs. Jeger, Mr. Hooson, Mr. Ridley, Mr. Peter Jackson, Mr. Boyle, Mr. Gilmour, Mr. Lyons, Mr. William Wilson.

Employers' Liability (Defective Equipment)

Mr. Hugh Brown, Mr. Cronin, Mr. Archer, Mr. David Watkins, Mr. Huckfield, Mr. Molloy, Mr. Lawson, Mr. James Hamilton.

Employers' Liability (Compulsory Insurance)

Mr. David Watkins, Mr. Archer, Mr. Bishop, Mrs. Braddock, Mr. Coleman, Mr. Craddock, Mr. Ellis, Mr. James Hamilton, Mr. Kerr, Mr. Lyon, Mr. Orme, Mr. Edwin Wainwright.

Auctions (Bidding Agreements)

Mr. Costain, Sir John Vaughan-Morgan, Mr. Chichester-Clark, Mr. Royle, Mr. Strauss, Mr. Iremonger, Colonel Sir Tufton Beamish.

1969–70

Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons

Mr. Alfred Morris, Mr. Jack Ashley, Dr. Shirley Summerskill, Mr. Neil Marten, Dr. Winstanley, Mr. Will Griffiths, Mr. John Astor, Mrs. Lena Jeger, Mr. George Darling, Mr. Lewis Carter-Jones, Sir Clive Bossom, Mr. Laurence Pavitt.

Indecent Advertisements (Amendment) [Lords]

Sir Eric Errington.

Trees

Mr. Sandys, Colonel Sir Tufton Beamish, Mr. Arthur Blenkinsop, Mr. Deedes, Mr. Michael Foot, Mr. David Gibson-Watt, Miss Harvie Anderson, Mr. Douglas Houghton, Mr. Carol Johnson, Mr. Angus Maude, Sir G. R. Strauss, Mr. Jeremy Thorpe.

1970–71

Nil

1971–72

National Health Service (Family Planning) Amendment

Mr. Phillip Whitehead, Mr. Richard Crossman, Mr. Douglas Houghton, Dr. Tom Stuttaford, Dr. David Owen, Dr. Shirley Summerskill, Mr. John Hunt, Mr. Jack Dormand, Sir George Sinclair, Mr. John Pardoe, Mr. Laurie Pavitt.

1972–73

Nil

1973–74

Nil

1974

Nil

1974–75

Nil

1975–76

Sexual Offences (Amendment)

Mr. Robin Corbett, Mrs. Helene Hayman, Mr. Jack Ashley, Miss Jo Richardson, Mr. Phillip Whitehead, Mr. Robert Kilroy-Silk, Mr. A. J. Beith, Mrs. Ann Taylor, Mr. Bruce Grocott, Sir George Young, Mr. Brian Gould, Mr. Ken Weetch.

1976–77

Housing (Homeless Persons)

Mr. Stephen Ross, Mr. David Steel, Mr. Peter Walker, Mr. Bruce Douglas-Mann, Mr. Andrew Welsh, Mr. Dafydd Wigley, Mr. David Knox, Mr. John Cartwright, Mr. Nicholas Scott, Mrs. Millie Miller, Mr. Fred Evans, Mrs. Gwyneth Dunwoody.

Unfair Contract terms

Mr. Michael Ward, Mr. Arthur Bottomley, Mr. John Cartwright, Mr. Robin Corbett, Miss Janet Fookes, Mr. Arthur Latham, Mr. Richard Luce, Mrs. Millie Miller, Mr. Stephen Ross, Mr. Ken Weetch, Mr. Alan Lee Williams.

1977–78

Nil

1978–79

Nil

1979–80

Nil

1980–81

Nil

1981–82

Nil

1982–83

Road Traffic (Driving Licences)

Mr. Michael McNair- Wilson, Mr. Nick Budgen, Mr. Tony Marlow, Mr. Matthew Parris, Sir John Biggs-Davison, Mr. William Ross.

National Audit

Mr. Norman St. John-Stevas, Mr. Joel Barnett, Mr. Edward du Cann, Mr. Richard Wainwright, Mr. John Roper, Mr. Terence L. Higgins, Sir John Biggs-Davison, Mrs. Renée Short, Mr. Peter Tapsell, Mr. John Garrett, Mr. Peter Hordern, Mr. Robert Maclennan.

Broadcasting of Parliament (Annual Review)

Dr. Edmund Marshall, Mr. Jack Dormand, Mr. A. J. Beith, Mr. Stephen Hastings, Mr. James Molyneaux, Mr. Tim Rathbone, Mr. Norman St. John-Stevas, Mr. Philip Whitehead.

1983–84

Nil1

Note: The name given in respect of Bills from the House of Lords is that of the Member who took up the Bill in the House of Commons.

asked the Lord Privy Seal how many hours were spent on each private Member's Bill which received extra parliamentary time provided by the Government in each Session since 1955.

The information requested is not readily available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

asked the Lord Privy Seal if he will list those private Members' Bills which received the Royal Assent in each Session since 1955.

The information requested is as follows:1955–56

Solicitors (Amendment);
Children & Young Persons;
Local Authorities (Expenses);
Justices of the Peace Act, 1361 (Amendment);
Small Lotteries & Gaming;
Local Government (Street Works) (Scotland);
Occasional Licences (Young Persons);
National Insurance;
Hotel Proprietors;
Marriage (Scotland);
Sanitary Inspectors (Change of Designation).

1956–57

Northern Ireland (Compensation for Compulsory Purchase);
Public Health Officers (Deputies);
New Streets Act, 1951 (Amendment);
Maintenance Agreements;
Cheques;
Legitimation (Re-registration of Birth);
National Health Service (Amendment);
Representation of the People (Amendment);
Thermal Insulation (Industrial Buildings);
Re-registration of Births, Deaths and Marriages (Navy and Marines Overseas etc.);
Parish Councils (Miscellaneous Provisions);
Advertisements (Hire Purchase).

1957–58

Solicitors (Scotland);
Road Transport Lighting (Amendment);
Divorce (Insanity and Desertion);
Marriage Acts Amendment;
Variation of Trusts;
Opticians;
Industrial & Friendly Societies Act, 1948 (Amendment);
First Offenders;

Litter;
Matrimonial Proceedings (Children);
Merchant Shipping (Liabilities of Shipowners & Others);
Metropolitan Police Act, 1839 (Amendment);
Physical Training & Recreation;
Drainage Rates;
Matrimonial Causes (Property and Maintenance);
Trading Representation (Disabled Persons);
Medical Act, 1956 (Amendment);
Interest on Damages (Scotland);

Local Government (Omnibus Shelters and Queue Barriers);

Cost of Leases.
Rooms);
Agricultural Improvement Grants;
Criminal Justice Administration (Amendment);
Eisteddfod;
Family Allowances and National Insurance;
Fatal Accidents;
Housing (Underground Rooms);
Intestate Husband's Estate (Scotland);
Landlord and Tenant (Furniture and Fittings);
Legitimacy;
Marriage (Secretaries of Synagogues);
National Assistance (Amendment);
Obscene Publications;
Police Federation;
Restriction of Offensive Weapons;
Sea Fisheries (Compensation) (Scotland);
Small Lotteries and Gaming Act 1956 (Amendment);
Solicitors (Amendment);
Supreme Court of Judicature (Amendment).

1959–60

Abandonment of Animals;
Adoption;
Clean Rivers (Estuaries and Tidal Waters);
Corporate Bodies Contracts;
First Offenders (Scotland);
Game Laws (Amendment);
House of Commons Members Fund;
Marriage (Enabling);
Noise Abatement;
Offices;
Oil Burners (Standards);
Pawnbrokers;
Public Bodies (Admission to Meetings);
Road Traffic (Amendment);
Road Traffic (Driving of Motor Cycles);
Wages Arrestment Limitation (Amendment) (Scotland).

1960–61

Barristers (Qualification for Office);
Carriage by Air;
Companies (Floating Charges) (Scotland);
Consumer Protection;
Court of Chancery of Lancaster (Amendment);
Credit-Sale Agreements (Scotland);
Highways (Miscellaneous Provisions);
Home Safety;
Industrial and Provident Societies;
Mock Auctions;
Nurses (Amendment);
Oaths Act 1888 (Amendment);
Police Federation;
Printer's Imprint;
Private Street Works;
Public Authorities (Allowances);
Restriction of Offensive Weapons Act 1959 (Amendment);
Rivers (Prevention of Pollution);
Rural Water Supplies and Sewerage;
Small Estates (Representation).

1961–62

Agricultural and Forestry Associations;
Air Guns and Shot Guns etc;
Animals (Cruel Poisons);
British Museum;
Carriage by Air (Supplementary Provisions);
Coal Consumers' Councils (Northern Irish Interests);
Drainage Rates;
House of Commons Members' Fund;

Landlord and Tenant;
Law Reform (Damages and Solarium) (Scotland);
Law Reform (Husband and Wife);
Local Government (Records);
Lotteries and Gaming;
Marriage (Wales and Monmouthshire);
National Assistance Act 1948 (Amendment);
Penalties for Drunkenness;
Police Federations;
Recorded Delivery Service;
Shops (Airports).

1962–63

Animal Boarding Establishments;
Corn Rents;
Deer;
Dog Racing (Appointed Days) Changed to (Betting Days);
Drainage Rates;
Forestry (Sale of Land) (Scotland);
Limitation;
Local Authorities (Land);
Local Government (Financial Provisions);
Matrimonial Causes and Reconciliation;
Nursing Homes;
Oaths and Evidence (Overseas Authorities) and Countries;
Oil in Navigable Waters;
Performers' Protection;
Public Lavatories (Turnstiles);
Sheriff Courts (Civil Jurisdiction and Procedure) (Scotland);
Stock Transfer;
Wills.

1963–64

Adoption;
Animals (Restriction of Importation);
Betting, Gaming and Lotteries (Amusements with Prizes);
British Nationality (No. 2);
Burgh Police (Amendment) (Scotland);
Criminal Procedure (Right of Reply);
Dangerous Drugs;
Elections (Welsh Forms);
Fireworks;
Law of Property (Joint Tenants);
Local Government (Development and Finance) (Scotland);
Local Government (Pecuniary Interests);
Merchant Shipping;
National Health Service (Hospital Boards);
New Towns (No. 2);
Nurses;
Pharmacy and Poisons (Amendment);
Protection of Birds Act 1954 (Amendment);
Riding Establishments;
Road Traffic;
Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Act 1923 (Amendment);
Scrap Metal Dealers;
Trade Union (Amalgamations, etc);
Trading Stamps;
Universities and College Estates;
Young Persons (Employment);
Divorce (Scotland);
Episcopal Church (Scotland);
Films;
Married Women's Property;
Protection of Animals (Anaesthetics);
Trustee Savings Banks.

1964–65

Administration of Estates (Small Payments);
British Nationality;
Carriage of Goods by Road;
Criminal Justice;
Criminal Procedure (Attendance of Witnesses);
Criminal Procedure (Scotland);
Highways (Amendment);
Local Government (Scotland) Act 1947 (Amendment) (No. 2);
Lost Property (Scotland);
Merchant Shipping;
Murder (Abolition of Death Penalty);
Public Health (Notification of Births);
Shops (Early Closing Days);
Dogs;
Justices of the Peace;

Licensing (Scotland);
National Assistance;
National Insurance (Further Provisions);
Performing Animals;
Protection of Birds;
Railway Closures;
Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Act 1923 (Amendment);
Sexual Offences;
Solicitors;
Solicitors (Scotland);
Sweepstakes on Horseraces (Authorisation).

1965–66

None.

1966–67

Abortion (No. 2) see Medical Termination of Pregnancy;
Antarctic Treaty;
Civic Amenities;
Farm and Garden Chemicals;
Industrial and Provident Societies;
Licensing (Amendment);
Licensing (Certificates in Suspense) (Scotland);
Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod;
Medical Termination of Pregnancy;
Merchant Shipping;
National Health Service (Family Planning);
National Insurance (Industrial Injuries) (Amendment);
Road Traffic (Amendment);
Road Traffic (Driving Instruction);
Sexual Offences (No. 2);
Slaughter of Poultry;
Teachers of Nursing;
Tokyo Convention;
Vessels Protection;
Deer (Amendment) (Scotland);
Matrimonial Homes;
Private Places of Entertainment (Licensing);
Protection of Birds.

1967–68

Adoption;
Caravan Sites;
Clean Air;
Design Copyright;
Domestic and Appellate Proceedings (Restriction of Publicity);
Friendly and Industrial and Provident Societies;
Hearing Aid Council;
Highlands and Islands Development (Scotland);
Local Authorities' Mutual Investment Trust;
Maintenance Orders;
Sale of Venison (Scotland) (No. 2);
Theatres;
Wills.

1968–69

Architects Registration (Amendment);
Auctions (Bidding Agreements);
Divorce Reform;
Employer's Liability (Compulsory Insurance);
Employer's Liability (Defective Equipment);
Licensing (Scotland);
National Mod (Scotland);
Ponies;
Public Health (Recurring Nuisances);
Tattooing of Minors;
Betting, Gaming and Lotteries (Amendment).

1969–70

Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons;
Conservation of Seals;
Education (School Milk);
Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions);
Local Government (Footpaths and Open Spaces) (Scotland);
Marriage (Registrar General's Licence);
Parish Councils and Burial Authorities (Miscellaneous Authorities);
Road Traffic (Disqualification);
Trees;
Game;
Indecent Advertisements (Amendment);

New Forest;
Proceedings against Estates;
Riding Establishments.

1970–71

Carriage of Goods by Sea;
Dangerous Litter;
Motor Vehicles (Passenger Insurance);
Nullity of Marriage;
Powers of Attorney;
Unsolicited Goods and Services;
Welsh National Opera Company;
Betting, Gaming and Lotteries (Amendment).

1971–72

Affiliation Proceedings (Amendment) (No. 2);
Carriage by Railway;
Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons (Scotland);
Civil Evidence;
Defective Premises;
Matrimonial Proceedings (Polygamus Marriages);
National Health Service (Family Planning) Amendment;
National Insurance (Amendment);
Police;
Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries;
Trade Descriptions;
Anti-Discrimination (No. 2);
Field Monuments;
Harbours, Piers and Ferries (Scotland);
Land Charges;
Performers' Protection;
Queen Anne's Mansions;
Social Work (Scotland);
Sunday Cinema;
Sunday Theatre (No. 2).

1972–73

Breeding of Dogs;
Dentists (Amendment);
Domicile and Matrimonial Proceedings;
Employment Agencies;
Employment of Children;
Gaming (Amendment);
Hallmarking;
Heavy Commercial Vehicle (Controls and Regulations);
Law Reform (Diligence) (Scotland);
London Cab;
Protection of Wrecks;
Rate Rebate;
Sea Fisheries (Shellfish);
Badgers;
Succession (Scotland).

1973–74

None

1974

Carriage of Passengers by Road;
Education (Mentally Handicapped Children) (Scotland);
Local Lotteries;
Mines (Working Facilities and Support);
Rehabilitation of Offenders;
Town and Country Amenities;
Lord Chancellor (Tenure of Office and Discharge of Ecclesiastical Functions).

1974–75

Conservation of Wild Creatures and Wild Plants (previously Wild Creatures and Wild Plants Protection);
Evidence (Proceedings in Other Jurisdictions);
Farriers (Registration);
Guard Dogs;
International Road Haulage Permits;
Litigants in Person (Costs and Expenses);
Mental Health (Amendment);
Mobile Homes;
Unsolicited Goods and Services (Amendment).

1975–76

Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons (Amendment) (No. 2);
Congenital Disabilities (Civil Liability);
Dangerous Wild Animals;

Divorce (Scotland) (No. 2);
Domestic Violence and Matrimonial Proceedings;
Explosives (Age of Purchase &c);
Food and Drugs (Control of Food Premises);
Industrial Common Ownership;
Motor-Cycle Crash Helmets (Religious Exemption);
Protection of Birds (Amendment);
Representation of the People (Armed Forces);
Sexual Offences (Amendment);
Stock Exchange (Completion of Bargains);
Theatres Trust;
Licensing (Amendment);
Solicitors (Scotland).

1976–77

Control of Food Premises (Scotland);
Housing (Homeless Persons);
Insurance Brokers (Registration);
Licensing (Amendment);
Minibus;
Presumption of Death (Scotland);
Rentcharges;
Roe Deer (Close Seasons);
Town and Country Planning (Amendment);
Unfair Contract Terms.

1977–78

Internationally Protected Persons;
Local Government [formerly Local Government Act 1974 (Amendment)];
Rating (Disabled Persons);
Theatres Trust (Scotland);
Education (Northern Ireland);
Import of Live Fish (Scotland);
Industrial and Provident Societies.

1978–79

Confirmation to Small Estates (Scotland);
Films;
Criminal Evidence.

1979–80

Concessionary Travel for Handicapped Persons (Scotland);
Coroners;
Deer;
Import of Live Fish (England and Wales);
Licensed Premises (Exclusion of Certain Persons);
Married Women's Policies of Assurance (Scotland) (Amendment);
Representation of the People;
Betting, Gaming and Lotteries (Amendment);
Gaming (Amendment).

1980–81

Countryside (Scotland);
Disabled Persons (No. 2);
Food and Drugs (Amendment);
Horserace Betting Levy;
Indecent Displays (Control);
Industrial Diseases (Notification);
Licensing (Alcohol Education and Research);
Local Government and Planning (Amendment);
Transport Act 1962 (Amendment);
Zoo Licensing (No. 2);
Criminal Justice (Amendment);
Disused Burial Grounds (Amendment);
Forgery and Counterfeiting;
Interpretation of Legislation;
Licensing (Amendment);
Matrimonial Homes and Property.

1981–82

Children' s Homes;
Cinematograph (Amendment);
Firearms;
Food and Drugs (Amendment);
Forfeiture; [formerly known as Relief from Forfeiture];
Gaming (Amendment);
Planning Inquiries (Attendance of public);

Supply of Goods and Services;
Copyright Act 1956 (Amendment);
Deer (Amendment) Scotland);

1982–83

Copyright (Amendment);
Coroners' Juries;
Diseases of Fish;
Level Crossings;
Licensing (Occasional Permissions);
National Audit;
Road Traffic (Driving Licences);
Solvent Abuse (Scotland);
British Nationality (Falkland Islands) [formerly British Nationality (Falkland Islands) Amendment];
Pet Animals Act 1951 (Amendment);

1983–84

Agriculture (Amendment);
Anatomy;
Betting, Gaming and Lotteries (Amendment) (No. 2);
Child Abduction;
Cycle Tracks;
Juries (Disqualification);
Law Reform (Husband and Wife) (Scotland);
Prescription and Limitation (Scotland);
Road Traffic (Driving Instruction);
Trade Marks (Amendment);
Video Recordings;
Education (Amendment) (Scotland);
Lotteries (Amendment).

Consolidation Bills

asked the Lord Privy Seal if he will list the consolidation Bills Her Majesty's Government propose to introduce during the present Session.

In addition to the Cinemas Bill and the Reserve Forces (Safeguard of Employment) Bill, which is currently before the other House, further Bills are being prepared on the following subjects with a view to possible introduction this Session.

Housing
Housing Associations
Housing Construction (Consequential Provisions)
Landlord and Tenant
Opticians
Statute Law Repeals^{^*}
Weights and Measures.

^{^*} Not strictly a consolidation measure, though subject to a similar parliamentary procedure.

asked the Lord Privy Seal if he will list the consolidation Bills that have been introduced; and how many received the Royal Assent in each Session since 1955.

The information requested is as follows: 1955–56

Food and Drugs;
Medical;
Nurses^*;
Nurses Agencies^{^*};
Sexual Offences;
Therapeutic Substances.

1956–57

Affiliation Proceedings;
Dentists;
Governors' Pensions;
Housing;
Nurses;
Nurses Agencies;
Road Transport Lighting;
Solicitors.

1957–58

Agricultural Marketing;
Dramatic and Musical Performers' Protection;

Entertainments Duty;
Horse Breeding;
Housing (Financial Provisions);
Insurance Companies;
Matrimonial Proceedings (Magistrates' Courts)^{^*}; (Withdrawn)
Prevention of Fraud (Investments);
Statute Law Revision.

1958–59

Adoption;
Colonial Development and Welfare;
County Courts;
Dog Licences;
Licensing (Scotland);
Manoeuvres;
National Debt;
Overseas Resources Development;
Slaughter of Animals; Statute Law Revision;
Town and Country Planning (Scotland);
Wages Councils;
Weeds.

1959–60

Distress for Rates;
Films;
Road Traffic;
Statute Law Revision.

1960–61

Factories;
Land Compensation.

1961–62

Building Societies;
Education (Scotland);
Telegraph;
Town and Country Planning;
Vehicles (Excise).

1962–63

Betting Duties;
Betting, Gaming and Lotteries;
Land Compensation (Scotland);
Purchase Tax;
Statute Law Revision;
Statute Law Revision (Scotland)^{^*}

1963–64

Licensing;
Statute Law Revision;
Statute Law Revision (Scotland);
Television.

1964–65

Compulsory Purchase;
Dangerous Drugs;
Family Allowances;
Hire Purchase;
Hire Purchase (Scotland);
Industrial and Provident Societies;
Matrimonial Causes;
Ministerial Salaries Consolidation;
National Health Service Contributions;
National Insurance;
National Insurance (Industrial Injuries);
New Towns;
Nuclear Installations;
Statute Law Revision (Consequential Repeals);
Superannuation.

1965–66

Development of Inventions^*;
Mines (Working Facilities and Support);
Statute Law Revision.

1966–67

Advertisements (Hire Purchase);
Air Corporations;
Capital Allowances^*;
Development of Inventions;
Forestry;
General Rate;

Housing (Scotland)^*;
Industrial Injuries and Diseases (Old Cases);
Legal Aid (Scotland);
Plant Health;
Police (Scotland) (No. 2);
Road Traffic Regulation;
Sea Fish (Conservation);
Sea Fisheries Regulation^*;
Sea Fisheries (Shellfish);
Teachers' Superannuation.

1967–68

Capital Allowances;
Courts Martial (Appeals);
Criminal Appeal;
Criminal Appeal (Northern Ireland);
Export Guarantees;
Firearms;
Housing (Financial Provisions) (Scotland);
New Towns (Scotland);
Provisional Collection of Taxes;
Rent.

1968–69

Customs Duties (Dumping and Subsidies);
Late Night Refreshment Houses;
Sea Fish Industry^*;
Statute Law (Repeals);
Trustees Savings Banks.

1969–70

Income and Corporation Taxes;
Sea Fish Industry;
Taxes Management.

1970–71

Attachment of Earnings;
Coinage;
Guardianship of Minors;
Hydrocarbon Oil (Customs & Excise);
National Savings Bank;
Prevention of Oil Pollution;
Rent (Scotland);
Road Traffic^*;
Town and Country Planning;
Tribunals and Enquiries;
Vehicles (Excise);

1971–72

Betting and Gaming Duties;
Contracts of Employment;
Costs in Criminal Cases^*;
Local Employment;
National Debt;
Poisons;
Road Traffic;
Summertime;
Town & Country Planning (Scotland).

1972–73

Costs in Criminal Cases;
Independent Broadcasting Authority;
Land Compensation (Scotland);
Matrimonial Causes;
Powers of Criminal Courts;
Statute Law Repeals;
Statute Law Revision (Northern Ireland).

1973–74

Juries^*;
Legal Aid;
Slaughterhouses;
Statute Law (Repeals)^*.
Friendly Societies;
Insurance Companies;
Juries;
Solicitors;
Statute Law (Repeals);

1974–75

Airports Authority;
Criminal Procedure (Scotland);
Export Guarantees;
House of Commons Disqualification;

Industrial Injuries and Diseases (Old Cases);
Industrial Injuries and Diseases (Northern Ireland Old Cases);
Iron and Steel;
Ministerial and Other Salaries;
Ministers of the Crown;
Northern Ireland Assembly Disqualification;
Nursing Homes;
Recess Elections;
Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries;
Social Security;
Social Security (Consequential Provisions);
Social Security (Northern Ireland);
Statute Law (Repeals);
Supply Powers.

1975–76

Adoption;
Fatal Accidents;
Land Drainage;
Legitimacy;
Lotteries and Amusements;
Police Pensions;
Resale Prices;
Restrictive Practices Court;
Restrictive Trade Practices;
Sexual Offences (Scotland);
Statute Law (Repeals);
Statute Law Revision (Northern Ireland);
Supplementary Benefits.

1976–77

Agricultural Holdings (Notices to Quit);
British Airways Board;
Employment Protection^*;
National Health Service;
Northern Ireland (Emergency Provisions)^*;
Protection from Eviction;
Rent;
Statute Law (Repeals).

1977–78

Adoption (Scotland);
Commonwealth Development Corporation;
Electricity (Scotland)^*;
Employment Protection (Consolidation);
Export Guarantees and Overseas Investment;
Interpretation;
National Health Service (Scotland);
Northern Ireland (Emergency Provisions);
Oaths;
Refuse (Disposal) (Amenity): [formerly Refuse (Disposal)];
Statute Law (Repeals);
Wages Council^*.

1978–79

Agricultural Statistics;
Alcoholic Liquor Duties;
Capital Gains Tax;
Child Care^*;
Customs and Excise Duties (General Reliefs);
Customs and Excise Management;
Electricity (Scotland);
Exchange Equalisation Account;
Excise Duties (Surcharges or Rebates);
Foster Children^*;
Hydrocarbon Oil Duties;
International Monetary Fund;
Matches and Mechanical Lighters Duties;
Prosecution of Offences;
Tobacco Products Duty;
Wages Councils.

1979–80

Child Care;
Criminal Appeal (Northern Ireland);
Education (Scotland);
Foster Children;
Highways;
Justices of the Peace;
Limitation;
Magistrates' Courts;

Overseas Development and Co-operation:
Reserve Forces;
Residential Homes;
Sale of Goods;
Slaughter of Animals (Scotland);
Social Welfare (Local Services)^*;
Solicitors (Scotland);
Statute Law Revision (Northern Ireland);
Water (Scotland).

1980–81

Acquisition of Land;
Animal Health;
Betting and Gaming Duties;
Broadcasting;
Compulsory Purchase (Vesting Declarations);
English Industrial Estates Corporation;
Film Levy Finance;
Judicial Pensions;
National Film Finance Corporation;
New Towns;
Public Passenger Vehicles;
Statute Law (Repeals);
Trustee Savings Banks.

1981–82

Agricultural Training Board;
Aviation Security;
Civil Aviation;
Industrial Development;
Industrial Training;
Insurance Companies;
Iron and Steel.

1982–83

Car Tax^*;
Litter;
Matrimonial Homes;
Medical^*;
Mental Health;
Pilotage;
Representation of the People;
Value Added Tax^*.

1983–84

Car Tax;
Medical;
Value Added Tax;
County Courts;
Mental Health (Scotland);
Public Health (Control of Disease);
Foster Children (Scotland);
Dentists;
Registered Homes;
Food;
Road Traffic Regulation;
Rent (Scotland);
Capital Transfer Tax;
Building.

^* These Bills did not receive Royal Assent.

Norman Shaw North Building

asked the Lord Privy Seal how many hon. Members currently have their offices in the Norman Shaw North building; and how this compares with each year since 1975.

One hundred and twenty-one Members currently have offices in the Norman Shaw North building. This compares with 124 in 1975–76, 123 in 1977–79, 122 in 1980–82, and 121 in 1983 and 1984.

Foreign And Commonwealth Affairs

Terrorism

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement concerning international terrorism and the discussions he has had with other countries to eradicate it.

I refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to him by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 22 January at column 372. Discussions continue with like minded countries. We hope that the Bonn summit in May may provide a suitable opportunity for further constructive exchanges.

Frontier Relaxations

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement concerning proposed frontier relaxations between France, West Germany and the Benelux countries.

The Governments of France, Germany and the Benelux countries are discussing the possibility of progressively relaxing controls at the land frontiers between them, on the lines of the agreement reached last year between France and Germany. We welcome this development. Separate discussions are taking place about making travel easier throughout the Community as a whole.

Agreement For Co-Operation On The Safety Of Atomic Energy

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the number of changes incorporated in the amendment to the agreement for co-operation on the uses of atomic energy for mutual defence purposes, which had become necessary since the last amendment, Cmnd. 7976, as indicated in his answer of 11 March.

The changes incorporated in the latest amendment to the agreement for co-operation on the uses of atomic energy for mutual defence purposes are listed in Cmnd. 9336.

Decade For Women

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will now announce who will represent the United Kingdom at the world conference of the United Nations Decade for Women in Nairobi on 15 to 26 July.

The United Kingdom delegation will be led by my noble Friend Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office. The deputy leader will be Dame Anne Warburton DCVO, CMG, United Kingdom Permanent Representative to the office of the United Nations at Geneva. The delegation will also include my noble Friend Baroness Gardner of Parkes (United Kingdom Representative on the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women), my noble Friend Baroness Platt of Writtle (Chairman of the Equal Opportunities Commission), Mrs. Clark-Glass (Chairman of the Northern Ireland Equal Opportunities Commission), Mrs. Nancy Catchpole (Women's National Commission) and a small number of Government officials from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Home Office. Representatives from Dependent Territories will also be included.

Human Rights

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when the United Kingdom will sign the United Nations convention against torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.

The United Kingdom permanent representative to the United Nations is today signing the United Nations convention against torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment on behalf of Her Majesty's Government.

Defence

Boarding School Allowances

asked the Secretary of State for Defence, further to the reply of 10 January, Official Report, column 528, concerning departmental expenditure on boarding school allowances, whether such allowances are payable when scholastic instruction is available locally in the English language; and whether he will provide in respect of the armed forces (a) a breakdown showing the numbers of children drawn from each command area receiving an allowance and the number being educated locally and (b) the average cost to the Government of each child educated locally and the corresponding figure for those receiving an allowance, including the cost of visits to parents at the public expense.

Boarding school allowance is payable in respect of service children irrespective of whether scholastic instruction is available locally in the English language. In the case of children of parents in the armed forces, the allowance is paid to ensure continuity of education. It is for parents to choose whether to claim the allowance in order to achieve continuity for their children or to have their children with them on their frequent postings at home and abroad and send them to local schools.

(a) Boarding school allowance records are not maintained centrally in the form requested and cannot be obtained without disproportionate effort. In 1983–84, it is estimated that there were some 9,000 children of service parents who were in receipt of an allowance and who were serving abroad. The numbers of children educated in local schools run by the Service Children's Education Authority as at September 1984 were as follows: British Forces Germany 24,855; Cyprus 1,718; Gibraltar 643; Hong Kong 1,844; and Naples 90.

(b) In 1983–84 the average cost to the Government of each child educated locally in schools run by the Service Children's Education Authority is estimated at £2,275. In the same year the estimated average cost of a child of service parents serving overseas who were in receipt of an allowance was £2,516. The cost of visits to parents at the public expense is not separately identifiable.

Tellurometers

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if Tellurometers have been purchased and used by the British armed forces.

Yes.

Strategic Defence Initiative

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what arrangements Her Majesty's Government propose to ensure access by United Kingdom companies to technologies developed in the research phase of the United States' Government's strategic defence initiative.

As my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister stated to my hon. Friend the Member for Southampton, Test (Mr. Hill) on 26 February 1985, at column 180, it is important that we should keep up with the relevant technologies which span a wide range. We are therefore currently considering, and will be discussing with our United States allies, how best to pursue this. Some British companies are, of course, already closely involved in studies relating to this area.

Equal Opportunities

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what arrangements are in hand to ensure that his Department complies with the monitoring and positive action recommendations of the draft code of the Equal Opportunities Commission following the publication on 9 February 1984 of the programme of action on women in the Civil Service.

In accordance with the programme of action, a departmental equal opportunities officer has been appointed with responsibility for co-ordinating the Civil Service policy of non-discrimination within the Ministry of Defence. This officer acts as a focal point for monitoring the equal opportunities policy.Existing joint management and trades union machinery is being used to review such matters as promotion, selection for training and the incidence of part-time working.Women are being encouraged to attend courses and to make the maximum use of the training opportunities available. A developmental course for women middle managers is currently being run on a regular basis by this Department's central training division and use is also being made of the Civil Service college course in middle management for women only.

Rtm 322 Helicopter Engine

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he is satisfied with the progress of the testing of the RTM 322 helicopter engine; and if he will make a report.

The progress made so far in testing the RTM 322 has been very encouraging. Initial testing of the first two development engines has been completed, on schedule, by Rolls-Royce Limited and Turbomeca SA. The test objectives were achieved, the performance of the engines meeting the predicted levels.

Royal College Of Surgeons (Research)

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what research projects have been financed by his Department at the Royal College of Surgeons; and what is the purpose of such projects.

It is not our policy to give information of this nature concerning research contracts.

Transport

M4 (Litter)

asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list his Department's responsibilities in respect of the collection of litter from the grass verges of the M4.

My Department is responsible for all sweeping and cleansing of motorways. The main concern in exercising that responsibility is to ensure the safety of those using the roads. In addition we periodically clear litter for amenity reasons from verges, central reservations and slopes. The work is carried out on our behalf by agent authorities.

Vehicle Testing

asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the way in which he expects the proposed new conditions for his Department's test station authorisation will improve the safety record of the Ministry of Transport garage industry.

The primary purpose of the new conditions of appointment is to raise the standard of the MOT test. Whilst safety is the responsibility of the garage operator under the surveillance of the Health and Safety Executive or local authority, our proposals aim to follow good practice in so far as they affect the circumstances in which testing is carried out.

asked the Secretary of State for Transport how the proposed changes to his Department's test station layout and dimensions will improve the standards of his Department's testing.

The changes in test area requirements will contribute to an improved standard of testing by enabling the inspection to be carried out with the vehicle within the test bay, and by ensuring that the tester has adequate space to conduct the examination properly and to use the equipment.

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what estimate he has made of the number of his Department's testing facilities which will be unable to meet his proposed new requirements for test station authorisation, and may have to close.

In view of the wide variation in the size and layout of existing testing premises, it is not possible to give an accurate figure for those which will be unable to meet the new requirements. However in view of the relaxations I propose to make, I expect the majority to be able to do so within the five-year period allowed.

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to improve the training of his Department's testers.

I shall be proposing improved arrangements for training MOT testers in the future.

Illegal Parking (Hertfordshire)

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what consideration he will give to the introduction of an order to immobilise vehicles illegally parked in Hertfordshire; and if he will make a statement.

I have received no such request to date.

London Regional Transport

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what progress has been made towards decentralising the operations of London Regional Transport as required by the London Regional Transport Act 1984; and if he will make a statement.

I have given my approval under section 4 of the Act to proposals submitted by London Regional Transport for the formation by them of two companies, London Buses Limited and London Underground Limited to operate London bus and underground services. These companies will be incorporated as wholly-owned subsidiaries of LRT and will commnce trading on 1 April 1985.At the same time, under its general powers conferred by section 3(1) of the Act, LRT will be establishing a separate wholly-owned subsidiary, LRT Bus Engineering Limited to provide bus engineering and overhaul facilities.LBL will be able to bid for bus service contracts with LRT in competition with other suppliers, as has already started. BEL will be required to operate without subsidy as soon as possible and to provide its services to LBL and other operators in competition with other suppliers in the market.I believe that the establishment of these three companies is a major step towards lower costs, improved efficiency and better value for money for London's public transport passengers. It represents a milestone of achievement in the evolution of LRT.

Moped And Motor Cycle Riders (Training)

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what numbers of moped and motor cycle riders, by age group, came forward for training during 1981 and 1983; and if he will give these totals as a proportion of provisional licence holders for both years.

I regret that this information is not available. In 1983, 51,203 motor cyclists took part one of the motor cycle test and a course of training with an appointed training body.

Motor Cyclists (Tests)

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what was the pass rate during 1983 of those motor cyclists taking the part one test with (a) an approved training body and (b) his Department.

The pass rates were: (a) 93 per cent. and (b) 50 per cent.

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what was the part two pass rate during 1983 of those motor cyclists passing part one of the driving test with (a) each of the approved training bodies and (b) his Department.

I regret that the information is not available. For 1984, the average pass rate of motor cyclists taking part two for the first time, having passed part one with an appointed training body, was 74 per cent.

asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will provide information on the average length of time taken by motor cyclists between passing part one and taking or passing part two of the driving test.

I regret that this information is not available.

Motor Cycles (Provisional Licences)

asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will indicate the number and proportion of motor cycle provisional licences issued from 1 October 1982 which have been (a) replaced by a full licence and (b) allowed to lapse.

I regret that this information is not readily available.

Sailing Vessel Marques (Inquiry)

asked the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects to receive the report of the inquiry into the loss of the sailing vessel Marques.

I have just received a report of this inquiry and am considering its recommendation. I shall make a further statement shortly.

Railway Passenger Services

asked the Secretary of State for Transport whether he has been informed by the Transport Users' Consultative Committee of any objections to the proposed discontinuation of all railway passenger services on the line between Henley-in-Arden and Bearley junction; and whether an inquiry will be held.

The Transport Users Consultative Committee for the west midlands has informed my Right hon. Friend that it has received objections to British Rail's proposal to close the line between Henley-in-Arden and Bearley junction. Under the statutory closure procedures laid down in the Transport Act 1962 the committee will report to my right hon. Friend on any hardship it considers closure would cause. I understand that the committee hopes to hold a public hearing later this year.

Missing Vessels

asked the Secretary of State for Transport if, pursuant to his reply of 5 March to the hon. Member for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, he will give the last known or reported location of each missing vessel; and whether activity of submarines of any nationality was reported to the inquiry in each case.

[pursuant to his reply, 11 March 1985, c.51].Such information as is available about the last location of each vessel is given below:

MV Derbyshire 270 miles East of Okinawa
FV Pat Marie 1 mile South East of Benacre Ness
FV Celerity In Pentland Firth
FV Reborn Under the cliffs, East of Folkestone Harbour
FV Zanto Off the West Coast of Denmark
FV Exuberant Between Weymouth and Dartmouth; possibly off Portland Bill
FV South Stack Between Anglesey and the Isle of Man

In only one of these casualties, the Exuberant, was any report of possible submarine activity made to the inquiry and in that case it was established that no submarine was known to be in the area at the time.

Energy

Standing Charges

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what representations he has recently received from pensioners and pensioner organisations regarding the continuation of public utility standing charges.

I have received a number of representations on electricity and gas standing charges from pensioners and pensioner organisations this year. Standing charges for water and telephone services are a matter for my right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for the Environment and Trade and Industry, respectively.

Petrol And Diesel Prices

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what studies his Department has made of the contribution which higher receipts to crude oil producers, consequent upon the rise in the United States dollar—pound sterling exchange rate, can now make towards stabilising or reducing petrol prices to the consumer.

Oil is traded world-wide; its price is determined by the balance of market supply and demand. Over the past year this has led to some fall in the dollar price of crude oil. Petrol is also a freely traded commodity, subject to competitive forces, overseas and in the United Kingdom, which have led to increases in sterling prices in recent months. Prices of crude oil and petrol can only be related to each other through trade and competition.

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what studies his Department has made of the movements in petrol prices over the last six months; and what estimates he has made on the impact of movements in the United States dollar—pound sterling exchange rate on retail petrol and diesel prices.

Petrol prices in the United Kingdom rose by 15 pence per gallon (8 per cent.) on average over the six months to mid March. During the same period the dollar rose by 16·5 per cent. against sterling. The exchange rate is only one of many influences bearing on the process of competition which determines petrol prices in the United Kingdom.

North Sea Oil

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what estimates his Department has made of the impact on changes in the United States dollar—pound sterling exchange rate on the gross returns of oil companies producing crude oil in the North sea over the last six months to 1 March.

My Department does not make estimates of the gross returns or receipts to oil companies involved in UKCS production over any six-monthly period. It is concerned with the returns to individual fields over their production life. The influence of recent exchange rate movements on the Department's calculations can only be considered in the context of the productive life of the field.

Sellafield (Solid Waste)

asked the Secretary of State for Energy how much of the plutonium in the solid waste at Sellafield originated in the Central Electricty Generating Board and the South of Scotland Electricity Board Magnox reactors.

About half of the plutonium in solid wastes at Sellafield orginated from spent fuel from the United Kingdom generating boards' Magnox reactors.

Energy Policy

asked the Secretary of State for Energy whether he intends introducing a White Paper on energy policy.

The Government's energy policy has been stated on many occasions.

Scotland

Broadleaved Woodlands

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list in the Official Report the names and areas of those broadleaved woodlands which his Department confirmed to the Forestry Commission would make a significant contribution to the viability and economy of the agricultural holding concerned if clearfelled and converted to agriculture in the years 1982–83, 1983–84 and 1984–85 to date, respectively.

This information is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland on how many occasions in 1982–83, 1983–84 and 1984–85 to date officials from his Department confirmed to the Forestry Commission that a proposal to clearfell a broadleaved woodland and convert it to agriculture would make a significant contribution to the viability and economy of the agricultural holding concerned.

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

Clearfelled Woodlands

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list in the Official Report the names, areas and principal tree species of each of the woodlands clearfelled under felling licence and subsequently converted to agriculture in 1982–83, 1983–84 and 1984–85 to date, respectively.

This information is not held centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

Mental Deficiency Nurse Staffing Project

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when he expects to be able to report and make decisions on the information gained from the pilot study carried out into the mental deficiency nurse staffing project; and if he will make a statement.

The information from the pilot study is now being collated, but a report is not expected before the summer.

South Of Scotland Electricity Board (Tendering)

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will investigate the tendering procedure undertaken by the South of Scotland Electricity Board for the transport of coal from Knockshinnoch to Longannet; if he will instruct the board to retender if there has been any failure to follow prescribed tendering procedures or if the contract has not been awarded to the lowest suitable tenderer; and if he will make a statement.

The Secretary of State does not prescribe tendering procedures since that is a matter for the board. I am advised that the board's formally approved procedures, which are also subject to independent audit, were complied with in this case.

"Broadleaves In Britain"

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if the Forestry Commission plans to hold further meetings about the "Broadleaves in Britain" review, before 8 May with any of the following: Timber Growers UK, the Institute of Chartered Foresters, the National Farmers Union, the Country Landowners Association, the Association of District Councils, the Nature Conservancy Council, the Countryside Commission, the Countryside Commission for Scotland, and the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors.

It may be necessary for the Forestry Commission to have discussions with Timber Growers UK, the Country Landowners Association, the Nature Conservancy Council and the two Countryside Commissions about particular aspects of the development of the draft policy proposals to be discussed at the seminar on 8 May.

Home Department

Metropolitan Police (Shooting)

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will call for a report from the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis on an incident in Islington, London, on 2 March, in which a man was shot by the police; and if he will make a statement on the substance of the report.

My right hon. and learned Friend has already called for a report and will study it carefully when he receives it.

Firearms

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is satisfied with the criteria by which chief constables issue licences under the Firearms Act 1968; and if he will make a statement.

The Firearms Act 1968 itself sets out the considerations which a chief officer of police is required to take into account before issuing a firearms certificate, and we have no plans at present to bring forward amending legislation. The administration of the Act has been reviewed by a working party which reported in April 1984 and recommended standardised procedures for adoption by all forces. The report of the working party was circulated to chief officers of police under cover of Home Office circular No. 47/1984, a copy of which is in the Library of the House.

Prisons Control Review Committee

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what progress has been made in implementing the report of the Prisons Control Review Committee.

My right hon. and learned Friend intends to make a statement about our progress in the next couple of months.

Date	Education Unit Attendances		Skill Training Unit Attendances		Mother and Baby Unit Attendances
	Actual	Potential^*	Actual	Potential^*	Actual	Potential†
11 February am	21	32–40	Unit Closed	40	17	17
					No Class
11 February pm	22	32–40	Unit Closed	40	Scheduled	17
12 February am	Unit Closed	32–40	11	40	12	15
12 February pm	Unit Closed	32–40	Unit Closed	40	12	15
13 February am	21	32–40	12	40	14	14
13 February pm	29	32–40	14	40	7	14
14 February am	22	32–40	9	40	Class Closed	16
					No Class
14 February pm	Unit Closed	32–40	Unit Closed	40	Scheduled	16
15 February am	Unit Closed	32–40	Unit Closed	40	11	14
15 February pm	Unit Closed	32–40	Unit Closed	40	8	14
^* The number of prisoners who can be accommodated, which in the education unit varies according to the activity. The number of prisoners available for both the education unit and the skills training unit may be smaller.
† The number of prisoners in the unit at the time.

Police Tactical Aid Groups

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what guidelines exist, or what advice his Department gives, on the use of police tactical aid groups in conjunction with (a) industrial disputes, including picket duty, (b) demonstrations and (c) student demonstrations.

The Department has issued no advice on the use of such units in these circumstances.

British Crime Survey

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is yet in a position to publish the findings of the follow-up study of the British crime survey; and if he will make a statement.

No, but we expect to do so in about two months when the analysis is complete.

Mr Ralph L Moss

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his Department has completed its investigation into the loss or disappearance of the personal possessions of Ralph L. Moss, who is currently held at HM remand centre, deport block, Ashford; and if he will make a statement.

When it was discovered early in January that property belonging to Mr. Moss had apparently disappeared from Ashford remand cente, the police were asked to investigate. I understand that a report on the investigation is expected to be submitted shortly, and I will communicate with the hon. and learned Member when the results are available.

Holloway Prison

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the actual and potential number of student attendances at classes and groups in Holloway prison in (a) the education unit, (b) the skills training unit and (c) the mother and baby unit in the most recent convenient week.

For the week beginning Monday 11 February 1985, the information available is as follows:

Education And Science

Non-Clinical Scientists

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will seek to establish a career structure offering continuity for non-clinical basic scientists engaged in medical research.

The terms of employment of research staff are matters for employees and their representatives and for the university or other employing body.

A-Level Passes

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will publish in the Official Report a list of local education authorities in order of achievement, according to the number of A-level passes obtained, expressed as a percentage of the total number which could have been obtained; and if he will include in the compilation of the list figures relating to tertiary colleges of education as well as secondary schools.

The information is shown in the table.

Percentage of maintained school leavers^*with one or more A-level passes
Average over the three academic years 1980–81 1981–82, 1982–83
	Average
Richmond-upon-Thames	^*32·4.
Barnet	27·9
Harrow	25·9
Sutton	24·1
Surrey	22·0
Kingston-upon-Thames	21·6

	Average
Buckinghamshire	21·0
Wigan	^*20·6
Hertfordshire	19·9
West Sussex	19·5
Bromley	19·3
Redbridge	18·1
Cheshire	^*18·0
North Yorkshire	17·9
Sefton	17·8
Oxfordshire	17·5
Stockport	17·4
Hounslow	17·1
East Sussex	17·1
Havering	17·0
Berkshire	16·8
Kent	16·8
Gloucestershire	16·7
Lancashire	^*16·5
Somerset	^*16·5
Wirral	16·4
Leicestershire	16·4
Solihull	16·3
Dorset	16·3
Enfield	16·3
Croydon	16·1
Hampshire	^*16·0
Devon	^*16·0
Merton	15·8
Northumberland	15·6
Calderdale	15·4
Bexley	15·3
Warwickshire	15·2
Hillingdon	15·2
Kirklees	15·1
Leeds	15·0
Trafford	14·6
Cumbria	14·5
Cambridgeshire	14·3
Isle of Wight	14·3
Essex	14·3
Bury	14·2
Derbyshire	^*14·2
St. Helens	14·1
Newcastle-upon-Tyne	14·1
Cornwall	14·0
Avon	13·9
Shropshire	^*13·8
Bolton	13·7
Hereford & Worcester	13·7
Brent	13·4
Cleveland	13·4
Dudley	^*13·4
Lincolnshire	13·3
Sheffield	13·2
Ealing	13·1
North Tyneside	13·1
Wiltshire	13·0
Bradford	13·0
Rochdale	12·9
Walsall	12·8
Humberside	12·6
Coventry	12·6
Bedfordshire	12·5
Staffordshire	12·2
Liverpool	12·0
Nottinghamshire	12·0
Suffolk	12·0
Northamptonshire	11·9
Birmingham	11·7
Doncaster	11·6
Durham	11·5
Salford	11·5
Haringey	11·4
Waltham Forest	11·2
Norfolk	10·9
ILEA	10·5
Gateshead	10·2

	Average
Rotherham	10·0
Manchester	9·9
Barking	9·6
South Tyneside	9·6
Wolverhampton	9·6
Sunderland	9·3
Barnsley	9·1
Wakefield	^*9·0
Tameside	8·7
Sandwell	7·6
Knowsley	7·6
Newham	7·4
Oldham	7·1
^* The figures include estimates of the percentage of those in the 16–18 age group who left school without attempting A levels but achieved at least one A level pass at tertiary college.

Source: Statistical Bulletin 13/84.

Environment

Law Centres

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement about his policy towards the use of urban aid for law centres; and whether he consults the Lord Chancellor about the support given by his Department for legal advice on law centres.

Ministerial guidelines for the urban programme accord first priority to projects designed to strengthen local economies, and in particular to capital schemes. The urban programme is, however, wide-ranging and does provide revenue funding for projects tackling social problems, including law centres. Urban programme revenue funding is always for a limited period in the expectation that if a project is successful it will subsequently find support from local authority main programmes or elsewhere. Each application from a law centre is considered on its merits against other bids for the use of limited resources. The Lord Chancellor's Department is consulted when new bids for urban programme support for law centres are put forward by sponsoring local authorities.

Lambeth (Youth Training Scheme)

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will disregard for penalty purposes expenditure by Lambeth council in support of mode B youth training schemes.

I shall consider any representations to this effect that I receive from the council.

Inner City Partnerships

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he monitors how many projects collapse within 12 months of becoming time-expired under the inner city partnerships in cases where the project is not subsequently supported by a local authority.

The Department carries out an annual survey of time-expired urban programme projects. At the end of 1983–84, within all the partnership and programme authorities, only two time-expired voluntary sector projects for which renewed urban programme support was sought and refused failed subsequently to receive local authority funding. The survey did not investigate what happened to these projects.

House Of Commons (Maintenance)

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list the costs for 1983–84, and the estimated costs for 1984–85 and 1985–86, of maintaining the House, divided between building repairs, general services, and furniture and equipment.

The Property Services Agency's records do not readily identify the precise costs attributable to individual buildings forming the parliamentary estate, nor do they distinguish between costs for the two Houses.The following figures accordingly relate to the parliamentary estate as a whole:

£ thousand
	^*1983–84	†1984–85	†1985–86
Building alteration works	1,485	950	1,203
Building maintenance and repairs	5,367	5,635	4,866
General services	438	496	466
Furniture and equipment (new purchases and maintenance)	864	880	823
Fuel and utilities	855	950	976
Rents	290	288	338
Total	9,299	9,199	8,672
^* Actual.
† Estimated.

Local Government Employees

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment, pursuant to his reply to the hon. Member for Norfolk, North on 25 February Official Report, column 61, if he will give details of total employee pay and associated costs, including cost of office accommodation, heating, lighting, and other associated costs, for local government white collar and manual employees, for each of the years 1978–79, 1979–80, 1980–81, 1981–82, 1982–83 and 1983–84; and if he will show for each year the average cost per employee.

Information is not available centrally about the costs of office accommodation, heating, lighting and other costs associated with employees.

Town And Country Planning (Compensation) Bill

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will introduce legislation analogous to that contained in the Town and Country Planning (Compensation) Bill to extend to all other types of property; and if he will make a statement.

The provisions of the Town and Country Planning Bill, which remove compensation rights under section 169 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1971, have been limited to extensions to blocks of flats, because these are the cases where there is clear evidence that compensation rights are currently being abused. Any evidence of similar abuse which is produced during the passage of the Bill through Parliament will be carefully considered.

Radon Gas

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will give his assessment of the amount of radon gas present in a dwelling in (a) Sellafield, (b) north Bedfordshire and (c) Cornwall.

Preliminary estimates by the national radiological protection board, based on its current surveys of dwellings in the United Kingdom, are that the levels in Cumbria are about the same as the average for the United Kingdom as a whole; in north Bedfordshire about half the average; and in Cornwall generally about four times the average. No measurements of radon levels have been made in dwellings in the immediate area of Sellafield, but NRPB has not identified any factors there which would be expected to lead to levels significantly different to those in the rest of Cumbria.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what studies his Department has carried out into the effect of double glazing and stone floors in dwellings in which radon gas accumulates.

Research on radon gas accumulation by the Building Research Establishment of my Department and by the NRPB has not specifically addressed the influence of these two factors. However, the surveys of dwellings in the United Kingdom currently being undertaken by NRPB may provide useful information. In terms of current knowledge, the material from which floors are constructed and the nature of glazing are not likely to have overriding significance in determining radon levels.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will indicate the steps the Government propose to take to carry out the recommendations on radon gas formulated in paragraph 5.49 of the Royal Commission's report on environmental pollution Tenth report.

The position remains as set out in paragraphs 53 and 54 of "Controlling Pollution: Principles and Prospects: the Government's response to the Tenth Report of the Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution" (pollution paper no. 22), which was published on 13 December 1984 and is in the Library.

Nuclear Waste

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether local authorities engaged in formulating their case against a nuclear waste depository at Elstow and the other sites to be announced will be permitted to treat such outlays or part thereof as expenditure not subject to penalty for the purpose of local government grant.

All Costs incurred by a local authority in opposing any proposals for development will count towards that authority's total expenditure. We have not so far been persuaded of the case for disregarding any such expenditure for the purposes of calculating any holdback of block grant. My right hon. Friend will however reconsider the representations he has received on this matter in relation to possible sites for nuclear waste, and any new representations, before he takes further decisions on grant abatement for the relevant financial year.

Radionuclides (Report)

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when the Atomic Energy Authority proposes to report on the study it has undertaken into the behaviour of radionuclides in geological formations beyond repositories; and whether its findings will be disclosed to the public.

The United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority is carrying out a number of research projects, under contract to my Department, on the behaviour of radionuclides in geological formations. Some will be completed this summer, and the remainder in the first half of next year. In addition, my Department publishes an annual report summarising the results from all research undertaken as part of its radioactive waste management research programme. Copies of the annual reports are in the Library of the House. Reports on these projects will be made publicly available by my Department through the British Library Lending Division, as has already happened with previous projects in the same programme.

London Docklands

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he has examined the possibility of declaring the area covered by the London Docklands Development Corporation a simplified planning zone.

No, the powers to declare a simplified planning zone do not exist. The consultation paper my right hon. Friend issued last year on how such zones might operate provoked widespread comment which my right hon. Friend is at present considering. My right hon. Friend hopes to make an announcement shortly.

Rate Support Grant (Manchester)

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what recent discussions he has had with the leader and representatives of Manchester city council regarding the rate support grant for that city; and what was the outcome.

Manchester city council was one of the 26 authorities, including 17 rate-limited authorities, represented at a collective meeting with my right hon. Friend on 4 February. The outcome of those discussions was recorded in the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Liverpool, Riverside (Mr. Parry) on 6 February at column 621.

Planning Authorities

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the cost of fees paid to planning authorities for applications; and how much of this cost is covered not by charges, but by subsidy.

The current scale of fees is laid down in the Town and Country Planning (Fees for Applications and Deemed Applications) Regulations 1983. Fees are estimated to raise a total revenue of about £32·3 million in the present financial year, as a contribution towards the overall costs of development control to local authorities of about £73 million.

British Waterways Board

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will increase his Department's grant to the British Waterways Board by an amount equivalent to the cost of work on the route to Rhodesia section of the Chesterfield canal; and if he will make a statement.

No. The British Waterways Board uses grant-aid from my Department to meet statutorily defined standards for maintenance of their network. This section of the canal is classified as a remainder waterway, and is therefore maintained to minimum standards.Additional funding for maintenance to higher standards must come from other sources.

Land Reclamation

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how much of the £76·4 million provided in 1985–86 for derelict land reclamation will be spent on reclaiming landfill sites.

There is no specific allocation for the reclamation of landfill sites in the 1985–86 derelict land programme. Applications for grant in respect of such sites will be considered on their merits, but grant will not normally be available for those which are subject to restoration conditions.

Refuse Disposal (Costs)

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what information he has as to which local authority has the highest cost per tonne of refuse disposal, and which has the lowest; and if he will give the figures.

The information requested is published annually by the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy in its publication "Waste Disposal Statistics". Its "1983–84 Actuals" contain the latest available figures for English waste disposal authorities and show that Buckinghamshire had the lowest net revenue cost per tonne of £1·54, and Berkshire the highest at £15·62; costs were not available for the Greater London council or for Cambridgeshire. However the "1982–83 Actuals" did include figures for the GLC, and showed that they were the third highest for that period.

Leaseholders (Insurance)

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) if he will introduce legislation to prohibit freeholders from prescribing a sole insurer or sole broker for the insurance of the building by the leaseholder; and if he will make a statement;(2) if he will introduce legislation to prohibit proceedings being taken by a freeholder for the forfeiture of a lease on the grounds that the leaseholder has failed to insure the property with an insurance company, or through an insurance agency, prescribed by the freeholder; and if he will make a statement.

The Government have no proposals for legislation on the insurance of leasehold residential property at this stage. As regards flats, the committee that my hon. Friend the Minister of Housing and Construction established under the chairmanship of Mr. Edward Nugee QC, is looking at a wide range of management problems, including insurance. Its recommendations may have implications for other forms of residential property. Most leaseholders living in houses can enfranchise under the terms of the Leasehold Reform Act 1967 (as amended) if they wish to free themselves from obligations regarding insurance arising in connection with their lease.

Prime Minister

Community Service

asked the Prime Minister what consideration the Government have given to the extension of community service; whether the Government have commissioned any estimate of costings of various community service options; and if she will make a statement.

Community service schemes are available to courts throughout England and Wales. In all areas, except Humberside, these schemes have been or will be extended next month to cover offenders aged 16 and over. In Scotland, schemes for offenders aged 16 or over are available to sheriff courts serving four fifths of the population and we hope for further extensions. Schemes for offenders aged 17 and over are available to courts throughout Northern Ireland.The schemes are administered locally and vary according to local needs and circumstances, as would alternative options and their costs. The Government believe that the schemes are administered in an effective and imaginative manner, and do not see a need to commission centrally any studies such as my hon. Friend has in mind.

Wales

Local Authority Manpower

asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will publish in the Official Report a table showing for 31 March of each of the years 1974 to 1984 together with the latest available figures, the number of local authority employees in Wales, analysed by part-time/full-time status within sex, covered by each of the items (i) to (v) in part III of his consultation document "Competition in the Provision of Local Authority Services"; and if he will reconcile these numbers with the published joint manpower watch.

The information requested is not available centrally. The joint manpower watch does not collect information for this detailed level of service, nor does it collect information about the sex of employees.

Holyhead

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what financial assistance to create jobs has been directed through his Department since 1979 to the Holyhead travel-to-work area; how many jobs have been created; and if he will make a statement.

Since 1 January 1979, offers of regional selective assistance made by my Department totalling £114,000 have been accepted by companies for new and expansion projects in the Holyhead travel-to-work area. These projects were expected to lead to the creation of 95 new jobs.In addition, since that date my Department has approved urban programme assistance of £269,000 towards schemes which the local authority has estimated will employ between 170 and 180 people.

M4 (Design Life)

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what assessment he has made of the effects on the theoretical design life of more recently constructed sections of the M4 of the transference of heavy freight from rail to road being maintained after the coal strike for a period of (a) one year and (b) five years.

I shall reply as soon as possible.

National Finance

Gross Domestic Product

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will publish in the Official Report a table showing for the United Kingdom and the European Economic Community the ratio between the estimated contribution of agriculture to gross domestic product and the contribution of a 1 per cent. value added tax each year from 1980.

The information requested is contained in the following table. The table gives figures for value added tax in agriculture, for the yield from a 1 per cent. tax on the harmonised value added tax base, and for the ratio between them. The data are given for 1980, 1981 and 1982. 1982 is the last year for which figures for value added in agriculture are available for the major countries of the European Economic Community; for Ireland and Luxembourg 1982 figures are not available, so the EC total is an estimate.

Value added in agriculture, and the yield from one per cent. of the harmonised value added tax base
	1980	1981	1982
(1) Value added in agriculture (millions of ecus)
United Kingdom	7,318	8,861	10,205
European Community	64,043	77,840	89,363
(2) One per cent yield from harmonised VAT base (millions of ecus)
United Kingdom	1,856	1,942	2,984
European Community	10,904	11,721	13,143
(3) Ratio (1)–(2)
United Kingdom	3·94	4·56	3·42
European Community	5·87	6·64	6·80
Notes:
(i) Value added in agriculture is the contribution to GDP, and covers agriculture, hunting, forestry and fishing. Source: OECD National Accounts 1970–1982, except for France (UN Monthly Bulletin of Statistics); for Ireland and Luxembourg 1982 figures were not available, so agriculture was assumed to account for the same share of GDP as in 1981.
(ii) Value added, measured in national currencies, was converted to ecus using ecu exchange rates (average for the year). Source: European Economy.
(iii) The figures for one per cent. yield from the harmonised VAT base are Customs and Excise calculations based on European Commission

figures and use Commission estimates for Greece. They were converted at budget exchange rates which vary significantly from year to year.

(iv) The Civil Service strike of 1981 delayed collection of some VAT until 1982. This is the major factor behind the exceptional 1982 figure for the United Kingdom's 1 per cent. VAT base. The budget figures for 1983 and 1984 are 1,926 and 2,927 million ecu respectively.

Taxation

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer of the Exchequer what percentage of earnings was absorbed

Income tax plus NI contributions less child benefit as percentage of gross earnings
	1978–79			1984–85
Gross earnings as percentage of average earnings^*	Gross earnings £ per year	Single	† Married man with two children	Gross earnings £ per year	Single	Married man with two children
		Percentage	Percentage		Percentage	Percentage
16	758	0·0	-35·2	1,500	0·0	-45·9
52	2,527	24·3	3·9	5,000	27·0	6·3
126	6,067	33·2	24·7	12,000	34·0	25·4
209	10,111	34·0	28·4	20,000	34·1	28·4
523	25,270	53·3	49·9	50,000	45·9	43·1
^* For full time males paid at adult rates.
† Both under 11.

Vat

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will indicate for the most recent year for which figures are available the value added tax collected by the offices in Truro, Penzance and Launceston.

VAT is collected centrally, and receipts are not broken down by the locations of the businesses accounting for the tax. I regret that the information would not be available without disproportionate cost.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if any current or pending EC regulations require the application of value added tax to non-domestic and civil engineering works.

Under the EC sixth VAT directive, there is no specific relief for non-domestic construction or civil engineering work, but the United Kingdom Government take the view that zero rating is permissible as a transitional derogation under article 28.2. This view has been disputed by the Commission.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations Her Majesty's Government have received from the European Commission concerning the compatibility with the sixth value added tax directive of the exemption of certain goods and services from value added tax; and if he will make a statement.

I refer my hon. Friend to my answer on 14 March, at column 257, to my hon. Friend the Member for Luton, South (Mr. Bright).

Hot Take-Away Food

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his estimate of the revenue derived from the imposition of 15 per cent. value added tax on hot take-away food.

by income tax and social security contributions for (a) a single person and (b) a married couple with two dependent children in 1979 and 1984 for the following income categories in 1984, with equivalent categories in 1979 expressed in constant prices: £1,500, £5,000, £12,000, £20,000 and £50,000.

Information is as follows:

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much revenue has been received as the result of value added tax being imposed on hot take-away food.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the estimated revenue from value added tax or hot take-away food during the first year of the liability to this tax.

I refer my right hon. and hon. Friends to my answer on 12 November 1984, at column 89, to the hon. Member for Birmingham, Erdington (Mr. Corbett).

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate how many jobs have been lost as a result of value added tax being imposed on hot take-away food.

No reliable information is available on employment in the hot take-away food industry. However, there has been substantial real growth in the take-away food industry in recent years and this long-term trend can be expected to continue.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what effect the imposition of value added tax has had on the take-away food industry.

I refer my hon. Friend to my answer on 13 December 1984, at column 570, to the hon. Member for Islington, South and Finsbury (Mr. Smith).

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether any undertaking was given when value added tax on hot take-away food was imposed that this tax decision would be reviewed at the end of 12 months.

No. But all taxes are kept under regular review by the Government.

Families (Taxation)

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent representations he has received concerning the taxation of families.

I have received several proposals on this subject from hon. Members and others.

Departmental Staff (Bonus Payments)

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if bonus payments are to be given to Inland Revenue staff as a result of the intended collection of extra revenue following closer inspection of the accounts of small businesses; and if he will make a statement.

As part of their policy to enhance the management performance and effectiveness of the Civil Service, the Government announced on 5 December 1984 an experimental scheme starting in April 1985 under which staff at the levels of grade 3 (Under Secretary) down to Principal and equivalent grades will have the opportunity to earn a bonus for particularly good performance during the year. This scheme will operate in all Departments. The staff eligible in the Inland Revenue include the more senior tax inspectors, but there is no question of the scheme being set up specifically for them. As it happens, the inspectors who will qualify for bonuses do not generally deal with the accounts of small businesses. But, in any event, no inspector has been offered the chance of a bonus for bringing in extra tax revenue from small businesses.

Merchant Shipping Industry

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what were the gross receipts to the United Kingdom invisible balance of payments arising from the operations of the United Kingdom merchant shipping industry in each year from 1979 to 1984; and what were the net balances on the sea transport invisible account as a whole in the same years.

The latest estimates are as follows:

Balance of Payments Invisibles Account
£ million
	United Kingdom ship operators' gross credits	Balance on Sea Transport Account
1979	3,187	127
1980	3,144	141
1981	3,063	-160
1982	2,527	-530
1983	2,328	-884
1984^*	2,570	-1,108
^* Provisional.

Johnson Matthey Bankers

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will ensure that any report sent to him by Price Waterhouse or by the City police fraud squad into the affairs of Johnson Matthey Bankers will be published.

[pursuant to his reply, 14 March 1985, c. 260]: The Price Waterhouse report was commissioned by the Bank of England and is a matter for the governor. But I am advised that it contains confidential information concerning the commercial affairs of customers of Johnson Matthey Bankers, who are entitled to the normal confidence owed by a bank to its customers, and will not therefore be published. The findings of the report will, however, be taken fully into account by the official committee which is currently reviewing the system of banking supervision in the light of events at Johnson Matthey Bankers.I have no reason to expect a report on the affairs of Johnson Matthey Bankers from the City police fraud squad.

Employment

Dock Labour

asked the Secretary of State for Employment (1) what representations he has received on behalf of dock labour scheme port employers expressing concern at the effect on their competitive position of the burden of financing severance schemes administered by the National Dock Labour Board and drawing attention to the possible loss of jobs consequential upon any decision by scheme port employers to terminate their operations;(2) when he expects to complete his urgent review of the basis of dock worker severance finance referred to in his minute presented to Parliament dated 30 January; on what basis severances of registered dock workers will be permanently financed after the current arrangements expire on 31 March; and if he will make a statement;(3) if he will make it his policy to ensure that any revised scheme for the financing of severance payments for dock workers takes account of the impact of such a scheme on the relative competitive positions of scheme and non-scheme port employers.

My right hon. Friend is having continuing discussions with representatives of the port employers about severance arrangements in their industry. These discussions have embraced the issues to which my hon. Friend refers.

Job Release Schemes

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will announce the results of the review of the rates of allowance payable under both the part-time and full-time job release schemes.

Following our annual review of allowances, the rates payable under the job release schemes from 8 April, will be as follows:PART-TIME SCHEMEFor disabled men aged 60 and 61 and men aged 62 and 63 who are married with a dependent wife whose net income from all sources does not exceed £13 a week: £40·70 a week taxable; for all others £33·80 a week, taxable.For women aged 59 and men aged 64 who are married with a dependent spouse whose net income from all sources does not exceed £13 a week: £35·55 a week, tax free; for all others £28·95 a week, tax free.The new part-time scheme allowances include a supplement of £4, to make the scheme more attractive to employees.FULL-TIME SCHEMEFor disabled men aged 60, 61, 62 and 63—and for men who have joined the scheme at aged 62 and 63—who are married with a dependent wife whose net income from all sources does not exceed £13 a week: £71·15 a week, taxable; for all others £58·35 a week, taxable.

For women aged 59 and men aged 64 who are married with a dependent spouse whose net income from all sources does not exceed £13 a week: £63 a week, tax free; for all others £49·95 a week, tax free.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment whether he is proposing to make any further changes to the job splitting and part-time job release schemes; and if he will make a statement.

As my right hon. Friend announced on 12 November, both schemes will continue in 1985–86 but with improvements designed to encourage changes in working patterns and to help in reducing unemployment.The rules of the job splitting scheme will be changed with effect from 1 April to widen the scope of the scheme and to ensure that it operates more flexibly. The main changes are:

—to increase the grant available to employers from £750 to £840 payable in three instalments;
—to allow employers to create two new part-time jobs which must be filled by people leaving other Government schemes, notably the youth training scheme;
— to allow employers to create a part-time job from combining the regular overtime hours of existing full-time jobs;
—to remove the restrictions in the current rules on the time allowed for part-time workers to work or train alongside each other;
—and to permit more flexibility in the working arrangements to be adopted by allowing the hours of the part-time jobs to be averaged over a 13-week period.

In addition, for the first time, the grant will be payable to an employer supporting a successful application under the part-time job release scheme. Further changes have also been made to the part-time job release scheme to make it more attractive. They will apply in respect of employees who join the scheme on or after 29 April:

The main changes are:

—to remove the restriction preventing individuals from moving from the part-time scheme to the full-time schemes; and
—to simplify the application procedure and the current rules, particularly those covering the hours to be given up by the employee.

In addition, the new part-time scheme allowances applying from 8 April will include a supplement of £4, in addition to the usual annual increase, to make the scheme more attractive to employees.

New leaflets giving details of the changes will be available from Department of Employment regional offices, jobcentres and careers offices shortly.

Manpower Services Commission

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will set out the main improvements in economy and efficiency achieved in the Manpower Services Commission since 1979.

While total expenditure on the Commission's programmes and services is increased from £640 million in 1978–79 to an estimated £2,260 million in 1985–86 as a result of the introduction of major new programmes, such as the community programme, the youth training scheme and the enterprise allowance scheme, MSC staff numbers have been reduced from 25,300 in April 1979 to 20,800.

Jobcentres

Major economies and improvements in efficiency in jobcentres have resulted from:

—the abandonment of compulsory registration for unemployed people (1,300 staff saved);
—a Rayner scrutiny of the employment service which resulted in a wide range of changes saving £8 million a year and almost 400 staff.

In addition recently agreed plans for the development of the employment service produce a larger jobcentre network with more advanced computerised vacancy handling arrangements leading to eventual savings of almost 1,000 staff and £8 million a year.

Professional and Executive Recruitment

Since April 1983 PER has been required to break even. It achieved this for the 1983–84 financial year and looks set to do so again this year. It now employes 290 permanent staff as compared with 770 in April 1979, but makes more placings overall.

Adult Training

It is planned to double—to 250,000—the number of adults trained under the commission's programmes within the current levels of resources available.

In order to ensure that the resources devoted to the direct provision of training by Government are spent cost effectively, the Government's main providers, the skillcentres, were reorganised in 1983 into the separate skillcentre training agency, and required ultimately to cover costs from trading income, in competition with other providers. The agency's proposals to enable it to do so from April 1986 will involve a significant streamlining of its operations.

Industrial Training Boards

Sixteen statutory industrial training boards out of a total of 23 have been replaced by more flexible voluntary arrangements, and the cost to the taxpayer of supporting these boards—over £60 million a year at today's prices—has been wholly eliminated.

Agriculture, Fisheries And Food

Sheepmeat

asked the Minister of Agriculure, Fisheries and Food whether he will publish in the Official Report a table showing for 1984 the prices and consumption of sheepmeat on the same basis as that given in his answer of 19 March 1984, Official Report, columns 356–58.

The information requested is as follows. The estimated figures for 1983 given in my answer of 19 March 1984 have been replaced with the final figures.

Sheepmeat
United Kingdom	1983	1984
Average market price £/tonne(i)	^*1,465	‡1,617
	†1,805	‡1,793
Wholesale price £/tonne(ii) Home-produced	1,638	1,711

United Kingdom	1983	1984
New Zealand	1,265	1,443
Landed price £/tonne(iii) Irish Republic≑	1,486	1,070
New Zealand	1,213	1,222
Retail Price Index(iv) 1974 = 100 Mutton and Lamb	245	256
All items excluding foodstuffs	342	359
Supplies available for consumption per head of mutton and lamb (v) Kgs/per person/per year	7·3	‡7·1
^* Great Britain average market price (estimated dressed carcase weight prices at liveweight auctions) for animals certified under the sheep variable premium scheme.
† Northern Ireland average market price (estimated dressed carcase weight prices recorded at the four auction markets used for EC price reporting purposes).
‡ Estimates.
≑ Imports from Ireland to which these figures relate are of very small quantities.
Sources:
(i) Annual Review of Agriculture. (ii) Smithfield prices (English Medium & New Zealand PL&PM grades). (iii) UK Trade Statistics. (iv) Retail Price Index. Department of Employment. (v) Annual abstracts of Statistics.

Animal Feedingstuffs

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how much rapeseed in the EEC is used for animal feed; what is the cost to EEC funds of using this feed; and if he will publish in the Official Report a table showing the total subsidies paid by the EEC on ingredients to animal feed and the total value of the feed produced.

In 1984, Community production of rapeseed is estimated to have been 2·9 million tonnes, providing about 1·8 million tonnes of rapeseed meal, nearly all of which was incorporated in animal feed. Very little whole rapeseed is used in animal feed. Crushing subsidies of about 417 mecu were paid in 1984 to make Community-produced rapeseed competitive with imported seed but these payments were made in respect of the seed, of which the meal is only a by-product. Crushing subsidies of about 196 mecu and 33 mecu respectively were paid on sunflower seed and soya beans.The following subsidies are estimated to have been paid by the Community in 1984 on other ingredients of animal feed (in mecu).

	mecu
Skimmed milk powder for calves	891
Liquid skimmed milk for calves	125
Skimmed milk powder for animals other than calves	37
Liquid skimmed milk for animals other than calves	414
Intervention skimmed milk powder for animals other than calves	^*549
Peas and field beans	†139
Special sale of intervention wheat for use in animal feed	8
Dried fodder	76
^* Costs for this scheme are not yet separately available in the 1984 FEOGA budget estimates. The figure shown is the out-turn for 1983.
† A small part of this expenditure relates to aid for peas and beans for human consumption.

Source: FEOGA Budget estimates.

The total value of feed produced is not known but the value of purchased animal feed in 1983 is estimated at 30,683 million ecu.

Egg Production (Document)

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the document, "Egg Production: briefing document," issued by the British Egg Industry Council, a copy of which has been sent to him; and whether he accepts the statistical information therein as to the condition of hens in cages.

I have no responsibility for this document which was, I understand, issued by the British Egg Industry Council for the information of Members of Parliament, the media and others.

Thames Flood Barrier

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he considers existing arrangements for the operation of the Thames flood barrier provide adequate protection against flooding in Twickenham and Teddington.

[pursuant to his reply, 14 March 1985]: Yes. I have no evidence that existing arrangements for the operation of the barrier are not working as designed.

Trade And Industry

Cocom

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what are the new modified procedures agreed at the high-level COCOM meeting on 6 and 7 February for reviewing its list; into which four segments the list is divided for review purposes; and in which sequence the segments will be reviewed.

The division of COCOM lists has been arranged so that each segment contains similar list items grouped together and that there is a logical sequence of items between the segments, which will normally be reviewed between June of one year and the following June. In general terms, the first segment covers components and the associated manufacturing machinery and processes, chemicals, metalloids and petroleum products, and the atomic energy list; the second covers chemical and petroleum equipment, electronic communications equipment and related technology, and computers and software; the third covers metals minerals and their manufactures, metal working machinery, robotics and communications and fibre optic related list items, including telecommunications switching systems; and the fourth covers test equipment, transportation equipment, related electronic detection measurement and test equipment and their components, and the munitions list.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how he proposes to consult the information technology industry prior to the annual reviews by COCOM of segments of its list.

My officials will follow the normal consultation process of approaching the relevant trade associations concerned, but, as always, we will be ready to consider the views of any interested parties. My Department issued a press notice on 4 March seeking firms' urgent views on those list items to be reviewed in the first segment. Copies of this notice were sent separately to trade associations and specialist trade journals, and it was also reprinted in my Department's weekly journal British Business on 8 March.

Overseas Trade Fairs

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he has any plans to increase the number of small companies which participate in British Overseas Trade Board-supported overseas trade fairs.

As the BOTB stated in the consultation document dated 3 December 1984, which is available in the Library of the House, the board believes it right to concentrate on helping the smaller and medium sized firms to overcome the problems of entering new markets.The BOTB believes it is best to achieve this emphasis by the nature of the schemes of support rather than by rules relating to the size of firms.

Registered Designs Act 1949 And Copyright Act 1956

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he has any proposals to amend the Registered Designs Act 1949 and section 10 of the Copyright Act 1956; and if he will make a statement.

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

Regional Aid

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of the effect of his regional aid policy upon net employment in those industries to which the policy is directed; and if he will make a statement.

Until the recent changes in regional industrial policy, the policy was broadly directed at manufacturing industry in the assisted areas, although assistance was provided to some service sector projects. The available evidence suggests that by 1981 there were between 250,000 and 445,000 more manufacturing jobs in the assisted areas than there otherwise would have been if regional policy had not operated throughout the period since 1960. In addition to the effect on manufacturing industries directly aided, it is estimated that a further 100,000 to 185,000 jobs were indirectly created in the assisted areas in other industries.It is too early to make an estimate of the employment effects of the changes in regional industrial policy introduced late last year.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations have been made to him regarding the effect of regional and other aid given to companies and persons where there is already over capacity in that particular industry; and what checks his Department makes on these matters before making grants to new firms.

I shall reply to my hon. Friend as soon as possible.

Scrap Metal

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations he has received concerning the increase in the price of scrap; if he has made any estimate of or has any information about the impact of this on the United Kingdom foundry industry; by how much the price has risen in each quarter since 1982; and what powers he has to introduce a system of export licences.

[pursuant to the reply, 14 March 1985, c. 206–7]: My Department has received representations from some 60 companies and organisations about the price of ferrous scrap, including a number from owners of foundries.I am aware that ferrous scrap is an important raw material for the foundry industry and that changes in the price of scrap have a serious effect on its costs. The industry estimates that over the last 12 months this has added 10 per cent. to its production costs.The following table shows the average price span for one grade of ferrous scrap for the first week of each quarter since 1982.

Date	£ per tonne
8 January 1982	39–41
2 April 1982	42–45
2 July 1982	32–34
2 October 1982	24–26
7 January 1983	26–29
8 April 1983	38–43
1 July 1983	38–43
7 October 1983	44–48
6 January 1984	56–59
6 April 1984	53–57
6 July 1984	62–66
5 October 1984	68–72
4 January 1985	67–71
8 March 1985	84–89

Source: Metal bulletin.

Note: The prices given are for No. 1 heavy melting (OA) scrap.

Powers to introduce a system of licences for exports of ferrous scrap to countries other than EC member states exist under the Import, Export and Customs Power (Defence) Act 1939. It would be contrary to the treaty of Paris establishing the European Coal and Steel Community to impose controls on exports to other member states.

United States (High Technology Exports)

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he will obtain and place in the Library a copy of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development report prepared for that organisation by Dr. Stuart Macdonald entitled, "The Sisyphus Syndrome—Implications of US Controls on High Technology Exports"; and whether he will make a statement.

[pursuant to his reply, 14 March 1985, c. 208–9]: I understand that the report in question was commissioned by the OECD secretariat directly from Dr. Macdonald to help it assemble background material for work on high technology issues. It has been written for the OECD secretariat and has not been distributed to any OECD member Government.

Clothing And Textiles

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry in which multi-fibre arrangement product categories Pakistan, India and Sri Lanka utilised 90 per cent. or more of the multi-fibre arrangement quotas to the United Kingdom in the years 1982, 1983 and 1984, respectively.

[pursuant to the reply, 26 February 1985, c. 119]: In 1982 and 1983 India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka utilised 90 per cent. or more of their multi-fibre arrangement quotas to the United Kingdom for the following categories:

India^*

1982: MFA categories 4, 6, 15B, 27 and 29
1983: MFA categories 4 and 27

Pakistan†

1982: MFA categories 1, 2, 4, 7, 8, ex 10, 27 and 80
1983: MFA categories 1, 2, ex 10 and 27

Sri Lanka

1982: MFA category 7
1983: MFA categories 7 and 8

^* For India, category 6 was erroneously included for 1983 in reply to the hon. Member's question of 22 February 1985, at column 119.

† For Pakistan, category 27 was erroneously omitted for 1983 in the reply.

The final 1984 utilisation figures are not yet available.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what was the level of utilisation of the United Kingdom's multi-fibre arrangement quotas for each group I product category by each supplier country in 1983 and 1984.

[pursuant to the reply, 26 February 1985, c. 117–20]: Utilisation of the 1983 quota for category 2, Egypt, was 80 per cent^*.

^* Erroneously shown as "n.a." in the reply.

Social Services

Health Data

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services why patient data held by family practitioner committees is not covered by the report from the confidentiality working group and the draft code "Confidentiality of Personal Health Data."

The report from the working group on confidentiality set up by the steering group on health services information—the Körner committee—was written as advice to health authorities on the policies and management arrangements appropriate for the information they hold about patients and employees. The draft code of practice on confidentiality of personal health data issued for consultation by our Department last October was also written with the needs of health authorities in mind. Preparations are being made for consultation on a separate code for family practitioner committees and other bodies involved in family practitioner service administration, which will be based on the same general principles.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) if he will describe the nature and extent of personal data held by family practitioner committees in respect of patients;(2) what arrangements exist for the protection and maintenance of confidentiality of patient data held by family practitioner committees; and if he will make a statement;

(3) if he will list the items of personal data held by a family practitioner committee in respect of a person registered under the National Health Service and on the list of a general practitioner.

Family practitioner committees may hold some or all of the following personal data relating to patients:

Names and former and other names.
Address and previous addresses.
Sex.
If female, marital status.
Date and place of birth.
National Health Service number.

Name of usual general medical practitioner, previous GMPs, and GMPs providing any emergency treatment.Group identifiers (for example, students, new arrivals registering for general medical services).Patients receiving:

Cervical cytology tests
Maternity medical services (date of confinement).
Contraceptive services.
Sight tests (date of tests and collection of glasses).
Oxygen supplies and equipment.
Dental treatment, including details of treatment and husband's name if married; women living with husband where a refund is applied for; and details of emergency NHS dental treatment.
Treatment to arrest dental haemorrhage and signature of parent or guardian, if applicable.
Certain vaccinations and immunisations including reason for and date of vaccination, and school attended, if appropriate.

Under general medical service arrangements:

Night visits
Treatments as a temporary resident including expected stay in an area and details of treatment.

Emergency treatment if residing in an area for 24 hours or less. Exemptions from prescription, dental and optical charges giving health reasons or social security status.

Claim for refund for replacement of dental appliance on hardship grounds giving details of size of family, total weekly income, major weekly outgoings.

Medical records of deceased patients and those who have ceased to be registered with the GMP.

FPCs are expected to hold records in secure conditions and not to use personalised information for purposes other than that for which it was obtained without the written consent of the patient or his personal representatives save for bona fide research or in exceptional circumstances such as pursuant to a court order.

Aids

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he has any plans to make additional funds available to the National Health Service on (a) acquired immune deficiency syndrome research, (b) treatment and care of haemophiliacs and (c) other high risk groups; and if he will make a statement.

The Government are already financing research on AIDS. Research in the United Kingdom is being co-ordinated by the Government funded Medical Research Council (MRC) working party on AIDS. It is for the MRC to decide its research priorities in this area.As regards haemophiliacs, we are acting to protect them from the risk of contracting AIDS through their use of blood products and making considerable investment in new plant and equipment to manufacture safer products. I refer the hon. Member to my replies on 4 February and 5 February to my hon. Friend the Member for Bournemouth, West (Mr. Butterfill) at columns

450, 451, 525 and 527.

More generally we are distributing nearly £500 million in additional cash to regional health authorities in 1985–86, and are also expecting health authorities to produce cost improvement programmes yielding in excess of £100 million. The cost of dealing with AIDS will be a comparatively small demand on these additional resources for the Service as a whole.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what consultations he proposes to have with Health Ministers of the Governments of France and the Federal Republic of Germany about measures which they have taken in their respective countries to combat the acquired immune deficiency syndrome virus.

Our officials are in regular contact with the World Health Organisation AIDS reference centre in Paris which collates AIDS data from European countries.There is United Kingdom membership of the Comité de la Recherche Medicale (CRM) working group on AIDS which is responsible for European Community medical and public health research on the disease.As well as maintaining contact with the CRM working group, members of the United Kingdom Medical Research Council working party on AIDS are collaborating with research workers overseas who have isolated the AIDS related virus.The Italian Presidency is planning a meeting of the European Community Council of Health Ministers in the near future and this subject may be on the agenda.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what plans he has to increase the facilities for genito-urinary medicine to accommodate symptomatic acquired immune deficiency syndrome cases referred by general practitioners.

It is for individual health authorities to decide the allocation of funds in this area in the light of local needs and circumstances.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what assistance he intends to give to health authorities to enable them to raise the level of provision of counselling services in hospitals and communities for citizens who fear they are at risk of contracting the acquired immune deficiency syndrome virus.

We are distributing nearly £500 million in additional cash to regional health authorities in 1985–86 and are also expecting health authorities to produce cost improvement programmes yielding in excess of £100 milion identified this year. This money may be used for the development of services generally including, where it is considered appropriate, services in connection with AIDS.

Drug Addiction

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is his latest estimate of the number of persons addicted to (a) sedatives and (b) tranquillisers.

The information requested is not collected centrally.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what specialist services are available within the National Health Service for those addicted to prescribed tranquillisers or sedatives.

There are no specialist services available within the National Health Service specifically for those addicted to prescribed tranquillisers or sedatives. They would normally either be treated by their general practitioner or referred for treatment under the hospital general medical and psychiatric services. A copy of a report containing guidelines for good clinical practice in the treatment of drug misuse, including guidance on the treatment of those addicted to tranquillisers or sedatives, was sent to every doctor in the country last year. All doctors should therefore now have the basic information necessary to enable them to help this group.

Prescriptions

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will publish in the Official Report the current level of income below which a person may qualify for free prescriptions; what account is taken of dependants; whether income from any particular source or sources is disregarded; and whether he intends to increase the income limit when prescriptions are next raised.

The qualifying levels of income are based on the supplementary benefit scale rates to which is added a "tolerance margin" equal to £1·50 plus the cost of one prescription item. The levels vary with individual circumstances, including the number, age and income of dependants, any additional requirements and items of income which are disregarded in full or in part. They increase automatically when supplementary benefit is uprated or when the "tolerance margin" is raisedWhen the prescription charge is increased from £1·60 to £2 on 1 April, the "tolerance margin" will automatically increase by the same amount. This will ensure that no-one currently entitled to low income exemption loses out due to the increase in the prescription charge.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what percentage of free prescriptions are dispensed for drugs which do not require a prescription to each category of persons entitled to free prescriptions.

We estimate that approximately 30 per cent. of medicines and appliances prescribed and dispensed for those in the exempt groups are also available without prescription.We do not collect prescription information in a way which would allow similar estimates to be made for each of the exempt groups.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what percentage of free prescriptions are dispensed to each category of persons entitled to free prescriptions.

The information available is as follows:

Percentage of all exempt items dispensed for that category
Exemption Category	Percentage
Children under 16	19·3
Women 60 and over, men 65 and over	58·1
FPC Exempt	8·2
DHSS Exempt	14·0
War/Service Pensioners	0·4

Notes:

1. Figures relate to England only in 1983 and are based on sample data.

2. The category 'FPC exempt' covers those entitled to exemption on medical grounds, pregnant women and women who have had a baby within the preceding 12 months.

3. The category 'DHSS exempt' covers those entitled to exemption because they receive supplementary allowance, supplementary pension, family income supplement or housing benefit supplement and those awarded low income exemption.

4. The small proportion of exempt items where the exemption declaration does not specify an exemption category have been ignored.

5. No charge contraceptive items are not included.

Investigation (Runcorn And Widnes)

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how long his Department's fraud investigation team has been operating in the Runcorn and Widnes area; and for how long they intend to remain.

The visit of a specialist claims control team to the Department's Widnes local office started on 2 January and is planned to finish on 29 March.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many claimants have been investigated to date; and how many cases of fraud are under investigation in the current investigations taking place in the Runcorn and Widnes area.

The specialist claims control team has completed 56 investigations to date; inquiries are continuing in a number of other cases and it is expected that by the end of the exercise about 130 cases will have been examined.

Sick Pay

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will institute a search of case papers of supplementary benefit claimants in receipt of statuory sick pay back to April 1983, following the decision of the social security commissioners case CSB402/84;(2)

(a) what are the numbers of supplementary benefit claimants likely to be affected by the decision in the social security commissioner's case CSB402/84, (b) what are the estimated annual costs of applying the commissioner's decision and (c) when he anticipates that paragraphs 6564, 6583 and 6653 of the 'S' manual will be altered to take account of the decision.

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

Limited List Prescribing

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what representations he has received from the European Commission concerning the status of his limited list proposals with regard to European Community law; and if he will make a statement.

The Commission has invited us to submit observations on our proposals and we will be replying in due course. We are quite satisfied that our proposals comply with Community law.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will take steps to make available on National Health Service prescription the 13 drugs which were previously available on prescription only but which under the National Health Service (General Medical and Pharmaceutical Services) Amendment Regulations 1985 would no longer be available for supply under pharmaceutical services either in generic or brand-name form; if he will explain the reasons for his original decision in respect of these 13 drugs; and if he will make a statement.

We have been advised by our panel of independent experts that adequate alternatives exist to all the drugs which will cease to be available on NHS prescription from 1 April, whatever their licensed status. By making a selection of drugs to remain available on NHS prescription, substantial savings will be made, to be used for other services to patients in the NHS.Patients will, if they wish, be able to obtain prescription-only medicines not available under the NHS on non-NHS prescription. But there will be no medical need for them to do so.

Board And Lodging (Barking And Dagenham)

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many people received board and lodgings allowances in the borough of Barking and Dagenham in the last month for which figures are available; and what was the total cost.

Separate figures are not available for Barking and Dagenham and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

Blind And Partially Sighted People

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) how many male and how many female registered blind people are in receipt of severe disablement allowance;(2) how many registered blind people, now receiving severe disablement allowance, were receiving noncontributory invalidity pension or housewives' noncontributory invalidity pension before the severe disablement allowance was introduced;(3) how many registered partially sighted people, male and female, are in receipt of severe disablement allowance;(4) how many registered partially sighted people, now receiving severe disablement allowance, were receiving non-contributory invalidity pension or housewives' non-contributory invalidity pension before the severe disablement allowance was introduced.

I regret that information is not available in the form requested.However, the latest available figures show that, as at April 1983, some 800 men and 400 women with disorders of the eye were incapable of work and receiving non-contributory invalidity pension. It is not known how many of these were registered blind or partially sighted. All those drawing non-contributory invalidity pension immediately prior to the introduction of severe disablement allowance on 29 November 1984 were automatically transferred to the new benefit from that date. One man and 35 women who have been newly awarded severe disablement allowance since last November are shown as suffering from disorders of the eye. Of these all but one of the women have been accepted as satisfying the disablement condition on the grounds that they are registered blind or partially sighted.

Clobazam

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services, if he will explain the reasons for his decision to place restrictions on the circumstances in which Clobazam may be prescribed; if he will reconsider his decision; and if he will make a statement.

We were advised by the Chief Medical Officer's panel of independent medical and pharmaceutical experts that Clobazam was essential for the treatment of certain types of epilepsy but not in its use solely as a tranquilliser. Other tranquillisers have similar effects for all cases other than epilepsy and are much cheaper. To make Clobazam generally available as a tranquilliser would therefore entail a substantial amount of unnecessary expenditure.

Community Health Councils

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) if he will make it his policy to refrain from issuing any administrative guidance which calls in question the right of a community health council to represent the interests of its non-resident public;(2) if he will make it his policy to refrain from issuing any administrative guidance which calls in question the right of a community health council to raise issues with a regional health authority as a managing authority and as a planning authority;(3) if he will make it his policy to refrain from issuing any administrative guidance which calls in question the right of a community health council to consider issues which are not the responsibility of its corresponding district health authority;(4) if he will make it his policy to refrain from issuing any administrative guidance which calls in question the right of a community health council to concern itself with issues which extend beyond the geographical boundaries of its district.

We have no plans to issue such guidance.

Drug Abuse

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services when he intends to publish the replies of district health authorities to his circular of June 1984 asking about drug abuse and their plans to counter it.

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

Antacids

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the comparative cost per dose of (a) Polycrol and (b) the branded antacids which remain available on National Health Service prescription; and if he will make a statement.

The information requested is as follows:

Basic NHS Cost per Dose
Product	Pence
(a)
Polycrol Gel	3–6
Polycrol Tablets	1·7–3·4

Product	Pence
Polycrol Forte Gel	3–6
Polycrol Forte Tablets	2·4–4·8
(b)
Gastrocote Tablets	4·1–12·4
Gaviscon Infant	16
Gaviscon Liquid	5·8–11·5
Gaviscon Tablets	4·8–9·5
Gelusil Suspension	2·5–10·1
Maalox Suspension	5·5–11
Mucogel Suspension	5·5–11
Mucaine	0·8–1·5

I am advised that the antacid effect varies between products and is not necessarily related to the dose on which these prices are based.

I also refer my hon. Friend to my reply to him on 14 March at columns 242–43.

Domestic Services

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what criteria he has laid down for health authorities which decide to privatise domestic services to ensure that arrangements are made to secure competitive bids from the maximum number of applicants, including in-house tenders.

We have advised health authorities to ensure that tenders are sought from a sufficient number of firms and the in-house service, to provide fair and adequate competition.

Public Laboratories

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what medical bodies he intends to consult while considering his proposal to transfer the public health laboratory service's 52 regional and area laboratories to the administration of health authorities;(2) what resources he will make available to health authorities to enable them to continue recruitment of well-trained consultants to the laboratories of the public health laboratory service and to maintain a clinical microbiological service, a public health microbiological service and co-ordination for national epidemiological work in the 52 laboratories if they are to administer them in the future;(3) in which spheres of research the public health laboratory service and the Department of Health and Social Security are currently working jointly.

I shall let the hon. Member have replies as soon as possible.

Cataract

asked the Secretary of Slate for Social Services what guidelines he intends to issue to patients about the advantages and disadvantages of replacing a cataractous lens by an equivalent implant of plastic over traditional pebble spectacles.

Clinical advice is entirely a matter for a patient's medical practitioner who would, no doubt, take account of relevant published researh and the advice of professional bodies.

Waiting Lists

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether the waiting list figures for 30 September 1984 will, when they are published, reflect the review which health authorities have been asked to carry out to improve their accuracy, referred to in the answer of 28 January, Official Report, column 62.

No. The letter asking authorities to carry out the review went out in December 1984.

Ancillary Services (Contractors)

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will list all those district health authorities with which he or his Department has had discussions or correspondence with regard to the awarding of in-house contracts for laundry, cleaning and catering services.

[pursuant to his reply, 28 February 1985, c. 275]: We have identified the following health authorities with which our Department has had discussions or correspondence where the work has been, or might have been, awarded in-house.

Bristol and Weston
Calderdale
Camberwell
Colchester
Cornwall and Isles of Scilly

Eastbourne
East Dorset
East Suffolk
Frenchay
Hammersmith
Hillingdon
Kettering
Leeds Western
Maidstone
Merton and Sutton
Mid Surrey
Newcastle
North West Hertfordshire
Norwich
Paddington
Peterborough
Plymouth
Richmond, Roehampton and Twickenham
Scunthorpe
Somerset
South Cumbria
South East Kent
Southend
Southmead
Wakefield
Wandsworth
West Suffolk
West Surrey and NE Hants
Winchester
Worthing

Volume 75: debated on Friday 15 March 1985

Written Answers To Questions

Northern Ireland

Equal Opportunities

Transport Costs

House Of Commons

Private Members' Bills

Consolidation Bills

Norman Shaw North Building

Foreign And Commonwealth Affairs

Terrorism

Frontier Relaxations

Agreement For Co-Operation On The Safety Of Atomic Energy

Decade For Women

Human Rights

Defence

Boarding School Allowances

Tellurometers

Strategic Defence Initiative

Equal Opportunities

Rtm 322 Helicopter Engine

Royal College Of Surgeons (Research)

Transport

M4 (Litter)

Vehicle Testing

Illegal Parking (Hertfordshire)

London Regional Transport

Moped And Motor Cycle Riders (Training)

Motor Cyclists (Tests)

Motor Cycles (Provisional Licences)

Sailing Vessel Marques (Inquiry)

Railway Passenger Services

Missing Vessels

Energy

Standing Charges

Petrol And Diesel Prices

North Sea Oil

Sellafield (Solid Waste)

Energy Policy

Scotland

Broadleaved Woodlands

Clearfelled Woodlands

Mental Deficiency Nurse Staffing Project

South Of Scotland Electricity Board (Tendering)

"Broadleaves In Britain"

Home Department

Metropolitan Police (Shooting)

Firearms

Prisons Control Review Committee

Police Tactical Aid Groups

British Crime Survey

Mr Ralph L Moss

Holloway Prison

Education And Science

Non-Clinical Scientists

A-Level Passes

Environment

Law Centres

Lambeth (Youth Training Scheme)

Inner City Partnerships

House Of Commons (Maintenance)

Local Government Employees

Town And Country Planning (Compensation) Bill

Radon Gas

Nuclear Waste

Radionuclides (Report)

London Docklands

Rate Support Grant (Manchester)

Planning Authorities

British Waterways Board

Land Reclamation

Refuse Disposal (Costs)

Leaseholders (Insurance)

Prime Minister

Community Service

Wales

Local Authority Manpower

Holyhead

M4 (Design Life)