asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will publish figures to show the percentage increase in teachers' salaries in cash and real terms (a) from the implementation of the Houghton award to April 1979, (b) from the implementation of the Houghton award to April 1984, (c) from April 1979 to April 1984 and (d) from April 1979 to April 1985,

Per cent.
	Cash terms		Real terms
	(1)	(2)	(3)	(4)
	Settlements	Average salaries	Settlements	Average salaries
(a) from Houghton to April 1979	65	79	-18	-11
(b) from Houghton to April 1984	181	221	-15	-3
(c) from April 1979 to April 1984	70	79	4	9
(d) from April 1979 to April 1985	78	89	2	8

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many post-graduate students are at present studying geriatric medicine in Scottish universities.

This information is not available.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how he intends to pursue the possibility of establishing acceptable arrangements for collecting and using ethnically based statistics on teachers and students in initial training.

Following up our interest in increasing the supply of suitable teachers of ethnic minority origin, and an undertaking made in response to the Swann report, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales and I have today issued a discussion paper concerning the collection of ethically based statistics on teachers and students in teacher training. It is proposed that a working group of the local authority associations,

[pursuant to his reply, 8 July 1985, c. 352]: Details of percentage increases in teachers' salaries in cash and real terms for the periods requested are as follows:the Churches, the teachers' associations, and the Commission for Racial Equality should be established to look at the issues in more detail, concentrating initially on statistics on serving teachers. Comments from a wider audience will be welcome and will be made known to the working group. Copies of the discussion paper are being placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what consultations have taken place with the education service and the ethnic minorities on ways of increasing the supply of ethnic minority teachers.

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales and I have today followed up an undertaking made in response to the Swann report, and have issued a discussion paper concerning measures to increase the proportion of the teacher force drawn from the ethnic minorities, without any reduction in the required level of qualification. Copies of the document are being placed in the Libraries of both Houses. Ethnic minority groups, and interested parties both within and outside the education service, are being asked to submit comments by 31 October, and comments will be welcome on the same timescale from any individual or organisation not specifically consulted. Further discussions may then be required to determine the most appropriate way forward.

asked the hon. Member for Wokingham, as representing the Church Commissioners, whether there are any paid Church of England clergy at St. Winifred's church, Birkenhead.

The Commissioners do not pay a stipend to any clergyman at St. Winifred's church, Birkenhead. They understand that the church is served by a clergy pensioner. The Commissioners provide the funds from which clergy pensions are paid.

asked the hon. Member for Wokingham, as representing the Church Commissioners, whether the Church Commissioners have paid any funds to St. Winifred's church, Birkenhead, during the past 10 years.

It would not appear so, but there has only been a restricted time in which to consult records.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will analyse, for the most recently available 12-month period, the expenditure undertaken by his Department on each of the trunk roads in Wales, analysing such spending between routine maintenance and improvement and indicating the total length in miles of each of these trunk roads.

In 1984–85 our Department spent £93 million on new construction and improvement of trunk roads in Wales, and £12 million on their general maintenance. An attribution of this expenditure to each trunk road could be provided only at disproportionate cost, but information about the expenditure on major trunk road improvement schemes during 1984–85 is given in table I to class XVI, vote I, of the Supply Estimates for that year. (HCP 292—XVI).

asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make funds available to maritime district councils along the Cambrian coast to compensate them for exceptional expenditure incurred as a result of recent oil spillage in the Irish Sea.

Compensation for all reasonable oil pollution clean-up costs related to a spillage at sea by an identified tanker is available through international regimes. Affected local authorities should submit claims to the insurers as promptly as possible. The question of Government funds to meet exceptional expenditure does not therefore arise.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales how much was spent per pupil in secondary schools in Wales on school meals and milk in the most recent year for which figures are available; and how this compares with the figure for 1978–79, at constant prices.

The information is not available.

asked the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what plans he has to review the standards for assessing aircraft noise nuisance and in particular for extending the noise preferential routes beyond their present altitude limits of 4,000 ft from Heathrow and 3,000 ft from Gatwick;(2) whether he will review the definitions of aircraft noise intrusion so at to take account of severe and continuous noise intrusion from aircraft movements above 4,000 ft.

I can assure my right hon. Friend that the assessment of aircraft noise nuisance is kept under review. With the progressive introduction of quieter types, levels of noise disturbance created by aeroplanes have been and will continue to be reduced. Although I accept that there are differing views about the altitudes at which aircraft noise ceases to be regarded as unduly intrusive, I have no plans to extend the noise preferential routes at Heathrow or Gatwick beyond their present limits.

asked the Secretary of State for Transport whether he will put forward proposals to the Civil Aviation Authority for variations in standard instrument depature routes so as to avoid prolonged periods of bunching of aircraft movements over specific communities.

No. Although I appreciate that some communities experience more aircraft noise disturbance than others, I am satisfied that the present route structure represents the best balance that can be achieved by the Civil Aviation Authority in fulfilment of its various responsibilities, which include a requirement to take full account of disturbance to the public.

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what discussions he has held with the Civil Aviation Authority concerning the current routeing structure for aircraft movements at Heathrow and Gatwick; and whether, in the light of noise disturbance, he will put forward proposals for operating the structure on a rotational basis.

My officials hold regular discussions with the Civil Aviation Authority and the National Air Traffic Services about these matters. To seek to change the present operational structure in the way that my right hon. Friend suggests would place an unacceptable capacity constraint on Heathrow and Gatwick.

asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will consider seeking to require coloured lines to be painted in the middle of roads in built-up areas in order to indicate to drivers that they are driving in built-up areas, during hours of darkness.

No. Coloured lines would be less conspicuous than the present white ones and differentiation between colours would be very difficult, especially with the lighting systems in current use.

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what action is being taken to bypass Crediton.

This is a matter for Devon county council, which is the highway authority responsible for the A377 principal road through Crediton.

asked the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects construction of the next section of the North Devon link road to commence.

As with all road schemes, progress is dependent on completion of the statutory processes. We will announce start dates for each of the remaining stages as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what is the average waiting time for a car driving test in England; and how this compares with Northampton.

The waiting time for a car driving test in Northampton is about 17 weeks, which is one week less than the average waiting time for England and Wales.

asked the Secretary of State for Transport how much was lost as a result of fraud on London Transport for 1982 and 1983 and on London Regional Transport for 1984.

I refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Ealing, North (Mr. Greenway) on 13 May, at column 1. I understand the details for 1983 were published in the London Transport Executive's annual report for that year.

asked the Minister for the Civil Service what further progress has been made on increasing the value for money provided by the Government statistical service along the lines indicated by the White Paper, "Government Statistical Services" (Cmnd. 8236).

During the 1984–85 financial year further annual savings of nearly £2 million have been found and the target of £26·5 million given in the White Paper has now been exceeded by some £5 million. That is an excellent achievement. The statistical service continues to seek economies and improve on value for money targets although these are becoming harder to achieve. Future improvements are likely to depend increasingly upon exploitation of computers and some further investment in this area will probably be required.

asked the Secretary of State for Energy whether he will have discussions with the North Western electricity board about the circumstances of the provision of slot meters to households, and how this relates to his Department's code of practice on payment of electricity bills.

I have no plans to do so. The industry's voluntary code of practice for domestic customers provides for the installation of slot meters, where it is safe and practicable, as one means of paying outstanding debt within a reasonable period.

asked the Secretary of State for Energy (1) pursuant to his reply to the hon. and learned Member for Leicester, West on 24 June, Official Report, column 630, upon what evidence he bases his statement that the numbers employed in the coal industry in the Leicestershire area will increase by the end of the century;(2) pursuant to his reply to the hon. and learned Member for Leicester, West on 24 June,

As I pointed out to the hon. Gentleman on 24 June, there will be a major boost to the numbers employed in the coal industry in the south midlands area when such major prospects as are planned at Cadley Mill, Daw Hill and Coventry together with the new prospects at Asfordby and south Warwickshire come to fruition. I also anticipate growth in the opencast sector. Detailed questions on numbers of pits, their personnel and production are a matter for the National Coal Board. There is a tremendous future for the coal industry, particularly in the south midlands if it can cut costs to take advantage of the market opportunities which will be there.

asked the Attorney-General what was the cost to the legal aid fund of providing legal advice regarding, and taking court action against, hospital doctors and hospitals in Northern Ireland during each of the financial years 1980–81, 1981–82, 1982–83, 1983–84 and 1984–85.

Information in the form requested is not readily available and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

asked the Attorney-General how many legal aid certificates were issued during each of the financial years from 1980–81 to 1984–85 with a view to litigation against hospitals or hospital doctors working in Northern Ireland.

Statistics in the form requested are not readily available and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. The following table shows the figures for certificates issued in the five-year period in

	1980–81	1981–82	1982–83	1983–84	1984–85
Total cases concluded	20	22	26	34	46
Judgment for plaintif (with charges)	—	—	—	1	2
Judgment against plaintiff	1	—	—	1	—
Settled	6	5	5	23	17
Withdrawn	13	17	21	9	27

asked the Attorney-General what was the cost of advertising the legal aid scheme by television, public press and bill posting during each of the financial years 1980–81, 1981–82, 1982–83, 1983–84 and 1984–85 in (a) Northern Ireland, (b) Scotland and (c) England and Wales.

No records were kept of the cost of advertising the legal aid scheme in Northern Ireland prior to 1 April 1982, when the Lord Chancellor assumed responsibility. The cost of advertising the scheme in the financial years 1982–83, 1983–84 and 1984–85 has been as follows:

	£
1982–83	45,250
1983–84	36,420
1984–85	47,930

These costs include not only the cost of advertising the scheme in the ways mentioned in the question but also the production and supply of leaflets and posters and the publication of the legal aid solicitors list.The provision of legal aid in Scotland is the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland. No public money has been used to

asked the Attorney-General in how many cases in which legal aid certificates were issued in the five years 1980 to 1985, for proposed actions against hospitals or hospital doctors in Northern Ireland, court action actually followed; of those, in how many cases damages were awarded against the defendant; and how many cases were dismissed.

Statistics in the precise form requested are not readily available and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. However, information on "medical negligence" in general is available and is shown in the following table. These results are compiled from the number of cases concluded in each year and not from the number of legal aid certificates issued.advertise the legal aid schemes in Scotland or in England and Wales in the ways mentioned. However, a leaflet on legal advice and assistance in Scotland is available, at a cost to public funds of around £1,500 in each of the years to which the question relates. In respect of the scheme in England and Wales, various leaflets and posters, and a short film, have been produced; and information is available on Prestel. The cost to public funds of advertising the scheme in England and Wales in these ways for the years in question was as follows:

	£
1980–81	16,000
1981–82	21,500
1982–83	28,500
1983–84	29,500
1984–85	64,500

asked the Attorney-General what was the cost to public funds of the case of Clifford v. Eastern health and social services board, otherwise Clifford v. Nicholl heard at court in Belfast on 22 April before His Honour Judge Andrew Donaldson, QC.

The estimated cost (which is not precise) with regard to areas of expenditure for which the Lord Chancellor is responsible is approximately £160. This does not include legal aid, which has not yet been assessed.I understand that the cost to the Eastern Health and Social Services Board was £262.

asked the Attorney-General in how many cases during the last year the Director of Public Prosecutions has considered the institution of criminal proceedings arising out of chain wrestling competitions; what are the principles taken into account by the Director of Public Prosecutions in reaching decisions on such cases; and whether any such proceedings have been instituted.

The Director of Public Prosecutions has considered one case arising out of a "chain wrestling" competition. Chain wrestling competitions differ from the traditional sport in that a substantial chain links the two wrestlers together. A combatant who finds himself in a position to use the chain as a weapon is permitted to do so. As to the relevant legal principles, the Court of Appeal has ruled that it is not in the public interest that people should try to cause each other actual bodily harm for no reason. Further, it is not a defence to a charge of assault arising out of a fight, whether occurring in public or in private, that the victim consented to fight. It is an assault if actual bodily harm is intended and/or caused. But the Court of Appeal emphasised that its ruling was not intended to cast doubt on the accepted legality of properly conducted games and sports.It is likely that the courts would regard the introduction of a chain as a potential weapon as distinguishing such a competition from lawful sport. Any injuries which might be occasioned by its use would thus be distinguished from those which do sometimes occur in the normal course of robust but lawful sporting competitions. Their infliction might constitute assault or a more serious offence of unlawful wounding or grievous bodily harm depending upon the nature and degree of the injury.In the case considered by the Director of Public Prosecutions the evidence was insufficient to establish that actual harm had been occasioned by the use of the chain.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps he is taking to ensure that Short Brothers is able to export its products freely to the Philippines.

The Government are making every effort to ensure that Shorts, in common with other United Kingdom companies, can export its products successfully to the Philippines.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if Her Majesty's Government will introduce measures to promote the continuance of a body of expertise in building research vessels in one British shipyard.

We have no plans to do so. This is a matter for the commercial judgment of the British shipbuilding industry.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what action has been taken by his Department in relation to Mr. Martin Cannon, trading as Theatrical Street Productions Ltd., to ensure compliance with the Fair Trading Act and other legislation.

Theatrical Street Productions Ltd. was wound up compulsorily in the High Court on 10 December 1984 and its affairs are being investigated by the Official Receiver in conjunction with other authorities.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list his powers to require car manufacturers to state the British value added percentage in each marque in their product range.

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

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what was the value of motor car, lorry and bus exports to the European Economic Community, respectively, including Portugal and Spain, over the most recent 12-month period for which figures are available; what were the comparable figures in each of the previous five years; and what were the comparable figures for imports of cars, lorries and buses, respectively, from the European Economic Community.

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

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will take steps to seek to stop the Korean Government-subsidised tenders on United Kingdom shipbuilding contracts; and if he will also seek the withdrawal of the Trinity House lighthouse tender contract.

Through our active participation in the dialogue between the OECD working party on shipbuilding and the Government of the Republic of Korea we continue to press for pricing arrangements which can best ensure the health of the United Kingdom shipbuilding industry with the long term aim of the phasing out of all subsidies worldwide. The decision to place the lighthouse tender contract in Korea was a matter for Trinity House and no public money was involved. The Government concluded that the level of subsidy that would have been necessary to keep the order in the United Kingdom could not have been justified.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry why the EEC Council of Ministers has imposed anti-dumping duties in a range up to 32 per cent. against imports of hydraulic excavators from Japan; and if he will make a statement.

Anti-dumping duties ranging from 2·9 per cent to 31·9 per cent. were imposed with effect from 7 July on imports of hydraulic excavators manufactured by a number of Japanese companies. The relevant Council regulation (No. 1877/85 of 4 July) represents the conclusion of an investigation conducted by the Commission following complaints by the Community hydraulic excavator industry. The investigation found that Japanese excavators were being dumped in the Community market and that this dumping was causing material injury. The anti-dumping duties will remain in force for five years or until reviewed.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry on how many occasions anti-dumping measures have been enforced by the EEC over the past five years in cases when the exporting nation has made proposals to the Commission for increased prices to remove the extent of the alleged dumping.

A definitive remedy in cases where foreign manufacturers are found to have dumped their products in the European Community to the detriment of Community industry can take the form of an anti-dumping duty or the acceptance of a price undertaking.The discussions between the Commission and a foreign manufacturer following the offer of a price undertaking are confidential: some offers are rejected. In approximately three quarters of anti-dumping cases over the past five years, price undertakings have been accepted as the definitive remedy.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what have been the results to date of the contact between the Minister responsible for recycling and the United Kingdom Reclamation Council.

[pursuant to his reply, 9 July 1985, c. 394]: When I met representatives of the United Kingdom Reclamation Council on 12 March, they indicated that there were areas in which the council would be able to suggest some recycling initiatives. I have asked for another meeting before the summer recess to discuss what the council has decided to do and possible ways in which the Government might help.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement about current Government policy on waste recycling and whether he intends to make any changes.

[pursuant to his reply, 9 July 1985, c. 394]: I refer the hon. Member to the second special report from the Trade and Industry Committee, Session 1984–85, where he will find the Government's response to the Committee's report "The Wealth of Waste."At an open day at the Warren Spring laboratory on 10 July I announced my intention to establish a unit at the laboratory to provide technical support, including the preparation of statistical and economic data and state of the art reports, to private and public sector organisations in the recycling field. The unit would cost around £200,000 per annum, and I am looking to industry for a 50 per cent. contribution. I am also planning a campaign to raise public awareness of the potential for reclamation and recycling.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many people are now on each of the following schemes: full-time job release, part-time job release, young workers scheme, job splitting scheme, community programme, community industry, enterprise allowance scheme, youth training scheme and training opportunities scheme.

The information requested is estimated as follows, for 31 May:

	Numbers
Community programme	134,000
Enterprise allowance scheme	47,000
Job splitting scheme	240
Job release schemes	64,000
Young workers scheme	52,000
Community industry	8,000
Training in industry	1,500
Youth training scheme	280,000
Training opportunities scheme	27,820

asked the Secretary of State for Employment whether the names and addresses of those who are registered as unemployed at unemployment benefit offices are available to managers of local jobcentres.

Since October 1982 and the introduction of a Rayner recommendation that registration for employment at a jobcentre for adults be voluntary, the names and addresses of those signing at unemployment benefit offices have not been automatically passed to jobcentres. This information has, however, been made available on request.Unemployed young people under 18 still have to register for work, either at a jobcentre or careers office, as one of the conditions for receiving benefit.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment whether he will estimate the effect on the retail prices index of the increases in the price of petrol during each month in the current year.

In March and April, increases in the price of petrol and oil added, respectively, 0·2 and 0·1 per cent. to the level of the retail prices index. There were negligible effects in other months.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Soviet Government have approached the United Kingdom with any request for fishing licences to operate in the waters around the Falkland Islands and about their approach to the Argentine Government on the same subject.

No.

asked the Prime Minister if she has any plans to visit South Derbyshire.

I have at present no plans to do so.

asked the Prime Minister if she proposes to increase the secretariat of the Anglo-Irish Council.

I have at present no plans to do so.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Thursday 11 July.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Thursday 11 July.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Thursday 11 July.

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.

asked the Prime Minister if she will state her official engagements for Monday 8 July.

In the morning I had meetings with ministerial colleagues and others including one with the Chiefs of Defence Staff. In the afternoon I had further meetings, including one with the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago.

asked the Prime Minister what improvements have been made to the National Health Service since May 1979; and how the standard of patient care provided in National Health Service hospitals compares with that which existed prior to May 1979.

The National Health Service is now treating more patients a year than ever before. This has been achieved by spending more money and taking steps to see that Health Service money is used to better effect. We are also developing a more modern health service better fitted to care for and prevent sickness and respond to changing demands.We believe that the National Health Service's aim is to meet the needs and convenience of public and patients and we have been pleased by the recorded satisfaction of the public with the National Health Service. A recent opinion poll has shown that over three-quarters of the public thought the service "very good". The increased level of service provided is shown by the facts that, comparing 1984 with 1978:

asked the Prime Minister if she will move to get up a tribunal of inquiry under the Tribunals of Inquiry (Evidence) Act 1921 to inquire into the commercial relationship between Johnson Matthey Bankers and the Gomba-related companies; and if she will make a statement.

I see no purpose in the establishment of such an inquiry.

asked the Prime Minister in what way (a) the Fontainebleau agreement and (b) the United Kingdom European Economic Community rebate are dependent on the outcome of the International Conference established by majority vote at Milan.

No part of the Own Resources Decision which embodies the Fontainebleau agreement on the future financing of the Community, including the arrangements for the United Kingdom's abatement, is dependent on the outcome of the intergovernmental conference established by the Milan European Council.

asked the Prime Minister if, during her discussions with the President of the United States of America, the option of an international news black-out on terrorist activities was discussed; and if she will make a statement.

The question of media handling of terrorist incidents in the United Kingdom is under consideration by the Home Secretary. I have not yet discussed the question of international handling of reporting about terrorist incidents with President Reagan but would welcome the opportunity to do so, and indeed believe the topic merits wider international discussion.

asked the Prime Minister when she next expects to meet representatives of the oil companies to discuss the effect of petrol prices on the economy.

I do not expect to meet the oil companies for this purpose.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will publish in the Official Report that part of the Dublin summit communiqué or decision which related to the pledge to provide 1·2 million tonnes of famine relief for Africa; and whether the relief concerned was designed to be in addition to the aid provided bilaterally by individual member states.

The full conclusions of the European Council of 3–4 December 1984 are available in the Library of the House. The relevant extract is as follows:

"In the face of the serious difficulties currently being experienced by many countries of Africa, especially those, like Ethiopia or the Sahel countries, which are suffering the effects of an unprecedented drought and the ravages of malnutrition and famine, the European Council stresses the urgency of taking concerted international action.

The European Council believes that the total to be provided by the Community and its member states between now and the next harvest should be 1·2 million tonnes.

The Commission, after consultation with member states to establish the amount of grain that will be provided by member states, will make a proposal to the Council with respect to any additional Community effort that may be needed to attain the figure of 1·2 million tonnes and the European Council invites the Council of Ministers to take any necessary decisions on the basis of such a Commission proposal in order to secure the achievement of the 1·2 million total. The European Council appeals to other donor countries to match this effort by the Community and its member states in order that the total need of those states, currently estimated at 2 million tonnes, will be met."

As my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister told the House on 5 December 1984, at column 352, it was the intention of the European Council that 1·2 million tonnes of cereals should be provided by the Community and member states together.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many Falkland Islands-based firms, which do not have outside ownership, have received grants or loans from the Falkland Islands Development Corporation.

Forty-five.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether the minutes and agendas of the board of the Falkland Islands Development Corporation are available to the public.

No. But an annual report will be produced and will be available to the public. The first should be published at the end of July.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his reply of 14 June, Official Report, column 569, if he will list the 54 companies which have received assistance from the Falkland Islands Development Corporation.

A total of 48 firms or individuals have received assistance from the Falkland Islands Development Corporation, not 54 as stated in my reply of 14 June, at column 569. I regret this discrepancy, which arises from the fact that a few received assistance over more than one project and were double counted previously. For reasons of commercial confidentiality, the corporation does not disclose information about assistance it has given without the prior consent of the firm or individual concerned.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what further information emerged from the EEC co-ordination meeting on 8 July in Brussels regarding the actual amount of food aid sent to the drought stricken nations of northern and east Africa in pursuance of the food aid commitment made at the Dublin summit.

The European Commission reported that 43 per cent. of the 1·2 million tonnes of cereals or cereal equivalent pledged at the European Council in December 1984 had been delivered to the African countries most severely affected by drought, and that a further 34 per cent. was now being mobilised.The following information was provided on deliveries to each of the countries of the Sahel and East Africa:

	Tonnes of cereals or cereal equivalent
	Community	Member States	Total
Ethiopia	81,500	*65,000	146,500
Sudan	85,500	82,500	168,000
Chad	*20,000	30,000	50,000
Mali	*28,500	12,000	40,500
Mauritania	—	6,200	6,200
Niger	29,500	32,500	62,000
* Figures are lower than those given to my hon. Friend the Member for Hertford and Stortford (Mr. Wells) on 6 June, at columns 198–99, or to my hon. Friend the Member for Southend, East (Mr. Taylor) on 5 July. This reflects previous over-reporting of deliveries effected.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what were the staff levels for each year since 1979 in the police service nationally.

The information for England and Wales is as follows:

At 30 June	Police officers	Full-time civilian staff	Part-time civilian staff	Total manpower (including part-time civilians on a 2 for I basis)
1979	112,262	31,193	8,064	147,487
1980	115,353	32,481	8,254	151,961
1981	118,718	33,709	8,315	156,585
1982	120,370	33,806	8,049	158,201
1983	121,158	34,055	7,851	159,139
1984	120,987	34,778	7,601	159,566

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many foreign prisoners serving sentences in the United Kingdom on the most recent convenient date would be eligible for transfer from the United Kingdom under the Council of Europe convention on the transfer of sentenced persons; and from which countries they originate.

The convention comes into force in relation to the United Kingdom on 1 August 1985; by that date the convention will also apply to France, the United States, Sweden and Spain. In addition, the convention comes into force in relation to Canada on 1 September. On 30 April this year the number of prisoners serving sentences in England and Wales who gave their nationality as that of one of these countries, and who were then eligible for repatriation under the terms of the convention by virtue of the length of sentence still to be served, was estimated as follows:

	Number
France	8
United States of America	33
Sweden	1
Spain	15
Canada	14

I understand that no eligible prisoners appear to be serving sentences in Scotland or Northern Ireland.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prosecutions took place and how many convictions were obtained, in the five years culminating in the most recent year for which figures are available, for the use of motor cycles not silenced to a noise level within the permitted maximum.

The available information relates to proceedings at magistrates' courts for noise caused by a faulty silencer in a motor cycle, moped or scooter and is given in the following table.

Proceedings and findings of guilt at magisrates' courts for noise caused by a faulty silencer on motorcycles, mopeds and scooters. England and Wales
Number
Year	Proceedings	Findings of guilt
1979	1,833	1,750
1980	2,448	2,338
1981	2,465	2,315
1982	2,790	2,616
1983	2,672	2,527

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what progress has been made by each of the companies allocated the original 11 interim franchises for cable television; and if he will make a statement.

I understand that parts of the systems in Aberdeen and Swindon are now operational and programme services are being provided to subscribers. The systems in Coventry, Croydon and Westminster are currently being installed and services are expected to start in there September. In the Clyde area, Ealing and Windsor, construction work is expected to begin shortly with a view to commencing operations towards the end of this year or early next. The remaining three areas — Merseyside, Belfast and Guildford — are in various stages of planning and may be in a position to serve their first customers in the early part of next year.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what were the total numbers of criminal offences in Wales in each of the years 1979 to 1984; and of these what were the total numbers of burglaries and sexual crimes for each of the five years, respectively.

Statistics of notifiable offences recorded by the police in Wales are published annually in Criminal Statistics, England and Wales (Tables 2.4 and 2.6 of the volume for 1983, Cmnd. 9349). Corresponding figures for 1984 were published in Home Office Statistical Bulletin,) Issue 6/85 on 12 March 1985.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the total strength by grades including governors at 31 March of the prison service in England and Wales.

The numbers, by grades, of Prison Service staff at outstations on 31 March were as follows:

	Numbers
Prison Officer Grades	18,400·5
Administration Grades	2,262·5
Industrial staff	2,143·0
Civilian Instructional Officer and Professional and Technology Officers	1,132·5
Governors	542·0
Storemen	422·0
Doctors and nurses	296·5
Chaplains	107·5
Psychologists	94·5
Cleaners	60·0
Farm Managers	31·0
Messengers	14·0
Assistant Librarian	1·0

The number of Prison Service headquarters staff on 31 March was as follows:

	Numbers
Non Industrial (mainly administration group grades)	1,482·0
Industrial (mainly based at Supply and Transport Branch Headquarters at Corby)	362·5

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the average basic salary excluding allowances and overtime for each grade including governors for the financial year 1984–85 in the prison service in England and Wales.

The average basic annual salaries excluding overtime and allowances in the financial year 1984–85 were:

	£
Governor I	22,605
Governor II	20,283
Governor III	16,744
Governor IV	13,455
Assistant Governor	11,654
Assistant Governor (trainee)	11,219
Chief Officer I	10,643
Chief Officer II	9,854
Principal Officer	8,116
Senior Officer	7,245
Prison Officer	5,744
Prison Auxiliary	5,348
Night Patrol	5,673

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the average gross salary including allowances and overtime for each grade including governors for the financial year 1984–85 in the prison service in England and Wales.

Governor grades received no payment in addition to their basic salaries except that they were provided with either rent-free quarters or a rent allowance of up to £2,135 a year, and those working in London were paid London weighting of up to £1,300 a year. The average gross annual salary, including overtime payments and allowances for shift and weekend working, of each of the prison officer grades in the financial year 1984–85 was:

	£
Chief Officer I	15,079
Chief Officer II	14,190
Principal Officer	15,808
Senior Officer	14,230
Prison Officer	11,396
Prison Auxiliary	10,097
Night Patrol	9,515

In addition, prison officers in all grades other than prison auxiliary and night patrol were provided with either rent-free accommodation or a housing allowance of £1,060 a year (£1,353 for the Chief Officer grades). All grades working in the London pay area receive London weighting of up to £1,300 a year, and some officers were also paid an allowance, varying in amount, in recognition of certain specialist skills.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the average overtime for each grade including governors for the financial year 1984–85 in the prison service in England and Wales.

The average overtime worked by prison officers was 16·4 hours per officer per week. Small amounts of overtime were also worked by other grades. The pay and conditions of service of governor grades take account of the need for them to attend for whatever hours are necessary for the performance of their job. Overtime allowances are therefore inapplicable to them.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what percentages of officers had a gross salary in excess of (a) £13,000, (b) £14,000 and (c) £15,000 for the financial year 1984–85 in the prison service in England and Wales.

This information could only be obtained at a disproportionate cost.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the cost of the magistrates' courts system in the most recent convenient financial year.

The provisional outturn figure for the cost of the magistrates' courts system in 1983–84 was £141,284,000.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much money was received in fines paid by offenders in the most recent convenient financial year.

The total income from fines and fees collected by magistrates' courts in England and Wales in 1984–85 was £123,642,000.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much money was paid by offenders under compensation orders in the most recent convenient financial year.

This information is not available centrally, and could not be obtained without disproportionate cost.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what information he has secured in regard to the incidence of the practice of organised dog fighting, the incidence of importation of dogs in pursuit of this activity and the stealing of dogs for the purpose.

Organised dog fighting is illegal under the Protection of Animals Act 1911. We have no present reason for believing that there is any widespread abuse, but the police are always ready to act upon evidence of such objectionable activities. We are not aware of any recent evidence to suggest that dogs are being imported or stolen for this purpose.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people were in prison on 9 July; how many were held in police custody on the same date; and if he will make a statement.

On 5 July, the latest date for which figures have been collected, 47,832 persons were held in Prison Department custody, plus 96 prisoners in police cells.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what grants are, or have been, paid to any police authority for home defence other than civil defence as defined in the Civil Defence Act 1984; and if he will make a statement.

None. Only the home defence activities which fall within the definition of civil defence in the Civil Defence Act 1984 are eligible for grant aid.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many vehicles, which are not chargeable with vehicle excise duty by virtue of regulation 27 of the Road Vehicles (Registration and Licensing) Regulations 1971, are in the possession of each police authority in England and Wales;(2) how many vehicles which are not chargeable with vehicle excise duty by virtue of regulation 27 of the Road Vehicles (Registration and Licensing) Regulations 1971, are in the possession of each local authority in England and Wales.

None of which we are aware.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will consider introducing legislation banning all opinion polls carried out by national press, local press, television, radio, colleges and universities 14 days before the polling day; and if he will make a statement.

No.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will publish the background papers to the civil defence review of 1980.

The review covered a wide range of activities many relating to the defence of this country, and it would not therefore be in the public interest to publish these papers.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will publish in the Official Report a list of those local authorities which have, since 1 December 1983, applied for grant aid for the purpose of establishing, equipping or maintaining an emergency centre or centres pursuant to regulation 4(1)(b) of the Civil Defence (General Local Authority Functions) Regulations 1983; and in each case what was (a) the date on which the application was made, (b) the proposed location of the centre or centres, (c) the total cost of the project as indicated in the application for grant approval, (d) whether the application has been approved, (e) if the application is still awaiting approval, why it has not yet been approved; and (f) if the application was disapproved for what reason.

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

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if he will list the number of visitors to the United Kingdom in each of the last five years who have been recorded on the current computer system as those whose embarkation is likely to need checking; if he will provide a breakdown by nationality of those visitors listed above; if he will list the criteria employed in determining the recording of those listed above; and if he will make a statement.

I will reply as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to widen the range of consumer choice in local radio services.

In reply to a question from my hon. Friend the Member for Kingswood (Mr. Hayward) on 23 January, at columns 417 to 418, I said that I hoped to make a further statement about community radio following a study of how its development could best to taken forward. I have now decided to establish an experiment to test the viability of and scope for a range of different types of community radio, set up and financed in different ways in different locations. I hope that frequencies will be available for about 20 experimental stations which could begin broadcasting early next year. In general these will be appreciably smaller in coverage than existing local radio services. The central criterion will be that they should enhance existing broadcasting arrangements and broaden the diversity of consumer choice by offering the community in question an additional service which is distinct in character, whether because of the nature of the programming, its emphasis on local or specialist interests, its appeal to specific community concerns, for other reasons. It will be open to a number of bodies to come together to apply jointly for a licence on the basis that they will use the frequency on a time share basis; and, given the limited number of frequencies, this will have advantages. I intend to make a further announcement as soon as possible setting out the locations for the experimental community radio stations, and outlining the application procedure for prospective licensees. In selecting the successful applicants, I hope to have the benefit of advice from a panel of advisers.As outlined in my earlier statement, however, the development of community radio raises a number of important broadcasting policy issues, and may in addition have implications for our existing local radio services. I have therefore decided that it would be right for these matters to be the subject of wider consultations, and I propose to publish a Green Paper in summer 1986 identifying the issues, outlining a range of possible responses, and inviting comments on them. When the Green Paper is published the experimental stations should have been operating for some months, and that experience should help inform consideration of the issues outlined in the Green Paper.Existing local radio services normally broadcast the same programmes on medium wave and VHF frequencies. I have from time to time, however, approved ad hoc requests from the broadcasting authorities for particular stations to broadcast separate programmes on the two frequencies for a temporary period in order to meet particular local needs or circumstances. Stations have thus been able, for example, to provide a special emergency information service during periods of severe weather, to provide commentary on sporting events, and to help with charity appeals, while maintaining their normal output on the other frequency. Both the IBA and the BBC have recently put to me proposals for experiments in split-frequency broadcasting over a longer period. The IBA have asked that six independent local radio stations (Piccadilly Radio, Leicester Sound, Marcher Sound, Viking Radio, Wiltshire Radio and Capital Radio) should be permitted, as and when appropriate, to broadcast seperate programmes on their two frequencies for up to 10 hours per week. The purposes to which the additional service would be devoted include classical music concerts, ethnic programming, sporting commentaries and specialist music programmes. The BBC have sought approval to Radio Nottingham and Leicester broadcasting Asian programmes for a few hours a week on one frequency while carrying their normal services on the other.I have decided to approve these proposals for an experimental period of one year. Arrangements have been made for research, including audience research, into the experiment. At its conclusion, I propose to undertaken a careful assessment of the practical and other implications of split-frequency broadcasting. I shall continue to be prepared to consider ad hoc requests for particular stations to undertake split-frequency broadcasts of short duration in the light of exceptional local needs or circumstances.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he proposes to issue guidance to the fire service on the procedures to be followed under the Fire Services (Discipline) Regulations 1985 (S.I., 1985, No. 930).

I have today placed in the Library a copy of the guidance to be issued to chief fire officers. This guidance has been the subject of consultation with both fire authorities and representative bodies in the fire service, and I formally consulted both national joint councils over its terms when I consulted them over the draft regulations under section 17 of the Fire Services Act 1947. The guidance represents the agreed procedure for handling cases under the new regulations and I am confident that it will be welcomed by all concerned as an integral part of the new discipline provisions and as the means of best achieving natural justice in disciplinary matters consistent with the needs and traditions of the fire service.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if in the light of recent disclosures of the contents of the report of Sir John McKay's working party on the administration of the Firearms Act 1968 he will now place a copy of the report in the Library; and if he will make a statement.

[pursuant to his reply, 5 June 1985, c. 159]: It would be inappropriate to do so. The report of Sir John McKay's working party on the control of firearms, prepared in 1972, was an internal document. Its main conclusions and recommendations were, however, incorporated in the 1973 Green Paper, "The Control of Firearms in Great Britain" (Cmnd. 5297).

asked the Lord Privy Seal (1) what approaches the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster makes to political parties to obtain nominations for the magistracy within the Duchy;(2) what action the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster takes to ensure political balance in the magistracy within the Duchy;

The Secretaries of the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster's advisory committees are advised to keep in contact with the local political parties, as well as with other local organisations, to encourage them to recommend persons for appointment as magistrates. They also maintain a record of the party allegiances of magistrates where these are known at the time of appointment. Thereafter the committees do their best to ensure that new appointments improve upon the political balance of the bench as and when it becomes necessary to do so.

asked the Lord Privy Seal how many hon. Members (a) have their own office on the parliamentary estate, (b) share such an office (i) with one other, (ii) with two others, (iii) with three others, (iv) with four or more others, (c) have some other form of accommodation, including a desk, and (d) have no such allocated accommodation; and if he will give the reasons for those in the last category.

The information requested is as follows:

	Numbers
(a) Hon. Members with their own room	273
(b) Hon Members who share a room
(i) With one other	242
(ii) With two others	30
(iii) With three others	32
(iv) With four or more others	62
(c) Hon. Members who have some other form of accommodation	Nil
(d) Hon. Members who have no allocated accommodation	11
Total	650

The reasons for those in the last category are not known. I should add, however, that all new Members are sent a leaflet by the Serjeant at Arms Department, which explains how they can apply for accommodation.

asked the Lord Privy Seal, pursuant to his reply to the right hon. Member for Manchester, Wythenshawe of 26 June, Official Report, column 401, if he is satisfied that people who work with visual display units in the Palace of Westminster do not face any health hazard in consequence of their work with them; if any trade union with members employed within the Palace has been consulted on this matter; and if any consideration has been given to compulsory eye tests for those employed or to be employed on visual display units.

I have been assured that there is no current evidence that visual display units, properly used, constitute any threat to health; regular discussions about employment on VDUs are taking place with officials, of trade unions representing staff of the House; it is not considered appropriate for eye tests, presently available on a voluntary basis to those staff employed or to be employed on VDUs, to be made compulsory.

asked the Lord Privy Seal, pursuant to his reply to the right hon. Member for Manchester, Wythenshawe of 26 June, Official Report, column 401, whether the safety committee to which his reply referred also deals with health matters affecting people who work in the Palace of Westminster; and if he will name the trade unions with which formal consultation takes place on health and safety matters affecting their members employed in the Palace.

The safety committee consults with the Department of the Environment and other relevant bodies over the elimination of any hazards reported to it. The following unions represent House of Commons staff on the safety committee:

(1) Association of First Division Civil Servants (FDA)

(2) Civil and Public Services Association (CPSA)

(3) Civil Service Union (CSU)

(4) General Municipal Boilermakers and Allied Trades Union (GMW Section) [incorporating Hotel and Catering Workers' Union (HWCU)]

(5) Institution of Professional Civil Servants (IPCS)

(6) Society of Civil and Public Servants (SCPS)

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether the use of photocopying equipment supplied to the Labour party in the House is restricted to 12 copies on the basis of other photocopying machines within the House.

The photocopying equipment provided for the official Opposition is not subject to any restrictions on its use.

asked the Lord Privy Seal how many secretaries accredited to hon. Members were in possession of photographic passes on 1 July; if he will publish a table showing the number of Members with nought, one, two and three, and so on accredited secretaries; what information he has as to the number of such secretaries working for one, two, three and so on hon. Members; and if he will give comparative figures for each of the past 10 years.

The number of Palace of Westminster photo-identity passes on issue to Members' secretaries on 1 July 1985 was 612. The information requested on the number of secretaries employed per Member is as follows:

	Numbers
Members employing no secretary	192
Members employing one secretary	342
Members employing two secretaries	79
Members employing three secretaries	23
Members employing four secretaries	5
5Members employing five secretaries	5
Members employing six secretaries	1
Members employing seven secretaries	0
Members employing eight secretaries	0
Members employing nine secretaries	1

It is understood that 15 secretaries work for two Members, and one secretary works for three Members. I regret that the records which are held by the authorities of the House do not enable me to give comparative figures for the other years requested.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, with reference to the answer to the hon. Member

Indices*of competitiveness in manufactures United Kingdom compared with Federal Republic of Germany†
1980=100
	Export prices	Producer prices	Unit labour costs	Normalised unit labour costs	Deutschemark per pound
1973	74·7	73·7	66·3	72·4	6·64
1974	76·5	74·5	70·1	75·6	6·05
1975	78·5	78·2	78·1	81·5	5·45
1976	75·2	73·5	71·9	75·0	4·55
1973 1st Quarter	80·1	82·6	72·4	78·2	7·33
1976 4th Quarter	72·7	68·3	64·1	68·9	3·98
1979 1st Quarter	82·8	78·9	74·1	75·8	3·74
1981 1st Quarter	114·2	115·5	119·8	123·8	4·81
1984 4th Quarter	104·5	98·1	87·7	100·8	3·72
* All indices in US dollar terms
† ie in each case UK index divided by FRG index

The review of the Vote arrangements governing the acceptance of assets in lieu of tax is in progress. A statement will be made in due course.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will publish in the Official Report a table showing for the United Kingdom, each of the EEC Six, the United States of America and Japan the change in the real exchange rate since the average of the years 1973 to 1976 based on (a) relative gross domestic product deflators, (b) relative export prices for manufactures and (c) relative unit labour costs; and if he will include figures showing the current nominal rates in each case compared to March 1983, the fourth quarter of 1984 and January 1985.

A variety of indices of relative costs and prices for the countries and period requested compared with other major industrial countries are available in the table "Cost and Price Comparisons for Manufacturing" in International Financial Statistics. Nominal effective exchange rate indices for the period requested are available in successive issues of the Bank of England Quarterly Bulletin (table 18).

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will publish in the Official Report a table showing the indices of competitiveness in Table F3 of the "Monthly Review of External Trade Statistics for the United Kingdom" compared with Germany for the average of the years 1973 to 1976, the fourth quarter of 1976, the first quarter of 1979, the first quarter of 1981, the first quarter of 1973, the fourth quarter of 1984, the lastest available month in each case and his estimate of the current position, together with the appropriate nominal exchange rate aginst the deutschemark.

I have been asked to reply. The information is in the table. For the indices of import price competitiveness and relative profitability of exports (also in table F3), price information specific to UK-German trade is not readily available.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will list the factors currently preventing an immediate cut in interest rates.

I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave him on 27 June (Vol. 81, c. 489.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what were the United Kingdom official reserves for the month of June in each of the last 10 financial years.

At the end of June 1985 the official reserves stood at $14,318 million. Figures for previous years are available in Economic Trends, Annual Supplement, 1985, pp. 143–145.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) how many local authorities have put all or any of their professional services out to the private sector;(2) how many local authorities have selected outside firms to operate the work undertaken by the former direct labour organisation as opposed to giving the in-house organisation the work;(3) how many local authorities have put more than one service into the private sector.

My Department does not collect systematic data on these subjects, but useful information may be found in the annual surveys of local authority privatisation which the Local Government Chronicle has published since 1983.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many press officers are employed by the Greater London council; and what total cost this represents to ratepayers.

I regret that the information requested is not available centrally. This is a matter for the GLC.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what are his reasons for not having accepted the revised financial information provided by the London borough of Newham for the financial year 1982 to 1983; what differences his refusal has made on Newham's block grant entitlement; and what will be the effect on the council's 1984–85 and 1985–86 budget.

My right hon. Friend does not consider that the revised financial return provided by the London borough of Newham gives the best information as to their outturn total expenditure for 1982–83. This revised return would reduce Newham's block grant entitlement in respect of 1982–83 by about £2½ million. What effect it would have on Newham's budget in 1984–85 and 1985–86 is a matter for the council.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what plans he has for emergency legislation to deal with the budget situation of the city of Liverpool;(2) if he will meet a deputation of hon. Members from Liverpool to discuss the city's deficit budget.

Liverpool city council has now made a rate and declared a budget. It is for that council to live with the consequences of its decision. I have agreed to meet a deputation of hon. Members.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he has any plans to appoint a commissioner to run the affairs of the city of Liverpool.

I have no powers to do so.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what arrangements exist for consultation between the London Docklands Development Corporation and the population in the London docklands area; and if he will make a statement;(2) what efforts are made by the London Docklands Development Corporation to let the Docklands Forum know what its plans are; and if he will make a statement.

I will answer these questions shortly.