asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will undertake an urgent investigation of the effects of the recent adverse weather on the viability of the beekeeping industry in Scotland.

No. It is generally accepted that 1985 was a very poor year for most sectors of the agricultural-horticultural industry, including beekeeping. The problems caused by the adverse weather are worrying for those involved but such reversals are not uncommon and, in the case of beekeeping, have to be seen against bumper crop years such as occurred in Scotland in 1984.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what were the costs to public funds of the policing of the Bilderberg conference.

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

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received from the Countryside Commission about the future and the future extent of the site of special scientific interest affected by the proposed pipeline assembly yard at Tain, Ross-shire.

The Countryside Commission for Scotland has made no representations to my right hon. and learned Friend on this matter. For its interest in the Dornoch firth national scenic area, it has expressed the view to the highland regional council that there are reasons which militate against the development of the site and that it would prefer consent to be withheld and further alternative sites to be investigated. If, however, after due consideration, the regional council considered that planning permission should be given, the commission indicated that it would not wish to have the proposal referred to my right hon. and learned Friend.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list and categorise in the Official Report each respective section of coastline within the Highland regional council's boundaries over which there exists a planning or development presumption in favour of conservation; and if he will express the total length of coastline so designated as a percentage of the total length of coastline within Highland regional council's boundaries.

The coastal planning guidelines issued by the Scottish Development Department in 1974 classify four parts of the Highland region coastline as preferred development zones (Moray firth, Cromarty firth, Wick area and Thurso area) and the rest of the coastline as a preferred conservation zone. Approximately 90 per cent. of the coastline is within the latter category.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the ratio of prisoners to prison officers in Scotland.

On the latest date for which information is kept centrally, there were 5,645 prisoners and 2,645 prison officers, exclusive of governor grades, in the Scottish prison service, giving a ratio of 2·13 to 1.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the average number of hours per day spent by prisoners locked in their cells in Scotland.

Information is not held centrally in the form requested. Different routines obtain in different establishments and for different categories of prisoner. In general however, convicted prisoners have periods of work, exercise and recreation out of their cells each day. Remand prisoners have a period of exercise and, normally. some recreation each day. The majority of prisoners, remand as well as convicted, take their meals in dining halls rather than in their own cells.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement about future commitments of aid to Tanzania.

Our existing capital aid programme to Tanzania will continue with help on maintaining the Songea-Makambako road and support for the southern regions health project and rural development projects in Lindi-Mtwara and other areas. We also propose to maintain technical co-operation for Tanzanian universities, for English language training and for the Tanzania harbpour authority. In addition, if Tanzania reaches agreement with the IMF on a programme of economic policy changes, I propose to offer fast disbursing balance of payments support over the next two years.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has to increase United Kingdom aid to the African continent.

Increasing priority is being given to those countries in sub-Saharan Africa where aid car be used effectively. We already have substantial bilateral aid programmes in Africa, and we are a major contributor to increasing multilateral aid programmes.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if Her Majesty's Government have any plans to contribute to the International Fund for Agricultural Development's special fund for sub-Saharan Africa.

As I told my hon. Friend the Member for Chipping Barnet (Mr. Chapman) on 21 April at column 17, we currently think it better to help agricultural projects directly and through the voluntary agencies rather than to contribute extra money to IFAD beyond our share of the recent general replenishment.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he has any plans to increase the proportion of the aid budget allocated to programme aid.

We have recently been making substantial programme aid commitments in support of IMF and World Bank structural adjustment programmes. The scale of programme aid spending in our aid budget depends on the pace of economic policy reform, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what proposals have been made by the World Bank for increasing the funding of the International Development Association; and if he will make a statement.

Virtually all donor Governments have affirmed their support for a $12 billion replenishment of IDA. Subject to our share continuing to be 6·7 per cent. and to satisfactory arrangements for the dollar-sterling exchange rate, we are happy to back that total. But the United States' position is crucial to the outcome: I hope that this will be known at the next round of negotiations, probably in July.

asked the Attorney-General how many sittings of the registrar and deputy registrar are budgeted for in 1986–87 at the Merthyr county court; and what were the figures for 1985–86.

It is expected that the level of registrar sitting days in the current financial year will be broadly the same as for 1985–86. Deputy registrars' sittings are arranged according to need.

asked the Attorney-General how many persons have been prosecuted under the Nuclear Materials (Offences) Act 1983.

None. No order has been made under section 8(2) of the Act bringing it into force.

asked the Attorney-General whether he has plans to introduce legislation to create no-fault liability in respect of actions for damages arising out of road traffic accidents.

The Government have no plan to change the existing basis of liability in this way. Such a system would have considerable public expenditure implications and invidiously discriminate between accident victims depending on whether they were injured on the roads or elsewhere.

asked the Attorney-General how many summonses and writs, respectively, have been issued claiming damages for negligence arising out of road traffic accidents during each of the last five years for which records are available.

I regret that this information is not kept separately for road traffic accidents.

asked the Attorney-General how many, and what percentage of actions claiming damages for road traffic accidents have been settled before reaching trial during each of the last five years for which records are available.

I regret that this information is not collected separately for road traffic accidents.

asked the Attorney-General what he estimates to be the minimum, the average and the maximum legal costs involved in a High Court action for damages arising out of a road traffic accident.

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

asked the Attorney-General what he estimates to be the cost to litigants and to the public, respectively, for accidents of negligence arising out of road traffic accidents during the course of any one calendar year.

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

asked the Attorney-General how many, and what percentage of claims, arising out of road traffic accidents which reach trial, succeeded; and how many, and what percentage, failed, respectively, during the last five years for which records are available.

Figures for the number of successful and unsuccessful claims for motor traffic accidents after reaching trial are only available for the High Court on an estimated basis, derived from a two-month sample, for 1985. In that year it is estimated that a trial began in 1,140 cases arising from personal injury actions "caused on the roads": in 910 (80 per cent.), judgment was given for the plaintiff; in 60 (5 per cent.) judgment was given for the defendant; 40 (4 per cent.) judgment was given for both; and in 130 cases (11 per cent.) the trial did not proceed to judgment.

asked the Attorney-General how long he estimates to be the minimum, the average and the maximum time taken between the date of an accident and the dates when a negligence action arising out of that accident is likely to reach trial in the county court or the High Court.

Figures are not available in this precise form. However, information collected on a sample basis during 1985 as part of the civil justice review suggests that the average time from incident to trial for all personal injury cases heard in the High Court is between 62 and 64 months, whilst for all personal injury cases heard in the county courts it is 35 months.

asked the Attorney General how long he estimates is the average time between the date of a judgment for damages awarded to a successful plaintiff in an action for damages arising out of a road accident in a county court or in the High Court, respectively, and the date when the successful sufferer receives those damages.

This information is not available, and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.

asked the Attorney-General whether he will introduce a system whereby sufferers from road traffic accidents in respect whereof liability is admitted by the defendant will receive interim awards of damages, pending trial of their actions.

Such a system is already provided by by RSC order 29, rule 10. No further system is in contemplation.

asked the Attorney-General whether he has carried out an inquiry into the effects of interim awards of damages to sufferers from road traffic accidents whose claims are admitted but in respect whereof the amount of damages is in dispute.

No.

asked the Attorney-General how many, and what percentage of claims for damages arising out of road traffic accidents have been brought by pedestrians, drivers in vehicles and passengers in vehicles, respectively; and how many and what percentage of such claims have succeeded and have failed respectively.

This information is not collected, and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.

asked the Attorney-General whether he will conduct an inquiry into the accuracy of evidence concerning road traffic accidents, such evidence being given in court a lengthy period of time after the occurrence concerned; and if he will make a statement.

Delay in civil actions for personal injuries is one of the matters being considered by the civil justice review announced by the Lord Chancellor on 6 February 1985. It is difficult to see how an inquiry on the basis indicated by the hon. and learned Member could be mounted or yield conclusive results.

asked the Attorney-General if he will advise Her Majesty to establish a Royal Commission to inquire into the operation of the present system for claims for damages for road accident victims; and if he will make a statement.

The Royal Commission on civil liability and compensation for personal injury (Cmnd. 7054-I) reported in March 1978. No further inquiry is warranted at this stage.

asked the Attorney General what information he has about the scope and operation in other countries of the no-fault liability provisions in the law concerning damages for negligence arising out of road traffic accidents; and if he will make a statement.

Volume 3 of the report of the Royal Commission on civil liability and compensation for personal injury (Cmnd. 7054-III) is devoted to an extensive survey of overseas systems of compensation for various injuries, including those sustained in road accidents.

asked the Attorney-General what level of remuneration the Crown Prosecution Service is offering to banisters for (i) a half day's session and (ii) a whole day's session in the magistrates' court.

The level of remuneration that the Crown prosecution service is at present offering to banisters for a half-day's session of full-list advocacy in the magistrates courts is £60; for a whole-day session, the remuneration is £85. These are minimum rates, and chief Crown prosecutors have discretion to pay higher rates having regard to (a) the distance of the nearest barristers' chambers to the court; and (b) the level of remuneration prevailing before the establishment of the Crown prosecution service. Further discussions with the Bar on the level of remuneration are envisaged. The Crown prosecution service is only established in the former metropolitan counties outside London and in Northumberland and Durham.

asked the Attorney-General what is the level of remuneration (a) currently paid and (b) proposed to be paid by the Crown prosecution service to solicitors who undertake (i) a half day's session and (ii) a whole day's session in the magistrates' court.

The level of remuneration currently paid and proposed to be paid by the Crown prosecution service to solicitors who undertake advocacy in magistrates' courts is at the discretion of chief Crown prosecutors. The rates vary from area to area and between different localities within the same area, having regard to local circumstances.

asked the Attorney-General in what percentage of contested cases there were acquittals in the Crown Courts in England and Wales in 1983, 1984 and 1985, respectively.

The percentage of defendants dealt with in the Crown court in England and NA, ales who pleaded not guilty to all or some counts, and who are acquitted on all counts to which they pleaded not guilty, was 48 per cent. in 1983, 49 per cent. in 1984 and 49 per cent. in 1985. These figures are published annually in the judicial statistics for the preceding year.

asked the Attorney-General on a ward by ward basis, how many of the magistrates of the petty session districts of Northampton, Peterborough and Swindon, respectively, reside in each ward; and what percentage this is of the total number of magistrates on each bench.

The information is not available and could only be ascertained at disproportionate cost.

asked the Attorney-General if he will make a statement on the form and administration of the oath.

The form and administration of oaths are laid down in the Oaths Act 1978 and certain other statutes and practice directions.

asked the Attorney-General if he will list all prosecutions brought in the United Kingdom in the last 10 years in respect of offences committed outside United Kingdom jurisdiction, specifying the nature of the offence or alleged offence, in each case, and the statute under which the prosecution was brought, where appropriate.

I have been asked to reply.The information requested is not collected centrally.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people are currently serving custodial sentences for non-violent offences.

The information about offences held centrally does not identify all prisoners serving sentences for violent offences as defined in schedule I to the Criminal Justice Act 1982. It is estimated that on 31 March 1986 about 25,000 prisoners were serving sentences for offences other than violence against the person, rape, buggery and gross indecency, aggravated burglary and robbery.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make it his policy not to introduce legislation to relax the licensing laws in England and Wales before publication in full of the findings of the inquiry into the drinking patterns of young people, carried out by the Office of Population, Censuses and Surveys in 1984; and if he will make a statement.

I understand that the survey does not deal with the effects of a relaxation in the law on licensing hours. On the timing of legislation, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given today to a question from my hon. Friend the Member for Ravensbourne (Mr. Hunt).

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what has been the cost of running the Metropolitan police air support unit for 1984–85 and 1985–86.

I understand from the Commissioner that the estimated cost of the Metropolitan police air support unit in the financial years 1984–85 and 1985–86 was £1·51 million and £1·38 million respectively.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will give details of the photographic surveillance carried out by the Metropolitan police at Grosvenor square, Marble Arch, and Hyde park on demonstrators on 19 April.

The Commissioner informs me that three permanently sited closed circuit television cameras, together with another in a police helicopter, were used to assist in policing this demonstration.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many times Lancelot George Turnbull had previously absconded from an open prison prior to being sent to Ashwell prison; and what criteria he adopts in deciding to allow a prisoner with a previous record of absconding to be placed for a second time in an open prison;(2) whether he will make a statement on the criteria which he adopts in deciding whether a man serving a life sentence for a violent crime, including murder, should be sent to an open prison; and what steps he takes to maintain public confidence in this regard;(3) if he will make a statement on the absconding from Ashwell prison of Lancelot George Turnbull. serving a sentence of life imprisonment for murder.

A life sentence prisoner is considered for transfer to an open prison only after careful assessment in a number of different prisons over a period of years. The advice of the Parole Board is sought in every case and transfer to an open prison is subject to the personal authority of a Minster. As in every decision relating to the progress towards the possible release on life licence of such a prisoner, public safety is the paramount consideration. Each case is considered on its individual merits and transfer to an open prison would not be ruled out solely because of the nature of the prisoner's offence or because of a previous abscond without taking account of other factors. but no life sentence prisoner is transferred to an open prison until he is thought no longer to present any serious risk of re-offending.Mr. Turnbull was convicted in April 1976 of the murder of a male acquaintance and was sentenced to life imprisonment. When it considered his case in June 1983, The Parole Board recommended his transfer to an open prison with a further review after 12 months in open conditions. This recommendation was accepted and Mr. Turnbull was transferred to Leyhill open prison in September 1983. However, he failed to settle and absconded the following month. He surrendered to the police after four days and was immediately returned to closed prison conditions.As far as is known, he committed no offences during the period he was unlawfully at large. His case was next considered by the Parole Board in December 1985. The board recommended that Mr. Turnbull should again be tested in open conditions before consideration was given to his suitability for release on life licence and proposed that his case should be reviewed 18 months after his transfer. Having considered all the circumstances of the case, including the previous abscond from Leyhill, my right hon. Friend decided that the recommendation should be accepted. Mr. Turnbull was transferred to Ashwell open prison on 2 April. At about 4.45 am on 2 May, Mr. Turnbull was found to be missing from his room. He had previously been seen by the night patrol at about 3.45 am. The prison was immediately searched and the police were informed as soon as it was apparent that Mr. Turnbull had absconded. He has not so far been apprehended.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he w ill give details of the extent of photographic surveillance used by the Metropolitan police from premises near the News International plant at Wapping; and what were the premises used for this purpose, and the nature and intention of this surveillance.

The Commissioner informs me that two cameras, in premises adjacent to the News International printing plant at Wapping, are used to assist in policing demonstrations there.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will list the number and nature of non-soccer sporting events which have been designated under the Sporting Events (Control of Alcohol etc.) Act 1983.

None.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what (a) education, (b) training and (c) leisure facilities are currently available at Hull prison; and what estimate he has of the time spent per inmate per week in each of these areas;

			Inmates in custody at 1 April 1986
	Staff in post at 1 April 1986 (Prison Officer Class)	Remand/Trial	Adult prisoners	Young offenders	Total	Ratio staff/inmates
Hull	255	144	316	36	486	1: 1·91
Lindholme	143	—	443	—	443	1: 3·09
Total	18,887	—	—	—	46,798	*1: 2·53
†l: 1·55
*Male.
†Female.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many persons were detained at the last date available for (a) non-payment of fines, (b) non-payment of maintenance and (c) breaches of matrimonial orders.

The readily available information is given in the table. Breaches of matrimonial orders other than for payment are not separately recorded.

Population of persons committed to custody in prison department establishments in England and Wales for non-payment of fine, maintenance or arrears under an affiliation order: 31 March 1986
Type of committal	Number of persons*
In default of payment of a fine	520
Non-payment of maintenance	40
Non-payment of arrears under an affiliation order	5
*The figures are those recorded centrally and are approximate: detailed checking would involve disproportionate cost.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many garages are owned by Her

This information is not readily available.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prisoners Hull prison was originally intended to cater for; and how many prisoners are currently being held there.

On 9 May 1986, the certified normal accommodation of Her Majesty's prison and remand centre Hull was 329 and its population was 555.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether there is a recommended number of prisoners per prison officer; what is (a) the national average, (b) the average at Lindholme prison and (c) the average at Hull prison of prisoners per prison officer; and how many (i) adult prisoners, (ii) young offenders and (iii) people on remand there are in each of these prisons.

The circumstances of establishments differ too greatly to permit a recommended national staff-inmate ratio. The information requested is in the table:Majesty's prison service; how many of these are let to prison officers; and how many of these are let to members of the public;(2) what is his policy on letting garages belonging to Her Majesty's prison service to members of the public resident nearby.

I will reply as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has any plans to introduce a requirement that all deaths of foster children must be reported to the coroner within 24 hours.

We have no present plans for legislation on this matter. Under the Foster Children Act, the death of a foster child must be notified to the local authority and the person from whom the child was received. If a child is boarded out under the Boarding Out of Children Regulations the foster parents undertake to notify the local authority immediately of a serious occurrence. The register of births, deaths and marriages is required to report to the coroner any death which he has reason to believe was caused by violence or neglect or to have been attended by suspicious circumstances.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, in the light of the British Medical Association's report "Deaths in the Community," he has any plans to amend the rules relating to death certification so that in cases where a doctor is unable to verify the cause of death, a certificate of the fact of death is sent to the coroner.

I have been asked to reply.In the case of a death of any person, a doctor who attended that person during the last illness is required to sign a certificate stating the cause of death to the best of his knowledge and belief. Where no such doctor is available, or where he is unable to give a cause of death or expresses doubts as to the cause of death, the case will be referred to the coroner.There are no plans at present to amend the legislation relating to death certification in this respect.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has any plans to seek to amend legislation relating to the registration of stillbirths to bring the law into line with the law on registration of other births and deaths.

I have been asked to reply.While improvements have been made in the certification of stillbirths following the introduction of the new cause of stillbirths certificate on 1 January 1986, there are at present no plans to amend the primary legislation relating to the registration of stillbirths.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will name those forensic experts working for his Department on whose evidence convictions have been secured whose work has subsequenty been shown to have been, on occasion, of doubtful accurancy; and if he will give the dates on which each such person stopped undertaking forensic work for prosecution purposes.

One junior member of the forensic science service has been suspended from court reporting duties since September 1985, following concern about the quality of his work. Two officers were temporarily relieved of court reporting duties in relation to fire examinations only and resumed these duties after their work had been reviewed and they had satisfied their laboratory directors of their competence to undertake such work. These suspensions lasted from December 1983 to May 1985, and February 1985 until May 1985 respectively.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many convictions there have been for speeding on the A483 in the vicinty of Lavister in 1985; what percentage of the vehicles involved were lorries; and what was the average fine.

The information requested is not available.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if, in the light of recent new evidence, he will institute an inquiry into police use of an agent provocateur to secure convictions in Wales in 1969; and if he will make a statement.

It is not clear from the information provided to which evidence or convictions the hon. Member is referring. I should be willing to consider the matter further if he would provide me with identifying details.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will call for a report from the chief constable of Wiltshire as to how many police of (a) the Wiltshire force and (b) other forces were deployed on Salisbury plain in escorting cruise missiles from 7 May to 12 May.

For operational reasons, information of this nature is not disclosed.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will call for a report from the chief constable of Wiltshire as to how many people were arrested by (a) military and (b) civilian police on Salisbury plain between 7 and 12 May.

I understand from the chief constable that no arrests were made by the Wiltshire constabulary, 50 people were arrested by the Ministry of Defence police, of whom 12 were later charged with bye-law offences.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if, since 20 February, officers from forces outside the Metropolitan police district have been placed on standby for mutual aid duties in connection with the current trade dispute at Wapping.

No.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many arrests have been made so far in connection with the current trades dispute at Wapping; if he will give a breakdown of (a) the charges laid against those arrested, (b) the number of charges that have subsequently been dropped, (c) bail conditions imposed by magistrates and (d) the number of convictions that there have been; and what sentences have ensued.

I will reply as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department on how many occasions, and where, road blocks have been used since the trades dispute at the News International plant at Wapping began.

I understand from the Commissioner that roads in the vinicity of the Highway, E1, have been closed on numerous occasions in accordance with directions which he has issued under section 52 of the Metropolitan Police Act 1839.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if the national reporting centre has been activated during the current trade dispute at the News International plant at Wapping.

No.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what has been the number of crimes recorded and crimes cleared up in Tower Hamlets, Metropolitan police district H, between January and March; and what were the figures for January to March 1985.

I am informed by the Commissioner of Police for the Metropolis that police in Tower Hamlets in the first quarter of 1985 recorded 5,840 notifiable offences and cleared up 1,176 such offences. Recorded crime figures for the first quarter of 1986 are due to be published next month.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps are being taken to ensure that records are being kept of those persons detained under section 136 of the Mental Health Act; and if he intends to issue instructions that such records be kept in those cases where places of safety are found other than in a psychiatric hospital.

Records of persons admitted to hospitals and similar places of safety under section 136 of the Mental Health Act 1983 are maintained by local health authorities. The information is collected centrally by the DHSS and is published annually in "Mental Health Statistics for England." Details of persons detained by the police under this section are recorded in the custody records kept under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will introduce an independent element into the investigation of complaints made against the immigration service.

The sixth report from the Home Affairs Committee (Session 1984–85) recommended that an independent element should be introduced into the immigration and nationality department's procedures for the investigation of complaints. The Department's officials are considering the recommendation and my right hon. Friend will make a substantive response to the Committee in due course.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many passengers, granted temporary admission to the United Kingdom on arrival at Heathrow airport in the current year, have been accommodated by his Department in hotels; what instructions have been issued to private security guards on duty there; and if he will make a statement.

The information available is that, in the period between 27 March and 29 April, accommodation was provided at two hotels near Heathrow for the equivalent of 681 passengers. Some passengers may have been accommodated for more than one night. the passengers concerned had been either required to submit to further examination or refused entry and were given temporary admission and required to reside at one of two hotels.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will publish the newly issued code of practice for immigration officers when searching premises and conducting interviews; and if he will make a statement.

Yes. We hope to do so shortly.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many oral and written complaints have been received in the current year to date about immigration control at Heathrow airport from (a) passengers, (b) the public and (c) right hon. and hon. Members; and how many complaints were received (i) in 1985 and (ii) in 1984.

No statistical record is kept of oral complaints.Up to 15 May, 77 written complaints have been received this year about the immigration control at Heathrow, of which 14 were made by passengers, 22 by members of the public and 41 by right hon. and hon. Members. The total for 1985 was 213, of which 41 were from passengers, 73 from members of the public and 99 from right hon. and hon. Members. Statistics for 1984 were not kept in the form requested but in that year a total of 212 written complaints were received from all sources about the control at Heathrow.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many private security firm personnel are employed by his Department on immigration control at Heathrow airport; when they were first employed; at what total cost; and what are their duties.

Securicor Ltd. has been contracted to the Home Office since 1 July 1970 to provide staff who act as orderlies for passengers under examination by an immigration officer and for the purpose of guarding and escorting persons detained under the Immigration. Act 1971.There are 28 Securicor posts at Heathrow airport. There are covered by shiftwork, some for 24 hours per day, so that the actual number of personnel employed is greater. The 28 posts include those at the main terminal buildings as well as at the Queen's building and Harmondsworth detention centres. The cost of the service is a rnatier of contract, which it would not be appropriate for me to disclose.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to appoint or second immigration officers to the private offices of his Ministerial colleagues; what their duties will be; and if he will make a statement.

The increase in the number of representations by Members in immigration cases made it necessary to provide additional support both at ports and in the private office of my hon. and learned Friend the Minister of State whose responsibilities include immigration. Two immigration officers have been appointed as assistant private secretaries for an initial period of six months.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 26 November 1985 to the hon. and learned Member for Mid-Bedfordshire, (Mr. Lye11), Official Report, columns 515–16, what arrangements he has made for ensuring that plastic baton rounds and CS are made available to police forces; whether he has issued guidelines covering the future use of baton rounds and CS for dealing with serious public disorder; and if he will make a statement.

As the House was informed at the time, plastic baton rounds and CS equipment for use in dealing with serious public disorder were made available to police forces in Great Britain following the riots in 1981. The Home Office has today issued a circular to chief officers of police and police authorities in England and Wales setting out new arrangements for supplying the equipment.Future requirements will be met from stocks purchased by the Home Office. Where financial authorisation has been given by the police authority concerned, the force will be able to purchase from the Home Office stocks. Where such authorisation is withheld, and the chief officer's assessment of need is endorsed by HM Inspector of Constabulary, I regard it as essential that the equipment should be provided, as I made clear in reply to a question from my hon. and learned Friend the Member for Mid-Bedfordshire,(Mr. Lyell) on 26 November 1985 at columns 515–16. In such circumstances, equipment will be provided from the central store of equipment at Home Office expense. Arrangements have also been made, on the same basis, for training in the use of the equipment where a police authority is not prepared to pay for this.A copy of the circular has been placed in the Library.Revised guidelines on the use of CS and baton rounds to deal with serious public disorder have also been issued today to all chief officers of police in England and Wales.The guidelines cover the following points:

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the ratio of prisoners to prison officers in England and Wales.

The ratio of prisoners to prison officers in England and Wales on 1 April 1986 was 2·53: I males and 1·55: 1 females.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will give details of the numbers of uniformed and non-uniformed staff which were employed by the former London fire brigade controlled by the Greater London council and the comparable numbers in each category now employed by the London fire and civil defence authority.

The respective establishment figures are:

	31 March 86	1 April 86
Whole-time uniformed staff	7,159	6,849
Non-uniformed staff	997	1,181
Control room staff	196	196

On 1 April there was no immediate change in whole-time uniformed staff actually in post. The increase in non-uniformed staff chiefly reflected the need for the brigade to absorb a proportion of fire prevention staff formerly in the GLC architect's department, and to become self-administering.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is yet in a position to announce the conclusions of his review of permitted opening hours for licensed premises in England and Wales; and if he will make a statement.

After carefully studying all the relevant facts, and in particular the evidence to emerge from the Scottish experience of longer opening hours, the Government believe that there is a strong case for considering some relaxation of the restrictions on licensing hours in England and Wales.There is no obvious consensus however, on the precise nature of the changes which should be made. We believe it is important that any relaxation should maintain adequate and effective controls on licensed outlets, given the concern which exists over alcohol misuse and the need to provide protection for the public against added noise and nuisance. Any change will require legislation, and I cannot give any indication at this stage of when this might be introduced. But we support the case for reform in principle.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) in what percentage of contested cases there were acquittals in the magistrates courts in England and Wales in 1983, 1984 and 1985, respectively;(2) in what percentage of all cases there were convictions in England and Wales in magistrates courts in 1983, 1984 and 1985.

I have been asked to reply and will do so as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what percentage of all cases were convicted in Crown courts in England and Wales in 1983, 1984 and 1985.

I have been asked to reply. The percentage of defendants dealt with in the Crown court in England and Wales who were convicted on all or some counts was 79 per cent. in 1983, 79 per cent. in 1984 and 80 per cent. in 1985. These figures include defendants pleading guilty to all or some counts. These alone accounted for 65 per cent., 67 per cent. and 67 per cent. respectively of all defendants dealt with in these years.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the average waiting time before interview for an application for entry clearance as a person of independent means at Dacca, New Delhi, Bombay, Islamabad and Karachi.

I have been asked to reply.Current minimum and maximum waiting times are as follows:

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affirs what account his Department takes of a country's expenditure on arms when taking part in discussions on the rescheduling of its debts.

All aspects of a country's economic performance are considered during debt negotiations. But neither we nor other creditors are in a position to dictate to a country its political priorities, including the priority it gives to arms expenditure.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what are the costs incurred by his Department for (a) school fees and (b) board and lodging when children are at boarding school in Britain whilst their parents are serving abroad.

In financial year 1985–86, the FCO paid £3,275,807 in boarding school allowances towards the cost of school fees and board and lodging for 856 children of FCO staff, including the ODA and communications department, serving overseas. Separate figures for the costs of school fees and of board and lodging are not available.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs under what section of the Civil Service code of conduct membership of a trade union may be deemed as an offence; and if he will make a statement.

There are no such instructions in the Civil Service code. However, in relation to GCHQ, my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister, acting in pursuance of article 4 of the Civil Service Order in Council 1982, gave instructions on 22 December 1983 that the conditions of service of employees at GCHQ should be varied so that they should not be members of any trade union other than a departmental staff association approved by the director. The staff regulations applicable at GCHQ have been appropriately amended. Any breach of those conditions may be liable to disciplinary proceedings.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if disciplinary procedures at Government communications headquarters beginning on 19 May will be conducted within the framework of the Civil Service code of conduct; and if he will make a statement.

The disciplinary procedure applying in these cases will be that contained in the existing departmental regulations. However, the recently revised provisions of the Civil Service pay and conditions of service code will also be applied where they increase the protection of the individuals concerned.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if, pursuant to the Answer of 12 May, Official Report, column 350, he will make a statement on the advice given by the director of Government communications headquarters to the head of the Civil Service on appropriate penalties for those who have rejoined a union there.

Discipline at GCHQ is a matter for the director. I have nothing further to add to the answer I gave on 12 May to the hon. Member for Hammersmith (Mr. Soley) at column 350

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the implications for the United Kingdom of the recent decision of the European Court that the grant of public funds to certain political parties by the European Assembly was unlawful.

It is for the European Parliament to decide whether the funds distributed to political parties should be recovered.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what contacts have been held between Ministers and officials in his Department and the Guatemalan Government since the election of President Cerezo; what was the purpose of these contacts; what factors stand in the way of a resumption of consular or diplomatic relations; and if he will make a statement.

The British delegation attending the inauguration of President Arias of Costa Rica in San Jose met President Cerezo on 7 May and discussed the possibility of re-establishing diplomatic and consular relations between the two countries. President Cerezo of Guatemala expressed satisfaction at the advantages which the resumption of relations could have but indicated that he would consult various sectors in Guatemala to obtain their opinion on the desirability of shortly re-establishing diplomatic and consular relations with Great Britain. The meeting was very cordial. It was agreed that the proposal to re-establish relations was clearly within the framework of co-operation between the European Comunity and the countries of central America.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the current agreed period of notice for withdrawal of the British garrison in Belize; what changes in the period of notice have occurred since June 1983; and if he will make a statement.

As agreed with the Belize Government on independence, the British garrison will remain in Belize for an appropriate period to assist with external defence and with the training of the Belize defence force. There has been no change in the position since independence.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether any action was taken or representations made by Her Majesty's Government following the suspension of guarantees of freedom of expression in El Salvador on 18 April; and if he will make a statement.

No, but we are monitoring the situation closely.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions have been held with El Salvador concerning the offer to train officers from El Salvador in the United Kingdom; when he expects such training to begin; and if he will make a statement.

There have been no substantive discussions recently with the Salvadorean Government on this matter. The first officer cadet is expected to start an eight-month training course at Sandhurst in January after a language course.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the officials and Ministers who met a member of the Chilean junta, General Mattei, on his recent visit to the United Kingdom; what was the purpose of the meetings; whether any representations concerning human rights violations of named individuals were made; and if he will make a statement.

My right hon. and noble Friend the Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, and senior FCO officials met General Mattei during his recent private visit to the United Kingdom. My right hon. and noble Friend expressed concern about the need for early progress towards the orderly restoration of democracy in Chile, and an improvement in the human rights record of the Chilean Government.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is Her Majesty's Government's policy towards the continued observance of the terms of the unratified SALT II treaty by the parties to it; and if he will make a statement.

The United Kingdom is not a party to the SALT II treaty, nor do we participate in the standing consultative commission discussions on compliance issues. But Her Majesty's Government attaches great importance to respect for obligations under existing arms control agreements and we have accordingly urged strict compliance with the treaty by both sides. In this context, the United Kingdom has expressed concern that the Russians have not produced answers to American concerns about their compliance record.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what proposals are currently under consideration by the European Economic Community to supply food to the Soviet Union following the Chernobyl disaster.

None. The European Community has not received any Soviet request to supply food.

asked the Secretary of State for Transport when he last met the manager of British Rail Engineering Ltd. and what subjects were discussed.

The chairman of BREL accompanied my right hon. Friend on his visit to China last September, during which a wide range of issues —particularly export promotion—was discussed.

asked the Secretary of State for Transport when he last met representatives of the staff of British Rail Engineering Ltd., and what subjects were discussed.

My right hon. Friend met representatives of BREL's Swindon workforce on 21 March to discuss BREL's closure of the works and the company's alternative employment strategy for Swindon. I have also received delegations from several BREL works in recent months.

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what recent information he has received of the British Railways Board's progress on its review of options to the future of British Rail Engineering Limited.

The chairman has continued to keep us informed about progress. I understand that the board will be discussing the present position with its trade unions at a meeting of its rail council on 20 May.

asked the Secretary of State for Transport whether he has evidence of the effects on bus fares of deregulation of bus services.

Deregulation will reduce costs of operation; the savings will generally be passed to the passenger in shire counties through lower fares and to ratepayers in the metropolitan counties through lower rates.

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what evidence he has of changes in the quality of bus services as a result of deregulation.

Deregulation does not take place until 26 October. Most of the services that operators will be contracted to supply with local authority subsidy have yet to be registered. In preparation for deregulation and competition we are already seeing improved services in some areas, especially with the introduction of high frequency minibuses.

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what discussion he has had with local authorities concerning the implementation of the Transport Act 1985.

My right hon. Friend and I have been encouraged by the level of bus service registrations and by the positve attitude of many local authorities with whom we have discussed the implementation of the Transport Act. About three quarters, rather more than I anticipated, of existing routes have been registered to operate without subsidy after deregulation on 26 October. The next stage is for county and district councils and PTEs to place contracts for the operation of further as yet unregistered routes and services which they are prepared to subsidise. People who live on these routes will have the certitude of services provided under a contract.

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what discussions he has had with representatives of passenger transport authorities concerning the impact of the Transport Act 1985.

My right hon. Friend and I have had a number of meetings with the new passenger transport authorities and discussed various aspects of their responsibilities.

asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he is satisfied with the progress of implementations of the Transport Act 1985.

Yes. The bus industry is making significant improvements in its efficiency, more operators are entering the market for local bus services, and new types of service have appeared. I am not satisfied with the unfounded claims that there will be major cuts in services, at a time when local authorities have only started, much less completed, the process of tendering for subsidised services.

asked the Secretary of State for Transport how many taxi proprietors have registered local bus services under the Transport Act 1985; and if he will make a statement.

So far, about 40 taxi proprietors have registered services, and I expect that many others will submit tenders for subsidised services. This is a welcome start in providing better and more flexible services for the travelling public.

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what recent requests he has made to, and what recent applications he has received from, London Regional Transport concerning plans for extensions to the London Underground system.

My right hon. Friend has made no such requests nor received any such applications from London Regional Transport, beyond the present proposals for extending the docklands railway to Bank.

asked the Secretary of State for Transport whether he intends to review the distribution of responsibility for major roads between his Department and local authorities.

We decided last year to retain responsibility for the trunk road network.

asked the Secretary of State for Transport how he estimates the costs and benefits of road schemes carried out by his Department.

The estimates are based on a comparison between the scheme itself and an alternative "minimum improvement" option. The value of future benefits from reducing journey times, decreases in the number and severity of accidents and savings in vehicle operating costs is estimated and compared with the extra capital and maintenance costs involved. A 30-year life is assumed for appraisal purposes and all costs and benefits are discounted at 7 per cent. per annum to provide a net present value estimate for the scheme.It is estimated that an average trunk road scheme provides about £1·50 of the discounted future benefits for every £1 spent on its construction. This is broadly equivalent to an internal rate of return of 12 per cent.

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what proposals he has for implementing the European Community social regulations on goods transport.

The EEC regulations come into force on 29 September. We intend to make full use of the permissible derogations and to propose to the House associated changes to the provisions of the 1968 Transport Act.

asked the Secretary of State for Transport how much extra revenue he expects to raise from the recently announced increase in the cost of a driving licence.

Driving licence fees are set at a level sufficient to finance the driver licensing operation at DVLC.

asked the Secretary of State for Transport how many main line services British Rail runs on an average weekday.

This is a matter for British Rail.

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received about the proposed change in the date for new vehicle registrations.

I have received representations from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders in support of the change to October in 1987 and from the Motor Agents Association and individual motor traders opposing it. I have made it clear that I am prepared to consider an alternative month to October if the motor industry as a whole now wants this.

asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will reconsider increasing the maximum permitted gross vehicle weight for articulated and draw-bar trailer combinations to 40 tonnes; and if he will make a statement.

We decided in 1982 that we would go no higher than 38 tonnes. I do not believe the House is ready to reconsider that limit.

asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the levels of evasion and enforcement of vehicle excise duty.

The gross loss of revenue from evasion of VED is estimated at about 4 per cent. Vigorous action is being taken against evaders and in 1985–86 315,000 offenders were prosecuted or made out-of-court settlements. The revenue from fines, back-duty orders and penalties exceeds £21 million, more than double the 1982 figures. Further steps are being taken to improve enforcement, and we are considering the possible need for new legislation.

	Number of part I motorcycle tests conducted by				Number of part II motorcycle tests
	Department of Transport	Pass rate (per cent.)	Appointed training bodies	Pass rate (per cent.)	Department of Transport	Pass rate (per cent.)
1983	17,251	50	51,203	93	60,829	73·5
1984	10,495	50	56,597	94	62,700	72·5
1985	7,103	50	48,914	95	58,426	73

asked the Secretary of State for Transport how many motorway deaths were reported in the past 12 months in England and Wales.

In the most recent 12 months for which data are available, November 1984 to October 1985, there were 219 motorway deaths in England and eight in Wales.

asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he has any further plans to discuss locomotive procurement policy with British Rail.

I know of no reason to do so at present.

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what studies his Department has made into the effects of the Greater London council lorry ban.

The Department is co-operating in the borough's review of the ban and assisting with finance for traffic counts.