Written Answers To Questions
Tuesday 19 March 1985
Environment
Rate Support Grant
asked the Sectretary of State for the Environment if he will list in the Official Report (i) for each county council and (ii) for each district council in England and Wales (a) the total payments made in rate support grant for the year 1974–75, (b) an estimate of the payments shown in (a) above at present day prices and (c) the total payments made in rate support grant for the year 1984–85.
This information is given in the following table. The figures in columns 2 and 3 are not comparable, for the following reasons:(i) Rate support grant in 1974–75 comprised needs, resources and domestic elements. Needs element was paid to non-metropolitan county councils, metropolitan district councils and London borough councils. Resources element was paid to qualifying non-metropolitan district councils, metropolitan district councils and London borough councils. No payments were made to precepting authorities in London or to the metropolitan county councils.(ii) The figures for 1984–85 comprise block grant, after holdback, and domestic rate relief grant. Block grant is payable to all local authorities.Receipts and payments under the appropriate London rate equalisation scheme are not included.My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales has been responsible for payments of rate support grant to local authorities in Wales since 1981–82.
| £million | |||
| RSG payment for 1974–75 | At 1984–85 price base using GDP deflator | RSG payment for 1984–85 | |
| Avon | 48·3 | 153·5 | 102·8 |
| Bedfordshire | 25·7 | 81·8 | 60·1 |
| Berkshire | 41·1 | 130·8 | 55·9 |
| Buckinghamshire | 28·7 | 91·5 | 57·5 |
| Cambridgeshire | 27·8 | 88·3 | 74·7 |
| Cheshire | 46·7 | 148·4 | 100·6 |
| Cleveland | 37·3 | 118·7 | 92·0 |
| Cornwall | 18·8 | 59·8 | 73·3 |
| Cumbria | 32·5 | 103·3 | 91·4 |
| Derbyshire | 45·0 | 143·1 | 132·8 |
| Devon | 44·3 | 141·0 | 144·5 |
| Dorset | 25·3 | 80·6 | 61·5 |
| Durham | 32·2 | 102·3 | 120·5 |
| East Sussex | 29·7 | 94·4 | 61·8 |
| Essex | 81·2 | 258·3 | 144·1 |
| Gloucestershire | 24·5 | 77·8 | 70·4 |
| Hampshire | 73·9 | 234·9 | 186·8 |
| Hereford and Worcester | 30·4 | 96·7 | 88·6 |
| Hertfordshire | 61·8 | 196·6 | 70·5 |
| Humberside | 46·6 | 148·2 | 165·8 |
| Isle of Wight | 4·7 | 15·0 | 20·1 |
RSG payment for 1974–75
| At 1984–85 price base using GDP deflator
| RSG payment for 1984–85
| |
| Kent | 81·8 | 260·2 | 219·2 |
| Lancashire | 72·3 | 229·9 | 279·0 |
| Leicestershire | 43·7 | 138·9 | 136·2 |
| Lincolnshire | 28·5 | 90·7 | 96·9 |
| Norfolk | 31·5 | 100·2 | 92·6 |
| Northamptonshire | 24·5 | 77·9 | 84·9 |
| Northumberland | 19·5 | 62·2 | 50·2 |
| North Yorkshire | 39·8 | 126·5 | 108·2 |
| Nottinghamshire | 52·5 | 166·9 | 167·7 |
| Oxfordshire | 27·5 | 87·4 | 49·8 |
| Salop | 19·1 | 60·8 | 67·3 |
| Somerset | 19·4 | 61·8 | 65·5 |
| Staffordshire | 51·5 | 163·7 | 158·4 |
| Suffolk | 26·2 | 83·4 | 78·6 |
| Surrey | 52·7 | 167·6 | 49·0 |
| Warwickshire | 24·0 | 76·3 | 61·9 |
| West Sussex | 29·1 | 92·4 | 59·0 |
| Wiltshire | 28·3 | 90·1 | 87·4 |
| Clywd | 19·9 | 63·3 | *
|
| Dyfed | 22·2 | 70·5 | *
|
| Gwent | 24·8 | 78·9 | *
|
| Gwynedd | 15·4 | 49·0 | *
|
| Mid Glamorgan | 28·8 | 91·5 | *
|
| Powys | 11·0 | 35·0 | *
|
| South Glamorgan | 22·7 | 72·2 | *
|
| West Glamorgan | 19·4 | 61·8 | *
|
| Greater Manchester | 0·0 | 0·0 | 102·6 |
| Merseyside | 0·0 | 0·0 | 62·5 |
| South Yorkshire | 0·0 | 0·0 | 62·3 |
| Tyne and Wear | 0·0 | 0·0 | 75·8 |
| West Midlands | 0·0 | 0·0 | 65·8 |
| West Yorkshire | 0·0 | 0·0 | 103·0 |
| Isles of Scilly | 0·3 | 0·9 | 0·7 |
| Greater Manchester | |||
| Bolton | 26·0 | 82·7 | 57·9 |
| Bury | 16·0 | 50·8 | 33·0 |
| Manchester | 58·4 | 185·6 | 96·2 |
| Oldham | 22·7 | 72·2 | 54·7 |
| Rochdale | 22·3 | 70·9 | 51·2 |
| Salford | 27·5 | 87·4 | 57·0 |
| Stockport | 25·0 | 79·6 | 43·4 |
| Tameside | 22·5 | 71·6 | 48·1 |
| Trafford | 14·8 | 47·1 | 24·5 |
| Wigan | 31·0 | 98·8 | 63·9 |
| Merseyside | |||
| Knowsley | 22·1 | 70·4 | 39·7 |
| Liverpool | 65·6 | 208·8 | 118·3 |
| St. Helens | 17·9 | 57·0 | 36·8 |
| Sefton | 27·9 | 88·9 | 48·5 |
| Wirral | 33·6 | 107·0 | 61·7 |
| South Yorkshire | |||
| Barnsley | 25·0 | 79·5 | 49·8 |
| Doncaster | 30·6 | 97·2 | 60·3 |
| Rotherham | 26·4 | 84·1 | 56·1 |
| Sheffield | 52·5 | 166·8 | 89·8 |
| Tyne and Wear | |||
| Gateshead | 24·1 | 76·6 | 44·3 |
| Newcastle upon | |||
| Tyne | 30·2 | 96·0 | 38·4 |
| North Tyneside | 23·0 | 73·1 | 39·8 |
| South Tyneside | 21·2 | 67·3 | 39·5 |
| Sunderland | 33·9 | 107·9 | 61·8 |
| West Midlands | |||
| Birmingham | 91·4 | 290·7 | 195·0 |
| Coventry | 30·2 | 96·1 | 61·1 |
| Dudley | 20·4 | 64·9 | 39·4 |
RSG payment for 1974–75
| At 1984–85 price base using GDP deflator
| RSG payment for 1984–85
| |
| Sandwell | 21·5 | 68·4 | 54·3 |
| Solihull | 15·8 | 50·2 | 30·2 |
| Walsall | 20·7 | 65·7 | 47·4 |
| Wolverhampton | 19·7 | 62·7 | 48·1 |
| West Yorkshire | |||
| Bradford | 53·2 | 169·2 | 114·1 |
| Calderdale | 21·4 | 67·9 | 44·9 |
| Kirklees | 40·4 | 128·6 | 91·2 |
| Leeds | 68·8 | 219·0 | 125·0 |
| Wakefield | 32·6 | 103·6 | 57·6 |
| City of London | 0·4 | 1·4 | 0·6 |
| Camden | 21·4 | 68·2 | 5·3 |
| Greenwich | 18·5 | 59·0 | 24·9 |
| Hackney | 22·3 | 71·0 | 44·7 |
| Hammersmith and Fulham | 18·0 | 57·3 | 33·8 |
| Islington | 22·0 | 70·0 | 3·9 |
| Kensington and Chelsea | 19·3 | 61·3 | 14·4 |
| Lambeth | 29·2 | 93·0 | 37·3 |
| Lewisham | 27·5 | 87·3 | 43·0 |
| Southwark | 26·8 | 85·3 | 17·8 |
| Tower Hamlets | 19·1 | 60·7 | 21·8 |
| Wandsworth | 28·9 | 91·9 | 49·9 |
| Westminster | 24·0 | 76·4 | 14·1 |
| Greater London | |||
| Council | 0·0 | 0·0 | 0·0 |
| Inner London | |||
| Education | |||
| Authority | 0·0 | 0·0 | 0·0 |
| Metropolitan Police | 0·0 | 0·0 | 137·8 |
| Barking and Dagenham | 12·8 | 40·8 | 26·7 |
| Barnet | 21·6 | 68·7 | 38·9 |
| Bexley | 17·1 | 54·5 | 46·6 |
| Brent | 21·8 | 69·2 | 55·4 |
| Bromley | 20·3 | 64·5 | 47·8 |
| Croydon | 23·2 | 73·7 | 48·6 |
| Ealing | 20·9 | 66·5 | 59·0 |
| Enfield | 17·4 | 55·2 | 45·0 |
| Haringey | 20·8 | 66·2 | 54·1 |
| Harrow | 13·7 | 43·6 | 33·9 |
| Havering | 18·3 | 58·3 | 45·9 |
| Hillingdon | 15·6 | 49·6 | 22·7 |
| Hounslow | 14·9 | 47·5 | 18·4 |
| Kingston-upon-Thames | 9·6 | 30·6 | 18·4 |
| Merton | 12·4 | 39·4 | 29·1 |
| Newham | 20·0 | 63·6 | 75·8 |
| Redbridge | 15·5 | 49·2 | 42·1 |
| Richmond-upon-Thames | 10·7 | 34·0 | 20·2 |
| Sutton | 10·8 | 34·3 | 28·6 |
| Waltham Forest | 18·2 | 57·9 | 65·1 |
| Avon | |||
| Bath | 2·8 | 9·0 | 3·4 |
| Bristol | 10·0 | 31·7 | 16·3 |
| Kingswood | 3·5 | 11·2 | 2·9 |
| Northavon | 3·3 | 10·6 | 2·9 |
| Wansdyke | 2·7 | 8·7 | 2·0 |
| Woodspring | 4·9 | 15·5 | 6·0 |
| Bedfordshire | |||
| North | |||
| Bedfordshire | 2·7 | 8·7 | 3·9 |
| Luton | 1·6 | 5·2 | 5·4 |
RSG payment for 1974–75
| At 1984–85 price base using GDP deflator
| RSG payment for 1984–85
| |
| Mid | |||
| Bedfordshire | 3·5 | 11·1 | 2·3 |
| South | |||
| Bedfordshire | 1·0 | 3·1 | 2·3 |
| Berkshire | |||
| Bracknell | 1·0 | 3·2 | 2·5 |
| Newbury | 2·0 | 6·4 | 3·6 |
| Reading | 1·2 | 3·7 | 3·8 |
| Slough | 0·9 | 3·0 | 3·0 |
| Windsor and Maidenhead | 1·5 | 4·8 | 3·9 |
| Wokingham | 2·7 | 8·7 | 3·4 |
| Buckinghamshire | |||
| Aylesbury Vale | 2·3 | 7·2 | 3·3 |
| Beaconsfield | 1·0 | 3·0 | 1·6 |
| Chiltern | 1·4 | 4·6 | 2·5 |
| Milton Keynes | 1·0 | 3·2 | 3·3 |
| Wycombe | 1·7 | 5·5 | 4·0 |
| Cambridgeshire | |||
| Cambridge | 1·0 | 3·3 | 3·2 |
| East | |||
| Cambridgeshire | 2·3 | 7·3 | 1·4 |
| Fenland | 2·8 | 8·9 | 2·0 |
| Huntingdon | 3·8 | 12·1 | 3·3 |
| Peterborough | 2·9 | 9·2 | 4·1 |
| South | |||
| Cambridgeshire | 2·8 | 8·8 | 2·8 |
| Cheshire | |||
| Chester | 2·5 | 7·8 | 3·5 |
| Congleton | 2·6 | 8·2 | 2·3 |
| Crewe and Nantwich | 4·0 | 12·7 | 3·8 |
| Ellesmere and Neston | 0·7 | 2·2 | 1·9 |
| Halton | 2·1 | 6·7 | 3·9 |
| Macclesfield | 3·9 | 12·4 | 4·9 |
| Vale Royal | 3·2 | 10·1 | 3·2 |
| Warrington | 5·6 | 17·9 | 5·1 |
| Cleveland | |||
| Hartlepool | 4·3 | 13·7 | 4·7 |
| Langbaurgh | 2·9 | 9·1 | 4·4 |
| Middlesbrough | 8·9 | 28·2 | 9·9 |
| Stockton-on-Tees | 4·4 | 13·9 | 5·2 |
| Cornwall | |||
| Caradon | 2·4 | 7·6 | 2·4 |
| Carrick | 2·5 | 7·8 | 2·9 |
| Kerrier | 3·3 | 10·6 | 2·7 |
| North Cornwall | 2·2 | 6·9 | 2·5 |
| Penwith | 1·9 | 6·0 | 2·2 |
| Restormel | 2·1 | 6·8 | 2·4 |
| Cumbria | |||
| Allerdale | 4·2 | 13·4 | 4·0 |
| Barrow-in-Furness | 3·6 | 11·4 | 3·3 |
| Carlisle | 3·6 | 11·4 | 4·0 |
| Copeland | 3·2 | 10·2 | 2·8 |
| Eden | 1·7 | 5·5 | 1·3 |
| South Lakeland | 3·3 | 10·5 | 3·8 |
| Derbyshire | |||
| Amber Valley | 4·6 | 14·6 | 3·7 |
| Bolsover | 3·9 | 12·5 | 2·6 |
| Chesterfield | 3·5 | 11·2 | 3·6 |
| Derby | 5·7 | 18·2 | 8·4 |
| Erewash | 3·8 | 11·9 | 3·8 |
| High Peak | 3·1 | 9·9 | 2·7 |
RSG payment for 1974–75
| At 1984–85 price base using GDP deflator
| RSG payment for 1984–85
| |
| North East | |||
| Derbyshire | 4·5 | 14·5 | 3·4 |
| South | |||
| Derbyshire | 1·5 | 4·9 | 1·5 |
| West | |||
| Derbyshire | 2·8 | 8·8 | 2·5 |
| Devon | |||
| East Devon | 3·4 | 10·8 | 4·0 |
| Exeter | 2·0 | 6·4 | 3·8 |
| North Devon | 2·6 | 8·3 | 2·7 |
| Plymouth | 9·0 | 28·7 | 9·9 |
| South Hams | 2·1 | 6·7 | 2·8 |
| Teignbridge | 3·2 | 10·1 | 3·7 |
| Mid Devon | 2·3 | 7·2 | 1·9 |
| Torbay | 1·7 | 5·3 | 4·6 |
| Torridge | 2·2 | 6·9 | 2·1 |
| West Devon | 1·6 | 5·1 | 1·4 |
| Dorset | |||
| Bournemouth | 1·6 | 5·1 | 6·9 |
| Christchurch | 0·4 | 1·4 | 1·6 |
| North Dorset | 1·9 | 6·0 | 1·4 |
| Poole | 1·7 | 5·4 | 4·4 |
| Purbeck | 0·9 | 2·8 | 1·2 |
| West Dorset | 3·0 | 9·5 | 2·7 |
| Weymouth and Portland | 2·2 | 6·9 | 2·5 |
| Wimborne | 1·6 | 5·1 | 2·4 |
| Durham | |||
| Chester le Street | 2·9 | 9·1 | 2·3 |
| Darlington | 3·4 | 10·9 | 3·9 |
| Derwentside | 4·8 | 15·2 | 4·4 |
| Durham | 4·7 | 14·8 | 3·3 |
| Easington | 6·8 | 21·5 | 4·9 |
| Sedgefield | 5·1 | 16·2 | 4·8 |
| Teesdale | 1·1 | 3·7 | 0·8 |
| Wear Valley | 4·0 | 12·8 | 3·2 |
| East Sussex | |||
| Brighton | 2·9 | 9·1 | 7·9 |
| Eastbourne | 0·9 | 2·8 | 3·7 |
| Hastings | 2·3 | 7·5 | 4·0 |
| Hove | 1·2 | 3·8 | 5·1 |
| Lewes | 1·8 | 5·8 | 3·0 |
| Rother | 1·8 | 5·9 | 3·5 |
| Wealden | 3·9 | 12·4 | 4·0 |
| Essex | |||
| Basildon | 2·1 | 6·8 | 2·7 |
| Braintree | 2·6 | 8·2 | 3·2 |
| Brentwood | 1·0 | 3·1 | 2·0 |
| Castle Point | 2·3 | 7·3 | 3·0 |
| Chelmsford | 1·7 | 5·3 | 4·1 |
| Colchester | 3·6 | 11·3 | 4·2 |
| Epping Forest | 1·8 | 5·7 | 3·5 |
| Harlow | 0·7 | 2·3 | 1·3 |
| Maldon | 0·9 | 2·8 | 1·3 |
| Rochford | 1·8 | 5·8 | 2·5 |
| Southend on Sea | 1·9 | 6·2 | 7·5 |
| Tendring | 3·0 | 9·5 | 5·1 |
| Thurrock | 1·3 | 4·1 | 2·1 |
| Uttlesford | 1·3 | 4·1 | 1·9 |
| Gloucestershire | |||
| Cheltenham | 1·2 | 3·8 | 3·3 |
| Cotswold | 2·1 | 6·7 | 2·3 |
| Forest of Dean | 3·3 | 10·6 | 2·3 |
| Gloucester | 2·3 | 7·2 | 3·0 |
RSG payment for 1974–75
| At 1984–85 price base using GDP deflator
| RSG payment for 1984–85
| |
| Stroud | 3·4 | 10·7 | 3·0 |
| Tewkesbury | 2·3 | 7·2 | 1·9 |
| Hampshire | |||
| Basingstoke and Deane | 2·6 | 8·4 | 3·7 |
| East Hampshire | 2·9 | 9·4 | 3·2 |
| Eastleigh | 2·2 | 6·9 | 2·5 |
| Fareham | 2·8 | 9·0 | 2·8 |
| Gosport | 3·0 | 9·7 | 3·0 |
| Hart | 2·2 | 7·1 | 2·2 |
| Havant | 3·6 | 11·4 | 4·4 |
| New Forest | 1·3 | 5·7 | 4·6 |
| Portsmouth | 6·1 | 19·2 | 10·1 |
| Rushmoor | 1·9 | 6·0 | 3·1 |
| Southampton | 4·5 | 14·3 | 8·6 |
| Test Valley | 2·8 | 9·0 | 2·5 |
| Winchester | 2·4 | 7·5 | 2·8 |
| Hereford and Worcester | |||
| Bromsgrove | 2·2 | 6·9 | 2·3 |
| Hereford | 1·2 | 3·8 | 1·6 |
| Leominster | 1·7 | 5·4 | 1·3 |
| Malvern Hills | 3·4 | 10·9 | 2·8 |
| Redditch | 0·7 | 2·1 | 1·9 |
| South | |||
| Herefordshire | 2·3 | 7·2 | 1·4 |
| Worcester | 0·7 | 2·4 | 2·5 |
| Wychavon | 2·5 | 7·8 | 2·8 |
| Wyre Forest | 2·0 | 6·3 | 3·0 |
| Hertfordshire | |||
| Broxbourne | 1·6 | 4·9 | 2·6 |
| Dacorum | 1·3 | 4·3 | 4·1 |
| East | |||
| Hertfordshire | 2·4 | 7·6 | 3·3 |
| Hertsmere | 1·1 | 3·4 | 2·4 |
| North | |||
| Hertfordshire | 1·1 | 3·5 | 3·1 |
| St. Albans | 1·4 | 4·5 | 3·6 |
| Stevenage | 0·7 | 2·3 | 1·8 |
| Three Rivers | 1·1 | 3·6 | 2·5 |
| Watford | 0·8 | 2·6 | 2·7 |
| Welwyn | |||
| Hatfield | 1·1 | 3·4 | 2·0 |
| Humberside | |||
| Beverley | 3·7 | 11·9 | 3·6 |
| Boothferry | 2·7 | 8·6 | 2·8 |
| Cleethorpes | 2·0 | 6·3 | 2·8 |
| Glanford | 1·7 | 5·3 | 2·4 |
| Great Grimsby | 3·4 | 10·7 | 4·1 |
| Holderness | 1·6 | 5·2 | 1·6 |
| Kingston-upon-Hull | 13·0 | 41·3 | 15·7 |
| North Wolds | 3·3 | 10·4 | 3·3 |
| Scunthorpe | 0·5 | 1·5 | 2·9 |
| Isle of Wight | |||
| Medina | 2·5 | 8·0 | 2·4 |
| South Wight | 1·6 | 5·1 | 1·9 |
| Kent | |||
| Ashford | 2·5 | 7·9 | 3·1 |
| Canterbury | 3·7 | 11·9 | 5·0 |
| Dartford | 2·7 | 8·7 | 3·3 |
| Dover | 4·2 | 13·3 | 4·1 |
| Gillingham | 3·1 | 9·8 | 3·0 |
| Gravesham | 2·6 | 8·3 | 3·5 |
| Maidstone | 4·1 | 13·1 | 4·2 |
| Medway | 2·9 | 9·1 | 4·9 |
| Sevenoaks | 3·8 | 12·1 | 3·7 |
RSG payment for 1974–75
| At 1984–85 price base using GDP deflator
| RSG payment for 1984–85
| |
| Shepway | 2·4 | 7·6 | 3·7 |
| Swale | 3·8 | 12·0 | 3·8 |
| Thanet | 4·0 | 12·7 | 6·5 |
| Tonbridge and Mailing | 2·7 | 8·4 | 2·9 |
| Tunbridge | |||
| Wells | 3·2 | 10·1 | 3·4 |
| Lancashire | |||
| Blackburn | 7·2 | 22·8 | 9·6 |
| Blackpool | 4·1 | 12·9 | 7·8 |
| Burnley | 4·9 | 15·7 | 5·5 |
| Chorley | 3·6 | 11·3 | 3·3 |
| Fylde | 2·1 | 6·8 | 2·7 |
| Hyndburn | 4·0 | 12·7 | 3·8 |
| Lancaster | 5·1 | 16·2 | 5·5 |
| Pendle | 4·6 | 14·6 | 4·4 |
| Preston | 4·6 | 14·6 | 6·1 |
| Ribble Valley | 2·3 | 7·2 | 1·8 |
| Rossendale | 3·7 | 11·8 | 3·2 |
| South Ribble | 3·7 | 11·9 | 3·0 |
| West | |||
| Lancashire | 3·7 | 11·7 | 3·7 |
| Wyre | 3·9 | 12·3 | 4·5 |
| Leicestershire | |||
| Blaby | 3·1 | 9·8 | 2·1 |
| Charnwood | 3·4 | 10·8 | 3·7 |
| Harborough | 2·0 | 6·4 | 1·7 |
| Hinckley and Bosworth | 2·6 | 8·4 | 2·2 |
| Leicester | 6·3 | 20·2 | 12·7 |
| Melton | 1·2 | 4·0 | 1·3 |
| North West | |||
| Leicester | 2·5 | 8·0 | 2·2 |
| Oadby and Wigston | 1·6 | 5·1 | 1·5 |
| Rutland | 1·1 | 3·4 | 0·9 |
| Lincolnshire | |||
| Boston | 1·8 | 5·6 | 2·1 |
| East Lindsey | 4·0 | 12·6 | 3·5 |
| Lincoln | 2·7 | 8·5 | 3·1 |
| North Kesteven | 3·4 | 10·9 | 2·4 |
| South Holland | 2·6 | 8·3 | 2·5 |
| South Kesteven | 3·4 | 10·7 | 3·2 |
| West Lindsey | 3·5 | 11·2 | 2·4 |
| Norfolk | |||
| Breckland | 3·2 | 10·2 | 2·8 |
| Broadland | 4·0 | 12·6 | 2·8 |
| Great Yarmouth | 2·2 | 7·0 | 3·0 |
| North Norfolk | 2·7 | 8·4 | 3·3 |
| Norwich | 1·0 | 3·0 | 4·1 |
| South Norfolk | 3·6 | 11·6 | 2·8 |
| West Norfolk | 3·9 | 12·6 | 4·0 |
| Northamptonshire | |||
| Corby | 0·7 | 2·2 | 1·9 |
| Daventry | 1·2 | 3·9 | 1·4 |
| East | |||
| Northampton | 2·4 | 7·6 | 1·8 |
| Kettering | 2·7 | 8·6 | 2·3 |
| Northampton | 3·5 | 11·1 | 6·0 |
| South | |||
| Northampton | 2·4 | 7·7 | 1·8 |
| Wellingborough | 1·9 | 5·9 | 2·2 |
| Northumberland | |||
| Alnwick | 1·5 | 4·6 | 1·3 |
| Berwick-upon-Tweed | 1·3 | 4·0 | 1·0 |
| Blyth Valley | 3·3 | 10·6 | 3·8 |
| Castle Morpeth | 2·1 | 6·7 | 1·5 |
RSG payment for 1974–75
| At 1984–85 price base using GDP deflator
| RSG payment for 1984–85
| |
| Tynedale | 2·6 | 8·1 | 1·9 |
| Wansbeck | 2·5 | 7·9 | 2·3 |
| North Yorkshire | |||
| Craven | 1·9 | 6·1 | 1·7 |
| Hambleton | 3·0 | 9·5 | 2·1 |
| Harrogate | 4·4 | 14·1 | 5·3 |
| Richmondshire | 1·9 | 6·0 | 1·6 |
| Ryedale | 3·6 | 11·5 | 2·6 |
| Scarborough | 4·1 | 13·1 | 4·4 |
| Selby | 2·1 | 6·7 | 1·4 |
| York | 4·1 | 13·1 | 4·1 |
| Nottinghamshire | |||
| Ashfield | 5·1 | 16·3 | 3·7 |
| Bassetlaw | 2·6 | 8·1 | 1·8 |
| Broxtowe | 3·6 | 11·5 | 3·5 |
| Gedling | 4·2 | 13·5 | 3·7 |
| Mansfield | 4·5 | 14·4 | 4·9 |
| Newark | 4·5 | 14·3 | 3·3 |
| Nottingham | 6·8 | 21·5 | 13·1 |
| Rushcliffe | 2·7 | 8·5 | 2·4 |
| Oxfordshire | |||
| Cherwell | 2·5 | 8·1 | 2·9 |
| Oxford | 1·0 | 3·2 | 4·6 |
| South | |||
| Oxfordshire | 4·2 | 13·3 | 3·5 |
| Vale of White | |||
| Horse | 2·4 | 7·7 | 2·2 |
| West | |||
| Oxfordshire | 2·9 | 9·3 | 2·5 |
| Salop | |||
| Bridgnorth | 1·8 | 5·7 | 1·4 |
| North | |||
| Shropshire | 2·2 | 6·9 | 1·8 |
| Oswestry | 1·5 | 4·9 | 1·0 |
| Shrewsbury and Atcham | 2·3 | 7·3 | 2·6 |
| South | |||
| Shropshire | 1·7 | 5·3 | 1·4 |
| The Wrekin | 3·6 | 11·4 | 4·8 |
| Somerset | |||
| Mendip | 3·0 | 9·5 | 2·6 |
| Sedgemoor | 2·9 | 9·2 | 3·0 |
| Taunton Deane | 2·9 | 9·3 | 3·0 |
| West Somerset | 0·6 | 2·0 | 0·9 |
| Yeovil | 4·6 | 14·7 | 3·9 |
| Staffordshire | |||
| Cannock Chase | 2·8 | 9·1 | 2·6 |
| East | |||
| Staffordshire | 2·6 | 8·2 | 3-£ |
| Lichfield | 2·5 | 7·8 | 2·3 |
| Newcastle under Lyme | 5·1 | 16·1 | 4·2 |
| South | |||
| Staffordshire | 2·9 | 9·1 | 2·6 |
| Stafford | 3·0 | 9·6 | 3·3 |
| Staffs. | |||
| Moorlands | 3·8 | 12·0 | 2·9 |
| Stoke-on-Trent | 9·9 | 31·5 | 9·0 |
| Tamworth | 1·5 | 4·9 | 2·4 |
| Suffolk | |||
| Babergh | 2·3 | 7·4 | 2·4 |
| Forest Heath | 1·6 | 5·2 | 2·0 |
| Ipswich | 2·0 | 6·5 | 4·5 |
| Mid Suffolk | 2·4 | 7·7 | 2·2 |
| St. | |||
| Edmundsbury | 2·1 | 6·6 | 2·5 |
RSG payment for 1974–75
| At 1984–85 price base using GDP deflator
| RSG payment for 1984–85
| |
| Suffolk Coastal | 3·1 | 9·9 | 3·1 |
| Waveney | 3·4 | 10·8 | 4·2 |
| Surrey | |||
| Elmbridge | 1·7 | 5·4 | 2·8 |
| Epsom and Ewell | 1·2 | 3·7 | 2·4 |
| Guildford | 1·4 | 4·6 | 3·0 |
| Mole Valley | 1·4 | 4·5 | 2·0 |
| Reigate and Banstead | 2·1 | 6·6 | 3·0 |
| Runnymede | 1·4 | 4·5 | 1·8 |
| Spelthorne | 1·1 | 3·4 | 1·7 |
| Surrey Heath | 0·9 | 2·8 | 1·9 |
| Tandridge | 2·5 | 7·9 | 2·1 |
| Waverley | 2·2 | 6·9 | 3·2 |
| Woking | 1·1 | 3·6 | 3·1 |
| Warwickshire | |||
| North | |||
| Warwickshire | 1·3 | 4·3 | 1·7 |
| Nuneaton | 4·3 | 13·7 | 4·4 |
| Rugby | 2·6 | 8·3 | 2·7 |
| Stratford-on-Avon | 2·1 | 6·8 | 3·0 |
| Warwick | 2·0 | 6·3 | 3·5 |
| West Sussex | |||
| Adur | 1·3 | 4·1 | 1·9 |
| Arun | 2·5 | 7·9 | 5·3 |
| Chichester | 2·5 | 7·9 | 3·7 |
| Crawley | 0·6 | 1·8 | 1·1 |
| Horsham | 2·5 | 7·8 | 3·2 |
| Mid Sussex | 2·5 | 8·8 | 3·6 |
| Worthing | 1·7 | 5·3 | 4·6 |
| Wiltshire | |||
| Kennet | 2·9 | 9·3 | 2·0 |
| North Wiltshire | 4·3 | 13·6 | 2·9 |
| Salisbury | 3·3 | 10·5 | 3·0 |
| Thamesdown | 5·0 | 16·1 | 4·3 |
| West Wiltshire | 3·2 | 10·1 | 2·7 |
| Clwyd | |||
| Alyn and Deeside | 2·6 | 8·3 | *
|
| Colwyn | 2·6 | 8·4 | *
|
| Delyn | 3·7 | 11·9 | *
|
| Glyndwr | 2·4 | 7·7 | *
|
| Rhuddlan | 2·6 | 8·2 | *
|
| Wrexham | |||
| Maelor | 6·4 | 20·2 | *
|
| Dyfed | |||
| Carmarthen | 3·5 | 11·1 | *
|
| Ceredigion | 3·5 | 11·3 | *
|
| Dinepwr | 2·5 | 8·1 | *
|
| Llanelli | 4·8 | 15·3 | *
|
| Preseli | 3·6 | 11·3 | *
|
| South | |||
| Pembrokeshire | 0·6 | 2·0 | *
|
| Gwent | |||
| Blaenau Gwent | 6·5 | 20·7 | *
|
| Islwyn | 5·3 | 17·0 | *
|
| Monmouth | 4·0 | 12·9 | *
|
| Newport | 3·8 | 12·2 | *
|
| Torfaen | 5·9 | 18·6 | *
|
| Gwynedd | |||
| Aberconwy | 2·9 | 9·3 | *
|
| Arfon | 3·8 | 12·0 | *
|
| Dwyfor | 1·5 | 4·9 | *
|
| Meirionnydd | 1·7 | 5·3 | *
|
| Ynys Mon | 3·7 | 11·8 | *
|
RSG payment for 1974–75
| At 1984–85 price base using GDP deflator
| RSG payment for 1984–85
| |
| Mid Glamorgan | |||
| Cynon Valley | 5·6 | 18·0 | *
|
| Merthyr Tydfil | 5·1 | 16·1 | *
|
| Ogwr | 9·1 | 29·0 | *
|
| Rhondda | 8·4 | 26·8 | *
|
| Rhymney | |||
| Valley | 9·2 | 29·1 | *
|
| Taff Ely | 5·9 | 18·7 | *
|
| Powys | |||
| Brecknock | 2·5 | 7·9 | *
|
| Montgomery | 2·8 | 9·0 | *
|
| Radnor | 1·0 | 3·1 | *
|
| South Glamorgan | |||
| Cardiff | 11·6 | 36·8 | *
|
| Vale of Glamorgan | 5·9 | 18·9 | *
|
| West Glamorgan | |||
| Afan | 1·2 | 3·7 | *
|
| Lliw Valley | 4·0 | 12·8 | *
|
| Neath | 3·6 | 11·3 | *
|
| Swansea | 11·9 | 38·0 | *
|
Ancient Monuments
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what research has been conducted into the effects of SO2 and NOx emissions on ancient monuments; and for how long the Central Electricity Generating Board has been involved in such research.
The Building Research Establishment and Imperial college, London have been carrying out joint research for several years into the deterioration of the fabric of buildings of notable historic importance, specifically St. Paul's and Wells cathedrals. Damage to stone in regions with higher pollution levels is also being monitored; Bolsover abbey has been selected for this purpose. My Department has recently set up a group of experts to review the impact of acid deposition on building and construction materials, including historic buildings and cultural monuments; the CEGB is represented in this group. I understand that the CEGB and the Cathedrals Advisory Commission recently announced a collaborative investigation into the nature and causes of the corrosion of the stonework of ancient buildings through air pollution.
Wild Birds (Conservation)
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will publish the text of the reasoned opinion delivered by the European Commission concerning the alleged failure of the United Kingdom to incorporate correctly the Council directive of 2 April 1979 on the conservation of wild birds (79/409) as notified in the Bulletin of the European Communities No. 10 1984 page 89; and if he will publish his response to this reasoned opinion.
On 23 February 1984 the European Commission questioned British compliance with the provisions of the directive. It raised three points. The Government were able to satisfy them on two of these. The third related to Northern Ireland. Orders in Council to implement the directive in Northern Ireland were laid before Parliament on 22 November 1984, and approved by the House of Commons on 16 January 1985, the House of Lords on 17 February 1985, and the Privy Council on 14 February 1985. They will become effective on 14 April 1985.I have placed in the Library a copy of the reasoned opinion forwarded to Her Majesty's Government on 16 October 1984.
Radioactive Waste
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many waste disposal facilities in the United Kingdom are licensed by his Department to handle radioactive waste.
There are 26 sites in England which are permitted to receive low-level radioactive waste for controlled burial as a result of authorisations issued by my Department under the Radioactive Substances Act 1960. My Department is not responsible for authorising disposals elsewhere in the United Kingdom.
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how much low-level radioactive waste is disposed of each year at United Kingdom sites other than Drigg in Cumbria.
Authorisations issued under the Radioactive Substances Act 1960 require persons disposing of radioactive waste to keep records of the amounts disposed of. In the case of low-level solid wastes this information is not brought together centrally, and it would be disproportionately expensive to collect.
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how radioactive wastes arising from the commercial operations of Amersham International are disposed of; and in what quantities.
The routes by which Amersham International plc is permitted to dispose of radioactive wastes, and information about the quantities disposed of, are given in additional tables on radioactivity of the Digest of Environmental Protection and Water Statistics (No. 6 1983), copies of which are in the Library. These cover the period 1977 to 1982 inclusive. Digest No. 7, covering 1983, will be published shortly and I shall arrange for copies to be similarly available.
Holiday Projects
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what was the number and total value of holiday projects approved under traditional urban programme circular 25; and what type of schemes were supported.
One hundred and sixty-two projects worth £400,000 have been approved sponsored by 79 local authorities which have extensively deprived urban areas but do not qualify for partnership or programme status. Many of the projects are block approvals covering a number of small schemes. A wide range of activities will be supported including play schemes, adventure holidays, drama, dance and music projects, special sports activities, educational trips and visits and special language classes. As usual priority has been given to schemes run by voluntary groups and those which help handicapped children and disadvantaged ethnic minority groups. These holiday projects are additional to the round-the-year support given under the traditional urban programme to projects for children.
Vehicle Exhaust Emission Control
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on Her Majesty's Government's policy regarding the European Commission's recent proposals for vehicle exhaust emission control.
The Government are keen to see vehicle emissions reduced as far as possible, having due regard for costs, and we are taking a positive approach in Community negotiations.Alternative technologies, including the lean-burn engine, now being developed promise far greater fuel efficiency and robustness than the three-way catalyst technology used in the USA and favoured by some in Europe. These alternative technologies give almost the same reductions in emissions on a new car at less than half the cost of the three-way catalyst; over the whole life of a car they offer the prospect of better reductions, together with improved economy. Because of these implications for Community resources, the Government consider that new limit values should both afford significant environmental improvements and also enable the development of the alternative technologies to continue. The Council of Environment Ministers considered this issue on 7 March, and will return to it on 20 March, when I very much hope that it will be possible to reach agreement.
Social Services Authorities
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment which social services authorities are in penalty in 1985–86.
It is not possible to tell until budgeted expenditure returns have been received from all local authorities.
Rent Arrears
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what information is available on the level of rent arrears over the last five years.
Local authority rent arrears in England and Wales for the five years ending on 31 March 1984 amounted to:
| Gross collectable rent | Gross rent arrears | Arrears as a percentage of collectable rent | |
| £ thousand | £ thousand | Percentage | |
| 31 March 1980 | 1,944,506 | 73,707 | 3·8 |
| 31 March 1981 | 2,266,718 | 99,779 | 4·4 |
| 31 March 1982 | 3,135,744 | 138,667 | 4·4 |
| 31 March 1983 | 3,544,153 | 176,428 | 5·0 |
| 31 March 1984 | 3,485,388 | 187,931 | 5·4 |
Council House Sales
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list the number of sales completed under the right to buy or voluntary procedures for each year since 1979 to the latest available date by (a) the Lichfield district council, (b) the Cannock Chase district council and (c) the Stafford borough council.
The authorities reported the following numbers of sales:
| Dwellings sold: Right to buy and voluntary | |||
| Cannock Chase | Lichfield | Stafford | |
| 1979–80 | 0 | n/a | 70 |
| 1980–81 | 0 | 35 | 246 |
| 1981–82 | 201 | 115 | 221 |
| 1982–83 | 957 | *107 | 327 |
| 1983–84 | 362 | n/a | 226 |
| April-December 1984 | 116 | 125 | 149 |
| * April to December 1982 only. | |||
| n/a = not available. | |||
Royal Docks (Enterprise Zone)
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he has any plans to declare royal docks an enterprise zone.
My right hon. Friend does not intend to designate any further enterprise zones at present.
"Mortgage Repayment Difficulties"
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the conclusions of the Building Societies Association report, "Mortgage Repayment Difficulties," a copy of which has been sent to him, in so far as they relate to his responsibilities.
The report from the Building Societies Association puts the issue of mortgage repayment difficulties into proportion. It shows that over 99 per cent. of building societies' borrowers are able to maintain their mortgage payments, and that the single most important cause of arrears is matrimonial problems. For those who are in difficulties, the report suggests how societies can help. I am grateful to the association for publishing its findings.
Extremely Low Frequency Communications
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will commission a study into the effects of extremely low frequency communications on the environment.
I have no present plans to do so. I understand that extensive research in the United States has indicated no cause for concern about environmental effects of this type of communication system. My Department will keep the subject under review.
Old Weston Road, Molesworth
asked the the Secretary of State for the Environment if he has received any proposals to extinguish the public right of way along Old Weston road, near Molesworth.
[pursuant to his reply, 18 March 1985]: My right hon. Friend has received no such proposals. I understand that Cambridgeshire county council has decided to stop up a lay-by on Old Weston road and its application is currently before the magistrates court.
Employment
Shell Refinery, Stanlow
asked the Secretary of State for Employment if, in the light of the announced loss of 1,000 jobs at the Shell refinery at Stanlow, he has any plans to introduce special measures to alleviate the present level of unemployment in the area.
I was of course concerned to hear of the proposed manpower reductions at Shell's Stanlow refinery. I understand that Shell hopes this can be achieved by means of voluntary redundancies and natural wastage over a two-year period. All the facilities of the Manpower Services Commission will be made available to help those made redundant find alternative employment or train for new jobs. Local jobcentre and training officials have already contacted the company to offer their assistance.It is in recognition of its particular problems that the Wirral and Chester travel-to-work area has been designated a development area and is thus eligible for assistance at the highest level. However, the only way to achieve a substantial impact on unemployment in Ellesmere Port and elsewhere is for the Government to maintain their economic policies while encouraging greater enterprise, flexibility and competitiveness in industry and the labour market. In the meantime, the area continues to benefit from our special employment and training measures which are doing much to alleviate the worst effects of unemployment.
Under-Age Juveniles
asked the Secretary of State for Employment what recent representations he has received, citing individual cases, in response to the issues raised by the report of the low pay unit about the employment of under-age juveniles; and if he will make a statement.
None. I have nothing to add at present to the answer which I gave to the hon. Member for Wolverhampton, North-East (Mrs. Short) on 1 February 1985 at column 329.
Unemployment Benefit
asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many miners dismissed by the National Coal Board have been refused unemployment benefit since 5 March.
The information is not readily available and be obtained only at a disproportionate cost.
asked the Secretary of State for Employment what criteria his regional adjudicators use to assess reports from pit managers that the industrial dispute is over and a pit has returned to normal working before awarding unemployment benefit; and how he intends to ensure consistency in pit managers' recommendations of what constitutes normal working.
Regional adjudication officers hold independent appointments under social security law and Ministers are precluded from intervening in the adjudication process. I understand, however, that the chief adjudication officer has recently issued guidance aimed at ensuring consistency in the treatment by adjudication officers of information received from pit managers.
asked the Secretary of State for Employment why the onus of proving normal working after a trade dispute rests with the claimant of unemployment benefit; and what access to records the claimant has to ascertain this.
Social security—formerly national insurance — commissioners' reported decisions which form precedent case law place this onus on the claimant. Copies of decisions are available in the Library and can be seen by claimants at local offices of the Department of Health and Social Security.
| Public expenditure—Wales | |||||||||
| £ million (1983–84 base) | |||||||||
| 1979–80 | 1980–81 | 1981–82 | 1982–83 | 1983–84 | 1984–85 | 1985–86 | 1986–87 | 1987–88 | |
| 16.1 Agriculture, fisheries and food | 69 | 73 | 61 | 65 | 79 | 81 | 74 | 70 | 70 |
| 16.2 Industry, energy, trade and employment (excluding tourism) (1) | 91 | 101 | 106 | 84 | 74 | 108 | 135 | 150 | 110 |
| Other Services (1) | |||||||||
| 16.3 Industry, energy, trade and employment (tourism only) | 4 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 10 | 10 |
| 16.4 Roads and Transport | 282 | 275 | 287 | 293 | 309 | 275 | 261 | 270 | 290 |
| 16.5 Housing | 299 | 255 | 136 | 132 | 198 | 123 | 115 | 110 | 110 |
| 16.6 Other environmental services | 279 | 268 | 256 | 268 | 260 | 249 | 249 | 260 | 250 |
| 16.7 Education | 648 | 666 | 661 | 669 | 673 | 655 | 634 | 620 | 620 |
| 16.8 Arts and libraries | 28 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 30 | 30 |
| 16.9 Health and personal social services | 788 | 849 | 871 | 897 | 916 | 937 | 946 | 960 | 970 |
| 16.10 Other public services | 28 | 26 | 25 | 25 | 30 | 29 | 29 | 30 | 30 |
| Total other services | 2,356 | 2,371 | 2,268 | 2,316 | 2,419 | 2,301 | 2,267 | 2,290 | 2,310 |
| 16.11 Nationalised industries' external finance | 54 | 33 | 33 | 30 | 25 | 26 | 24 | 20 | 10 |
| Total expenditure within the Secretary of State's responsibility | 2,569 | 2,578 | 2,468 | 2,495 | 2,597 | 2,516 | 2,500 | 2,530 | 2,490 |
| Of which: | |||||||||
| Financed by ERDF receipts | 6 | 11 | 26 | 24 | 25 | 25 | 38 | 37 | 37 |
| Of which: | |||||||||
| Central Government support for the Welsh language | — | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| (1) Memorandum table | |||||||||
| Total expenditure within the Secretary of State's responsibility includes the following | |||||||||
| (a) under industry, energy, trade and employment (excluding tourism) | |||||||||
| Development Board for Rural Wales | 14 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 10 | 9 | — | — |
| Welsh Development Agency | 70 | 80 | 86 | 59 | 44 | 41 | 40 | — | — |
| Total | 84 | 88 | 95 | 68 | 53 | 45 | 49 | — | — |
| (b) under other services | |||||||||
| Housing Corporations | 36 | 36 | 36 | 47 | 41 | 37 | 36 | — | — |
| New Towns | 9 | 12 | 5 | -1 | 2 | 2 | -11 | — | — |
asked the Secretary of State for Employment what account his adjudicating officers take, when assessing eligibility for unemployment benefit for dismissed striking miners, of the existence of an overtime ban when assessing whether a pit is to be classified as working normally.
Adjudication officers hold independent appointments under social security law and consequently I cannot comment on or intervene in the adjudication process.
Wales
Government Expenditure
asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will publish in the Official Report table 3.16 of the Government expenditure plans 1985–86 to 1987–88 expressed in real terms.
The following table shows the figures which appeared in table 3.16 of the Government's expenditure plans 1985–86 to 1987–88, adjusted to 1983–84 price levels by means of the relevant gross domestic product deflators.
1979–80
| 1980–81
| 1981–82
| 1982–83
| 1983–84
| 1984–85
| 1985–86
| 1986–87
| 1987–88
| |
| Total | 45 | 48 | 41 | 46 | 43 | 39 | 25 | — | — |
| Total Public Corporations | 129 | 136 | 136 | 114 | 96 | 90 | 74 | — | — |
Note:
In some cases the individual figures do not add exactly to the totals shown because both the individual figures and the totals have been derived from unrounded figures.
Berwyn Consultation Zone
asked the Secretary of State for Wales on what basis the Berwyn consultation zone has been established by the Nature Conservancy Council; what area of land it is designed to protect; how many management agreements have to date been concluded; and over what area of land.
[pursuant to his reply, 18 March, c. 390]: The Berwyn consultation zone was established on a voluntary basis between the Nature Conservancy Council and the Berwyn Society. It covers an area of 4,887 hectares. No management agreements have been concluded to date.
Transport
Motorways (Signs)
asked the Secretary of State for Transport why all the billboards on the M1 advertising Radio Hallam are on the south-bound carriageway while all those advertising Radio Sheffield are on the northbound carriageway.
It was agreed with the broadcasting authorities that to sign the BBC1 local radio station in one direction and the IBA station in the other was the fairest and most convenient arrangement. To sign both stations in the same direction would have been confusing to drivers.
M20
asked the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects the M20 to Dover will be completed.
I hope to start construction of the Maidstone-Ashford section of the M20 in 1987. This should enable us to complete the motorway to Folkestone in 1989.There is a scheme for the improvement of the A20 between Folkestone and Dover in our main programme for April 1987 onwards. The date of completion will depend on the progress of the statutory procedures.
Heathrow-Gatwick (Helicopter Link)
asked the Secretary of State for Transport if, in view of the time saving involved, he will make it his policy to maintain a helicopter link between Heathrow and Gatwick airports.
No. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State directed the Civil Aviation Authority last year on environmental grounds to terminate the licence for the Heathrow-Gatwick helicopter service shortly after the opening of the Wisley-Reigate section of the M25.
Car Parks
asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will introduce legislation to require owners and operators of car parks to accept responsibility for loss or damage to vehicles therein; and if he will make a statement.
No; this would not be appropriate.
Motorway Mileage
asked the Secretary of State for Transport what is the total mileage of motorways in Cumbria, Lancashire, Merseyside, Greater Manchester and Cheshire.
Motorway mileage — excluding slip roads — in Cumbria, Lancashire, Merseyside, Greater Manchester and Cheshire as at December 1984 was as follows:
| Trunk motorways | Principal motorways | All motorways | |
| Cumbria | 60 | 0 | 60 |
| Lancashire | 82 | 0 | 82 |
| Merseyside | 35 | 4 | 39 |
| Greater Manchester | 79 | 8 | 87 |
| Cheshire | 76 | 0 | 76 |
Motor Cycle Helmets (Replacement Visors)
asked the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to control the quality of motor cycle helmet replacement visors.
The Department has today circulated draft regulations which would require motor cycle helmet replacement visors to comply with the latest amendments to the relevant British standard. The main requirements are that no replacement visor should be so tinted as to reduce light transmission by more than 50 per cent., and that all visors should be made of material which is resistant to abrasion. The abrasion resistance requirement will also apply to visors sold with new helmets. Manufacturers and retailers will be consulted to ensure that adequate mile is provided to set up the necessary arrangements and clear old stocks.These regulations will make a positive contribution to road safety by removing from the market visors which are excessively dark or abrade easily, so reducing the motorcyclist's ability to see clearly.
British Rail (Pso Grant)
asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he has set a cash ceiling on the central Government public service obligation grant to British Rail for 1985–86.
The cash ceiling for the financial year 1985–86 will be £820 million. This is 10 per cent. less in constant prices—£42 million less in cash—than the ceiling for 1984. The figure reflects the progress which the board is making towards its PSO grant target.The board will now submit a grant claim for 1985–86. The amount of grant actually paid will be settled, within the cash ceiling, in the light of that claim.
Prime Minister
Peterhead
Q17.
asked the Prime Minister if she will make an official visit to Peterhead.
I have at present no plans to do so.
Local Government Services (Privatisation)
Q22.
asked the Prime Minister if she is satisfied with progress in privatisation of local government services.
No. That is why we have recently published proposals for legislation to extend competition to a wider range of local authority activities.
Graduate Engineers
Q121.
asked the Prime Minister if she will make a statement on the demand in the United Kingdom for graduate engineers.
There is no precise measure of current or future demand for graduate engineers, and quality is as important as quantity, but there are strong indications of growing demand for greater numbers, primarily in areas relevant to information technology. We have already taken a number of steps to increase output and further measures will be announced later today.
Coal Industry
Q129.
asked the Prime Minister if she is yet in a position to announce the final cost to the Exchequer of the mining strike.
My right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer will deal with this in his Budget statement this afternoon.
asked the Prime Minister if she will define the serious criminal offences she was referring to in her answer of 5 March, Official Report, column 774, about the coal industry.
The dismissal and re-employment of its employees are matters for the National Coal Board. The board has made it clear that all cases are considered on their merits, but that there can be no question of re-employing those who have committed acts of serious violence, intimidation or vandalism. The board has already exercised a considerable degree of discretion over dismissals; there have been over 4,000 convictions for offences relating to the coal dispute compared with some 900 dismissals, of whom 280 have been re-employed. This rate of dismissals is no higher than that which has normally occurred over the past five years in the industry. If any person considers that he has been unfairly dismissed he has the right to take his case to an industrial tribunal.
Young People (Unemployment)
133.
asked the Prime Minister if she will make a statement on the level of unemployment amongst young people.
The Government are concerned to see that there are constructive and worthwhile opportunities for young people. By introducing the youth training scheme in 1983 we took a major step to provide young people with better prospects. At a cost of some £800 million a year, the scheme guarantees a place to all unemployed 16-year-old leavers and also offers places to unemployed 17-year-old school leavers, and has helped about 700,000 youngsters already. The value of the training it provides is reflected in the fact that some 60 per cent. of those leaving the scheme get jobs.More generally, our economic policies are designed to provide the conditions under which industry and commerce can create sustainable jobs.
Engagements
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 19 March.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 19 March.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 19 March.
asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Tuesday 19 March.
This morning I presided at a meeting of the Cabinet and had meetings with ministerial colleagues and others. In addition to my duties in this House I shall be having further meetings later today. This evening I hope to have an audience of Her Majesty the Queen.
Overseas Development
Central America
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what further steps have been taken following the meeting of European Economic Community Foreign Ministers in Costa Rica last September to provide aid to the countries of Central America; and whether Her Majesty's Government are planning to contribute to such aid programmes.
Since September 1984 the European Community has approved new aid projects costing some £16 million in Central America from its existing programme of aid to developing countries not associated with the Community. The European Commission is expected to present specific proposals to follow up the commitments made in Costa Rica for consideration by the member states in the near future. Community aid to the region will continue to be financed from the European budget, to which this country makes a substantial contribution.
International Organisations (Financial Contributions)
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what contributions for 1985 are being made to the following international organisations: the International Planned Parenthood Federation, the United Nations Fund for Population Activities and the World Health Organisation's special programme on human reproduction.
At the international population conference held in August 1984, my noble Friend Lord Glenarthur announced the Government's intention to contribute a total of £9·5 million in 1985 to multilateral population organisations. I have now agreed to increase this total sum to £11 million. The following pledges for 1985 have been made:
| £ million | |
| International Planned Parenthood Federation | 4·5 |
| United Nations Fund for Population Activities | 4·5 |
| WHO Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction | 2·0 |
The Arts
Items In Lieu Of Tax
asked the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State answering in respect of the Arts if he will make a statement about the future administration of the Government's scheme for accepting works of art in lieu of tax and for indemnifying owners of works of art who lend to appropriate bodies for public exhibition.
The acceptance of works of art in lieu of tax and the provision of indemnity cover for public exhibitions call for detailed casework and for consultation with the Government's expert advisers. As from 1 April 1985, it has been decided that these activities can be most effectively co-ordinated by the Museums and Galleries Commission. At present the commission provides advice on the allocation to museums and galleries of works of art which the Government accept in lieu of tax; it also gives advice on the public interest and security aspects of the indemnities for which my right hon. and noble Friend the Minister for the Arts is responsible. From 1 April the commission will take responsibility for the day-to-day administration of acceptances of works of art in lieu of tax, and for the indemnity scheme operated by the Minister for the Arts and the Secretaries of State for Scotland and Wales. The policy and decision making responsibilities of Ministers for these activities will remain unchanged. After 1 April applications for indemnities should be sent direct to the Museums and Galleries Commission: offers of works of art and other heritage property should continue to be made through the capital taxes offices in the first instance.
Northern Ireland
Public Library Service (Report)
asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what consideration has been given to the report on the Public Library Service in Northern Ireland prepared by the Northern Ireland Assembly; and when he expects to be able to announce his decision.
The report made several important recommendations which are being carefully considered. My right hon. Friend will let the Assembly have the Government's response shortly.
Mobile Classrooms
asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many mobile classrooms are erected at controlled primary and secondary schools in each of the Magherafelt, Cookstown, Strabane and Omagh district council areas; how many of these mobile classrooms have received appropriate planning permission; and at what schools these have not received planning permission.
The information is as follows:
| No. of Mobile Classrooms at | ||
| District Council Area | Controlled Primary Schools | Controlled Secondary Schools |
| Magherafelt | 4 | 12 |
| Cookstown | 15 | 26 |
| Strabane | 15 | 19 |
| Omagh | 21 | 17 |
Magherafelt District Council area
Ampertaine primary
Maghera primary
Bellaghy primary
Kilross primary
Magherafelt secondary
Cookstown District Council area
Ballynenagh primary
Moneymore primary
Ballinderry primary
Toberlane primary
Cookstown primary
Cookstown high
Magherafelt-Moneymore Road
asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps the Department of the Environment is taking to ensure the safety of persons along the Magherafelt-Moneymore road.
A review is in progress to determine the nature and the timing of works on this road.
Strip Searches (Armagh Prison)
asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many strip searches were made of female prisoners in Her Majesty's prison, Armagh, in December, January and February, respectively; if he will give the number of persons involved and the number of times each person was searched; whether any prison contraband, smuggled item or illegal correspondence was discovered in any search, indicating which items; in how many cases prisoners refused to be searched and had to be restrained while the search was being concluded; and if he will indicate the reasons for the search, namely making an appearance at Armagh court house on remand, attending trial, inter-prison visit or other reasons.
During December 1984, there was a total of 38 strip searches carried out on 23 prisoners; one prisoner was searched on three occasions; 13 on two occasions and nine once. During January 1985, there was a total of 36 strip searches carried out on 26 prisoners; one prisoner was searched on three occasions; eight on two occasions and 17 once. During February 1985, there were 50 strip searches carried out on 31 prisoners; 19 prisoners
| Attending Armagh remand court | Attending trial | Inter-prison visits | *Others | Total | |
| December 1984 | 1 | — | — | 37 | 38 |
| January 1985 | 2 | — | 2 | 32 | 36 |
| February 1985 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 46 | 50 |
| * This category comprises searches in connection with first admission and final discharge, bail court appearances, attendance at other remand courts, appeal court hearings, outside hospital visits, the pre-release programme, and the home leave scheme. | |||||
asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will break down the published figures on the monthly incidence of strip searches in Her Majesty's prison, Armagh, to indicate the reasons for each
| Attending Armagh remand court | Attending trial | Inter-prison visits | Home leave scheme | *Others | Total | |
| 1984 | ||||||
| June | 2 | 1 | — | 6 | 29 | 38 |
| July | 5 | — | — | 5 | 15 | 25 |
| August | 2 | — | 4 | 4 | 18 | 28 |
| September | 2 | — | — | 1 | 10 | 13 |
| October | 2 | — | 2 | 5 | 21 | 30 |
| November | 2 | 1 | 4 | 2 | 24 | 33 |
| December | 1 | — | — | 18 | 19 | 38 |
| 1985 | ||||||
| January | 2 | — | 2 | — | 32 | 36 |
| February | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 44 | 50 |
| * This category comprises searches in connection with first admission and final discharge, bail court appearances, attendance at other remand courts, appeal court hearings, outside hospital visits, pre-release programme and employment interviews. | ||||||
Housing Executive (Painting Contracts)
asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland why the Northern Ireland Housing Executive is restricting tender documents for painting contracts to those painting firms which have previously carried out contracts to a value of £100,000 or over; and if he will make a statement.
[pursuant to his reply, 11 March 1985, c. 37]: I am advised by the chairman of the Northern Ireland Housing Executive that the issue of tender documents for painting contracts is not restricted in the way suggested. Financial capacity and management resources are, however, assessed before the issue of invitations to tender for painting and other contracts.
Defence
Porton Down (Yellow Rain)
asked the Secretary of State for Defence if the defence microbiological research laboratories at Porton Down have conducted research on samples of alleged yellow rain.
The Chemical Defence Establishment, Porton Down, has conducted research on yellow rain
were searched on two occasions and 12 once. No prohibited articles were found during these searches and no prisoner refused to be searched. These searches were carried out in the following circumstances:
search, namely, making an appearance on remand at Armagh court house, attending trial, inter-prison visit, release on parole or other reasons.
The information in the form requested is available only from 1 June 1984. The breakdown is as follows:samples as part of a continuing investigation into the alleged use of mycotoxins in south-east Asia. We are not yet in a position to make a statement about the results.
Low Frequency Communications (Scotland)
asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the feasibility study being conducted on prospects for extremely low frequency communications in Scotland.
Research on ELF is continuing with a view to validating the concept before determining whether it will have an operational role to play.
asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the sites being considered for the location of extremely low frequency antenna systems in Scotland.
I have nothing to add to the answer which my right hon. Friend the Minister of State for the Armed Forces gave to the hon. Member for the Western Isles (Mr. Stewart) on 5 December 1984 at column 181. Consideration of possible sites remains at an early stage.
Nuclear Weapons (Testing)
asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether there are any reciprocal arrangements with the United States Government in exchange for the British Government testing British nuclear warheads in the United States of America.
The United States and United Kingdom Governments jointly test United Kingdom nuclear devices at the Nevada test site in the United States of America as a part of the continuing exchanges which take place under the terms of the agreement between the Governments of the United Kingdom and United States of America for co-operation on the uses of atomic energy for mutual defence purposes, Cmnd. 537, July 1958, as amended.
asked the Secretary of State for Defence under which subheads in the Defence Estimates money is allocated for nuclear weapon testing.
Any such expenditure is borne on the defence procurement subheads of Vote 2 of the Defence Estimates.
Nato (Northern Europe)
asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he intends to support the creation of a new North Atlantic Treaty Organisation command with responsibility for the defence of northern Europe.
NATO's existing command structure takes full account of the importance of northern Europe. Any changes to NATO's command structure would be a matter for collective Alliance consideration; none is in prospect.
Test Ban Treaty
asked the Secretary of State for Defence how much money is allocated out of the research and development budget for defence for research on verification of a comprehensive test ban treaty.
It would not be in the national interest to reveal details of the defence R and D effort devoted to verification of a comprehensive test ban treaty.
asked the Secretary of State for Defence what scientific investigations are being carried out at present on behalf of Her Majesty's Government to overcome any problems of verification of a comprehensive test ban treaty.
The Ministry of Defence has a continuing programme of work on seismological monitoring and other technologies relevant to the verification of a comprehensive test ban. The Government tabled a working paper on these issues at the Geneva conference on disarmament in August 1983. In addition, we play a full part in the work of the conference on disarmament ad hoc group of scientific experts which considers international co-operation measures in detection and identification of seismic events, and we took part at the end of last year in a technical test of the worldwide collection and exchange of seismological data, the results of which are expected soon.
Foreign And Commonwealth Affairs
Libya (Terrorist Organisations)
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations Her Majesty's Government have made to the Government of Libya regarding Colonel Gaddafi's recent statement expressing willingness to support terrorist organisations such as the Irish Republican Army; and if he will make a statement.
At a meeting in Rome on 5 March with Libyan officials, British officials sought clarification of Colonel Gaddafi's recent statement, stressed to their Libyan counterparts that such statements were very damaging and warned that any evidence of Libyan support for terrorist organisations would be taken very seriously. They made clear that we would carefully assess Libyan actions and attitudes towards the United Kingdom in deciding how far we were prepared to deal with Libya in future.
Falkland Islands
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what progress has been made in defining an exclusive fishing zone for the Falklands; and if he will make a statement.
As my right hon. and learned Fiend said in the House during the debate on the Falklands—FAC report—on 14 March as reported in columns 495 and 496, the Government have decided to explore possible ways in which to establish a multilaterally based conservation and management regime for fisheries in the waters around the Falkland Islands. We are taking steps to develop that approach.
Gibraltar
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if Her Majesty's Government will make it their policy not to enter into any further negotiations with the Government of Spain concerning the future of Gibraltar unless Spain ceases to supply arms to Argentina.
We continue to make our views on the supply of arms to Argentina known to our allies. Our relations with Spain are friendly as befits fellow members of the North Atlantic Alliance, and states soon to be partners in the European Community. It is in that context, and within the framework of the commitment given to the people of Gibraltar in the preamble to the 1969 Gibraltar constitution, that our discussions with Spain on Gibraltar are being held.
Non-Proliferation Treaty (Review Conference)
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the British Government's preparations for the non-proliferation treaty third review conference in Geneva in September.
We are actively preparing for this important conference. British delegations attended the two preparatory committee meetings in 1984 and we will be represented at the third and last session of the preparatory committee in April. Our preparations have included regular consultations with the other depositaries of the treaty, the United States and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. Our intensive preparatory work reflects our firm commitment to the treaty and our determination that the conference will be successful.
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the composition of the British delegation to the third review conference of the non-proliferation treaty in Geneva in September.
I refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Brentwood and Ongar (Mr. McCrindle) on 28 January in column 39.
Trident
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether the development of the British Trident system is compatible with the Government's obligations under article 6 of the non-proliferation treaty.
Yes. Future acquisition of Trident will not violate article VI of the non-proliferation treaty, and will represent the minimum capability necessary to deter aggression. In accordance with this treaty article we remain committed to seeking agreements on effective nuclear arms control. The first priority must be balanced and verifiable reductions in the large arsenals of the superpowers.
South Africa
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether the United Kingdom obtains arms and related material from South Africa other than those covered by United Nations Security Council Resolution 558 (1984).
I have been asked to reply.The Ministry of Defence has no contracts for the purchase of any such equipment from South Africa.
Agriculture, Fisheries And Food
Sugar Beet
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food why the Agricultural and Food Research Council makes no charge for work on sugar beet; and what is the cost of the subsidy given for this purpose.
Under the Food Act 1984 my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Wales and I are required to draw up a programme of research and education in matters affecting the growing of sugar beet and to provide for its funding. The cost of the programme is met through a levy on the growers of sugar beet and on British Sugar plc. Under these arrangements all work carried out in AFRC institutes and elsewhere is paid for in full. There is no element of subsidy.The programme for 1985–86 is set out in the Sugar Beet (Research and Education) Order 1985, which was laid on 11 March 1985.
Pesticides
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received advocating the introduction of efficiency tests or standards for pesticide spray application equipment, based upon the number of droplets it produces per unit area of the target.
None in such specific terms. However, the testing of spraying equipment under the Food and Environment Protection Bill was advocated by a number of speakers during debate on the Bill in another place and by some organisations in their comments on the proposals for legislation.
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what studies his Department has made, or is aware of, regarding the effect of the rodenticide Brodifacoum and its effects on barn owls and other birds of prey.
Before any rodenticide is cleared under the pesticides safety precautions scheme notifiers must supply data on studies of toxicity to non-target species including wildlife populations. This data is then scrutinised by Government experts and by the Advisory Committee on Pesticides, its scientific sub-committee and its specialist environmental panel. Only when this examination of the data has satisfied Government Departments that, provided the recommended precautions are followed, the product can be used with minimal risk to wildlife is the product cleared for use in the United Kingdom. All clearances are kept under review and can be withdrawn or amended in the light of new evidence of risk.Brodifacoum has been scrutinised in this way. The possibility of a risk to predators such as owls from its persistence in rodent carcases was identified and, for this reason, the chemical currently has commercial clearance for indoor use only. However, further data from small-scale trials have been submitted to the environmental panel and will be forwarded to the scientific sub-committee for consideration in due course.As part of our continuous surveillance of pesticides use, my Department operates a wildlife incident investigation scheme under which all reported incidents of suspected pesticide poisoning of wildlife are investigated. The results are taken into account in the review of clearances. No incidents linking barn owl deaths in the United Kingdom with the use of Brodifacoum have been reported. There have been reports of owl deaths in Malaysia associated with the widespread outdoor use of Brodifacoum, but the circumstances of this use are radically different from those which pertain in the United Kingdom.
Dairy Produce
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what are the figures for the import to and export from the United Kingdom of dairy produce under individual product headings, for the past five years, indicating in each case the importing and exporting nation concerned.
The information requested is published annually by Her Majesty's Stationery Office for the major trading nations concerned in reports entitled "Overseas Trade Statistics of the United Kingdom".
Food Labelling
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food why he has not involved the Health Education Council in the preliminary discussions his Department is conducting with industry regarding the current plans for nutritional labelling of food.
The informal discussions which have taken place between MAFF and DHSS officials and representatives of the food industry were essentially to consider the practicalities of fat content labelling of food and did not involve issues of health and safety at work. Following my announcement on 12 March, at column 79, of initial proposals in response to the recommendations of the report of the Committee on Medical Aspects of Food Policy on diet and cardiovascular disease we intend to consult widely with all interested parties (including the Health Education Council) before drawing up firm proposals for further labelling requirements.
Trade And Industry
Schools (Computers)
61.
asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make it his policy not to support the supply to schools of computers manufactured by companies whose ownership is outside the United Kingdom.
The only central Government financial support to schools for the purchase of computers has been provided by my Department under the micros for schools schemes, which enabled schools to buy a range of computer equipment at half price.The equipment for those schemes, which have now been successfully completed, was chosen on a combination of educational, technical and commercial grounds. No decisions have yet been made as to whether there is a case for further direct intervention, but the choice of any equipment for future schemes will be based on the same considerations.Indirect support for computers in schools, such as curriculum development and teacher training, will continue to be be based on those machines currently used in sufficient volume in schools to justify such support.
62.
asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he is planning to increase computer technology facilities in primary and secondary schools in 1985–86.
Responsibility for the overall level of computer technology facilities rests with the local educational authorities and individual schools and I welcome the fact that both LEAs and schools are devoting additional resources to this area.My Department can, through further limited financial support, encourage schools to invest in new areas of technology with which they might otherwise be reluctant to become involved.The micros in schools schemes were an exellent example of this in that schools were helped with the purchase of their first computer and as a result most schools have developed their computer facilities from their own resources.We continue to pay close attention to developments in educational technology, and are considering whether further assistance might be undertaken in 1985–86 or subsequent years.
Scrap Metal
asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he has made representations to the European Commission about the level of prices of scrap metal as a raw material.
The only grounds for making such representation under the Treaty of Paris are that there is a serious shortage. This is not the case as the United Kingdom has an annual surplus of supply over demand of the order of 4 million tonnes. However, I expect this subject to be on the agenda for discussion at the meeting of the Council of EC Industry Ministers on 26 March.
Lonrho
asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry on how many occasions and for what purposes his Department has initiated inquiries into Lonrho; and if he will make a statement.
On 23 May 1973 the then Secretary of State for Trade and Industry appointed inspectors under section 165(b) of the Companies Act 1948 to conduct an investigation into Lonrho Ltd. following boardroom disputes. In addition, the following proposed acquisitions by Lonrho have been referred to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission under the provisions of the Fair Trading Act 1973: Lonrho/Scottish and Universal Investments, on which the Commission reported in 1979, and Lonrho/House of Fraser, on which the Commission reported in 1981 and 1985. The purpose of these investigations was to establish, in each case, whether a merger situation existed and whether it might be expected to operate against the public interest.Lonrho was also involved in the recent investigation into the membership of House of Fraser plc carried out by Mr. John Griffiths QC under section 172 of the Companies Act 1948.
Weighing Equipment
asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he has received the final report of the Eden committee on "Metrological Control of Equipment for Use for Trade"; if he will place a copy in the Library; how soon he expects to determine his policy on its recommendations; and if he will make a statement.
I have just received the report of the Eden committee on metrological control. I shall study its contents carefully and expect it to publish the report as soon as possible. It is too early to estimate when recommendations might be implemented since extensive consultation may be necessary beforehand.
Cable Television
asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he is taking any action to ensure that companies obtaining a licence to operate a cable television service avoid siting fixed equipment on pavements in such a way that it presents a hazard and obstruction for disabled people; and if he will be issuing any specific guidance on the subject.
Where my right hon. Friend grants a licence to a cable operator under section 7 of the Telecommunications Act 1984 and applies to that operator the telecommunications code (which gives powers to install apparatus) he will ensure that conditions are included governing the manner in which apparatus is to be installed. It is intended that such conditions should refer, among other things, to the prevention of safety hazards and to other obligations designed to ensure that the interests of the disabled are properly protected.
Regional Industrial Policy
asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what criteria were used, when drawing up his revised regional industrial policy, in relation to the different categories of unemployment, long term unemployment, job opportunities, industrial structure and peripherality, referred to in his statement of 28 November 1984, Official Report, column 942.
Decisions on the new assisted areas were based on an assessment of each travel-to-work-area's current and future needs for additional employment opportunities. The factors taken into account were those which were both available on a comparable basis throughout Great Britain and significant aids to such an assessment. However, map decisions are not entirely susceptible of statistical treatment, and statistics were therefore used to inform but not to dictate the circumstances.
Information Technology Equipment
asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he will make a statement on information technology equipment imports from the Republic of South Korea.
| Balance of trade (exports fob-imports cif) | ||||||
| £ million | ||||||
| 1979 | 1980 | 1981 | 1982 | 1983 | *1984 | |
| Office Machinery | -48 | -25 | -33 | -49 | -76 | -60 |
| Electronic Data Processing Equipment | -190 | -144 | -400 | -553 | -872 | -794 |
| Telecommunications Equipment | +50 | +27 | +36 | +19 | -43 | -44 |
| Radio and Electronic Capital Goods | +120 | +129 | +180 | +251 | +305 | +180 |
| Passive Electronic Components | -47 | -35 | -55 | -96 | -132 | -153 |
| Active Electronic Components and Sub-assemblies | +34 | +27 | -89 | -86 | -286 | -360 |
| Electronic Consumer Goods | -387 | -363 | -709 | -922 | -1,055 | -563 |
| Total | -468 | -384 | -1,070 | -1,436 | -2,159 | -1,794 |
| Note. The Activity Headings (Standard Industrial Classification, revised 1980 required by the question and given above are regarded as constituting the information technology industry. A slightly wider definition—including electrical instruments and control systems (AH 3442 in the Standard Industrial Classification, revised 1980)—was used for the answer on 21 January 1985. | ||||||
| * First 3 quarters. | ||||||
House Of Fraser (Purchase)
asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what inquiries he is making when considering whether to refer to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission the purchase of the House of Fraser by the Al-Fayed family about the business backgrounds of members of that family; and if he is making any inquiries of the Egyptian Government.
My right hon. Friend announced on 14 March that he had decided in accordance with the recommendation of the Director General of Fair Trading not to refer the proposed acquisition of House of Fraser plc by Al-Fayed Investment Holdings plc to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission. In considering whether to make a reference he took into account the statements made and assurances given by the Al-Fayed family about its intentions with regard to House of Fraser, the support
Imports from the Republic of Korea of IT equipment and components (defined as activity headings 3301, 3302, 3441, 3443, 3444, 3453 and 3454) in the past five years have been as follows (£'000):
| £'000 | |
| 1980 | 24,960 |
| 1981 | 24,184 |
| 1982 | 31,493 |
| 1983 | 46,072 |
| 1984 | 88,984 |
asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, if, pursuant to his answer of 21 January, Official Report, column 278, he will provide a breakdown, by each sector of the information technology industry, namely, office machinery, electronic data processing equipment, telecommunications equipment, radio and electronic capital goods, electronic components and sub-assemblies and electronic consumer goods, of the balance of trade for each year since 1979.
[pursuant to his reply, 18 March1985, c. 346]The information required is:given to those statements and assurances by Kleinwort, Benson Ltd. and the fact that the board of House of Fraser and its advisers S G Warburg and Co. Ltd. intended to recommend the offer for acceptance.
Motor Vehicle Distribution Systems
asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the implementation in the United Kingdom of the European Community Commission's regulation concerning the motor vehicle distribution systems published on 18 January.
The Government very much welcome the adoption of this regulation, which seeks not only to give greater legal certainty to dealers and manufacturers but to ensure that selective distribution systems do not partition the Community's internal market. The Government believe that the regulation will give consumers greater freedom to buy from dealers in other member states if they wish, which in turn should add impetus to the present trend towards a narrowing of price differences between member states. The Government look to the Commission to ensure that the regulation, which comes into force on 1 July 1985, is effective. They are proposing to the Commission that the effect of the regulation as well as any practical problems it raises for dealers and manufacturers should be reviewed after a reasonable trial period.
Scotland
Road Building (Contracts)
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the 10 contractors who have received the largest share of motorway and trunk road construction contracts in the past three years, giving for each contractor the total value of contracts received.
During the three years ended 28 February 1985, 90 contracts each costing over £100,000 were awarded to 39 contractors. The 10 contractors who received the largest total shares of these contracts were as follows:
| £ million | |
| 1. Balfour Beatty Ltd. | 27·5 |
| 2. Fairclough Civil Engineering Ltd. | 17·1 |
| 3. Tractor Shovels (Contracts) Ltd. | 14·3 |
| 4. Norwest Hoist Ltd. | 12·3 |
| 5. Tarmac Construction Ltd. | 11·2 |
| 6. Shanks and McEwan Ltd. | 8·7 |
| 7. Whatlings (Civil Engineering) Ltd. | 8·6 |
| 8. W. J. Barr and Sons (Scotland) Ltd. | 6·4 |
| 9. A. Monk and Co. plc. | 6·2 |
| 10. Rush and Tompkins Ltd. | 6·0 |
Dornoch Firth (Road Bridge)
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether the proposed road bridge across the Dornoch Firth will be subject to tolls.
No.
Schools (Capitation Allowance)
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how much each authority provides to its schools in capitation allowance (a) at the latest available date and (b) in 1977–78 expressed (i) at current prices and (ii) in 1977–78 prices in each case.
Individual education authorities are responsible for determining capitation allowances, and information about these is not held centrally.
Redundancies
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the number of redundancies notified in the Glasgow, Pollok constituency for each year since 1970.
There are no comprehensive statistics on redundancies. The Manpower Services Commission compiles information on redundancies affecting 10 or more workers, but separate figures for areas smaller than travel-to-work areas are not readily available and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
Private Residential Homes
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many private residential homes have been registered with his Department since 1979.
Statutory responsibility for the registration of residential establishments provided for social work purposes rests primarily with local authorities. It is open to my right hon. Friend to direct that applications for registration should be made to him in particular cases, but he has not exercised this power since 1979.
Scottish Development Agency (Grants And Loans)
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will seek from the chairman of the Scottish Development Agency information about grants or loans awarded by the agency over the past six months to individuals whose financial affairs had at the time been put in trust; if he will publish details in the Official Report; and if he will make a statement.
I shall reply to the hon. Member as soon as possible.
Forest Estates (Sales)
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the forest estates, together with their acreage, which have been sold by the Forestry Commission over the last 12 months.
I shall reply to the hon. Member as soon as possible.
Social Services
Limited List Prescribing
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what were the numbers of adverse reactions received in the years 1977 to 1984 for each of the licensed benzodiazepine products; and if any of the benzodiazepine products that will remain available for prescription on the National Health Service present adverse reaction problems not reported in other benzodiazepine products which are included on the list of drugs no longer prescribable on the National Health Service.
The information requested relating to licensed benzodiazepine medicinal products is set out in the table. It is important to note that an adverse reaction report to the Committee on Safety of Medicines does not necessarily demonstrate a causal relationship between the reaction and the medicine concerned.Some benzodiazepine products that will remain available in the National Health Service after 1 April 1985 have been suspected of adverse reactions which have not been reported for products that will not be so available. However, it should be borne in mind that the number and type of adverse reactions associated with a medicine depend in part on its licensed indications and volume of prescribing. The fact that a medicine may have been the subject of more or different adverse reactions reports than others does not necessarily mean that it is less safe than the others. The Committee on Safety of Medicines has advised that when used in accordance with its respective data sheets the benefits of benzodiazepines outweigh their risks.
| Reports of suspected adverse reactions to benzodiazepine drugs | ||||||||
| Drug | 1977 | 1978 | 1979 | 1980 | 1981 | 1982 | 1983 | 1984 |
| Alprazolam | — | — | — | — | — | — | 57 | 43 |
| Bromazepam | — | — | — | — | — | 1 | 14 | 11 |
| Chlor Azepoxide | 7 | 11 | 6 | 4 | 4 | 6 | 2 | 3 |
| Clobazam | — | — | 44 | 37 | 19 | 16 | 16 | 21 |
| Clonazepam | 9 | 6 | — | 2 | — | 3 | 3 | 6 |
| Diazepam | 33 | 53 | 25 | 18 | 11 | 30 | 18 | 17 |
| Flunitrazep | — | — | — | — | — | 3 | 13 | 10 |
| Flurazepam | 24 | 31 | 10 | 13 | 8 | 6 | 2 | 3 |
| Ketazolam | — | — | — | 10 | 2 | 4 | 2 | 1 |
| Loprazolam Mesylate | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 5 |
| Lorazepam | 43 | 36 | 29 | 31 | 24 | 24 | 35 | 20 |
| Lormetazepam | — | — | — | — | 5 | 8 | 15 | 12 |
| Medazepam | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 | — | 1 | — | — |
| Midazolam Hydrochloride | — | — | — | — | — | — | 7 | 30 |
| Nitrazepam | 16 | 12 | 8 | 13 | 10 | 5 | 6 | 2 |
| Oxazepam | 4 | 5 | — | 4 | 1 | 2 | — | 1 |
| Potassium Clorazepate | 25 | 13 | 19 | 13 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 9 |
| Prazepam | — | — | — | — | — | 3 | 15 | 2 |
| Temazepam | 2 | 31 | 25 | 35 | 26 | 21 | 23 | 27 |
| Triazolam | — | — | 50 | 51 | 48 | 87 | 41 | 20 |
Social Protection (Expenditure)
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will publish tables in the Official Report, with such information as he has, for West Germany and
| Social Protection Expenditure, by Function, 1982 (In Billions of National Monetary Units) | |||||||||
| West Germany (DM billion) | France (Fr. billion) | United Kingdom (£ billion) | |||||||
| Function | Benefits in cash | Benefits in kind | Total | Benefits in cash | Benefits in kind | Total | Benefits in cash | Benefits in kind | Total |
| 1. Sickness | 28·17 | 94·90 | 123·07 | 23·69 | 215·32 | 239·00 | 2·91 | 10·47 | 13·38 |
| 2. Invalidity disablement, occupational accidents and diseases | 36·53 | 14·39 | 50·94 | 64·71 | 18·00 | 82·71 | 3·66 | 2·48 | 6·14 |
| 3. Old age and survivors | 178·05 | 19·37 | 197·42 | 382·75 | 9·70 | 392·45 | 26·01 | 1·11 | 27·12 |
| 4. Family and maternity | 29·97 | 4·99 | 34·97 | 91·31 | 21·54 | 112·87 | 5·33 | 2·46 | 7·79 |
| 5. Unemployment and promotion of employment | 23·84 | 16·64 | 40·49 | 90·87 | — | 90·87 | 7·43 | 0·30 | 7·73 |
| 6. Housing | 0·15 | 3·81 | 3·96 | — | 25·36 | 25·36 | 1·02 | — | 1·02 |
| 7. Miscellaneous | 1·11 | 1·94 | 3·05 | 2·29 | 0·21 | 2·50 | 0·22 | 0·48 | 0·70 |
| Total | 297·84 | 156·06 | 453·90 | 655·62 | 290·14 | 962·80 | 46·58 | 17·30 | 63·88 |
The following points should be noted:
(i) The data are exactly as given in the Eurostat Social Protection Statistical Bulletin, No. 1, 1984, Apart from minor inconsistencies, attributable to roundings, in the totals for West Germany and France, there appears to be a major inconsistency in the French data: total benefits in cash plus total benefits in kind do not sum to the total expenditure figure shown. This inconsistency should be corrected in the next issue of the statistical bulletin, which is due to be published later this month.
(ii) The data are shown in billions of national monetary units for 1982, and are provisional. To convert the West German and French figures into sterling equivalents, use may be made of purchasing power parity exchange rates. The relevant rates for 1982 were: DM 1 = £0·225 and Fr. 1 = £0·088.
(iii) The figures have been harmonised in accordance with the European System of Integrated Social Protection Statistics (ESSPROS).
(iv) It should be noted that data for social protection expenditure do not include fiscal benefits or capital transactions.
(v) The figures cover both Government and non-Government—for example, occupational pensions—programmes, but information is not available for West Germany or France on the division of social protection expenditure between the two, as shown for the United Kingdom in "Economic Trends", December 1984, page 91.
France, as well as for the United Kingdom on expenditure on social protection in similar form to that used in Economic Trends, December 1984, page 91.
Estimated expenditure on social protection in West Germany, France and the United Kingdom in 1982 was as follows:
Board And Lodging Payments
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is his estimate of the saving to the Exchequer in Wales from his limiting of board and lodging payments to an average of £50 per week.
Estimates of savings in respect of Wales are not available separately. The total estimated savings from all the proposals set out in the consultative document on board and lodging are expected to be of the order of £70 million in 1985–86 and somewhat higher in subsequent years.
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many of the drugs and medicines specifically excluded from his limited list of prescribable drugs were not prescribable to National Health Service patients at the time the final list was originally published.
All of the products which will cease to be available under the National Health Service on 1 April were prescribable, at National Health Service expense, when the final version of the selected list was announced. About 60 of them were, however, subject to recommendations of the advisory committee on borderline substances that they were not drugs in the circumstances of general practice and so should not be prescribed.
Child Benefit
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many families are currently in receipt of child benefit payments from his Department; what proportion of the total number of families in the United Kingdom this figure represents; what is the current annual cost of child benefit; and if he will make a statement.
About 6·9 million beneficiaries in Great Britain, close to 100 per cent. of those eligible, receive child benefit and the estimated cost for 1984–85 is £4·3 billion.
Benefits (Review)
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what progress he has made in his review of the benefits system; when he hopes to propose changes in the present system to Parliament; and if he will make a statement.
I refer my hon. Friend to my reply to the hon. Member for Newport, East (Mr. Hughes) on 12 March at column 107.
Health Authorities (Executive Directors)
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many executive directors of the 14 regional health authorities have been recruited, differentiating between those recruited from within the National Health Service and those from outside.
Regional general managers have so far been appointed by 13 of the 14 regional health authorities. Twelve come from within the NHS and one from outside.
Nhs (Training Allowances)
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if circular RPO/84/12, relating to the effect of implementing the revised training allowances agreement on the provision of clinical training for professions allied to medicine and speech therapists, has now been sent to all regional personnel officers.
The paper to which my hon. Friend refers was tabled for discussion at two meetings of departmental officials and regional personnel officers in April and June last year. The paper was circulated in advance as a matter of routine in order to enable participants to prepare for the discussion.
Charges
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will break down the net increase of £40 million in total income from charges following his statement of 11 March, Official Report, column 22, showing the amount attributable to increases in (a) prescription charges and pre-payment certificates, (b) dental charges, (c) elastic stockings and tights, wigs and fabric supports, (d) charges for private patients and (e) charges for overseas visitors.
The information is as follows:
| £ million | |
| a. Prescription charges and prepayment certificates | 19 |
| b. Dental charges | 49 |
| c. Elastic stockings and tights, wigs and fabric supports | *1 |
| d. Charges for private patients | 4 |
| e. Charges for overseas visitors | 0·1 |
| f. Other | †1 |
| 74 | |
| Less: Loss of income on the General Ophthalmic Services | (-)35 |
| 39 | |
| * Estimate (not separately identified) | |
| † Mainly additional income from road traffic accident charges and blood handling charges. | |
Open University
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what assessment he has made of the effect on disabled persons and their employment prospects of reductions in courses at the Open University; if he is taking any action in this regard; and if he will make a statement.
We are currently considering whether any help might be given where the Open University is engaged in fields concerned with disability. Last year we agreed to provide £100,000 over two years to MENCAP to enable the Open University to develop a course designed to help carers of mentally handicapped people.
Disabled People (Report)
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make a statement on the report of a comparison of social services for people with disabilities in the Netherlands and the United Kingdom, published by the Royal Association for Disablement and Rehabilitation, a copy of which has been sent to him; what response Her Majesty's Government are making to this report; if he will now commission a study of comparative positions in the whole of the EEC; and if he will make a statement.
This report is a welcome addition to the information already available about various aspects of provision for disabled people in European countries. We have no plans to commission an additional study of our own.
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what direct or indirect support he provides to the Open University to provide graduate education for disabled persons; if he will increase such provision by direct or indirect means; and if he will make a statement.
We have kept in close touch with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education and Science. We fully support the action he has taken in response to the report of the Open University visiting committee and welcome the recommendation in that report that the Open University should protect its services for disabled students.
"The Health Service In England"
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many copies of his Departments' leaflet, "The Health Service in England," were printed; and at what cost.
Some 450,000 copies of the leaflet were printed. The cost of printing and distributing it to regional health authorities was £6,370.
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what discussions he had with National Health Service trade unions before publishing his leaflet, "The Health Service in England".
None. The leaflet is a summary of factual material—already published in the 1984 annual report on the Health Service in England: October 1984: HMSO £6·95 — on which there was no cause for consultation.
"Mortgage Repayment Difficulties"
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make a statement on the recommendations of the Building Societies Association report, "Mortgage Repayment Difficulties" a copy of which has been sent to him, in so far as they relate to his responsibilities.
We have read this report with interest, particularly those parts of it which discuss the help which can be given with mortgage interest payments to those getting supplementary benefit. The whole question of help with housing costs is currently under consideration as part of the social security reviews.
Energy Saver Scheme
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will publish full details of his Department's energy saver scheme available to applicants in receipt of supplementary benefit.
People eligible for supplementary benefit whose homes are draughty may be entitled to lump sum payments to buy materials for simple measures to reduce draughts. They may also be entitled to payments to buy hot water cylinder jackets. The normal rules for entitlement to single payments apply so that, for example, claimants with savings over £500 are expected to put the excess towards the cost of the items concerned. In addition, local authorities can give grants towards the cost of loft insulation through the homes insulation scheme.
Mentally Ill Patients, Salford
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if, pursuant to the answer of the Parliamentary Under-Secretary, the hon. Member for Oxford, West and Abingdon (Mr. Patten) on 12 March concerning mentally ill patients in Salford, he will make a statement on the representations made to him by the Salford city council and the Salford health authority; what assessment he made of the problems they drew to his attention with particular reference to Prestwich hospital and what response he made.
I shall let the hon. Member have a reply as soon as possible.
Extremely Low Frequency Communications
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will commission a study of the effects of extremely low frequency communications on human beings.
At the moment we do not see a need to commission such a study. We shall, however, continue to keep the subject under review.
Prescribing Levels
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will monitor quantities per item prescribed in order to check the effect of increased charges on prescribing levels.
General practitioner prescribing is already monitored.
Nhs (General Services)
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if, in the manner of the answer to the hon. Member for Norfolk, North of 21 December, at columns 412 to 414, he will provide figures for expenditure by the family practitioner services, the Dental Estimates Board, the Prescription Pricing Authority and other special health authorities providing National Health Service central services for 1983–84; and if he will also publish comparable figures, at current and at 1983–84 prices, and comparable percentages for 1960 and 1970, for the above categories and those in the original answer.
[pursuant to his reply, 22 January 1985, c. 414]: The tables give the analysis of expenditure requested as far as it can be provided on a comparable basis.The figures for 1960–61, 1970–71 and 1983–84 are derived from the annual accounts of health authorities—and their predecessor hospital authorities, executive councils, etc.—in England for the respective financial years. Those for 1960–61 and 1970–71 at 1983–84 prices are calculated from the base years' figures by adjusting for general inflation as measured by the gross domestic product deflator at market prices.
| TABLE 1 | ||||||
| Current expenditure by hospital authorities etc. analysed subjectively (ie by type) | ||||||
| 1960–61 | 1970–71 | |||||
| From annual accounts | At 1983–84 prices | Proportion of total | From annual accounts | At 1983–84 prices | Proportion of total | |
| £ million | £ million | per cent. | £ million | £ million | per cent. | |
| A. Pay | ||||||
| Total staff salaries and wages | 286·2 | 2,003·4 | 69·23 | 706·0 | 3,233·5 | 74·49 |
| B. Non-pay | ||||||
| Drugs | 14·8 | 103·6 | 3·58 | 27·4 | 125·5 | 2·89 |
| Dressings | 6·2 | 28·4 | 0·65 | |||
| Medical and surgical appliances and equipment | 16·4 | 114·8 | 3·97 | 43·4 | 198·8 | 4·58 |
| Provisions | 37·5 | 262·5 | 9·08 | 46·0 | 210·7 | 4·85 |
| Staff uniforms and patient's clothing | 3·6 | 25·2 | 0·87 | 6·8 | 31·1 | 0·72 |
| General services (power, light, heating, water, cleaning and laundry) | 29·4 | 205·8 | 7·11 | 42·1 | 192·8 | 4·44 |
| Maintenance of buildings, plant and grounds | 17·3 | 121·1 | 4·18 | 26·0 | 119·1 | 2·74 |
| Domestic repairs, renewals and replacement | 7·2 | 50·4 | 1·74 | 12·6 | 57·7 | 1·33 |
| Office services (office equipment, printing, stationery, advertising, postage, telephone, etc.) | 5·9 | 41·3 | 1·43 | 15·0 | 68·7 | 1·58 |
| Transport | 2·0 | 14·0 | 0·48 | 4·7 | 21·5 | 0·50 |
| Travelling and subsistence expenses | 1·4 | 9·8 | 0·34 | 2·8 | 12·8 | 0·29 |
| Rents, rates and tithes | 6·2 | 43·4 | 1·50 | 14·1 | 64·6 | 1·49 |
| Contractual arrangements for patient care | 2·9 | 20·3 | 0·70 | 5·0 | 22·9 | 0·53 |
| Other expenses | 11·2 | 78·4 | 2·71 | 19·4 | 88·8 | 2·05 |
| Total | 155·8 | 1,090·6 | 37·69 | 271·5 | 1,243·4 | 28·64 |
| C. Total pay and non-pay | 442·0 | 3,094·0 | 106·92 | 977·5 | 4,476·9 | 103·13 |
| Less direct credits (staff lodging charges, canteen and other sales, etc.) | (28·6) | (200·2) | (6·92) | (29·7) | (136·0) | (3·13) |
| D. Total | 413·4 | 2,893·8 | 100·00 | 947·8 | 4,340·9 | 100·00 |
Notes to Table 1
1. The figures do not include expenditure on community health and ambulance services which prior to NHS re-organisation on 1 April 1974 were the responsibility of local government authorities.
2. The administrative expenses of executive councils which were responsible for the administration of family practitioner services are included in the table as such costs are reflected in the annual accounts of health authorities from 1974–75. For 1960–61 an apportionment of composite England and Wales figures was necessary to derive figures for England only.
3. For years prior to 1974–75 the analyses of expenditure by type provided by the annual accounts are less detailed than those for later years and analyses by function were not prepared.
4. "Other expenses" includes the total non-pay expenditure on the blood transfusion and mass radiography services for which component details are not readily available—£1·0 million in 1960–61 and 1·8 million 1970–71 (£7·0 million and £8·2 million at 1983–84 prices).
5. Total capital expenditure by the authorities whose current expenditure is included in the table was £25·1 million in 1960–61 and £119·2 million in 1970–71 (£175·7 million and £545·9 million at 1983–84 prices).
Table 2
| ||||||||
Expenditure on family practitioner services
| ||||||||
1960–61
| 1970–71
| 1983–84
| ||||||
From annual accounts
| At 1983–84 prices
| Proportion of total
| From annual accounts
| At 1983·84 prices
| Proportion of total
| From annual accounts
| Proportion of total
| |
£ million
| £ million
| Per cent.
| £ million
| £ million
| Per cent.
| £ million
| Per cent.
| |
| A. General medical services | ||||||||
| 1. Payments to general medical practitioners | ||||||||
(a) Basic practice allowance and additions | 79·4 | 555·8 | 38·94 | 38·4 | 175·9 | 9·50 | 202·1 | 7·29 |
(b) Standard capitation fees | 66·0 | 302·3 | 16·34 | 294·9 | 10·64 | |||
(c) Payments for out of hours responsibilities | 11·5 | 52·7 | 2·85 | 65·8 | 2·37 | |||
(d) Direct payment for practice accommodation and ancillary staff | 11·4 | 52·2 | 2·82 | 148·0 | 5·34 | |||
(e) Other payments, fees and allowances | 14·5 | 66·4 | 3·59 | 120·1 | 4·33 | |||
| 2. Superannuation contributions (authorities' share) | 4·9 | 34·3 | 2·40 | 7·1 | 32·5 | 1·76 | 34·4 | 1·24 |
| 3. Payments to contractors for disposable sterile syringes | — | — | — | 0·2 | 0·9 | 0·05 | 0·8 | 0·03 |
| Total | 84·3 | 590·1 | 41·34 | 149·1 | 682·9 | 36·91 | 866·1 | 31·24 |
| B. Pharmaceutical services | ||||||||
| 1. Supply and dispensing of drugs and appliances by pharmacists | 75·3 | 527·1 | 36·93 | 167·8 | 768·5 | 41·54 | 1,322·1 | 47·69 |
| Less charges to patients (retained by pharmacists) | (10·8) | (75·6) | (5·30) | (14·3) | (65·5) | (3·54) | (94·7) | (3·42) |
| 2. Supply and dispensing of drugs and appliances by medical and dental practitioners | 2·5 | 17·5 | 1·23 | 8·4 | 38·5 | 2·08 | 101·4 | 3·66 |
Comparisons over this long period cannot be entirely reliable because of changes in the structure of GDP and in the organisation of the NHS.
1960–61
| 1970–71
| 1983–84
| ||||||
From annual accounts
| At 1983–84 prices
| Proportion of total
| From annual accounts
| At 1983–84 prices
| Proportion of total
| From annual accounts
| Proportion of total
| |
£ million
| £ million
| Per cent.
| £ million
| £ million
| Per cent.
| £ million
| Per cent.
| |
| 3. Basic practice allowance | — | — | — | — | — | — | 20·6 | 0·74 |
| 4. Superannuation contributions (authorities' share) | 0·1 | 0·7 | 0·05 | 0·3 | 1·4 | 0·07 | 0·9 | 0·03 |
| 5. Other expenditure | 0·3 | 2·1 | 0·15 | — | — | — | 3·8 | 0·14 |
| Total | 67·4 | 471·8 | 33·06 | 162·2 | 742·9 | 40·15 | 1,354·1 | 48·84 |
| C. General dental services | ||||||||
| 1. Fees to dental practitioners | 49·5 | 346·5 | 24·27 | 90·0 | 412·2 | 22·28 | 572·0 | 20·63 |
| Less charges to patients (retained by dentists) | (9·0) | (63·0) | (4·41) | (16·2) | (74·2) | (4·01) | (158·2) | (5·71) |
| 2. Salaries of dental practitioners practising at health centres, etc. | 0·1 | 0·7 | 0·05 | 0·1 | 0·5 | 0·02 | 1·0 | 0·04 |
| 3. Superannuation contributions (authorities' share) | 1·9 | 13·3 | 0·93 | 3·2 | 14·6 | 0·79 | 17·9 | 0·65 |
| 4. Other expenditure | — | — | — | — | — | — | 1·1 | 0·04 |
| Total | 42·5 | 297·5 | 20·84 | 77·1 | 353·1 | 19·08 | 433·8 | 15·65 |
| D. General ophthalmic services | ||||||||
| 1. Fees for sight testing | 4·7 | 32·9 | 2·31 | 8·9 | 40·7 | 2·20 | 72·2 | 2·60 |
| 2. Supply and repair of glasses | 10·2 | 71·4 | 5·00 | 16·9 | 77·4 | 4·18 | 89·6 | 3·24 |
| Less charges to patients (retained by opticians) | (5·2) | (36·4) | (2·55) | (10·2) | (46·7) | (2·52) | (44·3) | (1·60) |
| 3. Superannuation contributions (authorities' share) | — | — | — | — | — | — | 0·3 | 0·01 |
| 4. Other expenditure | — | — | — | — | — | — | 0·5 | 0·02 |
| Total | 9·7 | 67·9 | 4·76 | 15·6 | 71·4 | 3·86 | 118·3 | 4·27 |
| Total expenditure on family practitioner services | 203·9 | 1,427·3 | 100·00 | 404·0 | 1,850·3 | 100·00 | 2,772·3 | 100·00 |
Notes to Table 2
1. The table shows total payments made to doctors, pharmacists, dentists, opticians and others contracted to the NHS to provide family practitioner services (FPS).
2. Annual accounts of health authorities (and their predecessor executive councils) provide one analysis only of such expenditure which assigns it functionally to service.
3. The table shows 1960–61 and 1970–71 FPS expenditure categorised as far as practicable in the same format as that of the annual white papers on the summarised accounts of health authorities since 1974–75. Thus, charges to patients retained by pharmacists, dentists and opticians are reflected in the table but other items of FPS income collected by health authorities (or executive councils) such as charges to patients for dental treatment at health centres and receipts from the sale of prescription charge pre-payment certificates, are excluded.
4. For 1960–61 the accounts provide separate services totals for England and similar totals for Wales with detailed analyses of only the composite England and Wales totals. It has therefore been necessary to derive the detailed figures for England pro-rata.
5. All spending on FPS is regarded as current expenditure. Some relatively insignificant costs strictly of a capital nature (relating only to certain payments made to general medical practitioners for practice accommodation) are however included.
Table 3
| ||||||||
Expenditure by the Dental Estimates Board, the prescription pricing authority and other special health authorities providing NHS central services
| ||||||||
1960–61
| 1970–71
| 1983–84
| ||||||
From Annual Accounts £ million
| At 1983–84 Prices £ million
| Proportion of Total Per cent.
| From Annual Accounts £ million
| At 1983–84 Prices £ million
| Proportion of Total Per cent.
| From Annual Accounts £ million
| Proportion of Total Per cent.
| |
| 1. Expenditure by the Dental Estimates Board | ||||||||
| (a) Salaries and Wages | 0·7 | 4·9 | 87·50 | 1·9 | 8·7 | 73·08 | 10·2 | 92·73 |
| (b) Non-pay | 0·1 | 0·7 | 12·50 | 0·7 | 3·2 | 26·92 | 0·8 | 7·27 |
| Total | 0·8 | 5·6 | 100·00 | 2·6 | 11·9 | 100·00 | 11·0 | 100·00 |
| 2. Expenditure by the Prescription Pricing Authority | ||||||||
| (a) Salaries and Wages | 0·7 | 4·9 | 87·50 | 1·6 | 7·3 | 88·89 | 11·3 | 88·98 |
| (b) Non-pay | 0·1 | 0·7 | 12·50 | 0·2 | 0·9 | 11·11 | 1·4 | 11·02 |
| Total | 0·8 | 5·6 | 100·00 | 1·8 | 8·2 | 100·00 | 12·7 | 100·00 |
| 3. Expenditure by other special health authorities providing NHS central services | ||||||||
| (a) Salaries and Wages | N/A | — | — | N/A | — | — | 1·6 | 32·00 |
| (b) Non-pay | N/A | — | — | N/A | — | — | 3·4 | 68·00 |
| Total | N/A | — | — | N/A | — | — | 5·0 | 100·00 |
Notes to Table 3
1. The table shows summaries of the detailed accounts of the Dental Estimates Board (DEB), the Prescription Pricing Authority (PPA) and its predecessor Joint Pricing Committee for England (JPC); together with a composite summary of the accounts for 1983–84 only of other special health authorities providing NHS central services.
2. (a) Other special health authorities providing NHS central services comprise:
(i) the Central Blood Laboratories Authority (CBLA)—established 1 December 1982.
(ii) the Mental Health Act Commission—established 1 September 1983.
(iii) the Rampton Hospital Review Board—established 11 June 1981.
(iv) the Rural Dispensing Committee—established 1 April 1983.
(b) The expenses of two analogous authorities are excluded. The first is the Health Service Supply Council, established on 14 July 1980, the expenses of which are met in full from charges made to regional health authorities. The second is the National Health Service Training Authority which was established on 1 October 1983 and whose first complete financial year ends on 31 March 1985.
(c) The functions of all these special health authorities are either new or were devolved by the Department and comparable figures for 1960–61 and 1970–71 are consequently not available.
3. Capital expenditure by the DEB and the JPC is not separately identifiable and is included in the totals. The amounts are known to be insignificant except that there was substantial capital expenditure by the DEB in 1970–71.
For 1983–84 the PPA and the CBLA recorded capital expenditure of £2·8 million and £5·4 million. These sums are excluded from the table.
Abortions
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many discharges from hospital there were following diagnosis of septic abortion in each of the following years: 1967, 1968, 1969, 1975, 1980, 1982 and 1983.
[pursuant to his reply, 20 February, c. 501]: I regret that the estimate given for the number of discharges, including deaths, from NHS hospitals in England and Wales with main diagnosis of septic abortion in 1982 was incorrect. The revised estimate is 390.
Resettlement Units
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what savings he estimates in (a) staff, (b) running costs (c) repair costs and (d) the sale or lease of buildings from the closure of 21 national reassessment centres.
[pursuant to his reply, 1 March, c. 338]: I understand that the hon. Member is referring to the closure of the Department's 23 resettlement units. As the process of consultation referred to in my hon. Friend's reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Elmet (Mr. Batiste) on 5 February at column 548–49 has not yet begun, it is not possible to give a realistic estimate of savings in any of the categories listed. The hon. Member may wish to be aware, however, that the approximate annual amount saved from the closure of reestablishment centres which will be made available to provide better resettlement facilities is £2 million.
Pesticides
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he is aware of any studies relating to myopia in connection with organophosphorus pesticide exposure among schoolchildren in Japan; and what studies have been conducted into similar effects in the United Kingdom.
[pursuant to his reply, 4 March, column 412]: We are aware of two Japanese studies. One showed a correlation between the amount of organophosporus pesticides used one year and incidence in myopia in schoolchildren the following year. Later work showed that peaks in the earlier incidence of myopia corresponded with peaks in the amounts of these pesticides sold. The evidence available at present suggests that the studies were not particularly soundly based, and there are other Japanese papers which criticise these types of studies and argue against organophosphorus pesticides being a major or even probable cause of myopia in young people.Organophosphorus pesticides can cause eye effects, but these are transient, wearing off as the pesticide disappears fairly rapidly from the tissues, as it does from food. Because of the approved methods of use in the United Kingdom, people should not be exposed to this pesticide, and food surveys have not found any appreciable residues of these substances; there may be different routes of exposure in Japan.No studies are being sponsored by the Government as there is not considered to be a problem in this country. However, any further information from Japan or elsewhere will be carefully considered.
Supplementary Benefit
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will estimate the cost of extending long-term supplementary benefit to people who have been unemployed for more than 12 months in 1985–86, giving the gross and net full year costs.
[pursuant to his reply, 4 March, c. 413]: It is estimated that the cost would be about £500 million in 1985–86. For the purpose of this costing there would be no offsetting savings from other benefits and the net and gross costs are therefore the same.
Lynders Wood Court, Braintree
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many residents at Lynders Wood court, London road, Black Notley, Braintree, Essex, are supplementary pensioners; and how many of them are (a) being paid board and lodging allowance or (b) allowances for residential care.
[pursuant to his reply, on 8 March 1985, c. 650]: Lynders Wood court, London road, Black Notley, Braintree, Essex, has only one resident in receipt of a supplementary pension who is being paid a board and lodging allowance. This establishment is not regarded as a residential care home for supplementary benefit purposes.
Departmental Managers (Accounting)
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what accounting developments are being made in his Department to give line managers better information about the cost and condition of the capital assets they are managing.
[pursuant to his reply, 18 March, c. 381]: The budgetary control system under development in our Department provides line managers with regular information about expenditure on capital assets and on their associated running costs. We have just completed our own feasibility study on the introduction of an assets register for computers, and are awaiting the results of a study by the Management and Personnel Office into assets registers for other types of capital assets.The present procedures for managing capital in the National Health Service, and the part played by the accounting system, have recently been reviewed by a working group of the Association of Health Service Treasurers on which our Department and the Treasury are also represented. I understand that the association expects to send us the working party's report shortly, and we shall then be considering its proposals.
Energy
National Coal Board
asked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will introduce legislation to effect a capital reconstruction of the National Coal Board.
I have no present plans to do so.
asked the Secretary of State for Energy what is the revised deficit grant for the National Coal Board proposed for the current year following the end of the miners' strike; and how this figure compares with those for the last five years.
As regards the NCB's deficit in the current year, I refer my hon. Friend to the answer my right hon. Friend has given today to my hon. Friend the Member for Erewash (Mr. Rost). The amounts of deficit grant accrued in the NCB's accounts in the past five years are:
| £ million | |
| 1979–80 | 159 |
| 1980–81 | 149 |
| 1981–82 | 428 |
| 1982–83 | 374 |
| 1983–84 | 875 |
Deep-Mined Coal
asked the Secretary of State for Energy what, in the light of the ending of the miners' strike, he estimates will be the production of deep-mined coal in 1985; and what are the revised projections for 1986–87.
Deep-mined coal production in 1985 will be seriously affected by the strike in the coal industry and its aftermath. I am not in a position to forecast the precise level of deep-mined production in 1985 or later years.
asked the Secretary of State for Energy what, in the light of the ending of the miners' strike, is the current average cost of producing deep-mined coal from National Coal Board pits.
The average cost of producing deep-mined coal has been distorted by the effects of industrial action in the coal industry since mid-1983, and will continue to be so affected for many months until the NCB has fully recovered from the effects of the strike. A meaningful figure for current average production costs is therefore impossible to determine. It is the Government's objective that the industry should reduce its average costs and return to profitability.
Coal Miners (Dismissals)
asked the Secretary of State for Energy what information he has as to the number of miners who have been dismissed for criminal damage to National Coal Board property; and if he will list the figures by area.
The dismissal and re-employment of its employees are matters for the National Coal Board. If any person considers that he has been unfairly dismissed, he has the right to take his case to an industrial tribunal.
Ncb (Cash Requirement)
asked the Secretary of State for Energy what the National Coal Board deficit and external cash requirement for 1984–85 will be; and how he intends that the deficit should be financed.
The NCB is still assessing the financial damage inflicted on the industry by the strike. This will take some time to complete. It has told me, however, that its deficit on revenue account is likely to be at least £1,850 million. The aftermath of the strike will moreover cause additional losses for the board in 1985–86. The NCB's external cash requirement for 1984–85 is expected to be about £1,800 million — some £706 million in excess of the board's EFL.The Government can meet £1,108 million of the revenue account deficit by grant within the ceiling set by the Coal Industry Act 1983. Decisions about the remainder will be taken when the outturn result for the year is more certain. However, the Government intend shortly to introduce a Bill to enable payments of deficit grant to the NCB to continue during the period of reconstruction following the strike, and my hon. Friend the Financial Secretary to the Treasury is presenting an Estimate to the House today which provides for payments of deficit grant to the NCB in 1985–86—totalling £1,000 million. This sum takes account of the outstanding amount of this year's deficit and may be sufficient to make some provision for the deficit which the NCB may incur in 1985–86. There will, however, need to be a re-assessment when a fuller picture of the NCB's financial prospects following the strike is available.
Home Department
Category A Prisoners
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many category A prisoners there are in England and Wales.
As at 12 March 1985 there were 294 prisoners permanently categorised A and 141 provisionally categorised A.
Parole Statistics
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many prisoners serving determinate sentences of over five years for offences of violence or trafficking in drugs were granted parole between January and June 1983 and 1984, respectively;(2) how many prisoners serving determinate sentences of over five years for offences of violence or trafficking in drugs were considered for parole between January to June 1983 and 1984, respectively;
The information available is given in the following table, which also revises the figures given in reply to a question from my hon. Friend the Member for Westminster, North (Mr. Wheeler) on 21 February 1985, at column 514, for the numbers within the scope of the policy announced on 30 November 1983, who were granted release eights months or more before the end of their sentence.
| Prisoners considered for parole who had been sentenced to more than five years for offences of violence or drug trafficking* | ||
| England and Wales | Number | |
| January-June | ||
| 1983 | 1984 | |
| Cases dealt with† | ‡530 | ‡550 |
| Prisoners granted release on parole licence║ | 162 | 55 |
| of which | ||
| Granted release eight months or more before the end of their sentence | 123 | 14 |
| * Those within the scope of the parole policy announced on 30 November 1983 with offences as defined under section 32 and Schedule 1 of the Criminal Justice Act 1982. | ||
| † Include those declining consideration. | ||
| ‡ Approximate estimate. | ||
| ║ Release may have occurred in a later period. | ||
Surveillance (Video Cameras)
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action he has initiated to inform the chief constables of Kent and Sussex of his Department's guidelines on the use of video cameras for covert and speculative surveillance.
The criteria for the use of equipment in police surveillance operations, and the procedures for their authorisation, are set out in the Home Office guidelines which were issued to all chief constables in England and Wales on 19 December 1984. These guidelines are considerably more detailed and rigorous than the guidance issued in 1977, which they replace.
Prisoners And Sentencing Policy
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the current prison population and what proportion this represents of total prison capacity; whether he has any proposals to seek to reduce the number of imprisonable offences within the context of petty crime; what is his long-term policy on imprisonment; and if he will make a statement.
The prison population on 8 March 1985 was 45,198, nearly 16 per cent. above the certified normal accommodation.My right hon. and learned Friend has no present proposals to remove imprisonment as the maximum penalty for minor offences which are currently imprisonable. This would be unlikely to have any significant effect on the prison population.We support the view reflected in judgments given by the Court of Appeal that the most serious offences, especially of violence, call for long periods in custody, but otherwise a custodial sentence should be avoided where possible and, if unavoidable, should be for the shortest period which is reasonable in the circumstances of the case. Among the measures which we have taken to encourage the appropriate use of non-custodial measures are the enactment in the Criminal Justice Act 1982 of strengthened non-custodial powers for the courts and the provision of additional resources for the probation service to enable more offenders to be dealt with satisfactorily in the community.
The recent increase in the prison population is attributable in large measure to an increase in the number of prisoners awaiting trial. The measures which my right hon. and learned Friends the Lord Chancellor and the Home Secretary are pursuing to tackle court delay have the object, among others, of reducing time spent on remand in custody. We have also brought forward proposals, in the Prosecution of Offences Bill, for a system of statutory time limits on the period before trial.
Our prison building programme is designed to provide enough accommodation for those who have to be imprisoned. With its expansion and acceleration, we have the prospect of achieving an end to overcrowding by the end of the decade.
Community Service
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what consideration he has given to extending community service into the area of civil defence; whether he has had any discussions or received any proposals on this matter; and if he will make a statement.
I share my hon. Friend's interest in securing that work done by offenders under community service orders should be as useful and constructive as possible, but I doubt whether it would be practicable to encourage probation committees to extend the schemes into the area of civil defence. My right hon. and learned Friend has received no proposals to do so.
Palace Of Westminster (Members' Access)
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will call for a report from the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis as to the orders given to his officers regarding enforcement of the Sessional Order of the House to the Metropolitan police regarding access to the Palace of Westminster by hon. Members; and if he will make a statement on the substance of the report.
In furtherance of the Sessional Orders the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis gives the following directions to his officers under section 52 of the Metropolitan Police Act 1839:
"(1) That they shall disperse all assemblies or processions of persons causing or likely to cause obstruction or disorder on any day on which Parliament is sitting within the area specified hereunder:East side of the River Thames between Waterloo and Vauxhall Bridges, Vauxhall Bridge Road, Victoria Street (between Vauxhall Bridge Road and Buckingham Palace Road, Grosvenor Gardens, Grosvenor Place, Piccadilly, Coventry Street, New Coventry Street, Leicester Square (north side), Cranbourn Street, Long Acre, Bow Street, Wellington Street, crossing Strand and Victoria Embankment to Waterloo Bridge.Provided that processions may be routed along the thoroughfares named except Victoria Embankment 'west of Waterloo Bridge.
If my hon. Friend has a particular problem in mind I invite him to write to me.(2) That they shall prevent or remove any other cause of obstruction within the said area so that every facility shall be afforded for the free passage of Peers and Members to and from the Houses of Parliament on any day on which Parliament is sitting."
Mi5 (Director General)
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will arrange for the newly appointed director general of MI5, to have an annual meeting with hon. Members.
No.
National Finance
Independent Schools (Tax Rebates)
60.
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if Her Majesty's Government will make it policy that tax rebates be given to those parents who send their children to independent schools.
I have noted my hon. Friend's suggestion.
Retirement Benefit Schemes
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his estimate of the current value of the funds held by private schemes to provide retirement benefits for the self-employed and for employees entitled to subscribe to such schemes with the benefit of tax exemption; and what is the value of the funds held for employees in approved private sector occupational schemes.
I regret the delay in replying. Total net assets of superannuation funds established by private sector employers were about £62·5 billion at the end of 1983. In addition, some 40 per cent. of the £95·9 billion net assets of long-term insurance funds is estimated to relate to pension business, including personal pensions. I regret that it is not possible to provide a reliable estimate of the value of assets corresponding to personal pensions. In 1983, however, about 20 per cent. of premiums received by life assurance companies in respect of pension business related to personal pensions.
Venture Capital And Business Expansion Schemes
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) how many applications for tax allowance under the venture capital scheme have been made from the Shrewsbury and Atcham area;(2) how many applications for tax relief under the business expansion scheme have been made from the Shrewsbury and Atcham area.
I regret that the information required to answer these questions is not available centrally.
Social Security (Taxation)
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what has been the change since 1978–79 in receipts from the taxation of social security benefits.
Estimates of the yield of income tax on current grants from general Government to the personal sector (in effect the yield from those social security benefits liable to tax) are shown for each calendar year to 1983 in table 9.6 of the 1984 edition of "UK National Accounts" (the CSO Blue Book). In this table, tax in respect of current grants is calculated by applying the individual's average rate of tax (that is the ratio of total tax due to total income liable to tax) to his or her receipt of taxable grants and summing over taxpayers.
Infrastructure (Investment)
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his latest estimate of the cost per job of additional public investment in the infrastructure.
I refer the hon. Member to my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister's reply to the hon. Member for Birmingham, Perry Barr (Mr. Rooker) on 9 January at column 442.
Smuggling (Prosecutions)
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will give for each of the last five years, expressed as percentages, the number of successful prosecutions for smuggling in relation to the number of travellers using United Kingdom ports of entry.
I regret that this information is not available. Local Customs and Excise staff throughout the United Kingdom prosecute many minor smuggling offences. A central record of the number of successful prosecutions for smuggling is not kept for reasons of cost.
Hot Take-Away Food (Vat)
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what has been the amount of revenue received from value added tax on hot take-away food.
I refer the hon. Member to my answer on 12 November to the hon. Member for Birmingham, Erdington (Mr. Corbett) at column 89.
Development Land Tax (Claim Costs)
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will publish in the Official Report (a) the total cost incurred by the Development Land Tax Office in pursuing claim No. DLT/14144/217/84; and if he will publish the breakdown on a Department by Department basis.
Details of the time spent by Inland Revenue staff on the cited case are not now available and no reliable estimate of cost can be given.
Customs And Excise Sales (Criteria)
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what criteria are used by Her Majesty's Customs and Excise when selling by public auction or tender goods which have been seized from countries outside the European Economic Community which have exceeded the legal quota or for other reasons.
It is the policy of Her Majesty's Customs and Excise to sell all seized goods which are considered to be in a saleable condition. Goods in excess of quota are sold subject to the condition that they are exported outside the European Community. Otherwise conditions are applied only if required by the nature of the goods, for example, the appropriate certificate or licence must be held for firearms and ammunition.
Taxation
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will publish in the Official Report tables showing (a) the proportion in percentage terms, (b) the amount in current prices, and (c) the amount in constant 1984–85 prices of personal income taken by taxation and rates for the year 1985–86, taking account of any changes announced in his Budget statement and any previously announced changes, and for each of the years 1978–79, 1979–80, 1980–81, 1981–82, 1982–83, 1983–84 and 1984–85 for each level of average earnings, each category of taxpayer, and each category of taxation and rates, in the manner of the answer of 21 March 1984, Official Report, columns 480–86.
I shall let the hon. Member have a reply as soon as possible.
Nationalised Industries Legislation (Proposals)
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what account he took in preparing his document on nationalised industries legislation of the effect of the proposals contained therein (a) on the facilitation of privatisation, (b) on the promotion of commercial services or (c) on the promotion of the consumer interest.
The proposals in the document are fully consistent with established Government policy in all these areas. As the document makes clear, the legislative proposals are intended to allow the privatisation of appropriate activities, and to encourage those industries remaining in the public sector to develop as successful, commercially oriented businesses. I believe this will be of significant benefit to their customers.
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he proposes to publish a White Paper to present the proposals which are suggested in the recent document he issued on nationalised industry legislation.
No final decisions have been taken on the timing and content of any legislation. It is premature, therefore, to consider whether a White Paper is appropriate.
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer in respect of which nationalised industries further legislation is required to allow privatisation to be effected.
The proposed legislation will contain no powers to wind up existing corporations or to change their status. Full privatisation of an entire industry will therefore continue to require appropriate primary legislation.
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the interests of the consumer will receive any clear and direct consideration before a nationalised industry is required to comply with any financial target set by his Department under the terms of his document on nationalised industry legislation.
No decisions have been taken on the form and content of any legislation on financial targets. Successive Governments have considered financial targets to be a principal element of the framework within which nationalised industries operate. This framework is designed to promote the efficient allocation and use of resources to the benefit of all, including consumers.
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how the proposals contained in the document on nationalised industries legislation will assist the achievement of more commercial operations by the nationalised industries.
The proposals in the consultation document are intended to result in clear guidelines within which those industries remaining in the public sector would have freedom to operate as successful, commercial businesses. I would expect clarity in these matters to benefit the industries themselves, their customers, and the nation as a whole.
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what direct benefit he expects to accrue to the consumer if he implements the proposals contained in his suggested proposals for nationalised industries legislation.
It is in the consumers' interest that public sector industries should operate as efficient and successful businesses. Our proposals are directed toward achieving that end.
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what response has so far been received in regard to the proposals contained in the document concerning nationalised industries legislation; and what steps he is taking to ensure that the views of consumers are obtained.
Formal responses from 30 organisations and individuals have so far been received in the Treasury. These include comments from most nationalised industries and from a number of consumer bodies. The consultation document was freely available and each of the national nationalised industry consumer councils as well as the National Consumer Council has seen copies of it.
Spirits (Excise Duty)
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what revenue arose from excise duty on spirits in the most recent year for which figures are available; and what part of the total came from duty on Scotch whisky.
Spirits duty receipts amounted to £1,702 million in 1983–84, of which it is estimated that a little under half was attributable to Scotch whisky.
Sterling Exchange Rate
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will bring up to date the figures given in his written reply of 19 December, Official Report, column 188, to the hon. Member for Great Grimsby on the rate of exchange between the pound sterling and the control reference point of the exchange rate mechanism.
I shall let the hon. Member have a reply as soon as possible.
Cash Limits
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will provide details of the cash limits set for 1985–86.
The cash limits on voted expenditure are listed in table A1 of the summary and guide to 1985–86 Supply Estimates (Cmnd 9450). The cash limits on local authority capital spending and other non-voted expenditure are given in the table.
Non Voted Cash Limits 1985–86 *
| |||
Cash block
| Department
| Description of expenditure
| Cash limit £ million
|
| BOE | Bank of England | Bank of England administration costs in respect of note issue, exchange equalisation account and debt management | 80·6 |
| DOE/LA1 | Department of the Environment | Capital expenditure in England by local authorities on roads and transport, housing, schools, further education and teacher training, personal social services and other environmental services | 1,911·3 |
| DOE/NT1 | Department of the Environment | Capital expenditure in England by new towns on housing, roads, commercial and industrial investment and certain water services | *-14·4 |
| DOE/HC1 | Department of the Environment | Capital expenditure in England on housing financed through the Housing Corporation | 605·0 |
| DOE/UA1 | Department of the Environment | External financing requirements of Urban Development Corporations, capital expenditure on the Urban Programme and derelict land reclamation | 363·4 |
| HO/LA1 | Home Office | Capital expenditure by local authorities on police, courts and probation | 123·5 |
| NID 1 | Northern Ireland Departments | Services analogous to Great Britain services covered by cash limits | 2,189·0 |
| SO/LA1 | Scottish Office | Capital expenditure in Scotland by local authorities on roads and transport, water and sewerage, general services, urban programme, police and social work, schools, further education and teacher training | 409·6 |
| SO/LA2 | Scottish Office | Capital expenditure in Scotland on housing by local authorities, new towns, the Scottish Special Housing Association and on schemes financed by the Housing Corporation, and industrial and commercial investment by new towns | 416·9 |
| WO/LA1 | Welsh Office | Capital expenditure in Wales by local authorities, new towns and the Housing Corporation on roads and transport, housing, schools, further education and teacher training, personal social services, and other environmental services and by the Land Authority for Wales. | 275·8 |
| HO/MP1 | Home Office | Expenditure by the Metropolitan Police on manpower, pay, pensions, premises, transport and other running costs | 763·2 |
| Total | 7123·9 | ||
* The cash limit is net of receipts, which are expected to exceed capital expenditure in 1985–86. | |||
Value Added Tax
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement about the payment to the European Communities of non-value added tax own resouces collected in February.
In accordance with article 10(2) of Council Regulation 2891/77, the Commission has invited member states to pay on 20 March instead of 19 April non-VAT own resources collected in February. These own resources consist of agricultural, sugar and isoglucose levies and customs duties. The Government are complying with this request.An amount not exceeding £62 million will be paid on 20 March; the payment of levies and duties on 19 April 1985 which is made directly from the Consolidated Fund under section 2(3) of the European Communities Act 1972 will be reduced by an appropriate amount. There will, therefore, be a transfer of expenditure from 1985–86 to 1984–85 but no net addition overall.
Civil List (Payments)
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will publish the total amounts payable under the Civil List Acts in the financial year 1985–86 and the total amounts payable to the royal family in the calendar years 1984 and 1985.
The total amount proposed for the financial year 1985–86 is £5,327,000 comprising £5,017,000 payable directly from the Consolidated Fund and £310,000 as provision for the royal trustees from the Vote for Economic and Financial Administration: Treasury (Class XIII, Vote 4). These sums compare respectively with £5,117,000, £5,017,000 and £100,000 for the financial year 1984–85. The information on amounts payable to the royal family in the present and previous calendar year is as follows:
| 1984 | 1985 | |
| £ | £ | |
| The Queen's Civil List | 3,850,000 | 3,976,200 |
| HM Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother | 334,400 | 345,300 |
| HRH The Duke of Edinburgh | 186,500 | 192,600 |
| HRH The Princess Anne, Mrs Mark Phillips | 116,200 | 120,000 |
| HRH The Prince Andrew | 20,000 | 20,000 |
| HRH The Prince Edward | 20,000 | 20,000 |
| HRH The Princess Margaret, Countess of Snowdon | 113,100 | 116,800 |
| HRH Princess Alice, Duchess of Gloucester | 45,800 | 47,300 |
| HRH The Duke of Gloucester | 91,000 | 94,000 |
| HRH The Duke of Kent | 123,000 | 127,000 |
| HRH Princess Alexandra, Mrs Angus Ogilvy | 117,000 | 120,900 |
| TOTAL | 5,017,000 | 5,180,100 |
| Refunded by Her Majesty The Queen | 331,000 | 341,900 |
| 4,686,000 | 4,838,200 |
Note: The increase in total is 3·25 per cent.
Notes on payments to the Royal Family
1. These figures combine the sums payable directly from the Consolidated Fund with the supplements provided by the Royal Trustees. Strict cash limits criteria have been applied to the figures for 1985.
2. Sums of £20,000 a year are payable from the Consolidated Fund in respect of their royal highnesses the Prince Andrew and the Prince Edward from the dates when they attained the age of 18. (19 February 1978 and 10 March 1982 respectively). An order was made by Her Majesty under section 4 of the Civil List Act 1952 limiting the annual amount to be paid to the Prince Edward from 1 January 1983 to £8,000.
3. Her Majesty paid £331,000 into the Consolidated Fund in respect of payments made in 1984 to members of the royal family whose expenses are met under section 3 of the Civil List Act 1972: a similar payment of £341,900 will be made for 1985.
Married Women (Investment Income)
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many letters and representations he has received on the taxation of a married woman's investment income.
[pursuant to his reply, 18 March 1985]: I receive an average of four to five letters a month on this subject. I have recently received 130 letters as a result of recent press coverage of the issue.
Education And Science
Teachers (Pay)
19.
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many children have been affected by strikes by the National Union of Teachers and the National Association of Schoolmasters/Union of Women Teachers since 26 February.
The 27,000 primary and secondary schools maintained by 104 local education authorities in England and Wales cater for about 8·3 million pupils and employ about 420,000 full-time teachers. Comprehensive information about the extent and effects of recent industrial action in these schools is not available centrally. It is however estimated that over 1 million children have been deprived of some lessons as a result of the selective strikes and other forms of disruptive action called by the NUT and the NAS/UWT. The Government deplore the fact that children's education is being disrupted in this way.
24.
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will make a statement on the teachers' pay dispute.
26.
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will make a statement on the teachers' pay dispute.
38.
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will make a statement on the teachers' dispute affecting some schools.
49.
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will make a statement about teachers' pay.
50.
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what further progress has been made towards resolving of the teachers' dispute.
I refer the hon. Members to the answers I have given today to my hon. Friends the Members for Norwich, North (Mr. Thompson) and for Mitcham and Morden (Mrs. Rumbold).
25.
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science by how much the real level of teachers' pay has increased since 1979 compared with average non-manual earnings.
The cumulative total of pay rises awarded to school teachers since April 1979, up to and including April 1984, is 69 per cent. Teachers' average salaries during that period have increased by 79 per cent. (the higher increase in average salaries is explained by the effect of incremental drift in addition to annual pay rises). Over the same period the average weekly earnings (including overtime) of non-manual employees have increased by 86 per cent. while increases in the retail price index amount to 63 per cent.
30.
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he has any plans to discuss the teachers' industrial action with the employers' side of the Burnham committee; and if he will make a statement.
I discussed the nature, extent and impact of the industrial action called by the National Union of Teachers and the National Association of Schoolmasters/Union of Women Teachers when I met representatives of the Council of Local Education Authorities on 6 March. We noted the selective nature of the strikes and the varied impact of other forms of action in different parts of the country. I share the employers' deep concern that the education of children is being disrupted.
40.
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what representations he has received from parents regarding strike action by teachers.
I have received about 50 letters from parents drawing attention to the effects the industrial action by school teachers is having on their children's education. I am to meet representatives of the National Confederation of Parent Teacher Associations about this on 20 March.
40.
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will make a statement on the salary and conditions of service of teachers.
44.
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will make a statement about the future pay and conditions of the teaching profession.
Although discussions between the employers and the teacher associations on the school teachers' pay structure and related conditions of service ceased last December, I remain ready to receive and consider reform proposals. Were I to find any proposals which might be forthcoming negotiable, educationally acceptable and affordable, I would put them to my Cabinet colleagues for their collective consideration. I cannot predict the outcome. As the prospects of negotiating an early acceptable and affordable structure reform package seem increasingly difficult, I shall continue to consider other avenues for improving the professional development and performance of teachers and the management of the teacher force.
58.
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what advice he has given to the Burnham further education joint working party on salary structure or the availability of additional resources to meet the cost of any proposals.
My views on these matters have been made clear by my representatives in the various discussions and in a letter dated 7 February sent to the leader of the management panel of the Burnham Further Education Committee. I repeated the same views when I met the leader at his request on 15 February. The text of the letter is as follows:
As your talks on the FE pay structure have now got under way, I think it would be helpful if I set out where I stand.
When we had our useful talk last November, I made clear that the Government would welcome an effort to improve the flexibility and efficiency of the FE service and that I was very willing to see all options examined. But at the same time I asserted — and repeat this now — that I believe that these improvements should be and must be financed from savings arising from the greater efficiency of the service. Although the Audit Commission's investigation of local authority further and higher education is still to be finally written up, I understand that their report will be drawing attention to considerable scope which they believe exists for more cost-effective delivery of substantial parts of the service. Such efficiency savings as may be obtained should, I consider, be deployed to general benefit, including the customers of the service and those (including Central Government) who pay for it: productivity gains should not be allowed to accrue uniquely to teaching staff in the form of increased pay.
I recognise the difficult nature of the discussions ahead and I did not want to make life even more difficult by allowing there to be any uncertainty about my position.
Outer London Boroughs (School Inspectors)
20.
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many of Her Majesty's inspectors of schools cover schools in the outer London boroughs.
Thirty-two of Her Majesty's inspectors have particular assignments in relation to schools in outer London boroughs, but inspections of these schools also involve other members of Her Majesty's Inspectorate, which is deployed nationally.
| 1979 | 1980 | 1981 | 1982 | 1983 | 1984 | |
| per cent. | per cent. | per cent. | per cent. | per cent. | per cent. | |
| Actuals (API)* | 12·6 | 12·8 | 13·5 | 13·6 | 13·5 | †l3·8 |
| 1983 Projections | ||||||
| RE99 (APR) | ||||||
| High variant | 14·2 | 14·4 | ||||
| Low variant | 13·8 | 14·1 | ||||
| 1984 RE100 (API) | ||||||
| Variant X | 14·6 | |||||
| Variant Y | 13·3 | |||||
| * The age participation index (API) is defined as the number of young full·time and sandwich home initial entrants to higher education expressed as a percentage of half the total of 18 and 19-year-olds in the population. This measure has replaced the previously used age participation rate (APR) based solely upon 18-year-olds. | ||||||
| † Provisional estimate. | ||||||
University Entrants (As Levels)
22.
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what effect he expects the introduction of AS levels to have on university entrance procedures.
My right hon. Friend hopes to anounce the Government's decision about AS levels before Easter. The universities have indicated strong support for the proposed new examination, together with a willingness to give it full recognition in their admission processes.
Voluntary Student Unions
23.
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he is yet in a position to make a statement about his intentions regarding voluntary student unions.
My answer to a question on 22 January, at column 846, from my hon. Friend the Member for
Higher Education
21.
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what proposals he has to increase the proportion of non-standard entrants to higher education.
Decisions about whom to admit to higher education courses are for individual institutions and their validating bodies. But the Government's projections of further demand assume continuing increases in the number of mature entrants to higher education, and the National Advisory Body's academic plans for the non-university sector are intended to promote part-time participation. Many students in these two overlapping categories are likely not to have the traditional entrance qualifications for higher education.
33.
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what was his Department's projected age participation rate and the actual rate for each year since 1979.
The Robbins report, published in 1963, stated that by 1980 about 17 per cent. of the age group will be entering full-time higher education. The 1972 White Paper "A Framework for Expansion" suggested that by about 1981 about 22 per cent. of the 18-year-old age group would enter higher education. The latest published projections and the actual figures are set out in the following table:Newcastle upon Tyne, Central (Mr. Merchant) made it clear that the provisions for automatic membership of student unions can be amended only at the initiative of the governing bodies of the institutions concerned or by legislation; and that my right hon. Friend has no present intention of introducing legislation for this purpose. The Government sympathise with the concern expressed by hon. Members about the activities of student unions; the discussions to which I have referred today in my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Rutland and Melton (Mr. Latham) bear directly upon the issues that have generated this concern.
European Community Young Workers Exchange Programme
27.
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he has received any representations about specific disadvantages encountered by young British workers through lack of fluency in languages other than English from participation in the European Community young workers exchange programme.
No. All projects in the third exchange programme, which begins this year, are eligible for financial support covering the cost of language tuition.
City And Guilds Institute
28.
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what plans he has to co-ordinate the curricula and examinations of the City and Guilds Institute with present examination boards.
I have invited all the examining bodies concerned to contribute to the preparation of draft criteria for pre-vocational and vocationally oriented examination courses taken by pupils during the years of compulsory schooling. I hope to make an announcement shortly.
Open University
29.
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is to be the role of the Open University in the education of people in the new technologies.
The Open University will continue to have an important role to play in this area through its undergraduate and continuing education programmes, and in particular, through its professional, industrial and commercial updating courses.
32.
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he has made a decision upon the future funding of the Open University; and if he will make a statement.
The Open University was informed of its grant for the academic year 1985 and indicated grants for 1986 and 1987 on 22 February. I informed the House of this on 27 February, at column 180, in response to questions from the hon. Member for Cambridgeshire, North-East (Mr. Freud) and my hon. Friend the Member for Ealing, North (Mr. Greenway). Copies of the report and notification of grant have been placed in the Library.
39.
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will meet the vice-chancellor of the Open University to discuss the first report of its visiting committee.
I have no plans to do so.
47.
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what part he envisages the Open University to have in his plans for higher education.
59.
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will make a statement about the Open University.
I refer the hon. Members to the reply I gave earlier today to the hon. Member for Denton and Reddish (Mr. Bennett).
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what support he is giving to the Open University to ensure that resources in the area of education for handicapped and disabled persons are protected; and if he will make a statement.
The Government value the opportunities provided by the Open University for the disabled. Decisions on the level of resources the university should devote to services for the disabled are for the university to make. The visiting committee recommended that the university should protect those services; the Government have played their part by responding positively to the visiting committee's recommendations in respect of alleviations to previously indicated grant levels.
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what assessment he has made of the cuts in activity which will arise from a projected grant in 1987 of £53·30 million to the Open University; if he will reconsider his decision in this matter; and if he will make a statement.
The indicated grant for 1987 is £59·3 million. This grant was determined by the Government after consideration of the visiting committee's report on the university's plans to adjust to reduced levels of funding, and is in line with the committee's recommendation that the university should have an extra year to make the adjustment. The grant is indicated only, and is subject to revision in forthcoming public expenditure surveys. I have asked the visiting committee for a further report on the university's plans.
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will give the number of graduates from the Open University since its inception; if he will give the current number of undergraduates; what is the number of students waiting to gain admission to the Open University; and if he will make a statement.
Approximately 69,300 students have qualified for an Open University BA degree since its inception. The number of undergraduates in 1984 was 66,760. There were 17,600 applicants in 1984 for entry in 1985 who did not receive an offer of a place. The university operates a policy of offering places in the order of application, and those not offered a place in 1985 will be given first choice for a place in 1986.
Primary Schools
31.
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will make a statement on his policy on primary school closures or amalgamations.
My right hon. Friend's policies towards school closures, including amalgamations, are set out in circulars 2/80, 2/81 and 4/82, copies of which I sent my hon. Friend last November. Every proposal that comes to my right hon. Friend for decision, whether for primary or for secondary schools, is considered on its merits in the light of the circumstances of the case and of his published policies; the latter include the need to seize the educational and financial benefits to be gained by removing surplus school places from use.
Further Education College Lecturers
34.
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what progress has been made in the talks on a new salary structure for further education college lecturers.
Expressions of willingness to review pay and related matters were exchanged last November and repeated in February. Those were necessarily in general terms. I am not aware that matters have progressed beyond that first stage to the detailed examination of specific proposals.
General Certificate Of Secondary Education
35.
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he is satisfied that schools will be able to provide candidates for the new General Certificate of Secondary Education examination with sufficient textbooks and other teaching material, particularly in English, in time for the first examination.
The Department does not foresee the need for wholesale replacement of existing materials. In most cases, the need will be, rather, for existing materials and the ways in which they are used to be adapted over time in the light of the new examination system and the other curricular developments which are constantly taking place. Successive RSG settlements have provided scope for local education authorities to improve their provision of school books and equipment in line with the priority that the Government have consistently accorded to this area. The 1985–86 settlement, for example, would allow most authorities, provided that other expenditure is firmly controlled, to immprove levels of provision per pupil compared to 1982–83, the latest year for which firm spending figures are available and one which showed a significant increase in levels of provision of books and equipment. Individual authorities will undoubtedly wish to take account of the changes in the national examination system when reaching decisions on the allocation of resources. The Government consider, too, that the manuals and videos which the Secondary Examinations Council and the examining groups are preparing for all secondary schools and colleges as part of the in-service training programme will make a major contribution to the necessary updating of teaching materials.
Children (Special Needs)
36.
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will make available resources to implement fully the Education Act 1981 concerning the integration of children with special needs into ordinary schools.
The Government's expenditure plans for 1985–86 allow for an increase in the administrative costs in implementing the Act and for an increase in the number of educational psychologists employed by local authorities. It is for LEAs to decide how to deploy the resources available to them.
Adult Education
37.
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what representations he has received about cuts in adult education provision in Inner London.
Since 1 September 1984 the Department has received about 260 letters concerned solely or mainly with the implications of rate limitation for the provision of adult education in Inner London, and two petitions on this subject containing between them approximately 16,000 signatures.
Inner City Schools
41.
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will introduce legislation to remove some inner city schools from the maintained sector and to place them under alternative forms of control.
The Government have no plans in this area.
Special Education And Teacher Training
43.
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he proposes to make any changes in the mandatory requirements for the qualifications of teachers concerned with special education.
My right hon. Friends the Secretary of State and the Secretary of State for Wales are considering a recommendation by the Advisory Committee on the Supply and Education of Teachers that the mandatory requirement for teachers of classes of deaf, partially hearing or blind pupils to hold a specialist qualification should be removed. My right hon. Friends will announce their decision in due course.
46.
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science when he intends to reply to the recommendations of the Advisory Committee on the Supply and Education of Teachers' report on special education and teacher training.
48.
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science when he will be replying to the Advisory Committee on the Supply and Education of Teachers' report on the training of teachers for children with learning difficulties.
My right hon. Friends the Secretary of State and the Secretary of State for Wales will announce their decisions in due course.
Science Expenditure
45.
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what representations he has received in the last two months about the Government's planned level of expenditure on science.
My right hon. Friend has received about 50 letters.
Natural Environment Research Council
51.
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will list the total sources of finance for the Natural Environment Research Council.
The sources of finance for the Natural Environment Research council for the financial year 1983–84 (the latest available figures) were as follows:
| £ million | |
| 1. Grant-in-aid from the Science Budget | 62·52 |
| 2. Commissioned Research: | |
| Department of Energy | 8·3 |
| Department of the Environment | 4·8 |
| Overseas Development Administration | 2·9 |
| Department of Trade & Industry | 2·5 |
| Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food | 2·1 |
| European Communities | 0·7 |
| Nature Conservancy Council | 0·2 |
million
| |
| Others | 2·2 |
| 23·7 | |
| 3. Miscellaneous sources | 2·7 |
| Total | 88·9 |
National Youth Advisory Council
52.
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science when it is proposed that the National Youth Advisory Council will be established.
I refer my hon. Friend to the reply given by my hon. Friend the Member for City of London and Westminster, South (Mr. Brooke) on 8 February, at column 723.
Teacher Assessment
53.
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether it is his policy to seek to provide a link between teacher assessment and individual pay awards.
I favour such a link in order to relate teachers' pay more directly to the quality of their performance. But teacher appraisal can serve a variety of other useful purposes supporting the professional development of teachers and the most effective management of the teacher force. If progress on appraisal in the context of pay negotiations is too slow—and all the evidence points that way—it is my duty to explore other possible ways of making progress.
Pupil Costs
54.
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is the current cost per year of educating a child in a primary school for (a) the Inner London education authority and (b) Cornwall.
The net cost of educating a primary school pupil in 1982–83, the latest year for which full data are available, was £1,144 in the Inner London education authority and £616 in Cornwall.
Further Education
55.
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what further action he proposes to take to encourage young people to stay at school beyond the statutory leaving age.
The policies outlined in my speech at Sheffield last year are aimed at improving the quality of education offered by schools to pupils of all ages. These policies include improving the quality of the teaching force, seeking broad national agreement on the objectives of the school curriculum, introducing records of achievement and promoting better examination courses. The most effective encouragement to young people to remain in school after the period when attendance is compulsory is to ensure that what schools provide is relevant to pupils' needs and aspirations.
School Closures
56.
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many school closure requests from local education authorities he agreed to in 1982, 1983 and 1984; and how many he refused.
The information requested is as follows:
| Year | Approvals | Rejections |
| 1982 | 214 | 26 |
| 1983 | 246 | 39 |
| 1984 | 213 | 20 |
Rate Support Grant Settlement
57.
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what recent representations he has received from local education authorities about the level of the 1985–86 rate support grant settlement.
My right hon. Friend met elected members of the local authority associations last October to discuss the level of local authority expenditure on education in England to underlie the 1985–86 RSG settlement. This meeting was the culmination of detailed discussions between officials of the Department and of the local authority associations. In addition, the Department receives many letters from individual local authorities on expenditure issues in each financial year.
University Academic Staff
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science (1) what is the average amount, per person, paid out by universities to buy out academic staff; and how that compares with University Grants Committee guidelines;(2) what was the total amount paid out by universities to buy out academic staff; and how that figure compares with forecast.
The total amount paid by universities and reimbursed by the University Grants Committee in redundancy and premature retirement costs for academic staff totalled £93 million up to the end of January 1985. The average amount paid per person was £28,276. Both these figures exclude rebate paid by the Department of Employment under the statutory redundancy payments scheme. Expenditure has been reimbursed by the committee only where it was certified as being in accordance with the guidelines laid down by the Government and the UGC. The costs are broadly in line with those originally forecast by the UGC. In addition to these costs the cost of actuarial strain on the universities' superannuation scheme is being met by additional employers' contributions to the scheme.
Solvent Misuse
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he has any evidence to suggest that solvents generally available in secondary schools are misused by pupils.
No, but the Department has issued guidance to schools on the safe-keeping of such substances.
Assisted Places Scheme
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what evidence is available to his Department concerning a correlation between the relevant income of parents of pupils entering the assisted places scheme and those pupils who did not formerly attend a maintained school.
Information is not collected in the form required.
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science (1) if he will indicate the criteria employed when assessing a request from a school participating in the assisted places scheme for relaxation of the 60 per cent. requirement;(2) if he will list any requests for relaxation of the requirement that 60 per cent. of pupils winning an assisted place must come from the maintained sector which have been refused by him for each year since the introduction of the scheme.
The 60 per cent. rule applies not to each intake but to the body of assisted pupils as a whole. To be granted a relaxation, a school must be able to demonstrate that it has made reasonable efforts to meet the rule or, in an individual case, that the relaxation is to meet particular hardship. No request has so far been refused. Where the difficulty is other than short-term, however, the school's quota of places is renegotiated.
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what information is collected by his Department concerning the academic performance and university entrance record of pupils educated under the assisted places scheme.
The academic standards of participating schools are monitored, but details of the performance of individuals pupils are not collected.
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he will list in the Official Report the number of children winning an assisted place in each year of the scheme's operation in the following age groups and indicate the percentage of the total number of assisted places pupils each figure represents and the percentage change involved in each case (a) 11 to 13 years, (b) 13 to 16 years and (c) 16 to 18 years.
The information requested is as follows:
| Age 11–13 | Age 14–15 | Sixth form | Total | |
| School year 1981–82 | 3,660 | — | 525 | 4,185 |
| Percentage | 87 | 13 | 100 | |
| School year 1982–83 | 3,799 | 25 | 616 | 4,440 |
| Percentage | 85 | 1 | 14 | 100 |
| School year 1983–84 | 4,093 | 54 | 745 | 4,892 |
| Percentage | 84 | 1 | 15 | 100 |
| School year 1984–85 | 4,273 | 93 | 817 | 5,193 |
| Percentage | 82 | 2 | 16 | 100 |
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many schools participating in the assisted places scheme have been given increased quotas of pupils for each year since the introduction of the scheme.
The redistribution of places to maximise the use of the available resources has led to increased quotas as follows:
School year
| Number of schools
|
| 1982–83 | 32 |
| 1983–84 | 16 |
| 1984–85 | 17 |
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he will list the number of cases, with the year of decision, in which he has rejected proposed fee increases by schools participating in the assisted places scheme.
In 1983, my right hon. Friend directed one school to charge a lower tuition fee for assisted pupils than it had proposed.
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science (1) what information is available to his Department as to the pupil-teacher ratio in secondary schools participating in the assisted places scheme;(2) what studies are being undertaken by his Department to assess the proportion of
(a) potential O-level candidates and (b) potential A-level candidates leaving the maintained sector for the assisted places scheme and the effects on the maintained schools so affected;
(3) how many places on the assisted places scheme remained unfilled in each year since the scheme's introduction for the following age-groups; and how many of the filled places represent cases where the 60 per cent. requirement has been relaxed in each case, for each of the following age groups: (a) 11 to 13 years, (b) 13 to 16 years and (c) 16 to 18 years;
(4) to what conclusions he has come concerning educational standards as a result of the assisted places scheme;
(5) how he estimates the marginal benefit accruing to a child educated under the assisted places scheme of the extra cost to his Department of so educating a child;
(6) what information he has as to the average income represented by fees paid by his Department under the assisted places scheme for those schools participating in the scheme for which the 60 per cent. requirement has been relaxed;
(7) pursuant to his reply to the hon. Member for Cambridgeshire, North-East of 11 March, Official Report, column 32, if he will now give for each year of the operation of the assisted places scheme the names of schools which have been granted dispensation from the 60 per cent. rule and the percentage of assisted places pupils formerly attending maintained schools in each case;
(8) if he will list in the Official Report the fee income to each school participating in the assisted places scheme as a result of the scheme; and what percentage of each school's fee income this represents for 1984–85;
(9) what criteria he uses to gauge how the quality of education available to pupils educated under the assisted places scheme exceeds that which is available to those pupils in the maintained sector.
I shall reply to the hon. Member as soon as possible.
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what has been the average fee increase at schools participating in the assisted places scheme in each year since its introduction.
The information requested is as follows:
School Year
| Average Annual fee
| Percentage increases over preceding year
|
Year
| £
| per cent.
|
| 1981–82 | 1,323 | — |
| 1982–83 | 1,467 | 11 |
| 1983–84 | 1,637 | 12 |
| 1984–85 | 1,730 | 6 |
Non-Maintained Schools (Charitable Status)
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he plans to estimate and make available information on the revenue forgone as a consequence of the charitable status of the non-maintained sector of education.
No.
Pupils (Statistics)
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he will list in the Official Report the proportions of pupils in comprehensive, secondary modern and grammar schools respectively, in each local education authority in 1979 and each subsequent year for which figures are available.
I shall reply to the hon. Member as soon as possible.
Drug Misuse
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what steps he is taking to ensure that a larger proportion of teachers receive specialist training related to the problems of drug misuse.
My right hon. Friend announced on 27 February initiatives for the issue of a booklet to teachers on the problems of drug misuse and the preparation of suitable curriculum material for use by both teachers and teacher trainers in a drug education programme. In addition, those concerned with organising regional in-service training courses, under a programme supported by the Department, have been encouraged to give priority to courses concerned with drug misuse.
Teacher Training
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what arrangements he intends for in-service teacher training; and if he will make a statement.
As my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced in his Budget statement, additional resources amounting to £20 million in 1986–87 will be made available for in-service teacher training to promote developments across the curriculum of the kind related particularly to the technical and vocational education initiative. My right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for Employment, Scotland and Wales and I are inviting the Manpower Services Commission to administer this training scheme. The scheme is planned to start in 1985–86 and the MSC is being asked to provide the £5 million necessary for this purpose from within its existing resources for that year.The scheme will be an interim arrangement pending the introduction of a reformed system of funding for in-service teacher training. The Government have considered future arrangements for in-service teacher training in the light of a report last year by the Advisory Committee on the Supply and Education of Teachers. They share the view of the advisory committee that in-service teacher training needs to be planned more systematically. They consider that resources devoted to in-service training are not always being used to the best advantage and agree with the advisory committee that a radical change is needed in the funding and organisation of in-service training. Consultation on the committee's report has shown widespread support for the case for a new funding mechanism and for more systematic planning of in-service training. The Government have concluded that the most effective way of securing these improvements would be through the introduction of a new specific grant to support LEA expenditure on most aspects of in-service teacher training, including that expenditure currently supported through the in-service training pool as well as expenditure on national priority areas. They propose therefore to take an early opportunity to introduce legislation to extend existing powers to grant-aid in-service training. The new arrangements could not come into operation until the financial year 1987–88. The scheme for TVE1-related training announced today by my right hon. Friend will make a valuable contribution to in-service training in the interim period.
Engineering And Technology (Graduates)
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will take steps to increase the output of graduates in engineering and technology; and if he will make a statement.
My right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer has today announced that the Government are to mount a £43 million programme over the next three years for the provision within higher education institutions of additional places in engineering and technology.The costs will be contained within existing expenditure programmes, with contributions from the Departments of Trade and Industry, Employment and Energy and from the Scottish and Welsh Offices, as well as from my Department's programme.I am discussing with the University Grants Committee and others which institutions should benefit from this programme, and I hope to be able to announce soon those institutions that will admit additional students during 1985–86. Further announcements about later years will follow.This programme marks a substantial response to requests from industry for an increased output of graduates in engineering and technology. Perceived industrial worth and cost effectiveness will therefore be important criteria in determining the allocation of the programme between institutions.We shall be looking to industry to demonstrate the value it attaches to the programme by offering concrete support in various ways, along the lines proposed by the IT Skills Shortages Committee, and we shall be discussing further with employers' representatives how this can be assured.This programme is a substantial addition to the initiative I announced in December 1982, for a programme to provide some 5,000 additional places in IT-related subjects, and to the programme costing £14 million over three years which my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland announced in November 1984 to increase the output of engineers and technologists from the Scottish central institutions.
The combined effect of these programmes will be to provide a substantial further stimulus to the output of engineers and technologists and hence to the economy.