Written Answers

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Written Answers To Questions

Wednesday 22 October 1986

Environment

Tree Planting

37.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what initiatives his Department is taking to encourage tree planting and the success of National Tree Week from 29 November to 7 December.

We welcome National Tree Week and fully support the Tree Council's efforts to promote the planting, care and maintenance of amenity trees throughout the country. To that end we are making the council a grant of nearly £16,000 in 1986–87. The Countryside Commission has its own grant-aid scheme and expects that nearly 2 million trees will be planted with its financial assistance this year. The Department's own planting programme by the Property Services Agency and within the royal parks will continue. We have also in hand several arboricultural research projects.

Dangerous Wild Animals Act

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will now list in the Official Report the fees charged by each local authority in England and Wales for the issuing of a licence under the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave him on Wednesday 21 November 1985, at column 259.

Community Charge

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what is his estimate of the number of tax units gaining and losing in the first year of transition from domestic rates to the community charge as set out in figure J5 and the number of tax units gaining and losing with full

Table 1
First year of transition from domestic rates to the community charge with present social security arrangements throughout
(Great Britain: thousand households)
	Single pensioner	Other single adult	Two adult	Three+ adults	All households
Pounds per week
Losers
10+	—	—	—	—	—
5–10	—	—	—	1	—
2–5	—	—	—	206	206
1–2	—	—	504	810	1,315
0–1	198	357	5,318	1,182	7,053
Total losers	198	357	5,821	2,199	8,574
Giners
0–1	1,061	1,019	4,372	425	6,878

replacement of domestic rates by the community charge as set out in figure J8 of the Green Paper "Paying for Local Government" when these numbers are recalculated on the basis of existing social security arrangements;

(2) what is his estimate of the number of households gaining and losing in the first year of transition from domestic rates to the community charge as set out in figure J4 and the number of households gaining and losing with full replacement of domestic rates by the community charge as set out in figure J7 of the Green Paper "Paying for Local Government" when these numbers are recalculated on the basis of existing social security arrangements.

The recalculated estimates of the numbers of households and tax units in Great Britain gaining and losing from the introduction of the community charge, assuming existing social security arrangements, are set out in the following tables:

Table 1: number of households gaining and losing in the first year of transition from domestic rates to the community charge (comparable to figure J4 in the Green Paper Cmnd. 9714 "Paying for Local Government");

Table 2: as for table 1 but for tax units (comparable to figure J5); Table 3: number of households gaining and losing with the full replacement of domestic rates by the community charge (comparable to figure J7);

Table 4: as for table 3 but for tax units (comparable to figure J8). (Note: in Annex J of the Green Paper, the numbers in figures J4, J5, J7, and J8 were rounded to the nearest 25,000. The numbers in these tables have not been rounded but should not be taken to imply a higher standard of accuracy).

The tables incorporate the assumptions set out in paras. J7-J11 of "Paying for Local Government" except that under both the present rating system and with the community charge it has been assumed that the present social security arrangements are in existence. The benefit rates used were those as at November 1985, deflated to a 1984–85 price level.The tables illustrate what the impact of replacing domestic rates by the community charge might have been in a past year — 1984–85 — under the existing social security arrangements. In future years, both the pattern of local authority spending and household characteristics will have changed so that the gains and losses may be rather different from those illustrated here. In addition, the proposals contained in "Reform of Social Security" (Cmnd. 9691) will have been implemented. The tables in annex J are therefore a fairer reflection of the likely impact of our proposals.

	Single pensioner	Other single adult	Two adults	Three+adults	All households
1–2	161	294	878	86	1,420
2–5	58	46	279	29	414
5–10	1	1	8	1	10
10+	—	—	—	—	—
Total gainers	1,280	1,361	5,537	541	8,722
No change	1,328	604	1,330	45	3,309
Percentage of net income
Losers
10+	—	—	—	—	—
5–10	—	—	—	—	—
2–5	—	—	—	—	—
1–2	3	7	132	62	204
0–1	195	349	5,689	2,137	8,370
Total losers	198	357	5,821	2,198	8,574
Gainers
0–1	974	1,141	5,350	523	7,989
1–2	274	195	181	18	670
2–5	32	24	5	1	62
5–10	—	—	—	—	—
10+	—	—	—	—	—
Total gainers	1,280	1,361	5,537	542	8,720
No change	1,328	604	1,330	45	3,309

Table 2
First year of transition from domestic rates to the community charge—present social security arrangements throughout—
(Great Britain: thousand tax units)
	Single Adults					Other Couples
	Single pensioner	One parent family	Other single adult	Pensioner couple	no children	1 child	2 children	3+ children	All tax units
Pounds per week
Losers
10+	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
5–10	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
2–5	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
1–2	—	—	—	87	354	153	98	36	728
0–1	509	51	3,540	1,034	2,272	1,066	1,105	472	10,049
Total losers	509	51	3,540	1,121	2,625	1,219	1,204	508	10,778
Gainers
0–1	1,250	291	1,278	567	1,707	904	1,255	437	7,689
1–2	176	94	358	107	319	190	288	92	1,624
2–5	60	12	52	26	108	62	83	42	445
5–10	1	—	2	1	2	1	1	3	11
10+	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
Total gainers	1,487	396	1,691	702	2,136	1,158	1,627	573	9,769
No change	1,886	446	2,249	485	262	186	226	199	5,941
Percentage of net income
Losers
10+	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
5–10	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
2–5	7	—	1	6	7	1	—	—	24
1–2	72	2	1,550	60	113	43	15	1	1,857
0–1	429	49	1,989	1,055	2,506	1,174	1,189	507	8,900
Total losers	509	51	3,540	1,121	2,625	1,219	1,204	508	10,781
Gainers
0–1	1,131	323	1,316	655	2,009	1,102	1,574	551	8,662
1–2	314	62	289	45	110	48	49	20	938
2–5	42	11	81	1	16	7	4	2	164
5–10	—	—	4	—	—	—	—	—	3
10+	—	—	1	—	1	—	—	—	3

	Single Adults					Other Couples
	Single pensioner	One parent family	Other single adult	Pensioner couple	no children	1 child	2 children	3+children	All lax units
Total gainers	1,487	396	1,691	702	2,136	1,158	1,627	573	9,769
No change	1,886	446	2,249	485	262	186	226	199	5,941

Table 3
Full replacement of domestic rates by the community charge present social security arrangements throughout
(Great Britain: thousand households)
	Single pensioner	Other single adult	Two adults	Three+adults	All households
Pounds per week
Losers
10+	—	—	3	48	49
5–10	—	—	79	321	400
2–5	3	61	1,195	1,001	2,260
1–2	25	97	1,604	415	2,141
0–1	165	200	2,909	347	3,622
Total losers	193	357	5,789	2,133	8,473
Gainers
0–1	540	350	2,474	241	3,606
1–2	344	378	1,289	162	2,174
2–5	324	520	1,432	158	2,436
5–10	68	104	349	43	565
10+	13	13	58	7	93
Total gainers	1,290	1,365	5,603	611	8,873
No change	1,323	599	1,294	40	3,260
Percentage of net income
Losers
10+	—	—	—	—	—
5–10	—	1	8	1	10
2–5	15	63	481	331	890
1–2	41	106	1,479	827	2,452
0–1	136	187	3,823	974	5,120
Total losers	193	357	5,791	2,133	8,473
Gainers
0–1	330	344	3,701	415	4,791
1–2	340	466	1,349	130	2,285
2–5	530	493	537	65	1,626
5–10	89	57	16	1	165
10+	2	4	—	—	6
Total gainers	1,290	1,366	5,603	612	8,873
No change	1,323	599	1,294	40	3,260

Table 4
Full replacement of rates by the community charge—present social security arrangements throughout—
(Great Britain: thousand tax units)
	Single Adults				Other Couples
	Single pensioner	One parent family	Other single adult	Pensioner couple	no children	1 child	2 children	3+children	All tax units
Pounds per week
Losers
10+	—	—	—	1	3	—	—	—	5
5–10	1	—	60	13	70	25	12	5	185
2–5	66	9	1,763	177	717	313	243	92	3,380
1–2	86	9	831	309	777	346	322	127	2,805
0–1	400	31	1,047	625	1,034	514	624	282	4,556
Total losers	552	49	3,700	1,125	2,601	1,198	1,201	506	10,932

	Single Adults					Other Couples
	Single pensioner	One parent family	Other single adult	Pensioner couple	no children	1 child	2 children	3+children	All lax units
Gainers
0–1	648	92	529	355	959	485	640	232	3,939
1–2	389	114	404	137	497	280	399	126	2,347
2–5	380	158	632	175	556	325	465	159	2,850
5–10	72	35	119	34	135	80	114	48	638
10+	14	4	13	5	25	13	18	12	103
Total gainers	1,502	402	1,697	706	2,171	1,183	1,636	578	9,877
No change	1,828	443	2,081	477	251	182	220	196	5,679
Percentage of net income
Losers
10+	—	—	2	—	—	—	—	—	3
5–10	16	—	268	7	12	4	1	—	307
2–5	104	8	1,819	168	324	136	73	26	2,659
1–2	128	9	725	343	757	312	273	93	2,641
0–1	305	32	887	608	1,507	747	854	387	5,327
Total losers	553	48	3,701	1,125	2,601	1,199	1,201	506	10,937
Gainers
0–1	430	109	498	410	1,412	761	1,031	374	5,025
1–2	370	136	457	175	485	282	421	148	2,474
2–5	573	128	579	115	232	126	172	54	1,979
5–10	125	29	133	6	36	14	10	1	355
10+	3	1	28	—	6	1	1	1	40
Total gainers	1,502	402	1,695	706	2,171	1,183	1,636	578	9,872
No change	1,828	443	2,081	477	251	182	220	196	5,679

Acid Rain

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will estimate the effect of a reduction in sulphur emissions by the Central Electricity Generating Board on (a) acidity of Scandinavian lakes and (b) plant damage.

It is difficult to quantify the effect of a reduction in CEGB sulphur dioxide emissions on the acidity of Scandinavian lakes because they are only a small part of the total emissions affecting Scandinavia and because the process by which deposited sulphur compounds are transformed in the soil are complex. The recent decision in principle to retrofit flue gas desulphurisation equipment to three major power stations should result by 1997 in a reduction of sulphur deposition between about 1 and 2 per cent. of today's total depositions in Scandinavia.I am not aware of any evidence of plant damage having been caused by current levels of CEGB sulphur dioxide emissions.

Secondary Mortgage Market

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when he proposes to publish his report on the operation of the secondary mortgage market.

I announced on 11 June that I had established a working group to examine the secondary mortgage market. I expect to receive the group's first report shortly.

Local Authorities (Compulsory Tendering)

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he has to extend compulsory tendering by local authorities beyond those services referred to in the Green Paper "Competition in the Provision of Local Authority Services"; how he intends to consult interested parties; and if he will make a statement.

The Government have not yet finally decided which activities should be included in legislation to extend compulsory competitive tendering by local authorities. We do not, however, see a need for further formal consultations following the many responses we received to last year's consultation paper.

Value Added Tax

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) if he will estimate the increase in cost in money and percentage terms to private and public funds, respectively, of the application of value added tax to all new building and construction work, on the basis sought by the Commission of the European Economic Community;(2) if he will estimate the increase in cost in money and percentage, respectively, of applying value added tax to sewerage services and water, on the basis sought by the Commission of the European Economic Community;

[pursuant to his reply, 21 October 1986]: The Government do not accept the Commission's contention that the sixth VAT directive requires the imposition of VAT on sewerage services and water. If they did, however, the increase in cost would depend on the rate imposed.

Prime Minister

South Africa

asked the Prime Minister on what basis, with what frequency and for what purpose, information has been exchanged between Her Majesty's Government and the United States Administration concerning the role of the African National Congress in relation to events in South Africa; and if she will make a statement.

We exchange information regularly with the United States Administration on a wide range of subjects, including South Africa.

Higher Education And Industry

asked the Prime Minister why Her Majesty's Government have not yet replied to the report of the working group on improving research links between higher education and industry; and if she will make a statement.

The Government's response to the working group's report was contained in "The Development of Higher Education into the 1990s" (Cmnd. 9524), published in May 1985. That Green Paper drew attention to the importance for both higher education and industry, of improved links between them, commended examples of good practice in this field and announced measures to promote more effective and profitable collaboration.

Norway

asked the Prime Minister if she will make a statement on her visit to Norway.

I visited Norway on 11 and 12 September at the invitation of the Norwegian Government. I had useful talks with the Norwegian Prime Minister which underlined the .close friendship between Britain and Norway and our co-operation in many fields, including defence and North sea oil. I was able to inform the Norwegian Government of new measures we have taken to reduce sulphur dioxide emissions from British coal-fired power stations. I also visited Tromso in northern Norway and NATO installations near Oslo. I was honoured to have an audience of His Majesty King Olav V.

Aircraft Industry

asked the Prime Minister what practical support and encouragement the appropriate Departments in Her Majesty's Government are giving to sustaining and expanding the work force and the high technology involved in (a) the airframe, (b) the avionics, and (c) the power plant aspects of the British aircraft industry; what estimates have been made of the contribution of the aircraft industry to the United Kingdom's balance of payments; and if she will make a statement.

The Department of Trade and Industry and the Ministry of Defence are giving practical support and encouragement to the aircraft industry in many ways, including (in the Department of Trade and Industry's case) the provision of launch aid to British Aerospace for the Airbus A320, to Rolls-Royce for the V2500 engine and to Westland for the EH101 helicopter. The avionics industry benefits indirectly from this support. In addition, the Department provides funding under its civil aircraft and aero-engine R and D budget which is designed to assist the industry to maintain and develop its technology base, and individual companies are eligible for various types of selective financial assistance.The Ministry of Defence's policy is to procure defence equipment by competitive means whenever practicable and reasonable in order to get the right equipment for the armed forces and the best long-term value for money for the taxpayer. Procurement choices are made in the light of all the factors which are relevant to obtaining long-term value for money, including the defence benefits of maintaining particular industrial capabilities. The 'Defence Ministry believes that operating this way will not fragment or weaken our defence industries but on the contrary strengthen them and increase their competitiveness.In 1985 the United Kingdom exported £3,752 million of new aerospace equipment. This represents 4·8 per cent. of all United Kingdom visible exports and a surplus of exports over imports of £1,180 million.

Employment

Wage Rates

40.

asked the Paymaster General what is his latest estimate of the number of firms paying workers less than wages council minimum rates in (a) Ayrshire and (b) Kilmarnock and Loudoun; and how many subsequent prosecutions have taken place since June 1983.

No estimates of the numbers of firms paying workers less than the wages councils' minimum rates have been made. However, Wages Inspectorate statistics for 1985 show that 19 per cent. of all establishments checked in the Scotland (west) division of the inspectorate, which includes Kilmarnock and Loudoun, were underpaying one or more of their workers. This figure is not representative of all firms covered by wages councils because the inspectorate tends to concentrate on the firms more likely to be underpaying.Statistics are not collected for areas smaller than Wages Inspectorate divisions.No firms in the Scotland (west) division have been prosecuted since June 1983 for offences under wages council legislation.

Maternity Leave

asked the Paymaster General if he will state the percentage of women leaving work to have a baby who returned to work after taking maternity leave, in the latest year for which such figures are available.

I regret that this information is not available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

Attorney-General

Sunday Trading

asked the Attorney-General what plans he has to seek to take action against the owners of shops who are acting in contravention of the Sunday trading laws.

Section 71 of the Shops Act 1950 places the duty to enforce the Sunday trading provisions on local authorities. Those authorities have power to prosecute offenders and, where appropriate, to institute proceedings to have offenders restrained by injunction from further contravention of the law. These powers are sufficient to enable local authorities to fulfill their statutory responsibility and are used throughout England and Wales. The existence of these powers does not derogate from my general power to seek the enforcement of obedience to the law and, if the public interest so requires, it is open to me to bring proceedings "ex officio". I have taken the view that at present no action on my part is required but I am continuing to monitor the situation and have asked for the help of the Association of District Councils in doing so.

Illegitimacy

asked the Attorney-General what plans he has to reform the illegitimacy laws; and if he will make a statement.

The Government have accepted the recommendations of the Law Commission in its first report on illegitimacy (Law Com. No. 118), as subsequently modified in its second report (Law Corn. No. 157). The Government plan to introduce legislation to give effect to the Law Commission's recommendations at the earliest possible opportunity.

Agriculture, Fisheries And Food

Badgers

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how he intends to define the problem areas for the purposes of badger control operations as envisaged in the Dunnet report; and if he will make a statement.

My right hon. Friends the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and the Secretary of State for Wales have recently given thought to those recommendations in Professor Dunnet's report relating to the definition of areas in which there has been a recent history of herd breakdowns attributed to infected badgers, where we would propose to undertake badger removal operations automatically in the event of future otherwise unexplained herd breakdowns.With the benefit of advice from the consultative panel we have defined the 183 parishes listed, mainly in the south-west of England, within which such control action would take place. However, as we have previously made clear, such control action would be limited to at most the area of the breakdown farm and would only be initiated once all other possible non-badger origins of infection had been investigated and ruled out. Outside the "problem" parishes, as Professor Dunnet recommends, control operations would only proceed with the prior agreement of the consultative panel.My right hon. Friends have also considered the need to retain statutory powers to kill badgers in the problem areas. Taking account of the control strategy now in place we are not convinced of the case for retention of these powers and believe that, without risk to the wider TB eradication programme, it will be possible for future badger control operations to proceed by voluntary agreement with the occupiers of the land concerned. We therefore intend to revoke the Badgers (Control Areas) Order 1977.

List of parishes with a recent history of cattle herds with Tuberculosis breakdowns of badger origin

SOUTH WEST REGION

Avon

Batheaston
Bathford
Borough of Bath
Charlcombe
Cold Ashton
Cromhall
Dodington
English Combe
Hawkesbury Horton
Little Sodbury
Priston
St. Catherine
Sodbury
Tickenham
Tortworth
Wickwar
Winterbourne
Wraxall

Cornwall

Blisland
Breage
Callington
Calstock
Camborne
Camelford
Cardinham
Carn Brea
Constantine
Crowan
Cury
Duloe
Egloskerry
Feock
Helland
Jocobstow
Kea
Kenwyn
Kilkhampton
Lanlivery
Lanner
Lanreath
Lanteglos
Lesnewth
Linkinhorne
Lidgvan
Mabe
Madron
Michaelstow
Morvah
Morwenstowe
Mullion
N. Petherwin
Otterham
Paul
Penzanze
Perran Abuloe
Poundstock
Quethiock
Redruth
Roche
St. Breock
St. Buryan
St. Erme
St. Gennys
St. Gluvias
St. Hilary
St. Iye
St. Just
St. Levan
St. Mabyn

Education And Science

School Rolls

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many pupils entered the first form in maintained secondary schools in (a) England and Wales and (b) Leicestershire in September 1986, September 1983 and September 1979.

Information on the number of pupils entering maintained secondary schools in England is not collected on a regular basis. The nearest approximation is the numbers of pupils aged 11 or under in secondary schools; these are given for Leicestershire and England for January 1980, 1984 and 1986.Figures for Wales are the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales.

Pupils aged 11¹or under in maintained secondary schools²
	January 1980	January 1984	January 1986³
Leicestershire	14,157	11,148	9,208
England	542,227	485,721	430,831
¹ Age as at the preceding August.
² Middle deemed secondary schools are excluded.
³ January 1986 figures are provisional.

A And O-Level Passes

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will provide comprehensive figures detailing the number of passes attained in A and O-levels in the summer of 1986 and in each of the past five years giving the percentage of the numbers actually taken.

Information on the 1986 summer examinations is not yet available. Figures for the years 1981 to 1985 are as follows:

GCE A and O-level summer examinations
GCE A-level
Year	Number of subject passes	Number of subject passes as a percentage of total subject entries
1981	400,338	68·1
1982	416,361	67·8
1983	437,037	69·1
1984	438,302	69·8
1985	427,619	70·2

GCE O-level
Year	Number of subject passes		Number of subject passes as a percentage of total subject entries
	Grades A to C	Grades A to E	Grades A to C	Grades A to E
1981	1,774,977	2,550,044	58·0	83·3
1982	1,794,614	2,590,315	57·7	83·3
1983	1,792,927	2,578,068	58·1	83·5
1984	1,769,263	2,559,582	57·3	82·9
1985	1,750,397	2,551,186	57·1	83·2

Source: Survey of Examining Boards in England.

Deaf People

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what recent representations he has had from the Royal National Institute for the Deaf; what reply he is sending; and if he will make a statement.

The chief executive of the institute has written recording the institute's recognition of the potential benefits of the in-service training route for specialist teachers of the deaf, stressing the need to ensure an adequate supply of trained teachers through this route and proposing a meeting to discuss how to encourage teachers to take up the training opportunities available to them. The reply from my predecessor sets out our intention to ensure sufficient in-service training in this field through the new training grant scheme. The chief executive and education officer of the institute met officials of the Department last Friday.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many places allocated to initial teacher training in special needs are currently filled by student teachers of the deaf; how many teachers of the deaf in training now are funded by full secondment from their local education authority; how many teachers of the deaf are receiving training in 1986 on full-time courses.

There are currently two courses of initial teacher training for teachers of the deaf, both at Manchester university. One is a four-year undergraduate course, to which intakes in 1983, 1984 and 1985 were 28, 28 and 27 respectively. The other is a one-year postgraduate course to which the intake in 1985 was 10. The numbers of students admitted to training in the academic year 1986–87 are not yet available.Information on the number of student teachers of the deaf on full secondment from a local education authority is not available. 86 students beginning a course of training to teach the deaf in 1985 were employed in maintained schools or institutions of further education.120 student teachers of the deaf began full-time courses of training in 1985.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will ensure that the new arrangements to fund the training of teachers of the deaf will be reviewed 12 months after they have been introduced.

Yes.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science (1) how many places he envisages funding for training for teachers of the deaf through the in-service pooling arrangements;(2) if he intends to issue advice to local education authorities regarding the number of places earmarked through the in-service pooling arrangements for training of teachers of the deaf.

Funds will be available in 1987–88 to support the present level of in-service training. The arrangements for administering the allocations covering the academic year 1988–89 and later will also take account of the need for additional in-service training to replace the initial teacher training for teachers of the deaf which will then be being phased out.

Pre-School Provision

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he will list for each local education authority in England at the latest date for which figures are available the number and proportion of three and four-year-olds attending (a) nursery classes, (b) nursery schools, (c) play groups, and (d) total pre-school provision; and what are the waiting lists in each case.

[pursuant to his reply, 25 July 1986, c. 523.]The number of pupils aged under five receiving education in January 1986 in

(a) nursery classes of maintained primary schools (b) nursery schools and (c) all under-lives in maintained schools, together with the proportion these represent of the three and four-year-old population, are given in the table.

Pupils under 5 receiving education in maintained schools in England—January 1986
LEA	Nursery Classes		Nursery Schools		All Schools including Nursery Classes
	Pupils	As a per cent, of Population	Pupils	As a per cent, of Population	Pupils	As a per cent. of Population
Barking	1,395	36·7	0	·0	2,587	68·1
Barnet	1,707	23·4	495	6·8	4,112	56·3
Bexley	435	8·4	175	3·4	1,355	26·1
Brent	2,036	29·9	268	3·9	4,342	63·9
Bromley	97	1·5	0	·0	1,140	17·3
Croydon	206	2·4	411	4·8	3,151	37·1
Ealing	2,139	27·1	610	7·7	3,688	46·7
Enfield	1,381	20·9	0	·0	3,339	51·5
Haringey	1,967	37·1	213	4·0	3,631	68·5
Harrow	795	16·2	0	·0	1,555	31·7
Havering	224	4·1	0	·0	1,987	36·8
Hillingdon	2,501	42·4	117	2·0	2,949	50·0
Hounslow	3,734	69·1	0	·0	3,779	70·0
Kingston upon Thames	691	22·3	238	7·7	1,632	52·6
Merton	1,321	32·2	173	4·2	2,394	58·4
Newham	2,985	47·4	979	15·5	4,735	75·2
Redbridge	450	8·5	0	·0	1,253	23·6
Richmond upon Thames	498	14·2	68	1·9	1,543	44·1
Sutton	445	10·9	240	5·9	730	17·8
Waltham Forest	1,953	33·1	292	4·9	3,091	52·4
Inner London	17,767	32·3	4,152	7·5	29,362	53·4
Birmingham	6,465	23·4	2,245	8·1	17,577	63·7
Coventry	1,454	17·7	464	5·7	4,512	55·0
Dudley	1,737	23·5	471	6·4	3,224	43·6
Sandwell	3,196	40·5	208	2·6	5,938	75·2
Solihull	1,253	27·2	0	·0	2,640	57·4
Walsall	3,150	47·7	770	11·7	6,066	91·9
Woverhampton	2,867	43·4	810	12·3	4,747	71·9
Knowsley	1,736	33·4	0	·0	3,254	62·6
Liverpool	5,571	46·8	548	4·6	10,184	85·6
St. Helens	1,307	27·2	76	1·6	2,901	60·4
Sefton	1,677	24·0	316	4·5	4,152	59·3
Wirral	1,315	15·3	219	2·5	4,157	48·3
Bolton	2,084	28·9	601	8·3	4,871	67·7
Bury	641	14·2	142	3·2	2,194	48·8
Manchester	5,810	50·5	540	4·7	8,322	72·4
Oldham	1,916	30·9	0	·0	3,883	62·6
Rochdale	784	12·9	885	14·5	3,678	60·3
Salford	2,137	36·8	870	15·0	4,895	84·4
Stockport	213	2·9	779	10·7	3,149	43·1
Tameside	1,900	34·5	324	5·9	4,045	73·5
Trafford	620	11·7	0	·0	991	18·7
Wigan	1,773	21·6	199	2·4	4,622	56·4
Barnsley	2,615	45·9	173	3·0	3,735	65·5
Doncaster	2,999	38·9	0	·0	5,505	71·5
Rotherham	2,354	34·6	352	5·2	3,819	56·2
Sheffield	3,871	34·0	722	6·3	6,915	60·7
Bradford	3,997	28·0	510	3·6	7,821	54·7

The Department does not collect information on the number of pupils aged under five on waiting lists for preschool education.

Places in play groups and day nurseries and places with child minders are provided by local authority social services departments and not by local education authorities. Some information is collected by the Department of Health and Social Security, but riot precisely in the form requested. The number of premises and places, the number of places per 1,000 children aged under five and the waiting lists in each authority in England are given in "Children's Day Care Facilities at 31 March 1984, England" (A/F84/6), copies of which are available in the Library.

LEA	Nursery Classes		Nursery Schools		All Schools including Nursery Classes
	Pupils	As a per cent. of Population	Pupils	As a per cent. of Population	Pupils	As a per cent. of Population
Calderdale	1,314	26·8	87	1·8	3,028	61·8
Kirklees	3,220	31·0	699	6·7	5,987	57·6
Leeds	5,079	29·7	275	1·6	9,658	56·5
Wakefield	3,091	38·6	484	6·1	5,367	67·1
Gateshead	1,575	31·5	64	1·3	3,161	63·2
Newcastle upon Tyne	2,219	33·6	586	8·9	4,892	74·1
North Tyneside	2,092	44·5	315	6·7	4,058	86·3
South Tyneside	1,216	32·9	688	18·6	3,174	85·8
Sunderland	1,992	23·7	927	11·0	5,553	66·1
Isles of Scilly	0	·0	0	·0	6	·0
Avon	1,832	8·2	1,461	6·6	10,061	45·1
Bedfordshire	3,201	21·1	1,320	8·7	5,370	35·3
Berkshire	2,765	14·2	1,938	9·9	4,990	25·6
Buckinghamshire	1,576	9·4	515	3·1	3,045	18·1
Cambridgeshire	1,309	8·0	635	3·9	6,586	40·4
Cheshire	4,122	17·2	819	3·4	8,991	37·6
Cleveland	7,862	49·4	156	1·0	11,125	70·0
Cornwall	1,265	12·8	94	·9	4,611	46·6
Cumbria	1,539	13·5	694	6·1	6,019	52·8
Derbyshire	4,644	20·5	1,129	5·0	11,334	50·2
Devon	1,635	7·5	247	1·1	4,417	20·2
Dorset	805	6·3	0	·0	1,797	14·1
Durham	3,270	21·5	2,266	14·9	10,075	66·3
East Sussex	660	4·8	296	2·1	4,988	36·1
Essex	1,895	5·0	249	·7	6,988	18·3
Gloucestershire	0	·0	0	·0	3,807	31·2
Hampshire	1,599	4·2	260	·7	7,739	20·2
Hereford and Worcester	997	6·1	0	·0	2,402	14·6
Hertfordshire	5,876	23·6	1,701	6·8	11,745	47·2
Humberside	5,758	26·8	910	4·2	10,761	50·1
Isle of Wight	103	4·3	0	·0	897	37·4
Kent	1,830	4·9	84	·2	4,602	12·4
Lancashire	2,216	6·3	3,358	9·5	16,540	46·7
Leicestershire	5,113	22·1	50	·2	7,122	30·8
Lincolnshire	722	5·3	284	2·1	3,571	26·3
Norfolk	470	2·8	393	2·4	5,147	31·0
North Yorkshire	2,316	14·9	315	2·0	6,528	42·1
Northamptonshire	1,823	12·3	503	3·4	7,031	47·5
Northumberland	1,562	20·3	136	1·8	4,026	52·3
Nottinghamshire	10,586	43·6	536	2·2	13,073	53·8
Oxfordshire	1,245	90	50·2	3·6	2,317	16·8
Shropshire	920	9·4	160	1·6	3,093	31·6
Somerset	81	·8	0	·0	3,436	32·7
Staffordshire	3,986	15·2	1,844	7·0	11,165	42·5
Suffolk	1,867	121	16·7	1·1	4,340	28·2
Surrey	2,231	9·7	404	1·8	4,638	20·2
Warwickshire	1,181	10·1	726	6·2	5,499	47·0
West Sussex	84	·5	451	2·9	1,348	8·8
Wiltshire	184	1·3	0	·0	2,303	16·5
ENGLAND	223,097	19·0	49,383	4·2	508,623	43·3

Population used is the estimated population of 3 and 4-year-olds in each LEA.

Trade And Industry

Trade Statistics

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he will bring up to date the figures given in reply to a question on 21 March 1978, Official Report, column 543, showing the ratio of the increase in manufactured export prices to the corresponding increase in wholesale prices, using trade in 1980 as a base.

The information is in the following table:

Comparisons of changes in export unit values and producer price indices (manufactures)
	UVI 1985/UVI1961	PPI1985/PPI1961	(a)/(b)
	(a)	(b)
Belgium-Luxembourg	2·77	2·48	1·12
France	5·12	4·82	1·06
Federal Republic of Germany	1·95	2·37	0·82
Italy	7·79	8·73	0·89
Japan	1·78	2·13	0·84
Netherlands	2·35	2·85	0·82
United Kingdom	7·28	6·58	1·11
United States of America	3·72	3·22	1·16

Source: IMF.

UVI = Unit Value Index.

PPI = Producer Price Index.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he will bring up to date the figures given in reply to a written question, Official Report, 18 November 1976, column 697, showing the index figure for trade competitiveness each year and the rate of growth of imported manufactures relative to the growth of exported manufactures.

Volume growth rates for trade in manufactures are in the following table. Because the previous answer covered total trade growth rates, the series are taken back to 1963.

United Kingdom Trade in Manufactures
	¹Percentage change on previous year		²Relative export prices
	Imports	Exports	1980 = 100
1963	8·6	5·2	81·2
1964	22·0	3·8	81·3
1965	0·4	5·3	83·5
1966	6·2	3·3	85·3
1967	13·3	-1·9	86·2
1968	16·6	14·1	79·7
1969	5·7	12·5	79·2
1970	7·1	1·0	80·1
1971	8·0	7·9	81·9
1972	18·0	0·8	82·0
1973	20·8	12·9	75·5
1974	6·1	5·5	74·2
1975	-6·4	-2·8	77·9
1976	8·8	8·6	75·5
1977	9·6	7·5	79·7
1978	11·5	-0·5	84·5
1979	133	-0·8	90·4
1980	-0·8	1·0	100·0
1981	-2·0	-6·0	98·0
1982	9·5	1·8	92·2
1983	13·2	-0·3	89·2
1984	10·4	9·3	87·7
1985	49	6·1	89·8
Source: Monthly Review of External Trade Statistics.
¹ Based on Volume data.
² Defined as the unit value index of United Kingdom exports of manufactures divided by a weighted average of the unit value indices of competitors' exports of manufactures, both expressed in a common currency.

Wolverhampton Group Of Steel Companies

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, pursuant to the answers of 3 June, Official Report, column 409, to the hon. Member for Yeovil (Mr. Ashdown) concerning the Wolverhampton Group of Steel Companies, on what date representations were last received by him from the former managing director and principal shareholder; and what response he made.

Between 12 July 1984 and 28 February 1985 representations on behalf of the former managing director and principal shareholder of the Wolverhampton Group of Steel Companies were received by the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, by the Attorney-General, and by Her Majesty's Treasury, from the hon. Member for Calder Valley (Mr. Thompson) in whose constituency he resides. The response was that no case for compensation to be paid by the Crown to the companies concerned or to their former managing director and principal shareholder could be sustained and I have no reason to take any other view.

Airbus

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many firm orders and options had been placed for the A320 aircraft as at 17 October; whether any financial support given by Her Majesty's Government will be recovered; and if he will make a statement.

As at 17 October 1986, 134 firm orders and 131 options had been placed for Airbus A320 aircraft. In addition, other commitments for up to a further 152 A320 aircraft had been made at that date under letters of intent, memoranda of understanding or other agreements.The launch-aid being provided to British Aerospace in respect of its participation in the A320 programme is recoverable by a combination of payments on a fixed timescale in 1990–92 and levies on aircraft sold. In terms of the eventual recovery of the Government's investment the level of firm orders, options and other commitments presently held is very encouraging for an aircraft not scheduled to enter airline service until spring 1988.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions have taken place between his Department and British Aerospace in relation to supporting the proposed A330 and A340 Airbus; what priority his Department gives to active British participation in future developments of such larger civil aircraft; and if he will make a statement.

My Department has maintained close contact with British Aerospce as the Airbus Industrie proposals for the Airbus A330 and A340 have evolved in recent months. An application from British Aerospace for launch-aid in respect of the proposed A330-A340 programme was received earlier this week and will be carefully considered.

Manufactured Goods

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what was the balance of trade in manufactured goods between the United Kingdom and each of the EEC six states in 1972 and in 1985.

The information is in the following table.

United Kingdom Crude¹ Balance of Trade in Manufactured Goods²
£ million
	1972	1985
Trade with:
Federal Republic of Germany	-307	-5,833
France	+2	-1,221
Italy	-36	-1,387
Netherlands	+55	-747
Belgium/Luxembourg	+29	-518
¹ Exports valued free on board; imports valued inclusive of insurance and freight costs
² Standard International Trade Classification sections 5 to 8.

Source: United Kingdom trade statistics.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he will publish in the Official Report a table showing for the United Kingdom and for each of the European Economic Community countries, the change in the ratio of export unit values for manufactures to the wholesale price of (a) manufactures and (b) consumer prices between 1956 and 1985, 1966 and 1985 and 1976 and 1985, respectively.

[pursuant to his reply, 25 July 1986, c. 614]: Data for 1956 and certain other years for some of these countries are not readily available. The information is in the following table.

Percentage changes
	United Kingdom	Belgium/Luxem-bourg	Denmark	France	Federal Republic of Germany	Italy	Nether-lands	Irish Republic	Spain
Export UVI V Producer Price Index
1961 to 1985	+10·7	+12·1	-5·0	+6·3	-17·7	-10·9	-17·6	n/a	n/a
1966 to 1985	+11·7	+21·3	+2·3	+8·6	-17·0	+1·3	-5·6	n/a	n/a
1976 to 1985	-0·1	+25·8	+6·5	+0·5	-5·9	+2·8	+5·5	+2·0	-12·8
Export UVI V Consumer Price Index
1961 to 1985	-0·8	-27·1	-28·3	-10·3	-23·5	-22·3	-35·6	n/a	n/a
1966 to 1985	+4·1	-16·6	-13·7	-1·6	-16·1	-2·7	-23·0	n/a	n/a
1976 to 1985	-3·2	+2·7	-1·9	+05	-5·0	-10·1	+4·1	-13·8	-19·9

n/a = not available.UVI = Unit Value Index.

Source: Compiled form IMF and OECD data.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he will publish in the Official Report a table showing for each year from 1956 the United Kingdom share of world trade in manufactures in terms of volume and value, respectively.

[pursuant to his reply, 25 July 1986, c. 613]: Information on shares in volume terms for years prior to 1963 is not readily available. The other United Kingdom shares of the main manufacturing countries exports of manufactures are in the following table.

United Kingdom trade in manufactures¹
Per cent.
	United Kingdom share of MMC'S²Exports of manufactures
	at 1980 prices	at Current prices
1956		19·4
1957		18·4
1958		18·3
1959		17·9
1960		16·5
1961		16·4
1962		15·9
1962³		15·5
1963	17·2	15·3
1964	16·0	14·2
1965	15·3	13·8
1966	14·5	13·2
1967	13·5	12·2
1968	13·3	11·3
1969	13·4	11·2
1970	12·5	10·6
1971	12·5	10·8
1972	11·6	9·9
1973	11·6	9·1
1974	11·0	8·5
1975	11·2	9·1
1976	10·9	8·4
1977	11·2	9·0
1978	10·7	8·9
1979	10·0	9·1
1980	9·7	9·7
1981	8·9	8·5
1982	9·3	8·4
1983	9·0	7·9
1984	8·9	7·6
1985	9·1	7·9

¹ Standard International Trade Classification, sections 5 to 8.

² Main manufacturing countries — Belgium, Luxembourg, Canada, France, Federal Republic of Germany, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom and United States of America.

³ As a result of change in 1962 in the way United States figures were compiled, there is a discontinuity in that year.

Source:

Monthly Review of External Trade Statistics

Engineering Goods

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he will bring up to date the figures showing particulars of production and trade in engineering goods in certain countries given in the reply to the hon. Member for Great Grimsby (Mr. Mitchell) on 26 November 1979, Official Report, column 489.

[pursuant to his reply, 25 July 1986, c. 619]: The readily available information is in the following tables.

Output at current prices¹
Billions of national currency units
	1978	1979	1980	1981	1982	1983
United Kingdom	..	17·0	18·0	17·2	18·2	..
Federal Republic of Germany	..	..	130·1	134·7	140·5	143·8
France	..	..	180·7	205·4	234·6	247·4
Italy	..	14,227	18,310	20,835	..	..
United States	..	178·1	190·1	211·4	..	..
Japan	14,885	17,309	19,980	..	..	..
¹ Group 382 of the International Standard Industrial Classification

.. not readily available.

Source: OECD

Balance Of Payments

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what he expects the United Kingdom's balance of payments on current account to be during 1987; and if he will make a statement.

Economic prospects for 1987 will be outlined in the Chancellor of the Exchequer's autumn statement later this year.

Indices of industrial production ¹
1980 = 100.
		United Kingdom	Federal Republic of Germany	France	Italy	United States	Japan
1975		107	84	87	72	69	63
1976		103	88	92	76	72	69
1977		103	90	90	79	81	73
1978		109	92	94	83	91	79
1979		107	96	98	91	99	90
1980		100	100	100	100	100	100
1981		86	100	107	96	105	102
1982		87	98	102	88	94	101
1983		88	99	97	87	96	100
1984		96	101	95	90	115	121
1985		106	n/a	96	99	119	135
1985	Q1	110	100	89	98	116	128
	Q2	105	107	96	105	119	131
	Q3	100	n/a	86	85	124	140
	Q4	110	n/a	114	107	116	142
1986	Q1	111	n/a	n/a	104	116	n/a
¹ Group 382 of the International Standard Industrial Classification.

n/a = not readily available.

Source: OECD.

Value of exports ¹
US $ Billion.
	United Kingdom	Federal Republic of Germany	France	Italy	United States	Japan
1975	9·4	20·3	7·4	6·0	20·9	6·7
1976	9·1	22·3	7·9	6·0	22·0	7·7
1977	10·6	25·3	8·7	7·4	22·2	10·1
1978	12·6	29·6	10·6	8·9	26·3	14·3
1979	15·1	33·7	12·5	10·9	31·9	15·0
1980	19·5	36·2	13·8	13·8	40·4	18·2
1981	16·8	32·1	125	12·7	45·8	22·6
1982	16·0	31·7	11·5	12·2	42·5	20·3
1983	13·4	30·1	11·3	12·4	37·1	23·1
1984	14·5	30·1	11·0	12·1	41·0	27·9
1985	²17·3	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a
¹ Standard International Trade Classification (rev. I) section 71 (Machinery other than Electrical Machinery).
² Figure relates to sections 71 to 75 of the Standard International Trade Classification (rev. 2). The equivalent figure for 1984 was $15.4 billion.

n/a = not readily available.

Source: OECD and UK Overseas Trade Statistics.

Quality And Standards

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on progress in the United Kingdom in quality and standards since the 1982 White Paper "Standards, Quality and International Competitiveness," Cmnd. 8621.

My right hon. Friend today published an illustrated booklet entitled "Quality Counts" setting out the Government's role since 1982 in encouraging the adoption of modern quality techniques and improvements in the creation, and use, of standards relevant to the needs of British industry. A copy of the booklet has been sent to all hon. Members today.

Home Department

Foreign Nationals (Electoral Register)

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make an estimate of the number of citizens of the Republic of Ireland who, being resident in the United Kingdom, are registered as electors on the current electoral register.

On the basis of the numbers of persons who reported that they were citizens of the Irish Republic in the most recent labour force survey, it is estimated that nearly half a million citizens of the Irish Republic aged 18 and over were usually resident in the United Kingdom in mid-1984. It is not known how many of them were on the electoral register; there is no requirement for applicants for electoral registration to state their citizenship—nationality.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will publish in the Official Report a list of the Commonwealth and other countries whose citizens if resident in the United Kingdom are entitled to register as electors; and if he will indicate those countries on the list who allow British citizens who are residents to register as electors in those countries.

Citizens of all Commonwealth countries and citizens of the Irish Republic are entitled to register as electors in the United Kingdom. As at September 1982, the latest date for which information is readily available, the Commonwealth countries listed allowed all other Commonwealth citizens, including those who are now British citizens, to vote at their elections. In addition, British citizens may vote at elections in the Irish Republic.

Commonwealth countries which gave the right of vote to all Commonwealth citizens (Information as at September 1982)

Antigua and Barbuda
Australia
Barbados
Canada
Dominica
Grenada
Guyana
Jamaica
Mauritius
New Zealand
St. Lucia
St. Vincent
Sierra Leone
Trinidad and Tobago.

Prisons (Drugs)

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what further information he has about the use of illegal drugs in Her Majesty's prisons; and if he will make a statement.

I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Bury St. Edmunds (Sir E. Griffiths) on 24 July 1986, at column 397.

Released Prisoners (Reconvictions)

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will provide such information as is available of the number of prisoners released on licence from life sentences who are (a) convicted for another offence, (b) convicted of murder and (c) convicted of any other grave offence; if he will give the actual percentage rate for reconviction and also parallel figures for non-lifer prisoners; and if he will make a statement.

Information on the reconviction of those released on life licence in the years 1974 to 1984 is published in "Reconviction and recalls of life licensees", Home Office statistical bulletin, issue No. 22/86. Of the 807 persons released on licence in the period 1974–84, four had been reconvicted of murder by the end of 1984. The other figures requested are given in the bulletin (tables 2 and 3 and paragraph 14).

Mr John Stalker

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the recent findings by Mr. Colin Sampson, chief constable of West Yorkshire, into the affairs of Mr. John Stalker, deputy chief constable, Greater Manchester police.

Mr. Sampson submitted his report on his investigation to the Greater Manchester police authority on 14 August. The police authority later decided not to initiate disciplinary proceedings against Mr. Stalker, and advised him to be more circumspect in his political and criminal associations.I asked for observations from those principally concerned so that I could be fully aware of all the aspects of the case and consider whether there were any lessons to be learnt for the investigation of any future allegations against senior police officers.I have also considered whether a further inquiry should be undertaken into the origin of the allegations against Mr. Stalker, having regard to continued speculation that the allegations were linked in some way to the Royal Ulster Constabulary and to the inquiry which Mr. Stalker was then conducting and which is nearing completion under Mr. Sampson's leadership. However, Mr. Sampson was aware of that speculation but found no evidence to substantiate it. Moreover, a further inquiry at this stage could be prejudicial to any criminal proceedings which might follow from the inquiry which Mr. Sampson is now conducting in Northern Ireland.

Police Advisory Board

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the Police Advisory Board first began to consider the question of non-police organisations wearing diced hat bands; at how many of its meetings this item has been on the board's agenda; why no conclusions on this issue have been reached; and when he expects the board to make recommendations to him.

This was first considered at the meeting of the Police Advisory Board's standing committee on conditions of service on 25 January 1985 and it has been on the agenda for the five subsequent meetings of that committee. There has been some difficulty in establishing the extent to which it presents a national problem but I expect the committee to reach a conclusion at its next meeting in January 1987.

Prisoners (Escort)

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether the police staff associations were consulted before his Department circulated proposals for the police to take over from the prison service responsibility for escorting prisoners between courts and prisons; what representations he has received from the Association of Chief Police Officers, the Police Federation and the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis; and how and when he intends to implement this proposal.

We have invited the views of the police staff associations and the Metropolitan police on the recommendations affecting the police in the report of a joint scrutiny by the Home Office and the Lord Chancellor's Department of prisoner escort tasks. Consultations on these recommendations are still in progress and the decision whether or not to implement is dependent on the outcome.

National Reporting Centre

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department why the National Reporting Centre has been re-named the Mutual Aid Co-ordination Centre; and if, to avoid confusion, he will now revise the initials MACC that now apply to military aid to the civil community.

The title was changed to the Mutual Aid Co-ordination Centre as a result of a recommendation by the Association of Chief Police Officers following its review of the policing of the NUM dispute. I do not consider there is likely to be confusion over the change of title.

Detoxification Centres

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department why he has ceased to fund the two experimental detoxification centres.

I refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to a question from the hon. Member for Welwyn Hatfield (Mr. Murphy) on 20 November 1985, at column 167.

Police (Health Protection)

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what arrangements have been made to protect police officers from infections arising from (a) prisoners or arrested persons suffering from infectious diseases, hepatitis B and acquired immune deficiency syndrome, (b) hypodermic needles seized from drug addicts, and (c) sharp instruments including syringes and razor blades.

Arrangements for protecting police officers while on duty from infectious diseases such as AIDS and hepatitis B are an operational matter for chief officers of police to consider. Guidance on appropriate precautions against specific infections is issued from time to time by the Association of Chief Police Officers on the basis of expert medical advice and the situation is kept under constant review.

Police Complaints Authority

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the average length of time taken by the Police Complaints Authority to resolve complaints against police officers in which it has intervened.

For cases completed in September 1986 the average time taken by the Police Complaints Authority to consider complaints investigation reports forwarded to them by police forces together with proposals in respect of disciplinary action against the officer or officers concerned was 37 days.

South America (Ministerial Visit)

asked the Secretary of State for the. Home Department if he will make a statement on the recent visit to South America of the Minister of State, the hon. Member for Putney (Mr. Mellor).

I visited Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador and Colombia from 6 to 19 September to assess the scale and likely development of cocaine production and trafficking. I met senior members of their Governments, including the President of Bolivia, and representatives of law enforcement agencies as well as other individuals and organisations concerned with the drug problem. I was impressed with the degree of commitment and awareness which I found, but saddened and concerned at the scale of the problem and the paucity of resources to tackle it. The visit was welcomed by all those I met in demonstrating United Kingdom and European commitment and concern. The Government are reinforcing that message by providing contributions to the United Nations Fund for Drug Abuse Control for law enforcement support activities in the region and by meeting a number of requests for bilateral assistance. The visit was particularly valuable in laying the basis for future co-operation with the four Governments and we are most grateful for their contributions to its success.

European Drugs Task Force

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what discussions he has had with the United Kingdom's European Economic Community partners about the setting up of a European drugs task force to combat the traffic in illegal narcotics; and if he will make a statement.

On 20 October I chaired a meeting of Community Ministers in London, at which we agreed that the Community and its member states have a major role to play in stepping up the fight against drug abuse. We agreed upon a seven-point plan which would be pursued in conjunction with the Council of Europe's Pompidou group, covering:

(i) measures to reduce demand for drugs, especially among young people;

(ii) measures to improve the treatment of addicts and rehabilitation services;

(iii) ensuring that bilateral and Community aid supports as appropriate a recipient country's efforts to combat drug abuse;

(iv) steps to ensure that legislation takes account of the need to maintain effective control over illicit drug trafficking, particularly at the Community's external frontiers;

(v) mutual enforcement of confiscation orders relating to drug traffickers' assets;

(vi) enhanced co-operation between law enforcement agencies involving exchange of drug liaison officers between member states, the posting of drug liaison officers to other countries and the establishment of a world-wide directory of those involved in the fight against drug abuse—this would be achieved by inviting Trevi to examine the scope for creating a coordinated network of drug liaison officers to monitor developments in producer countries;

(vii) preparation of joint assessments by Community ambassadors in drug producing countries in order to ensure a steady flow of recommendations for action by the Twelve.

Ministers did not discuss the setting up of a European drugs task force; this would be for the Commission to propose if it considered that it fell within Community competence.

Women Prisoners (Pregnancy)

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many women detained in Her Majesty's prison, Holloway experienced complications necessitating transfer to a general hospital during pregnancy in each month of the current year;(2) how many women detained in Her Majesty's prison, Holloway experienced pregnancy which ended in the death of the foetus before full term during each month of the current year;(3) how many women in custody in England experienced pregnancy which ended in the death of the foetus before full term during each month of the current year;(4) if he will state the number of infant deaths occurring among children delivered to women during the term of their imprisonment in England for each month of the current year;(5) how many women were pregnant in Her Majesty's prison, Holloway for each month during the current year.

I shall reply as soon as possible.

Visa And Immigration Officers

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what he estimates to be the cost of the training and placement of visa or immigration officers at Heathrow airport; and what is the minimum, the average and the maximum cost of the employment of a visa or immigration officer at Heathrow airport.

The information readily available is as follows. On first appointment immigration officers undergo 10 weeks training comprising a six-weeks recruit course followed by four weeks desk training. Throughout this period they receive the basic salary in the range of £5,605-£10,188, plus allowances. The average cost per place of non-residential courses at the immigration service training unit at Harmondsworth is of the order of £200 a week. Interviewing passengers from a number of countries, including in particular the Indian subcontinent, also requires the service of interpreters.

Immigration (Members' Representations)

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what changes he proposes to make in the guidelines on the handling of representations by Members of Parliament in immigration cases.

The change will substitute the following for paragraph 3 of the present guidelines:

"Representations to the Minister

3. A Member wishing to submit representations in the case of a passenger refused entry may request the Minister's Private Office, or, out of working hours, the Home Office Duty Officer, to arrange for the removal of the passenger to be deferred. If the passenger was refused entry because he did not have the required entry clearance under the Immigration Rules action to remove him will not automatically be deferred. If the passenger wishes to come to the United Kingdom he should apply abroad for the required entry clearance. In other cases action to remove the passenger will normally be deferred for a period of 12 working days to enable the Member to submit written representations.

Note

An entry clearance may take the form of a visa, an entry certificate (for non-visa Commonwealth citizens) or a letter of consent (for all other non-visa nationals). Visa nationals require a visa whatever the purpose of their journey here. All other nationals require an entry clearance when coming for work, settlement, marriage leading to settlement or as a dependant of one of these categories."

Copies of the amendment have been placed in the Library and are available also in the Vote Office.

Prevention Of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act 1984

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what arrangements he has made for the 1986 review of the operation of the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act 1984.

Sir Cyril Philips, who was appointed in 1985 to carry out the annual review of the prevention of terrorism legislation, has had to give up this work because of other commitments. I am glad to say that Viscount Colville of Culross has accepted my invitation to carry out this annual review.

Iran And Iraq (Visitors)

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many citizens of (a) Iran and (b) Iraq have been admitted to the United Kingdom in each of the years 1981 to 1986; and for what reasons they visited the United Kingdom.

Information on the numbers of passengers admitted to the United Kingdom by nationality and purpose of journey is published annually in table 1 of "Control of Immigration: Statistics, United Kingdom" (Cmnd. 8533, 8944, 9246, 9544 and 9863 for the years 1981 to 1985 respectively). Corresponding figures for 1986 will be published in 1987.

Social Services

Supplementary Benefit

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will state the number of people claiming supplementary benefit in South Yorkshire ad at each of the offices of his Department serving the Wentworth constituency in 1979 and at the latest available date, the percentage change this represents, the percentage change in the number of staff dealing with this benefit and the total number of staff employed in these offices in 1979 and at the present time.

South Yorkshire is covered by 13 of the Department's offices (Rotherham North, Rotherham South, Sheffield South-East, Sheffield South-West, Sheffield North-East, Sheffield North-West, Barnsley West, Barnsley East, Wath on Dearne, Doncaster East, Doncaster West, Mexborough and Goldthorpe). Mexborough and Goldthorpe are national insurance offices and do not deal with supplementary benefit.

	Number of new-repeat claims to supplementary benefits (including unsuccessful)			Number of people¹ receiving supplementary benefit
	1982–83	1985–86	Percentage change	1982–83	1985–86	Percentage change
Rotherham North office	5,619	5,571	-0·9	5,291	5,520	+4·3
Wath upon Dearne office	9,350	9,393	+0·5	6,958	8,174	+17·5
South Yorkshire offices	164,455	160,174	+2·6	129,422	147,164	+13·7
¹ Based on a 100 per cent, count of cases in action at February each year.

Changes in complement 1982–83 to 1985–86
	Total staff complement 1982–83	Total staff complement 1985–86
Rotherham North office	74	69
Wath upon Dearne office	56	66
South Yorkshire offices	1,667	1,602

	Supplementary benefits staff
	1982–83 complement	1985–86 complement	Percentage change
Rotherham North office	36	44	+22·2
Wath upon Dearne office	56	66	+17·8
South Yorkshire offices	906	1,074	+18·5

Direct comparisons between numbers of staff and claims are misleading as workloads vary considerably by type and duration of claim and the action that has to be taken. All these factors vary over time as a result of legislative, policy and procedural changes. Examples of such changes are the introduction of housing benefit and postal claim forms.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) if he will give the numbers of people receiving supplementary benefit in each of the 36 metropolitan districts for each year from 1979 to 1986;(2) if he will give the numbers receiving supplementary benefits per thousand head of population in each of the 36 metropolitan districts for each year from 1979 to 1986;(3) if he will list the numbers of children in each of the 36 metropolitan districts who are dependent upon supplementary benefit claimants for each year from 1979 to 1986;(4) if he will list the numbers of children dependent upon people receiving supplementary benefit per thousand head of population in each of the metropolitan districts for each year from 1979 to 1986.

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

Residential Homes

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what information he has as to the number

Wentworth constituency is covered by Rotherham, North and Wath on Dearne offices. The boundaries of the offices are not conterminous with the boundary of the constituency.

Comprehensive figures are not available before 1982–83 and information on the number of individuals who claimed supplementary benefit is not available in the form requested.

The information that is available is as follows:

of private residential care homes for the elderly operating in the East Midlands; if he will list them by district, giving the number of residents in such homes by district; and if he will also give comparative information for Leicestershire, and also in total the number of such homes and the total number of residents in England and Wales.

The analyses available centrally relate to shire counties and the latest information for England is given in the table. The figures for Wales are a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales.

Registered private residential care homes for elderly and disabled people. Numbers of homes and residents, as at 31 March 1985
East Midlands and England	Number
	Homes	Residents
Total—England	5,200	69,000
Total—East Midlands	305	3,871
Derbyshire	80	1,103
Leicestershire	58	596
Lincolnshire	68	933
Northamptonshire	49	553
Nottinghamshire	50	686

Doctors And Dentists Review Body (Recommendations)

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what discussions he has had with the relevant professions about the implementation of the recommendations of the Doctors and Dentists Review Body.

My right hon. Friend normally meets representatives of the medical and dental professions each year to inform them of the review body's recommendations and explain the Government's response. The last such meeting took place on 22 May. Subsequently, detailed proposals for implementing the recommendations in full from 1 July 1986 were accepted by the professions.

Wheelchairs

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many electrical wheelchairs for disabled persons have been withdrawn from service which had been supplied by his Department and were in need of repair or replacement over the last 12 months.

Information is not held in the form requested. In the 12 months to 30 June 1986 a total of 2,829 electrically powered indoor wheelchairs were withdrawn from service (against 11,706 on issue), but information is not held centrally as to what proportion of these were withdrawn for repair or replacement, and what proportion were withdrawn for other reasons such as the need for a different model, voluntary relinquishment or the death of the user.

Mentally Handicapped Children

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (I) how many mentally handicapped children remain in long-stay hospitals;(2) when he expects his Department's information paper on mentally handicapped children in long-stay hospitals to be published;(3) if he will set a date for letting all mentally handicapped children out of long-stay hospitals and into appropriate community facilities; and if he will make a statement;(4) if he will meet representations from Exodus, the organisation pressing to bring mentally handicapped children out of long-stay hospitals; and if he will make a statement;(5) when he last consulted with regional health authority chairmen about transferring all mentally handicapped children from long-stay hospitals to the community; and what conclusions were reached;(6) how many mentally handicapped children have been transfered from long-stay hospitals to the community in each of the last seven years; and if he is satisfied that adequate community provision has been made for them.

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

Departmental Offices, Liverpool

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if a decision has yet been reached on the relocation of his Department's offices at Parthenon drive, Liverpool; which interested parties have been consulted; what representations he has received about the matter; and if he will make a statement.

It has been decided to rehouse the Department's office at Parthenon drive, Liverpool in alternative accommodation which has recently been obtained at Stopgate lane, Liverpool. Adaptation work will now proceed quickly to ensure that the unsatisfactory premises currently occupied by the local office can be vacated as soon as possible.Local Members of Parliament were consulted. Only one representation has been received — from the hon. Member himself—asking whether the office could be resited nearer to its present location. This has not proved possible.Other interested parties are being advised of the resiting of the office.

Alternative Medicine

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make a statement on his policy towards the use of alternative medicine; and if he has any plans to establish a regulating body to control its practitioners.

Medical practitioners in the National Health Service can offer any form of treatment, including alternative medicine, which they consider to be in the interests of their patients and which they feel competent to provide. Practitioners of alternative medicine who work outside the National Health Service are at liberty to offer their services privately, subject to the provisions of statute and civil law. We have no present intention to establish a regulating body to control its practitioners.

Social Security Convention (Canada)

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what progress is being made towards a social security convention with the Canadian Department of Health and Welfare to enable pensions payable to British pensioners residing in Canada to be uprated; and what the annual cost of such uprating would be.

The Government have accepted the case in principle for a social security convention with Canada which would include uprating United Kingdom pensions in Canada.Officials of the Department and of the Canadian Department of Health and Welfare have held discussions on the preparatory technical matters. Such a convention, however, would involve extra expenditure for the United Kingdom to which we cannot at present be committed. The cost of paying full index-linked United Kingdom pension to pensioners in Canada at November 1985 rates is estimated to be over £35 million a year. The cost of paying only the pension increases due after any convention came into effect is estimated at about £4·8 million in the first year, rising year by year until all British pensioners are being paid at full United Kingdom rates. Consequently, we cannot say when we shall be able to make further progress towards a new social security convention with Canada.

Occupational Pensions

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what, in the light of the recent European Court of Justice ruling in the case of Miss Marshall v. South West Hampshire area health authority, he plans to do to ensure that occupational pension schemes do not discriminate against women on grounds of either their sex or their part-time working.

The Sex Discrimination Bill currently before Parliament would make it unlawful for a woman to be dismissed on grounds of age when a man of the same age and in comparable circumstances would not. This complies with the ruling of the European Court of Justice in the case referred to. The Government are considering the whole question of equal treatment for men and women in occupational pension schemes in the light of the recent European Community directive.

Orthodontic Treatment (Leicester)

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how long outpatients have to wait for an appointment at the orthodontic department of Glenfield hospital, Leicester.

The information is not available centrally. The hon. and learned Member may wish to write to the chairman of the Leicestershire district health authority.

Disabled Persons

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will list those organisations of disabled people he has consulted during the current parliamentary Session; and what subjects were discussed in each case.

[pursuant to his reply, 21 October 1986]: The Department has consulted extensively with a large number of organisations representing disabled people on a wide range of issues during the current parliamentary Session. To prepare a complete list of the organisations involved and the subjects discussed would be a major task and could not be justified, on the ground of disproportionate cost.

National Finance

Stamp Duty

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) if he will publish in the Official Report the amount of stamp duty collected on conveyances which are subject to a mortgage under section 57 of the Stamp Act 1891 for each of the last five years;(2) if he will publish in the

Official Report the number of cases where stamp duty has been collected on conveyances which are subject to mortgages in accordance with section 57 of the Stamp Act 1891 for each of the last five years;

(3) if he will publish in the Official Report the cost to the Exchequer of collecting stamp duty on conveyances which are subject to mortgages under section 57 of the Stamp Act 1891 for each of the last five years.

A conveyance subject to a mortgage is only one of a variety of circumstances in which section 57 of the Stamp Act 1891 provides for ad valorem stamp duty to be charged on the conveyance of property. The Inland Revenue does not keep separate records of cases which concern mortgages, or indeed records of section 57 cases as a whole separately from others. I regret therefore that I cannot provide my hon. Friend with this information.

Personal Taxation (Green Paper)

asked the Chancellor of Exchequer what recent representations he has received concerning the effects on married women of proposals contained in the Green Paper on personal taxation; what his response has been; and if he will make such representations available in the Library.

We have received a wide-ranging response to the Green Paper and are now studying all the comments very carefully. As responses to the Green. Paper are regarded as confidential they will not be made available in the Library, but it is open to those who have commented to make public their own response, and I understand a number of organisations have already done so.

Economic And Finance Council

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the latest meeting of the European Community's Economic and Finance Council.

The Economic and Finance Council met in Luxembourg on 13 October. I chaired the meeting and my hon. Friend the Minister of State represented the United Kingdom.The Council discussed the Commission's proposal for a further tranche of investment project finance for small and medium-sized firms in the Community under the new Community instrument facility. The Council will return to this topic later in the year.The Council had a useful discussion on budgetary discipline and Community spending on agriculture. The context of the discussion was the latest Commission assessment that there will be a substantial overrun of agricultural expenditure in 1987 and the long-term problem of restraining common agricultural policy expenditure.There was general agreement in the Council and with the Commission on the urgency and seriousness of the situation. I tabled some Presidency conclusions which received general support in the Council, though the German, Greek and Danish delegations expressed some reservations.These conclusions provided that, with a view to bringing expenditure under better control, avoiding the production of surpluses for which markets cannot be found and opening the way for a more structured approach to disposal of existing stocks, forthcoming policy decisions should, while respecting the principles set out in article 39 of the treaty, have regard to the following principles:

(i) Community support prices should more closely reflect supply, demand and market conditions, especially in sectors where there is surplus production;

(ii) the intervention system should operate according to its intended role, as a safety net to support the market at times of particular pressure and not as a standard alternative marketing outlet;

(iii) price support policies should wherever possible be flexibly operated so that commercial risks are not borne in their entirety through public finance.

Budget Council

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the latest meeting of the European Economic Community Budget Council.

Further to my answer of 25 July, at column 461, the Budget Council reconvened in Brussels on 8 to 9 September. As before, I served as chairman and my hon. Friend the Economic Secretary represented the United Kingdom.The Council continued its discussions on the Commission's preliminary draft budget proposals for 1987. The Council also considered the Commission's preliminary draft amending budget for 1986 and amending letter for 1987.The Council took note of the serious situation revealed by the Commission's communications whereby there is likely to be a revenue shortfall in the 1986 budget which could have serious implications for the resources available in 1987. The Commission undertook to provide later in 1986 more precise data on revenue and expenditure. The Council urged the Commission to take all possible measures to ensure that expenditure is reduced in an equitable way, while taking account of the Community's obligations and avoiding the slippage of expenditure to 1987.The Council agreed by a qualified majority to establish a draft budget for 1987. The United Kingdom formed part of the qualified majority. Italy abstained. Portugal and Ireland voted against.The draft budget respects the 1987 reference framework set by the ECOFIN Council in April, and is fully consistent with the budget discipline conclusions agreed by the Council in December 1984.The expenditure proposed by the Council totals 35,946 million ecu (£22,552 million

¹ ) of payment appropriations and 36,945 million ecu (£23,179 million) of commitment appropriations. The Council proposed 22,961 milliom ecu (£14,406 million) of payment and commitment appropriations for agricultural guarantee expenditure; this is consistent with the 1987 budget discipline guideline for agricultural expenditure. It proposed 4,103 million ecu (about £2,574 million) in payment appropriations for other compulsory expenditure (somewhat below the limit in the 1987 reference framework). It also proposed 8,881 million ecu (£5,572 million) of payment appropriations and 9,855 million ecu (£6,183 million) of commitment appropriations for non-compulsory expenditure. These increases, which amount to 4·05 and 3·73 per cent. respectively, are within half the 1987 maximum rate of 8·1 per cent.

On the revenue side, the draft budget proposals imply that the highest rate of VAT paid by member states other than the United Kingdom and Germany would be 1·3445 per cent., while the United Kingdom's rate would be 0·7784 per cent. Provision is made for the United Kingdom to benefit from a VAT abatement of 1,633 million ecu (£1,025 million), in accordance with the abatement system agreed at the Fontainebleau European Council. The Council noted that revenue changes in 1986 would increase substantially the United Kingdom's share of VAT payments and thus our subsequent entitlement to abatement. The Council agreed that, to the extent that this abatement increase was not taken into account in the 1987 budget, the Council would include provision for it when establishing the 1988 draft budget.

The draft budget has now been forwarded to the European Parliament. The Parliament is expected to vote on its first reading of the budget in the week beginning 10 November.

¹ All figures converted at the 1987 Budget exchange rate of £1 = 1·5939 ecus.

Inland Revenue (Cash Limit)

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is proposing any change in the Inland Revenue's cash limit for 1986–87.

Yes. The cash limit for class XIX, vote 7 — Economic and Financial Administration (Inland Revenue) — will be reduced by £1,600,000 to £958,817,000. This reflects expenditure which will be accounted for by the Property Services Agency on a programme to rationalise local Inland Revenue offices. The Inland Revenue's running costs target is not affected.

Value Added Tax

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the actual and percentage increase in the cost of fuel and power by the imposition of value added tax on the basis sought by the Commission of the European Economic Community.

[pursuant to his reply, 21 October 1986]: The Government do not accept the Commission's contention that the sixth VAT directive requires the imposition of VAT on fuel and power. If they did, however, the increase in cost would depend on the rate imposed.

Transport

Road Repairs And Maintenance

asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he has yet received a copy of the Horne report on road repairs and maintenance; and if he will make a statement.

The Horne report on public utilities' street works was published in November 1985. I announced the Government's response to the report on 24 July at column 455. The Gaffney report on structural highway maintenance was published on 21 July 1986 along with the Department's initial response.

Ministry Of Transport Tests

asked the Secretary of State for Transport how many appeals against the withdrawal of authorisation to conduct Ministry of Transport tests were considered in the last annual period for which figures are available; and what was the average decision time involved.

One hundred and two appeals were considered in 1985. Of these 71 were by authorised examiners (garages) against withdrawal of authorisation and 31 were by nominated testers against their suspension from testing. The average decision time was 15 weeks.

asked the Secretary of State for Transport how many garages were authorised to conduct Ministry of Transport testing at the most recent date for which figures are available; and how many of these authorisations were withdrawn in each of the first five years, respectively.

For the quarter ending 30 September 1986 there were 16,939 privately operated testing stations authorised to conduct MOT testing. I regret that information regarding the number of these authorisations that may have been withdrawn in each of their first five years of operation is not readily available and can only be obtained at disproportionate cost.

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what steps he is taking to speed up the consideration of appeals against the withdrawal of Ministry of Transport authorisations; and if he will make a statement.

The number of appeals against withdrawal of MOT authorisations is increasing. Eighteen appeals were dealt with in 1982; 60 in 1983; 87 in 1984; 102 in 1985, and the 1986 figure is expected to be even higher. As a result, the consideration of these appeals within our existing resources is taking longer than I would like. Measures for reducing the time taken are currently being looked at as part of the Department's review of the workings of the MOT scheme.

Mersey Tunnels (Tolls)

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received concerning his recent decision to sanction increased tolls for the use of the Mersey tunnels; what his response has been; and if he will make a statement.

Letters objecting to the decision have been received from the Merseyside chamber of commerce and industry and from a member of the public. Another member of the public has written to my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister. It has been explained to correspondents that the decision to confirm the tolls increase order made by the former metropolitan county council was taken on the basis of the evidence presented at a public inquiry. The reasons were fully set out in the decision letter of 25 July. It would have been inappropriate to reopen the matter.

Foreign And Commonwealth Affairs

Irish Foreign Minister (Representations)

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what response he made to the Foreign Minister of the Republic of Ireland to his comments about Royal Ulster Constabulary decisions in respect of the July Orange processions when they met in Brussels during the recent meeting of the EEC Council of Ministers.

My right hon. and noble Friend the Minister of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs wrote to the hon. Member on 14 August and copies of the letter have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

Turkey

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when the protocol agreement between the United Kingdom and Turkey will be ratified; and if he will make a statement.

My right hon. and noble Friend the Minister of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs wrote to my hon. Friend on 6 August and copies have been placed in the Library of both Houses.

Expo 86

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many firms based in Scotland were asked to consider participating in the British Pavilion at Expo 86 in Vancouver; and how many actually participated.

I wrote to the hon. Member on 8 September and copies of the letter have been placed in the Library of the House.

Embassies

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is his policy in relation to the purchase of fittings, furnishings, equipment, materials, utensils, crockery, and so on, for British embassies and consulates throughout the world.

My right hon. and noble Friend the Minister of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs wrote to the hon. Member on 8 August and copies of the letter have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

Pakistan (Human Rights)

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made about human rights in Pakistan.

We continue to draw the attention of the Government of Pakistan to the public and parliamentary concern in this country about violations of human rights.

Middle East

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the recent visit to the middle east of the Minister of State, the hon. Member for Mid-Sussex (Mr. Renton), indicating Her Majesty's Government's policy towards the recent talks between President Mubarak of Egypt and King Hussein of Jordan; and what role Her Majesty's Government see for the Palestine Liberation Organisation in any peace negotiations.

I held useful talks in Sudan, Egypt and Jordan and reaffirmed our support for efforts to achieve a just and lasting settlement of the Arab/Israel dispute: we believe that representatives of the Palestinian people have an important part to play in peace negotiations.

Visas

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what he estimates will be the maximum and the average cost of sending a visa or immigration officer to India as a result of the Government's new visa requirements; how many such officers he expects to send to India; and what will be the total cost of the training and sending of such officers to India.

The maximum cost of posting an entry clearance officer to India is £126,000 per year based on 1986–87 prices. (This relates to Bombay where costs are highest.) The average cost is £121,800. Twelve additional entry clearance officers are being sent to India at a total cost of £1·46 million at 1986–87 prices. Initially there will be no additional training costs because experienced immigration officers are being sent to posts.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how the costs of the new visa regimes will be met.

Our objective is to meet these costs from the fees charged for visas, though it may not be possible to do this in the first year. Visa fees are currently under review in the normal way.

Russian Embassy

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps have been taken to acquire the sites in London to be made available to the Russians for new embassy premises; and on what basis the titles of the sites will be held.

Two sites in London are to be made available to the Government of the USSR for new embassy premises, 1–7 Kensington Palace Gardens and 245 Warwick Road. The former will remain part of the Crown Estate but we have recently completed arrangements with the Crown Estate Commissioners under which in due course I, as a corporation sole, will take a lease of the site from the commissioners. As for 245 Warwick Road, I took a conditional transfer of the freehold title to this site from the Secretary of State for Defence on 18 March 1985 and it is proposed that this transfer will be made absolute in the near future. In due course 99-year leases of the sites will be granted by me to the Government of the USSR.The sites will be acquired on the basis of powers granted under section 2 of the Commissioners of Works Act 1852 and section 122 of the Local Government, Planning and Land Act 1980. My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister has signified her consent to my exercise of these powers to acquire the sites.

Foreign Affairs Council

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will report on the outcome of the meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council on 15 and 16 September.

My right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs and I represented the United Kingdom at the Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels on 15 and 16 September.Meeting in the framework of European political cooperation, the Foreign Ministers reviewed the policy of the Twelve towards South Africa and agreed a statement. They called for the lifting of the state of emergency and the release of all those detained without trial. They emphasised the importance of positive measures to assist the victims of apartheid. They deplored the South African Government's failure to take the steps needed for genuine national dialogue and, as a consequence, they decided to adopt certain restrictive measures towards South Africa. These are a ban on new investment and on the import of iron, steel and gold coins from South Africa. The representatives of the Governments of the Member States of the ECSC meeting in the Council agreed that the ban on the import of iron and steel would enter into force on 27 September. Further consideration would be given to the implementation on the ban on gold coins and new investment. The UK has already imposed a ban on the import of gold coins and announced after the Commonwealth Review meeting its intention to impose a volutary ban on new investment.Foreign Ministers also issued a statement on Chile expressing deep concern about the reimposition of the state of siege and calling for it to be lifted. Foreign Ministers issued a statememt welcoming the release of political prisoners in Poland. They expressed the hope that it would be followed by other measures designed to promote dialogue and democratic reform. Copies of all three statements have been placed in the Library of the House.Ministers reaffirmed the need for the closest possible co-operation in the fight against international terrorism in the light of the latest terrorist outrages.The Council approved the EC/EFTA Annual Report for 1985 and 1986 and endorsed a declaration on EC/EFTA relations which reviewed the progress made since the Luxembourg Declaration of April 1984, reaffirmed the Community's commitment to the EC/EFTA relationship and set out priorities for future work.The Council discussed a revised mandate for negotiations with the Community's Mediterranean partners on the maintenance of trade access following enlargement. Ministers also discussed the results of the negotiations between the Commission and the United States on the citrus/pasta dispute with a view to early EC endorsement of the agreement reached.A meeting at Ministerial level of the EC/Turkey Association Council was held on 16 September.The Council also adopted a resolution on Community energy objectives for 1995.

Northern Ireland

Listed Buildings

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if, in relation to listed buildings, the statutory charges registered under article 108 and schedule 4 to the Planning (Northern Ireland) Order 1972 include any object or structure fixed to a building or forming part of the land and comprised within the curtilage of the building as required under article 31(7).

Objects or structures, as referred to in paragraph (7) of article 31 of the Planning (Northern Ireland) Order 1972, are not required to be registered in the statutory charges register.

Footbridge (Newtownbreda)

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when the present works commenced at the footbridge opposite Saintfields road Presbyterian church, Newtownbreda; when these works are due for completion; what is the objective of these works; and if he will make a statement.

This work began on 4 August 1986 and was completed on 18 September. The objective was to replace the bridge deck and end supports which were severely damaged in a traffic accident.From the numerous inquiries received from local residents and representatives about the timing of repairs to the bridge and their concern for the safety of children, I am satisfied that there is a demand for the footbridge at this location.

Commissioners Of National Education (General Lesson)

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will publish in the Official Report the General Lesson issued in 1835 by the Commissioners of National Education in Ireland and circulated to schools in the Province by his hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, the hon. Member for Peterborough (Dr. Mawhinney).

The text is as follows:—

"CHRISTIANS should endeavour, as the Apostle Paul commands them, to live peaceably with all men (Romans c 12 v 18), even with those of a different religious persuasion.

Our SAVIOUR, CHRIST, commanded his Disciples to love one another. He taught them to love even their enemies, to bless those that cursed them, and to pray for those who persecuted them. He himself prayed for his murderers.

Many Men hold erroneous doctrines; but we ought not to hate or persecute them. We ought to hold fast what we are convinced is the truth; but not to treat harshly those who are in error. JESUS CHRIST did not intend his Religion to be forced on men by violent means. He would not allow his Disciples to fight for him.

If any persons treat us unkindly, we must not do the same to them; for Christ and His Apostles have taught us not to return evil for evil. If we would obey CHRIST, we must do to others, not as they do to us, but as we would wish them to do to us.

Quarrelling with our neighbours and abusing them, is not the way to convince them that we are in the right, and they in the wrong. It is more likely to convince them that we have not a Christian spirit.

We ought, by behaving gently and kindly to everyone, to show ourselves followers of CHRIST, who, when he was reviled, reviled not again. (1 Peter c. 2 v. 23)."

Terrorism

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) if anyone has been made amenable for the murder claimed to have been committed by the Irish Republican Army of Cecil Graham in Fermanagh on 9 November 1981; and if he will give details;(2) if anyone has been made amenable for the murder claimed to have been committed by the Irish Republican Army of Silas Lyttle in South Tyrone on 17 November 1981; and if he will give details;(3) if anyone has been made amenable for the murder claimed to have been committed by the Irish Republican Army of Albert Beacom in Fermanagh on 17 November 1981; and if he will give details;(4) if anyone has been made amenable for the murder claimed to have been committed by the Irish Republican Army of Martin Clifford in Fermanagh on 30 April 1982; and if he will give details;(5) if anyone has been made amenable for the murder claimed to have been committed by the Irish Republican Army of Helen Woodhouse in Fermanagh on 9 November 1982; and if he will give details;(6) if anyone has been made amenable for the murder claimed to have been committed by the Irish Republican Army of Gary Ewing in Fermanagh on 9 November 1982; and if he will give details;

(7) if anyone has been made amenable for the murder claimed to have been committed by the Irish Republican Army of Jim Gibson in South Tyrone on 2 December 1982; and if he will give details;

(8) if anyone has been made amenable for the murder claimed to have been committed by the Irish Republican Army of Alan Price in Fermanagh on 13 February 1983; and if he will give details;

(9) if anyone has been made amenable for the murder claimed to have been committed by the Irish Republican Army of Cecil McNeill in South Tyrone on 25 February 1983; and if he will give details;

(10) if anyone has been made amenable for the murder claimed to have been committed by the Irish Republican Army of Andrew Stinson in South Tyrone on 4 June 1983; and if he will give details;

(11) if anyone has been made amenable for the murder claimed to have been committed by the Irish Republican Army of Thomas Harron in South Tyrone on 13 July 1983; and if he will give details;

(12) if anyone has been made amenable for the murder claimed to have been committed by the Irish Republican Army of Oswald Neely in South Tyrone on 13 July 1983; and if he will give details;

(13) if anyone has been made amenable for the murder claimed to have been committed by the Irish Republican Army of Ronald Alexander in South Tyrone on 13 July 1983; and if he will give details;

(14) if anyone has been made amenable for the murder claimed to have been committed by the Irish Republican Army of John Roxborough in South Tyrone on 13 July 1983; and if he will give details;

(15) if anyone has been made amenable for the murder claimed to have been committed by the Irish Republican Army of Cyrus Campbell in South Tyrone on 24 October 1983; and if he will give details;

(16) if anyone has been made amenable for the murder claimed to have been committed by the Irish Republican Army of Ronnie Funston in Fermanagh on 13 March 1984; and if he will give details;

(17) if anyone has been made amenable for the murder claimed to have been committed by the Irish Republican Army of Jimmy Johnston in South Tyrone on 8 May 1984; and if he will give details;

(18) if anyone has been made amenable for the murder claimed to have been committed by the Irish Republican Army of Ivan Hillen in South Tyrone on 12 May 1984; and if he will give details;

(19) if anyone has been made amenable for the murder claimed to have been committed by the Irish Republican Army of Robert V. Huggins in Fermanagh on 18 May 1984; and if he will give details;

(20) if anyone has been made amenable for the murder claimed to have been committed by the Irish Republican Army of Thomas H. Agar in Fermanagh on 18 May 1984; and if he will give details.

There have been convictions in relation to seven of these murders. One person was convicted of the murder of James Gibson and another of the murders of Thomas Harron, Oswald Neely, Ronald Alexander and John Roxborough. Two people were convicted of the murder of Cyrus Campbell. The other convictions were connected with the murder of Silas Lyttle. One person was convicted of manslaughter and another of possession of firearms and membership of the IRA.

Scotland

Dentistry

15.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will initiate a review of the system of remuneration for dentists, and dental charges for retirement pensioners and students.

We have no plans to review the remuneration arrangements. Many pensioners receive full or partial remission of charges on grounds of low income. Students receive assistance with dental charges according to their personal circumstances. The Government have no plans to alter any of these arrangements.

Labour Statistics

16.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many people in Scotland are presently unemployed.

On 11 September 1986, the latest date for which information is available, the number of unemployed claimants in Scotland totalled 363,037 (14·4 per cent.).

Hectares
	New planting		Restocking		Total
	Hardwoods	Softwoods	Hardwoods	Softwoods	Hardwoods	Softwoods
Forestry Commission	56	4,277	306	6,991	362	11,268
Private Sector	849	18,170	1,492	2,847	2,341	21,017
Totals	905	22,447	1,798	9,838	2,703	32,285

The private sector figures comprise the areas of planting for which grant aid was paid by the Forestry Commission during the year.

32.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what new initiatives are being planned by the Forestry Commission in the field of conservation; and if he will make a statement.

The Forestry Commission's environmental policies have evolved over many years. The recent revision of its conservation policy, published in March 1986 under the title "The Forestry Commission and Conservation", took account of its new statutory duty to seek to achieve a reasonable balance between forestry activities and environmental considerations. The commission has consulted conservation organisations over the implementation of this policy, an important aim of which is to improve the conservation value of each forest as a whole. This will be achieved through the development of conservation plans for all commission forests, prepared in consultation with the Nature Conservancy Council and other organisations.

Private Hospital Development

18.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on private hospital development in Scotland.

Under section 14 of the Health Services Act 1976, as amended by section 14 of the Health Services Act 1980, private hospital developers are required to notify the Secretary of State of proposals to establish

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

On 11 September 1986, the latest date for which information is available, the number of unemployed claimants in Scotland totalled 363,037 (14·4 per cent.).The problem of high unemployment remains, of course, a major concern. Employment prospects for all unemployed people will best be enhanced by a better economic performance and increased industrial competitiveness which the Government's policies are designed to secure. In the meantime, the full range of the Government's special employment and training measures are available to those hardest hit by unemployment.

Forestry Commission

17.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what are the latest figures from the Forestry Commission on plantings of hardwoods and softwoods.

The figures for the year ended 31 March 1986 are as follows:private hospitals up to 119 beds in size. In cases where the number of beds planned exceeds 119 the Secretary of State's authorisation is required. There are eight private hospitals in Scotland. No new private hospital developments have been notified to my right hon. and learned Friend nor proposals submitted for authorisation during 1986.

Electricity Generation

19.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when he last met the Scottish director of British Coal to discuss electricity generation in Scotland.

My right hon. and learned Friend has not met the Scottish director of British Coal to discuss this matter. The requirement for coal for electricity generation in Scotland is a matter for commercial negotiation between the Scottish electricity boards and British Coal.

Scottish Economy

20.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the state of the Scottish economy.

I am encouraged by underlying strengths in the Scottish economy such as recent growth in manufacturing productivity and the progress made in developing newer high technology industries such as electronics. Although in recent months the adverse effects of the fall in the price of oil have been more apparent in Scotland than elsewhere in the UK, Scotland should benefit from the wider effects of the fall in the oil price on the UK and world economies.

Rural Areas

21.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the financial support given by his Department for rural areas.

The Scottish Office administers a wide range of assistance to rural areas. This includes direct support for basic rural industries such as agriculture, fisheries, forestry and tourism, amounting to almost £400 million in the current year; recognition of rural needs in the rate support grant distibution and the planning of public expenditure programmes; assistance for social and community development projects through the local capital grants scheme; and the continuing work of the Scottish Development Agency and the Highlands and Islands Development Board, which between them will invest over £50 million in the rural economy this year.

Springburn Initiative

22.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement regarding the latest progress of the Springburn initiative.

I understand from the Scottish Development Agency that good progress is now being made in putting together the detailed proposals for the initiative.

Steel Industry

23.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when next he will meet the chairman of the British Steel Corporation to discuss the state of the steel industry in Scotland.

My right hon. and learned Friend plans to meet the chairman of the British Steel Corporation again in the near future and to continue to do so at regular intervals.

Job Creation

24.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will visit Dundee to discuss with local organisations measures to reduce unemployment.

My right hon. and learned Friend has visited Dundee twice this year, most recently on 17 October when he met representatives of Tayside regional council. Dundee enjoys the full range of Government employment and training measures, and also benefits from other specific measures including development area status, the Tayside enterprise zone, and the Dundee project, all of which should assist levels of unemployment.

Manufacturing Productivity

25.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what has been the trend of manufacturing productivity in Scotland since 1979.

The annual growth rate in manufacturing output per employee in Scotland over the period 1979 to 1985 has been 6·2 per cent. This exceeds the corresponding United Kingdom figure of 3·8 per cent. and is also well above the low increase of 0·4 per cent. achieved in the previous six-year period.

Cervical Smears

26.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what delay there has been in carrying out cervical smears as a result of the shortage of cytology staff' at the department of pathology in the University of Aberdeen; and if he will make a statement.

I understand that the department of pathology asked general practitioners in the area not to send routine smears from asymptomatic women during August and September while efforts were made to overtake a heavy backlog of work. The situation has since been remedied by the recruitment of extra staff to the department, and I am informed that non-urgent smears are now being reported on within two weeks.

Teachers' Salaries

27.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has yet received the report of the committee of inquiry into teachers' pay; and if he will make a statement.

My right hon. and learned Friend received the report of the Main committee on 22 September and it was published on 2 October. I refer the hon. Member to the reply my right hon. and learned Friend gave to a question by my hon. Friend the Member for Dumfries (Sir H. Monro) earlier today.

29.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when he expects to give his response to the recommendations of the Main committee on teachers' pay and conditions.

I refer the hon. Member to the reply my right hon. and learned Friend gave to a question by my hon. Friend the Member for Dumfries (Sir H. Monro) earlier today.

Employment (Stirling)

28.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what information he has about employment structures in the Queensland ward of the Stirling constituency.

I refer to the answers given to my hon. Friend on 24 June and 1 July 1986 at columns 91 and 485 and to the letter which my right hon. and noble Friend Lord Gray of Contin sent to my hon. Friend on 2 July, a copy of which was placed in the Library of the House.

European Regional Development Fund

30.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the total value of grants made towards projects in Scotland by the European regional development fund since its inception in 1975.

Commitments and allocations for Scotland total £616 million.

Rating Reform

31.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when he last met the Scottish branch of the National Federation of Small Businesses and the Self-Employed to discuss rating reform.

My right hon. Friend last met representatives of the Scottish branch of the federation on 14 March this year.

Ayrshire (Investment)

34.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when he next expects to meet the chairman of the Scottish Development Agency to discuss investment by the agency in Ayshire.

My right hon. and learned Friend has no plans at present for such a meeting. He met the chairman recently.

Company Liquidations

35.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many companies went into liquidation in Scotland during 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984 and 1985, respectively.

The numbers of liquidations notified for these years were published on page 45 of the Scottish Economic Bulletin, No. 33, June 1986. Copies have been provided to Members with constituencies in Scotland.

Primary School Closures

36.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland on how many occassions since the introduction of the consultation procedure prior to the closure of a primary school this has led to the retention of the school; and on how many occasions closure has followed.

This information is not held centrally. It is for the education authority to decide whether to propose a particular school for closure and whether to proceed with closure.

Forestry

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make it his policy to provide Government financial assistance for forestry roads.

It is up to local authorities to assess priorities in their roads and transport financial plans, but I am prepared to take such expenditure into account when determining capital allocations for future years. In assisted areas, a 30 per cent. grant is available under the Industrial Development Act 1982 for improvements to roads required for the extraction of timber.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make' a statement on the Scottish Development Agency and Scottish forestry products development group report on forest products in Scotland in the light of the importance of roads to the harvesting of timber.

The report, which derived from a major study of the opportunities for growth in exploiting Scotland's timber resources, described in brief terms the industrial infrastructure which exists in Scotland, including the transport and communications network. The group's study remit did not extend to considering the provision of roads.Where a regional council considers improved communication links to be important to industrial development, and for other purposes, it can, as local roads authority, determine to upgrade roads in its area. If an authority includes such work on its roads and transport capital programmes, I shall take account of it in determining capital allocations.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received about a national financial assistance scheme for forestry industry projects and the production of promotional literature concerning opportunities in the Borders region for the development of forest products.

In May of this year, Borders regional council's economic development department sent to the Scottish Office a copy of its report on forestry and woodlands in the Borders which covers these matters. As regards a national financial assistance scheme, I would refer to the reply given by my hon. Friend the Member for Eastwood (Mr. Stewart) to the hon. Member for Roxburgh and Berwickshire (Mr. Kirkwood) on 20 June, at column 670.

Re-Chem International

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will make available funding to investigate the incidence of children born with eye defects within the vicinity of the former Re-Chem chemical waste disposal plant at Roughmute, Bonnybridge.

Funding in this area has already been made available. An epidemiologist from the University of Edinburgh is examining the incidence of microphthalmos in the Forth Valley health board area, under the direction of the working group on microphthalmos.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland on what date he received a dossier about Re-Chem International from the office of Alex Falconer, Member of the European Assembly; and if he will make a response.

The dossier arrived in my office on 28 January 1986. I replied to Mr. Falconer on 13 February.

Mortality And Morbidity Statistics (Denny-Bonnybridge)

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) what steps were taken to analyse the mortality and morbidity figures in the Denny-Bonnybridge area in 1983–84: and what are the results of such analysis;(2) whether he will take steps to analyse the mortality or morbidity figures in the Denny-Bonnybridge area for at least the next decade.

As the hon. Member is aware, the independent group chaired by Professor Lenihan concluded that the mortality and morbidity rates in the Bonnybridge-Denny area showed no unusual features. Further investigation related to two congenital anomalies — microphthalmos and duodenal atresia — were, however, recommended by the group. These investigations are being undertaken. Figures for cancer incidence and congenital abnormalities in the Forth Valley area are routinely recorded.

Pollution

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what his Department considers to be a safe level of polychlorinated biphenyls, polychlorinated dibenzodioxin (especially 2, 3, 7, 8 TCDD) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans in milk, soil, water and human tissue.

The steering group on food surveillance, the committee on the medical aspects of contamination of air, land and soil and the interdepartmental committee on dioxins have been asked to look at various aspects of the toxicological significance of polychlorinated biphenyls, dioxins and dibenzofurans. None is yet in a position to comment.Some guidance already exists in relation to short-term and long-term exposure to airborne polychlorinated biphenyls. This is contained in guidance note EH 40/86 "Occupational Exposure Limits 1986" issued by the Health and Safety Executive, copies of which are available in the Library.

Volume 102: debated on Wednesday 22 October 1986

Written Answers To Questions

Environment

Tree Planting

Dangerous Wild Animals Act

Community Charge

Acid Rain

Secondary Mortgage Market

Local Authorities (Compulsory Tendering)

Value Added Tax

Prime Minister

South Africa

Higher Education And Industry

Norway

Aircraft Industry

Employment

Wage Rates

Maternity Leave

Attorney-General

Sunday Trading

Illegitimacy

Agriculture, Fisheries And Food

Badgers

Education And Science

School Rolls

A And O-Level Passes

Deaf People

Pre-School Provision

Trade And Industry

Trade Statistics

Wolverhampton Group Of Steel Companies

Airbus

Manufactured Goods

Engineering Goods

Balance Of Payments

Quality And Standards

Home Department

Foreign Nationals (Electoral Register)

Prisons (Drugs)

Released Prisoners (Reconvictions)

Mr John Stalker

Police Advisory Board

Prisoners (Escort)

National Reporting Centre

Detoxification Centres

Police (Health Protection)

Police Complaints Authority

South America (Ministerial Visit)

European Drugs Task Force

Women Prisoners (Pregnancy)

Visa And Immigration Officers

Immigration (Members' Representations)

Prevention Of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act 1984

Iran And Iraq (Visitors)

Social Services

Supplementary Benefit

Residential Homes

Doctors And Dentists Review Body (Recommendations)

Wheelchairs

Mentally Handicapped Children

Departmental Offices, Liverpool

Alternative Medicine

Social Security Convention (Canada)

Occupational Pensions

Orthodontic Treatment (Leicester)

Disabled Persons

National Finance

Stamp Duty

Personal Taxation (Green Paper)

Economic And Finance Council

Budget Council

Inland Revenue (Cash Limit)

Value Added Tax

Transport

Road Repairs And Maintenance

Ministry Of Transport Tests

Mersey Tunnels (Tolls)

Foreign And Commonwealth Affairs

Irish Foreign Minister (Representations)