asked the Secretary of State for Transport when he will issue the new regulations covering pelican crossings.

This year.

asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will publish in the Official Report the names of all those local authorities who do not operate the orange badge scheme for disabled drivers and the reasons given by each of these authorities for refusing to do so.

The orange badge scheme of parking concessions does not operate in the City of London, the City of Westminster, the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea and that part of the London borough of Camden to the south of and including Euston road. These areas are excluded from the national scheme because of their particular problems with traffic congestion and pressure on parking space.

asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list the consultative meetings he has held with road transport unions on the new EEC Regulations [3820/85 and 3821/85] on road safety; and what assurances he has been able to give them regarding the future health, safety and welfare of lorry drivers; and if he will make a statement.

I discussed the Commission's proposals with officers of the TGWU on 4 June 1984. My officials had further discussions on 27 September 1984, 3 June 1985 and 21 June 1985. Both I and my officials made it clear in the discussions that road safety has been one of our main considerations in the negiotiation of the regulation. My hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State has arranged to meet officers of the TGWU on 30 April to discuss our proposals for implementing the regulations and for changes to the domestic driving code.

asked the Secretary of State for Transport whether the proposed new EEC Regulations on road safety, due to be enacted on 29 September, have received the support of the European Parliament and the Social and Economic Committee of the Community and the backing of the road haulage unions; and if he will make a statement.

In adopting the new regulations, which come into force on 29 September, the Council of Ministers took account of the views of the other institutions of the Community and of the European trade union organisations.

asked the Secretary of State for Transport whether he has established that all member nations of the EEC will introduce the new regulations governing road safety on or before 29 September; and if he will make a statement.

Regulations 3820/85 and 3821/8 enter into force on 29 September. They will be directly applicable in all member states.

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received from the Transport and General Workers Union asking for the suspension of the introduction of the new EEC regulations, relating to lorry drivers' hours and rest periods; what reply he has given to the union's representations concerning the effect of the regulations on the levels of mental and physical fatigue of drivers; and if he will make a statement.

My Department has received a letter from the TGWU dated 13 March 1986 setting out the United Kingdom road transport unions' objections to the regulations. This will be discussed at the meeting on 30 April which my hon. Friend the Minister with responsibility for roads and traffic has arranged with officers of the TGWU to discuss our proposals for implementing the regulations.

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the implications of (a) the omission from the new EEC regulations on road safety of any provision for a full weekend's rest for lorry drivers and (b) the procedures proposed for enforcing the regulations, for the safety of road haulage drivers; and what assurances he has given to the road transport unions on these matters.

The new regulation increases the standard weekly rest requirement from 40 to 45 hours, and imposes new obligations on operators to ensure that their drivers comply with its provisions.

asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will publish in the Official Report the methods and organisations he has used in order to publicise the second edition of his Department's publication "Door to Door", the guide to transport for disabled people; if he is satisfied that this publication is sufficiently known to disabled people and their families or friends; and if he will make a statement.

The second edition of "Door to Door", a guide to transport for disabled people, was published by the Department in February. One million copies of this free guide were printed. So far 755,000 copies have been distributed to voluntary groups, local authorities and other organisations and to individuals. Almost 800 copies on audio cassette for blind people have also been distributed.The guide has been publicised widely through the magazines of voluntary organisations and through the national press. Posters and Freepost request cards have been circulated. Boots the Chemists are also distributing the guide.A video film to publicise the guide and give information about transport for disabled people is available on free loan from the Department.The guide is becoming known to disabled people and their families and friends.

asked the Secretary of State for Transport when he will publish the report of the accidents investigation branch on the crash of the Optica aircraft on 15 May 1985.

The accidents investigation branch anticipates submitting the report on this accident to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State in the next three weeks or so. The interested parties involved then have a three-week statutory period in which to ask for a review board. If no such request for review is made the report will go to Her Majesty's Stationery Office for printing. It is not possible at this moment to give a precise date for publication.

asked the Secretary of State for Transport whether he will introduce legislation to require that when a vehicle is resold after having been the subject of a write-off decision by an insurance company, that fact is recorded on the registration documents.

[pursuant to his reply, 28 April 1986]: I am aware of the problems associated with the resale of written-off vehicles and my Department is invesigating the options for improving the position with interested parties, expecially the police. Recording the fact that a vehicle has been written-off on the registration document would, however, create a number of problems. It would not, for instance, be possible to identify all potential safety risks by this method and many of the vehicles so identified would have been repaired to perfectly acceptable safety standards. The best safeguard for those buying used cars is to have them checked by independent experts.

asked the Secretary of State for Transport (1) if he will give a list of the airlines allowed to use change of gauge facilities in the United Kingdom; if he will estimate the size of such activities; and if he will make a statement;(2) what information he has as to facilities available in the United States or any other countries for British airlines to operate change of gauge facilities; and if he will make a statement;(3) what is his policy regarding change of gauge facilities for foreign airlines bringing passengers into the United Kingdom and then taking them on in their own aricraft to other destinations; and if he will make a statement.

Thirty-eight of our bilateral air services agreements contain a reciprocal change of gauge provision. In practice, these rights are little used nowadays by either British or foreign airlines. However, for United States airlines with more than one route to the United Kingdom these rights are valuable when used in conjunction with combination rights beyond the United Kingdom to other European cities. Pan Am, for example, uses both change of gauge and combination rights to operate a hub and spoke system at Heathrow. Although change of gauge rights are available for British airlines in the United States, these rights are not of comparable value. British airlines may operate only to a limited number of United States gateway cities where they inevitably compete with United States airlines operating non-stop services to the United Kingdom. There is therefore little opportunity or commercial benefit for a British airline to mount its own hubbing operations within the United States. This is one reason among others why the Government are negotiating with the United States Government for a better balance of rights and opportunities, the need for which has become apparent. The Government's policy in general towards change of gauge operations within the United Kingdom by foreign airlines is to grant such rights where British airlines can make comparable use of such reciprocal rights overseas or enjoy other compensatory competitive opportunities in return.

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has had from motor traders, importers, manufacturers, retailers and car leasing companies on the proposals to change car prefix dates from August to October; and what proportion of those supports this move and what proportion opposes it.

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, its British manufacturer members, and large distributor members representing both British and importer franchises support the change to October. The other interests referred to by my hon. Friend generally oppose it.

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what controls are exercised over merchant vessels in excess of 100 gross registered tonnage proceeding to the Finart oil terminal on the Clyde; what breaches of these controls have occurred in the last five years; with what consequences; and if he will make a statement.

Merchant vessels over 100 gross registered tonnes must take a pilot. Vessels must obey speed restrictions and the instructions of the Queen's harbour master during the passage through the royal dockyard port of Gareloch and Loch Long, and keep outside the protected area off the Royal Naval armament depot, Coulport. There have been no breaches of these requirements in the last five years. Within the area of jurisdiction of the Clyde port authority, vessels are subject to any byelaws or directions to shipping made by that authority, to which any questions about breaches should be addressed.

asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the outcome of the United Kingdom search and rescue services committee's discussions on 29 April concerning the possibility of locating a helicopter rescue service at Stornoway, Isle of Lewis.

Yes.The United Kingdom SAR committee met on 29 April and considered the level of helicopter coverage off north-west Scotland.Although the committee was of the opinion that there was no case for any immediate redeployment of existing SAR helicopter cover, it was made aware of the continuing trend towards greater fishing activity north and west of the Hebrides which may be beyond the effective range of present resources. Furthermore, better lifeboat cover of the area was deemed impractical.Therefore, the committee agreed to refer the matter to a working group to study all aspects of the problem. The group, which is to consist of representatives of the Government Departments concerned, civil agencies and the fishing industry, was invited to make recommendations as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when he expects to publish the report of his Department's acid waters review group; and if he will make a statement.

The interim report by the United Kingdom Acid Waters Review Group is being published today. I have arranged for copies to be placed in the Library.The group's report assesses the data currently available and sets out the scientific background to the various processes that may contribute to freshwater acidity. Criteria and definitions for identifying acidific waters are recommended and methods and guidelines for monitoring freshwaters are reviewed.The report notes that acidification has been identified in some distinct geological regions of the north of England, south-west Scotland and Wales, but that there is no evidence of widespread acidification of United Kingdom freshwaters generally. It discusses the decline of salmon and trout fisheries in some parts of Scotland and Wales, and suggests that the importance of land use practices for fisheries may be indicated by the tendency for poor fishery status to correlate with afforested catchment areas, although a casual relationship between afforestation and fishery decline has not been established.The report notes that available data on the chemical and biological status of freshwaters were mostly obtained for purposes other than the assessment of freshwater acidification, and are not generally of the quality required to produce the clear picture of historical trends which is needed to establish whether links exist between freshwater acidification and acid rain or other factors such as soil chemistry or land use practices. Of the 75 sets of acidity data examined only six appear to give firm evidence of increasing acidity.I have decided that we need a better picture of freshwater acidification and am taking steps to extend monitoring work in order to improve our understanding. Work already in progress under my Department's research programme on the analysis of diatom remains in sediment cores will also be extended to surfact waters in other regions identified in the report as susceptible to acidification.The group's final report, due in late 1987 or early 1988, will draw on the results of current research and monitoring and aim to assess both the probable causes of freshwater acidification and the possibilities for remedial measures.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what systematic monitoring for acid pollution is carried out in rivers in England.

The water authorities routinely monitor the acidity of rivers as part of their general responsibility for water quality monitoring. Specific monitoring of acidity is carried out in certain areas of the United Kingdom which may be susceptible to surface water acidification. In England, continuous measurements of acidity are made on the Rivers Esk and Duddon as part of a joint project between my Department and the North West water authority. My Department is also funding the study being carried out by the river purification boards into the effects of acid deposition on Scottish catchments, and co-funding the study of catchment systems feeding the Llyn Brianne reservoir, which is being carried out jointly with the Welsh water authority, the Natural Environment Research Council and the University College of North Wales, Bangor.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if salmon and trout found dead on river banks are tested for signs of poisoning related to surface water acidification; and if he will make a statement.

No. There is strong circumstantial evidence that short-lived pulses of high acidity associated with snow melt or the on-set of rain following a dry period have caused occasional fish kills in rivers, but fish killed in these circumstances show no distinctive signs and there is no test to distinguish them from those which have died naturally. Fish living in chronically acidified waters—generally lakes—may show observable signs of gill-clogging or skeletal deformity, but these symptons may not be indicative of acidification damage only.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what discussions he has had with the London Residuary Body about the £76 million granted by the Greater London council to the accountancy firm Satman for housing repairs in the London boroughs.

The question of the GLC's payments to Satman was raised at a meeting between my right hon. Friend and the chairman of the London Residuary Body on 24 April. We understand that the status of the payments will initially be the subject of counsel's opinion sought by the GLC's appointed director of Satman.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when his inspector's decision in respect of planning appeal number W/135/4/LB will be announced.

The inspector's report of the inquiry has only recently been received and I cannot say at this stage when the decision will be announced. I can, however, assure my hon. Friend that the appeal will be dealt with as quickly as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make it his policy for no action to be taken in respect of destruction or damage to proposed sites of special scientific interest unless formal notification of the proposals has been made to the owners of the land prior to the alleged destruction or damage.

The constraints and penalties provided for by section 28 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 do not apply until a site is formally notified as a site of special scientific interest. However, the Secretary of State is empowered by section 29 of the Act to make orders in certain circumstances to protect nationally important sites which may be at risk, whether or not they have been formally notified as sites of special scientific interest. My right hon. Friend will continue to use these powers when appropriate.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if Leicester city council has submitted a bid for additional funding for Boot houses, under the Housing Defects Act; and if he will make a statement.

No such bid has been received from Leicester city council.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if Leicester city council was eligible to submit a scheme for consideration under the urban housing renewal unit; and if he will make a statement.

Yes. The council accepted a request from officials of my Department's urban housing renewal unit, who visited Leicester on 12 March to offer advice about some of the city's housing estates. I understand that in the light of that advice, and of continuing contact with the Department's regional office, Leicester city council hopes to submit a detailed scheme to the Department shortly.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) if, in the energy efficiency requirements of the revised building regulations, universal trade-off will be allowed between (a) permanent and variable measures, and (b) measures used at the discretion of the householder and those not;(2) in the re-examination of energy efficiency within the domestic building regulations, if it is Her Majesty's Government's intention to replace the V values method of assessment with some other form of assessment.

The requirements are being reviewed. The objective is to introduce greater flexibility taking account of the relative benefits of different methods of energy conservation. No decisions have been taken yet: there will be consultation later this year.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what consultancy studies have been commissioned since 1980 by his Department in the field of planning.

Consultants are selected by competitive tendering to carry out research projects on planning, including geological and minerals planning projects. Research projects are also carried out by the research councils, and by universities and polytechnics. Studies commissioned from private consultants since 1980 are:

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many officials, by grade, in his Department have been granted merit bonuses; and what is the average payment involved.

The total number of performance and special bonuses awarded, by grade, for 1985 is as follows:

	Number
Department of the Environment (Central)
Grades 3 and 4	4
Grade 5	21
Grade 6	12
Grade 7	40
Property Services Agency
Grades 3 and 4	3
Grade 5	6
Grade 6	17
Grade 7	55

The value of these bonuses was as follows:

	£
Annual Performance Bonuses
Grade 3	3,000
Grade 4	2,700
Grade 5	2,200

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what are the current management information system for Ministers management objectives for the different divisions of the planning inspectorate.

The main objectives for the inspectorate in 1986–87 are to reduce substantially the number of section 36 appeals in the system and the median times for handling them; to process other planning and housing casework effectively in terms both of speed and quality; and to ensure that inspectors' decisions are soundly based.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will estimate how many women's aid refuges will lose funding as a result of the abolition of the Greater London council and the metropolitan councils.

Decisions on grants for individual voluntary projects affected by abolition are a matter for local authorities. The information requested is not available centrally.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many women's aid refuges have lost funding as a result of the withdrawal of urban aid since 1980.

The available information is limited to projects which reached the end of their approved funding period and were refused further funding following an application by the local authority. Some 22 women's aid refuges have fallen into this category since 1980. The Department's monitoring surveys indicate that most of these projects will either have been absorbed into local authority main programmes or found alternative sources of support.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will introduce legislation to require all public and local authorities to identify, indelibly mark and register all asbestos in all property within their responsibility and to prepare a programme for the removal and safe disposal of asbestos from their housing and buildings; and if he will make a statement.

The Department of the Environment issued a technical guidance note on asbestos materials in buildings in August 1983. Copies were sent to all local authorities in England and Wales. The guidance is being revised and updated and will be re-issued later this year. It describes general procedures for the identification of asbestos materials. It recommends that undamaged asbestos which is not releasing dust be left in place; the location of asbestos materials be marked on records or plans for future reference; and precautions, which may include labelling, be taken to alert maintenance workers to the presence of asbestos. Asbestos materials which are damaged and releasing dust should be treated or removed, but programmes to remove all asbestos are unwarranted. Existing legislation relating to asbestos in buildings is substantial and the Government see no need to introduce further legislation.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what response he has made to the letter from the chief executive of Leicestershire county council to him dated 12 March regarding the level of capital allocations for other services in 1986–87; and whether he will make a statement.

Officials replied to the chief executive on 15 April. I have arranged for a copy of the reply to be sent to my hon. Friend. Other services block allocations to shire counties followed recommendations made by the Association of County Councils. It is not possible to increase allocations now because, in accordance with normal practice agreed with the local authority associations, available resources were allocated in full before the start of the year.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make it his policy to make public the Land Register in England and Wales.

The Land Register recording unused and underused land owned by public bodies for England is kept in my Department's headquarters. A copy of the register for the districts covered by each of my Department's regions is also kept at the relevant regional office. A further copy of the register for each district is kept at the principal office of the local authority concerned. The registers are available for inspection by the public free of charge, during normal office hours. The Land Register for Wales is the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many houses have been sold to sitting tenants by local authorities in each of the last 10 years; what was the average receipt to the authorities for each house sold; what was the average cost of (a) building new houses and (b) rehabilitating old houses for local authorities in each year; and how many new houses and rehabilitated houses, respectively, he estimates local authorities could have built with the moneys available to them from the receipts of council house sales.

I shall answer this question shortly.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when he will publish details of the proposed new authorisation for radioactive liquid discharges from British Nuclear Fuels plant at Sellafield.

The proposed new radioactive discharge authorisation for Sellafield has been published today for consultation. It will set tighter annual, quarterly and two-day limits on the overall amounts of radioactivity which may be discharged. It will also, for the first time, set specific limits on individual radionuclides that are of considerable radiological significance or that account for a large proportion of the discharge in activity terms.Within the limits set, BNFL will continue to be required to use the best practicable means to limit the radioactive content of discharges in order to ensure that the effect on man and the environment is kept as low as reasonably achievable.This authorisation is the latest stage in a continuing process of limiting radioactive discharges from Sellafield, which are now less than one-sixth of what they were in 1979. The authorisation will be reviewed in two or three years' time and again when BNFL's current investment programme on effluent treatment plant is completed in the early 1990s.Subject to the views expressed during the consultation period, the authorisation will come into force on 1 July 1986.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment in what circumstances it is appropriate to give planning permission for a change of use of redundant agricultural buildings in green belts.

The Government's policy on the development in green belts is set out in my Department's circular 14/84, annex A, which says:

"Inside a Green Belt, approval should not be given, except in very special circumstances, for the construction of new buildings or for the change of use of existing buildings for purposes other than agriculture, sport, cemeteries, institutions standing in extensive grounds, or other uses appropriate to a rural area."

Where planning permission is sought for new uses of redundant agricultural buildings, it is for the local planning authority to consider the application by reference to this policy and any other material considerations. But it would be appropriate to take into account, where material, the need to diversify the rural economy by encouraging new types of employment and enterprise. Redundant agricultural buildings can provide very suitable accommodation for small firms or tourist activities, or can be used for individual residences, without detriment to the green belt and to the benefit of the local community, especially where the buildings are of attractive appearance and can be expected with normal repair and maintenance to last for many years.In deciding planning applications for new uses of redundant agricultural buildings in green belts, I would expect local authorities to have regard to these considerations, as I, and my inspectors, will do in deciding appeals.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment on what matters he is prepared to answer questions with regard to the functions of the residuary bodies.

Residuary bodies are non-departmental public bodies whose main line of accountability is to Parliament through the Secretary of State, and I will, of course, answer questions on all matters relevant to my ministerial responsibilities in relation to them. The main powers and controls which I exercise in relation to residuary bodies were listed, and amplified in part, in the answer given to the hon. Member for Newham, North-West (Mr. Banks) on 21 April, at column 65–67. In accordance with the normal practice relating to non-departmental public bodies, questions on their day-to-day management should be referred to the residuary bodies themselves.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what proportion of (a) current Sunday services and (b) current services after 6pm on weekdays have been registered as bus routes in Wales.

This information is not held centrally. At present only commercial services have been registered as local authorities have not yet decided which additional services they wish to support through subsidy.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what is his policy in regard to fitting full-scale hard shoulders as distinct from hard verges on all-purpose roads in Wales.

It is not our policy to provide full-scale hard shoulders on all-purpose roads in Wales. For all-purpose dual carriageways a 1 m hard strip is normally provided, while on all-purpose single carriageway roads the edge provision is normally a hard strip or a kerb and raised verge depending on the volume of traffic the road is expected to carry.

asked the Solicitor-General for Scotland if he will discuss with procurators fiscal prosecution policy in relation to the use of citizens band radios for the transmission of foul and abusive language; and if he will make a statement.

I have no plans to have such discussions. The use of citizens band radios for the transmission of offensive or obscene language would be a breach of the conditions of the licence and accordingly an offence under section 1 of the Wireless Telegraphy Act 1949. It might also be a breach of the peace.

asked the Solicitor-General for Scotland when he last met procurators fiscal in Scotland to discuss the effect of the detention powers in the Criminal Justice Act 1981 on evidence presented in Scottish courts.

These powers are contained in the Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act 1980. There have been no recent specific discussions on these provisions.

asked the Solicitor-General for Scotland if he will visit the procurator fiscal's office in Kilmarnock.

I meet the procurator fiscal at Kilmarnock from time to time and I hope to visit his office later this year.

asked the Solicitor-General for Scotland how many prosecutions of private landlords there have been over the last year for fraudulent practices related to the Rent Acts and housing benefit.

Such statistics are not separately kept and could not be obtained except at disproportionate cost.

asked the Solicitor-General for Scotland how many motorists in Scotland have been prosecuted over the last 12 months for evasion of excise duty.

In 1984, the latest year for which statistics are available, proceedings were taken in respect of 10,277 offences under the Vehicles (Excise) Act 1971.

asked the Solicitor-General for Scotland what representations he has received in the last six months regarding the application of udal law to prosecutions under existing and proposed salmon fisheries legislation.

I have received no such representations.

asked the Solicitor-General for Scotland how many people were convicted in Scotland during the first three months of 1986 for exceeding the speed limit in a motor vehicle and in commercial vehicles.

The statistics for 1986 do not distinguish the types of vehicles involved in speeding offences and are not yet available.

asked the Lord Privy Seal why there are no bomb blast curtains in Room 418 of Norman Shaw North.

This room should have bomb blast curtains fitted, and arrangements have been made for them to be rehung.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what information he has as to the net cost per teacher education student in (a) public sector institutions of higher education and (b) university departments of education; to what factors he attributes the differences between the two figures; and if he will make a statement.

The average net recurrent cost of a teacher training student in university departments of education in Great Britain was £3,975 in 1983–84, the latest year for which full information is available. In the public sector most teacher training is now provided in multi-faculty institutions and it is not separately costed in the national statistics. The average cost of public sector higher education in England in 1983–84 was £2,880 per student, after weighting the unit costs for polytechnics, voluntary colleges and other maintained establishments by the incidence of teacher training students between these three types of institution. The difference between the universities and the public sector is mainly accounted for by the research costs of the former, and also by a difference in the cost of premises. There are insufficient data to put values on these differences.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science (1) how many young people in England at (a) the minimum school leaving age, (b) one year above and (c) two years above minimum school leaving age left school in 1985; and of these groups what is his best estimate of the number who (a) were eligible to leave at the end of the Easter term and (b) did leave at the end of the Easter term;(2) how many young people in England took

There were 736,200 school leavers during the academic year 1984–85. Of these, 504,300 were in their minimum school leaving age year, 84,800 pupils had stayed on at school for up to one year in the sixth form and 126,400 for up to two years of sixth form study.It is estimated that 290,000, or 40 per cent., of pupils who attained minimum school leaving age in 1984–85 were eligible to leave school at Easter 1985 and 37,000 were reported as having left by that date. Pupils in sixth forms may leave school at any stage.It is estimated that 490,300 school leavers in 1984–85 had attempted at least one GCE O-level examination, 580,600 had attempted a CSE examination and 398,900 had attempted at least one examination of each type. Comparable data for pupils who left school in their minimum school leaving age year were 276,900, 431,400 and 262,800 respectively.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science, pursuant to the answer of the hon. Member for Darlington on 4 February, Official Report, column 113, how many parents appealed against their local authority's allocation of school places in each year since 1980.

The appeal arrangements of the Education Act 1980 applied for the first time to school admissions for September 1982. From informal inquiries made of local education authorities at the time, I understand that in 1982, 1983 and 1985 there were about 9,000, 10,000 and 9,000 appeals respectively. No such inquiries were made in 1984.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what consultations he has had with the Unversity Grants Committee regarding the intake of undergraduates in schools of pharmacy, and if he will make a statement.

None. The University Grants Committee advises universities on target entry to schools of pharmacy on the basis of advice from the Health Department and others on the manpower needs of the profession.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is the availability of the Lithotripter renal stone displacing machines to patients in the north-west of England.

I have been asked to reply.I refer the hon. Member to my reply to the hon. Member for Greenock and Port Glasgow (Dr. Godman) on 22 November 1985 at column

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will take steps to ensure that there is no discrimination under company legislation against companies who submit their accounts to Companies House in the Welsh language.

Under the Companies Act, accounts submitted to the Registrar of Companies in any language other than English must be accompanied by a certified translation into English.I am prepared to examine these requirements to see if any changes are desirable.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on his policy on COCOM following the United States imposition on unilateral high technology export controls in the United Kingdom on 24 April.

The Government's policy on COCOM is to continue working to ensure that the embargo arrangements cover technologies of genuine strategic significance and are effectively enforced.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what information he has about how many companies in the United Kingdom have made their staff subject to the United States Export Administration Act in the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement.

The United States Export Administration Act has no status in United Kingdom law; and the number of companies in the United Kingdom seeking to comply with United States re-export controls in the United Kingdom is not known.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will refer to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission the question of the impact of recent and proposed mergers and acquisitions on competition in the United Kingdom retail sector; and if he will make a statement.

It is the role of the Monopolies and Mergers Commission to investigate specific merger proposals referred to it by my right hon. Friend for investigation. The commission has no locus to examine the question of the impact on competition of mergers and acquisitions in a sector of the economy, unless it considers the question to be relevant in the circumstances of a particular case under investigation.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps he is taking to improve the speed with which bankruptcy estates are finalised.

There are cases which, because of their complexities, do take some time to complete. But I have no reason to believe that in general bankruptcy administrations are unduly or unnecessarily protracted.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he is satisfied with the method of control of the execution of duties by bankruptcy trustees.

I am satisfied that the general control of trustees in bankruptcy is adequate. But it must remain primarily in the hands of creditors by whom they are appointed and the courts which have general jurisdiction.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he is satisfied with the level of trustee charges applied to bankruptcy cases.

I have no reason to believe that the level of fees charged by bankruptcy trustees is unreasonable. Where the Official Receiver acts as trustee, his charges are based on statutory fees orders. In the majority of cases where non-official trustees act, their renumeration is fixed by the creditors or their committee of inspection and is usually based on the fees order scales.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he has considered an application for an exhibition relating to the United Kingdom chemical industry to be displayed in the Upper Waiting Hall.

Arrangements have been made for such an exhibition in the Upper Waiting Hall to take place from Monday 19 May to Friday 23 May 1986.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what are his proposals for the status of the Securities and Investments Board; and what investigation and prosecution powers it will receive if it becomes a designated agency under the Financial Services Bill.

Government amendments to the Financial Services Bill are to be tabled today.The amendments make it possible for the Secretary of State to transfer his prosecution powers to a designated agency. He will be able to transfer the prosecution powers in whole or in part, and to make the transfer subject to conditions or restrictions; and he will retain the option of bringing prosecutions himself.The amendments will also make it possible for the Secretary of State to transfer to the agency his powers to investigate anyone carrying on investment business. This could cover unauthorised investment businesses as well as authorised businesses. The Secretary of State will continue to be able to conduct his own investigations.The amendments also provide for the naming of the Securities and Investments Board in the Bill. This does not affect the status of the board as a private sector body. Provided that the Secretary of State is satisfied that the board meets the criteria specified in the Bill, it will become the only body to which the Secretary of State may transfer powers when the first transfer takes place. The Secretary of State will still have discretion as to the extent of the transfer; and he will subsequently be able to resume powers if the criteria are no longer met, and he could then transfer powers to any other body which met the criteria.The Government believe that these proposals will strengthen the effectiveness of the new regime for regulating investment business whole preserving the flexibility of the private sector designated agency.

asked the Prime Minister who signed the 1984 European Economic Community intergovernmental agreement on Britain's behalf.

I have nothing to add to the answer I gave to the hon. Member on 20 March.

asked the Prime Minister whether, on the occasion of the conclusion of the 1985 intergovernmental agreement on 17–21 March 1985, the Foreign Affairs Council was meeting as an institution of the EEC treaty or as representatives of the member states, outside the provisions of the treaty.

The 1985 inter-governmental agreement took the form of an agreement between the member states. The agreement was reached on the occasion of a Council meeting but was not a decision of the Council. This is reflected in the wording of the agreement (Cmnd. 9548).

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps his Department takes to assess the environmental impact on recipient countries of its aid programmes.

All aid projects are examined for environmental implications before any expenditure is approved. Any identified environmental consequences are then taken into account in the detailed design and appraisal of the project and, if the project is approved, in its execution and monitoring.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he plans to offer further aid to the Government of St. Vincent.

During my visit this week to the Caribbean I informed the Government of St. Vincent that we are prepared to make available an interest-free loan of £5 million as part of the independence settlement, for expenditure over about five years on capital projects to be agreed between our two Governments.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he plans to offer further aid to Dominica.

During my visit this week to Dominica I informed the Government that we are prepared to make available a new interest-free loan of £5 million, for expenditure over about five years, on capital projects to be agreed between our two Governments.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he plans to offer further aid to the Government of St. Lucia.

I have informed the Government of St. Lucia that we are prepared to make available an interest-free loan of £5 million as part of the independence settlement, for expenditure over about five years, on capital projects to be agreed between our two Governments.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he has yet determined which Ministers will attend the special session on the critical economic situation in Africa of the General Assembly from 27 to 31 May; and for how long.

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

asked the Secretary of State for Defence when the first Trident submarine is to be ordered; and if he will make a statement.

An order has today been placed with Vickers Shipbuilding and Engineering Ltd (VSEL) for the Royal Navy's first Trident submarine. She will be named HMS Vanguard. The value of the current contract on VSEL which also includes the completion of the first of class work for the SSBNs is some £650 million.HMS Vanguard will be the fifth British nuclear submarine to be armed with strategic nuclear weapons. She will enter service in the mid-1990s when the phasing out of Polaris will begin, thus ensuring that the United Kingdom retains an effective and credible strategic deterrent well into the next century.This is a major order for VSEL and the first since it was privatised. It is likely to provide employment for about 4,000 people at Barrow and at least 5,000 elsewhere in industry. This order follows closely the orders earlier this year for the Royal Navy's 19th nuclear powered fleet submarine HMS Triumph and the three conventional Upholder class submarines, HMS Unicorn, HMS Ursula and HMS Unseen.Messrs Rolls-Royce and Associates have special responsibility for the design and manufacture of nuclear reactor plant equipment and General Dynamics, electric boat division, in the USA, is responsible for the design of the strategic weapon system spaces of the submarine.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what steps he is taking to curtail the placement of small arms and ammunition contracts abroad;(2) what are the sizes, numbers amd names of foreign manufacturers who have supplied small arms ammunition to the United Kingdom in 1986–87 to date.

I shall answer shortly.

asked the Paymaster General if he will list those training groups and trade associations which have amended their apprenticeship scheme to incorporate YTS.

Information is not available in the form requested. However, in many industries YTS is playing an increasingly important part in apprenticeship training. These include arrangements in agriculture, building, electrical contracting, engineering, heating and ventilating and road transport.

asked the Paymaster General if he will introduce legislation to require the Health and Safety Executive to bring prosecutions in respect of any unlicensed operations involving the removal of asbestos in which a danger to health is alleged to have been caused by unsafe working practices, unauthorised dumping or pollution of the atmosphere; if he will seek powers to increase the penalties for such breaches of health and safety regulations; and if he will make a statement.

No. The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 already provides a range of effective enforcement options for dealing appropriately with each offence. Prosecutions are normally taken in respect of unlicensed operations if adequate evidence is available. The level of penalties is kept under review.

asked the Paymaster General (1) if he will introduce legislation providing stricter controls for all work involving all types of asbestos products; and if he will make a statement;

The Asbestos (Prohibitions) Regulations 1985 prohibit the manufacture, use and supply, including sale and resale of products containing crocidolite and amosite asbestos in the workplace. Similarly the sale and resale of such products not intended for use at work is prohibited by the Asbestos Products (Safety) Regulation 1985. Other types of asbestos are not prohibited but are subject to strict legislative controls including the tightest control limits in Europe.I await proposals from the Health and Safety Commission on new regulations designed to place comprehensive controls on all work with asbestos. I hope regulations can be made in time to come into operation at the beginning of 1987.

asked the Paymaster General what controls have been placed on the import and export of asbestos materials of all kinds.

The Asbestos (Prohibitions) Regulations 1985 prohibit the importation of raw and waste crocidolite and amosite asbestos. The wider prohibition on supply contained in these regulations and in the Asbestos Products (Safety) Regulations 1985 has the effect of prohibiting the import and export of products containing crocidolite and amosite.The Asbestos Products (Safety) Regulations 1985 require that products containing other types of asbestos must carry warning labels.

asked the Paymaster General what was the (a) average salary and (b) average overtime paid in each of the prison officer grades, in each of the last five years for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement.

The available information relates to all full time non-manual adult male employees covered by the national agreement for prison services. Estimates of the average gross weekly earnings reflecting rates of payment at April each year and overtime earnings are published in table 2 of part A of the "New Earnings Survey" reports for 1983, 1984 and 1985. Copies of these reports are available in the Library. Comparable information for 1981 and 1982 is not available.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is satisfied with the arrangements made by European Economic Community countries for the co-ordination of anti-terrorist activities.

There is increasingly close co-operation between the 12 European Community countries on counter-terrorism. The Heads of Government of the Twelve have in recent times discussed terrorism at their meetings. The Foreign Affairs Ministers have, most recently at their meetings on 14 and 21 April, discussed the problem of terrorism generally and of state-sponsored terrorism in particular. They have adopted a robust and positively co-ordinated approach towards the combat of international terrorism. They have this year established a new working group on terrorism within the framework of European political co-operation.The Trevi group established in 1976 draws together the Ministers who, within each country of the EC, are responsible for counter-terrorism. We met in The Hague on 24 April and decided, among other things, that Trevi Ministers should meet more frequently and should, where useful, extend counter-terrorist co-operation to countries outside the Twelve including the United States. We intend ot hold a ministerial meeting in London in December. We also approved arrangements for a meeting in May of chief police officers from European airports. They exchange information on and co-ordinate methods of dealing with high risk flights.Within the framework of Trevi there is a series of working groups, and a well-established machinery for the exchange between the police and security services of the Twelve of information and intelligence about terrorism. Close links have been established between Trevi and the new political co-operation working group on terrorism. When the United Kingdom assumes the presidency of the EC in July 1986, the Government will ensure that all these arrangements are used to the full in the fight against terrorism.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action he is taking to tackle the problem of under-reporting of the crimes of rape and sexual assault.

Changes in police practice in recent years, as regards recording of reported offences of rape and interviewing of victims, have had some success in encouraging victims to come forward and in arranging sympathetic treatment for them. We are currently considering with the police the recommendations of the Women's National Commission in its report on violence against women to see what scope there may be for further action.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what guidance he has recently issued to encourage police forces to review their training procedure relating to domestic violence.

We are considering with the police the issues, including training, raised by the recent report by the Women's National Commission on violence against women.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if, in view of the recent admission of links between Pan-Africanist Congress terrorists and Libya, he will deport Mr. Gora Ebrahim, the London representative of the Pan-Africanist Congress, and close down the Congress office in London; and if he will make a statement.

I understand that Mr. Ebrahim is not the London representative of the Pan-Africanist Congress. There is no power to prevent foreign political organisations setting up offices here provided that their activities do not contravene our laws. There is, of course, power to deport individuals on the ground that their presence is not conducive to the public good.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the number of new businesses which have been started in the Inverclyde district and Renfrew district since 1983; and if he will make a statement on the implications for the economic development of the area.

Comprehensive estimates for new business start-ups in the two districts are not available, but between 1983 and 1985 over 15,000 new companies were registered in Scotland as a whole. The growth of small businesses is an essential part of the economic development of any local area and it is encouraging that the SDA Inverclyde initiative team and the Paisley and Renfrew enterprise trust although, still in their early days, have handled a large number of inquiries from existing small companies and potential new start-ups.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when he next intends to meet the chairman of the Scottish Development Agency to discuss lowland airports policy.

My right hon. and Learned Friend has no plans to meet the chairman of the Scottish Development Agency for this purpose.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when he next plans to meet the chairman of the Argyll and Clyde health board to discuss hospital provision; and if he will make a statement.

My right hon. and learned Friend has no plans at present to meet the board's chairman, but I met him on Monday 28 April to discuss various issues, including the opening later this year of the new Paisley district general hospital.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many firms went into liquidation in Scotland during 1985.

There were 537 company liquidations and 298 sequestrations in Scotland in 1985. The figure for sequestrations covers all individuals and partnerships.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when he next expects to meet the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities to discuss local government services.

My right hon. and learned Friend expects the question of local government services to be discussed on 20 June when he next has one of his regular meetings with the convention on local government finance.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will indicate the cost incurred by the Scottish Development Agency to date in relation to the south circular road site at Coatbridge.

There has been no change since 21 February 1986 when I answered a question at column 373, from the hon. Gentleman about the same site.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the current level of Government support for the urban aid programme in Scotland; and if he will make a statement.

Resources for 1986–87 amount in total to £8·5 million (for capital expenditure) and £26 million (for current expenditure).These resources help local authorities to tackle multiple deprivation in urban areas. Following our review of the urban programme in 1984, revised criteria and priorities were introduced in order to improve the targeting and effectiveness of the programme. I am satisfied that these revised arrangements are improving the programme's impact on urban deprivation, and have no plans for further changes at the moment.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the estimated cost of compiling a register for community charge purposes in Scotland; and if he will make a statement.

No precise estimate of the likely cost of compiling the proposed registers has been made. I am consulting the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities and other interested parties on operational issues involved in the setting up and maintenance of the registers, including the question of the costs likely to be incurred.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the current level of unemployment in Scotland.

On 6 March 1986 the number of unemployed claimants in Scotland was 359,318–3,382 fewer than in the previous month, and the second fall this year. While this is encouraging, the seasonally adjusted figures rose by 3,300 and the problem of high unemployment remains a major concern. The key to improvements in employment prospects lies in better economic performance and greater flexibility in the labour market and these are high priorities for the Government—as demonstrated by our recent Budget measures.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what estimate he makes of the current ratio of the number of persons unemployed in Cumbernauld and Kilsyth to the number of vacancies.

No such ratio estimates are made by my right hon. and learned Friend because they would be misleading. Unemployment and vacancy statistics are compiled on different geographical bases and the latter statistics are incomplete because of the significant number of vacancies which employers fill without recourse to the vacancy service offered by jobcentres.On 6 March 1986 the number of people unemployed in the Cumbernauld and Kilsyth constituency was 4,781. On 7 March 1986 the number of unfilled vacancies notified to the jobcentres at Cumbernauld and Kilsyth was 169.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what action he has taken on improving salary levels for speech therapists in Scotland.

The responsibility for negotiating salary levels for speech therapists employed throughout Great Britain in the National Health Service rests with the Whitley councils for the health services, and it would not be appropriate for me to intervene before salary negotiations, which are currently in hand for speech therapists, have reached a conclusion.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what resources have been made available in Springburn for 1986–87 by the Scottish Development Agency in order to alleviate unemployment.

In 1986–87 Scottish Development Agency funding amounting to more than 1·3 million will be available in Springburn for a variety of projects which will help create or safeguard employment. In addition, discussions on an initiative for Springburn arising from the British Rail Engineering Ltd—SDA study are continuing.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many representations he has received on Scottish aspects of the Green Paper on rating reform.

Over 180 representations have now been received from individuals and organisations. These include a number of formal and detailed responses to the proposals in the Green Paper. The level of response is gratifying bearing in mind that we are only half way through the consultation period, and I hope to receive many more comments on our proposals before the period ends on 31 July 1986.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what consultations he has had with the Confederation of Scottish Local Authorities about his new proposals on rating; and if he will make a statement.

My hon. Friend the Minister with responsibility for local government and the environment met representatives of the convention on 24 February. Further discussions at official level are now being held on the operational issues involved.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many people he estimates will pay more under the proposed community charge than under the current rating system in the area of Dundee district council.

In Great Britain as a whole 51 per cent. of households would be better off under the community charge on the assumptions set out in the Green Paper. I believe that the figures for Dundee will probably be about the same.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will introduce legislation to strengthen the law against the harassment of tenants by private landlords and the abuse by such landlords of the housing benefit system.

I am satisfied that the law against harassment of tenants is adequate. The Government's plans for reforming the housing benefit scheme, as set out in the White Paper on the "Reform of Social Security" (Cmnd. 9691), include strengthening the arrangements to prevent abuse.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the employment prospects for Dundee.

The outlook for employment in Dundee, as elsewhere, is dependent upon continued economic growth and on pay restraint. Dundee itself should continue to benefit from the Dundee project under which the Scottish Development Agency and local authorities are acting together to develop new industrial and business opportunities in the city, and to promote its business image. Dundee's development area status and the Tayside enterprise zone will further enhance employment prospects.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when he is likely to approve plans for the provision of inpatient psychiatric and psychogeriatric services at the Vale of Leven general hospital.

The provision of services at the Vale of Leven is primarily a matter for the Argyll and Clyde health board to determine. The board has not approached me with plans for any developments which would require the department's approval.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will give the number of houses sold by the Scottish Special Housing Association to sitting tenants in the Glasgow district.

The Scottish Special Housing Association has reported 565 sales to sitting tenants in the Glasgow district council area as at 31 March 1986.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the number of local authority home helps for each of the regional councils in Scotland; and if he will make a statement.

The information requested will be published shortly in a further edition of the Social Work Services Group's Statistical Bulletin "Home Care Services, Day Care Establishments and Day Services". A copy of the bulletin will be placed in the Library. I am arranging for provisional figures for 1985 to be published in the Official Report.The home help service accounts for some 16 per cent. of total expenditure on local authority social work services. Individual regional and islands councils determine their own pattern of service provision within the resources available to them. Numbers of home helps and clients helped in 1985 were both higher than in 1979. Home help and client numbers both increased in 1984 and again in 1985, when the total for clients was 19 per cent. above the figure for 1979.

Region	Number of home helps at 31 March 1985 (whole time equivalent)
Borders	101·1
Central	448·3
Dumfries and Galloway	303·0
Fife	586·0
Grampian	733·7
Highland	301·4
Lothian	1,477·4
Strathclyde	4,715·2
Tayside	553·7
Orkney	65·9
Shetland	48·4
Western Isles	167·7
Scotland total	9,501·8

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the impact on employment in Scotland of the decline in oil prices, with particular regard to fabrication yards.

Lower oil prices should, on balance, be of benefit to the non oil-related sector of industry in Scotland through lower input costs and associated improvements in competitiveness. If these price levels were to continue, this should provide increased employment security and possibly new jobs.As far as the oil-related sector is concerned, cutbacks announced by some oil companies, if implemented, could have adverse implications for employment. The impact will vary and is expected to be less significant for sectors associated with production and maintenance. Prospects for the fabrication yards depend not so much on short-term oil prices as on expectations for the 1990s, but clearly employment levels at the yards will be affected if oil prices remain persistently low.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will set out the criteria used by his Department for deciding whether to accept the recommendation by a regional education authority that a primary school be closed.

There are no set criteria and each case is considered on its merits. All relevant factors are, however, taken into account, including educational and financial aspects of closure, arrangements for religious instruction, community use of the school and, when submitted, local views.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what discussions he has had with the chairman of the National Coal Board about the rate at which planning permission for opencast coal sites in Scotland is being granted.

My right hon. and learned Friend has had no such discussions with the chairman of the board.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the total area of land now owned by the Forestry Commission; and how this compares with the figure 12 months ago.

The Forestry Commission does not own any land. Ownership of such land in England, Scotland and Wales is vested in the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, the Secretary of State for Scotland and the Secretary of State for Wales respectively, and it is formally placed at the disposal of the forestry commissioners to manage in accordance with their statutory duties.On 31 March 1986 the commission managed a total of approximately 1,166,000 hectares of land. The comparable figure for 31 March 1985 was 1,181,000 hectares.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what discussions he has had with the Lothian health board about expenditure in the current financial year; and if he will make a statement.

None. The financial provision for health and community health services in Scotland for 1986–87 was discussed in general terms when I met health board chairmen collectively on 10 March.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has any plans to change the existing law on mobbing and rioting in Scotland.

The law of mobbing and rioting in Scotland was recently reviewed by the Scottish Law Commission, which issued a consultative memorandum on the subject. The commission has now concluded that there is no need to issue a report on the subject, as the present common law is adequate, and difficulties identified (principally relating to guilt by association) can be alleviated by changes in the use, and manner of libelling, of charges of mobbing and rioting. My noble and learned Friend the Lord Advocate has taken careful note of the commission's view. The commission remains ready to reconsider the matter at a later date if circumstances so require. I have therefore concluded that no statutory changes are at present necessary for Scotland.

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what has been the change in acreage in forestry during the past five years; what is the present level of support for private afforestation schemes; and if he will make a statement on the future prospects for forestry in Northern Ireland.