asked the Attorney-General whether he intends to recommend to the Director of Public Prosecutions that any action be taken against the sale of "The Poor Man's James Bond" in the United Kingdom.

The investigation of any alleged criminal offence is a function of the police. If the hon. Member considers that any offence may have been committed, the proper course is for him to refer the matter to the police so that if, after proper investigation, it is appropriate, a report may be submitted to the Crown Prosecution Service.

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what information his Department holds on the percentage of heavy freight vehicle accidents which involve overturning.

Injury accidents involving heavy goods vehicles: GB: 1983 to 1985:

asked the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects completion of overhead lighting for the whole of the M25.

There are no plans for lighting the whole of the M25. I expect completion of lighting of junction 6 by late 1988. Lighting for junction 11, which was planned for completion by late 1988, is now being considered in conjunction with widening proposals between junctions 11 and 13.The need for further lighting on M25 will be kept under review. The proportion of M25 lit is higher than for an average motorway (43 per cent. compared with 25 per cent.).

asked the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what steps he is taking to seek to reduce noise, dust and vibration from heavy lorries using narrow roads in built up areas;(2) whether he will introduce legislation to extend compensation for excessive noise levels to residents living in narrow streets and roads subject to noise, dust and vibration from lorries carrying industrial loads; and if he will make a statement.

New noise limits for lorries were agreed in the European Community in 1984 (as set out in column 419 of the Official Report on 22 October 1984). The limits are to be made compulsory from the earliest dates permitted by the directive. Current regulations require loads to be so secured that they are not likely to cause nuisance by being blown from the vehicle. The Department's code of practice gives detailed advice on this. Local authorities already have—and make extensive use of—powers to control the routeing of lorries in built-up areas. A study of the effects of traffic vibration on buildings is nearing completion. We shall consider the implications of the report as soon as it is available.In the light of all the measures taken to mitigate the environmental effects of lorries, we are not convinced that it would be appropriate to go for an extension of current rights to compensation.

asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will take steps to monitor the pollution levels caused by coaches in London parked without their driver but with engine running; and if he will make a statement.

We have no plans to do so. The question of avoidable pollution from parked coaches in London has been raised at the coaches working party, chaired by Westminster city council. We shall urgently consider any recommendations that it makes to deal with this question.

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what steps he is taking to control pollution by motor vehicles in general and coaches in particular.

Emissions from motor vehicles are controlled by regulations which require new vehicles to comply with European Community directives. Large diesel-engined vehicles, including coaches, have to comply with a directive which regulates smoke emissions, and the Community is now considering Commission proposals for gaseous emission limits for large diesel-engined vehicles. Smoke from heavy vehicles, including coaches, is checked as part of the annual test.

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what estimates he has of the costs of road congestion to the state and to the community as a whole.

There are no estimates of the costs of road congestion in general terms of the type requested. Estimates of the cost to road users of delays to traffic are generally made only in the context of specific proposals which will affect traffic conditions. Such proposals include road improvement schemes and arrangements during major maintenance. For proposed trunk road and motorway schemes, estimates are therefore made of the benefits from faster and safer journeys compared with conditions which would have existed had the improvement not been built.

asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list all those road schemes, for which he has issued contracts, but which are either incomplete, or have not begun, showing the cost of each scheme.

The information requested for schemes costing more than £1 million is as follows:

asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list in the Official Report all those road schemes which his Department has planned and budgeted, showing the cost of each scheme, the anticipated commencement date, and the duration of the project.

Details of the Department's national construction programme are given in "National Roads England 1985". Four schemes have been added since publication of the report in June 1985.

asked the Secretary of State for Transport how much has been spent by his Department in fees to private consultants for road building in each year since 1979; and how much each company providing these services has received in total since that date.

The total amount paid in fees to private consultants engaged in the design and supervision of new motorway and trunk road schemes in each year since 1979 is as follows:

asked the Secretary of State for Transport when the reports on the London assessment studies will be published; and whether he is prepared to review his present proposals for trunk road improvements elsewhere in the light of the report's findings.

These reports, which will be published shortly, deal with only the first stage of the assessment studies covering the gathering of factual information and opinions relating to the areas studied. The reports will not affect road schemes in other areas.

asked the Secretary of State for Transport how much the London corridor assessment studies have cost so far.

£3 million. Two thirds of this has been spent on extensive data collection and on public consultation about problems. These data will provide a firm basis for the next stage of the work and will be made available to local authorities in the areas concerned to assist them in their planning.

asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will introduce amendments to the vehicle construction and use regulations requiring the fitting of more effective thief-proof locking systems; and if he will make a statement.

Part I of a new British standard on "Vehicle Security BSAU 209" was published in November. It covers mechanical locking systems for passenger cars and car-derived vehicles. Parts II and III covering in-car entertainment equipment and identification etching on glazed surfaces should be published next spring. Further parts dealing with central-power door-locking systems and the general security of glazing are expected to be completed before the end of 1987.Car buyers and users are increasingly conscious of the need to keep their vehicles secure and the manufacturers are responding to that in the design of their vehicles. Any regulatory action would need to be taken in agreement with the European Community, and we shall be keeping the Community informed of developments here.

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what steps the Government propose to take to help ensure the availability of adequate manpower on British merchant vessels in time of war or emergency.

I am opening consultations with shipowners and representatives of seafarers about ways in which the Government might help with training and with the cost of transporting crews to and from vessels operating away from this country. These measures would contribute to the retention of British nationals on board British vessels. In an emergency it might be necessary to replace foreign seafarers on some ships with United Kingdom nationals, and to facilitate this the Government propose to create a Merchant Navy Reserve of trained personnel willing to return to the sea if needed. I envisage a small annual payment to those who are prepared to register.Following consultation, it would be my intention to seek the necessary powers from Parliament at the earliest opportunity.

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list all the changes that have been made since 1979 in his Department in the presentation of statistical information; and what further changes are now planned.

The following changes have been made by the Northern Ireland Departments and the Northern Ireland Office.

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he is yet able to say what has been the result of investigation into the events leading to the shooting of Francis Bradley in County Derry on 18 February; and if he will make a statement.

On completion of its inquiries into Mr. Bradley's death the Royal Ulster Constabulary submitted a file to the Director of Public Prosecutions for Northern Ireland. On 29 July he directed that none of the soldiers involved should be prosecuted. A date for an inquest has not yet been arranged.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he will make a statement on the current level of student grant; and what plans he has to alleviate the problems students currently face.

The level of grant reflects the necessity for the consideration of student needs to be balanced by an assessment of what taxpayers can reasonably be expected to contribute. My right hon. Friend will announce rates of grant for the academic year 1987–88 shortly.Future arrangements for students' financial support are the object of a comprehensive review.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will list all the changes that have been made since 1979 in his Department in the presentation of statistical information; and what further changes are now planned.

Regarding changes to the presentation of statistics by my Department, I refer the hon. Member to my reply to the hon. Member for Dagenham (Mr. Gould) on 5 December, at columns 839–40. Further changes may result from Government policy needs, quinquennial reviews of regular statistics or for statistical and technological reasons.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he expects to publish a White Paper setting out his latest proposals for educational change.

The Government's policies for improving school education were set out in the White Paper "Better Schools" (Cmnd. 9469). Those are now being implemented.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many students entered courses of initial teacher training in 1986; and if he will make a statement.

About 16,945 students entered courses of initial teacher training in 1986, an increase of some 220 over 1985. Recruitment to primary teacher training increased, while recruitment to secondary training remained stable. It is clear that many people, particularly graduates, perceive teaching to be an attractive career: entry to PGCE courses increased by 4 per cent. compared to 1985.I particularly welcome the 24 per cent. increase in recruitment to one and two-year courses in mathematics, physics and craft, design and technology. The availability of the Government bursary for these students will have been an incentive. We will continue with our efforts to eliminate these long-standing shortages.

asked the Prime Minister for what reason the Cabinet Secretary believed that the particular person to whom he went first in his preliminary inquiries had passed information about the Solicitor-General's letter of 6 January to the Press Association.

I refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer I gave him on 17 November, at columns 49–50.

asked the Prime Minister what steps she proposes to take to remove the present overlap in responsibilities for the safety of gas appliances between the Secretary of State for Employment and the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry.

I have decided that from today the responsibilities for safety in the construction and design of gas appliances not intended for use at work which are now exercised by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Employment should be transferred to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry. These responsibilities include the development of national and European Community standards.

asked the Prime Minister if she will list in the Official Report the official visits she has made overseas since January 1984 to date, and the total costs of each visit to public funds.

My official visits overseas since January 1984 and their cost to my Office¹ are:

asked the Prime Minister what measures the Government are adopting to improve the exploitation by industry of publicly funded research and development.

It is essential that advances in science, whether they occur in universities, Government laboratories or industry, are rapidly exploited to develop new products and improved services for sale by British industry and commerce in world markets. To this end we are giving particular priority to the development of improved partnership arrangements between industry, Government Departments and research institutions of all kinds. I attach great importance to this work, which will receive further impetus under an initiative called LINK.

asked the Prime Minister when the 1986 "Annual Review of Government Funded (R & D)" will be published.

"The Annual Review of Government Funded R & D 1986", the fourth in the series, will be published through Her Majesty's Stationery Office on Thursday, 11 December. I am arranging for copies to be placed in the House of Commons Library."The Annual Review of Government Funded R & D" was first announced in the Government's response (Cmnd. 8591) to the House of Lords Select Committee report "Science and Government" in 1982. The review is prepared annually by the chief scientific adviser, Cabinet Office under the guidance of the interdepartmental committee of chief scientists.

asked the Prime Minister whether there has been any change in the Government's policy towards the tapping of telephones of Members of Parliament since her answer on 31 October 1983, Official Report, c. 255; and if she will make a statement.

As I made clear in my letter to Mr. Speaker of 8 December 1986, I can confirm that the Government's policy on the interception of the communications of Members of Parliament remains as stated in the undertaking given by the then Prime Minister, Lord Wilson of Rievaulx, on 17 November 1966, at columns 834–41, and reaffirmed by me on 6 February 1980 and on 31 October 1983 and by my right hon. Friend the then Home Secretary on 11 December 1984.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will publish a table showing each of the readings of radioactive caesium found in sheep and lambs in Wales since 1 May, which were over 3,000 bequerels per kilogram, together with the date, the precise radioactivity levels, and the approximate location.

The information requested, up to 4 November 1986, is given in the following table:

asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list all the changes that have been made since 1979 in his Department in the presentation of statistical information; and what further changes are now planned.

Recent changes in statistical presentation of information will be dealt with when I write in response to a question of 3 December, at column 662, from the hon. Member for Dagenham (Mr. Gould). I will place a copy of my letter in the Library of the House.There are no plans to make major alterations to the present statistical coverage, though we shall of course continue to review the quality and breadth of presentation and to produce occasional papers on matters of interest as appropriate.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will give for each health authority the hospital out-patient waiting list in each health authority in 1978 and each succeeding year.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will set out the urgent hospital in-patient waiting list for each health authority, together with the number of urgent cases waiting more than one month, the percentage the latter represents of the former and their ranking in Wales by that percentage.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will set out the non-urgent hospital in-patient waiting list for each health authority, together with the number of non-urgent cases waiting more than one year, the percentage the latter represents of the former and their ranking in Wales by that percentage.

The numbers of persons on hospital out-patient waiting lists at 30 June of each year since 1978 are given in the following table:

The latest available information relates to 31 March 1986, and is given in the following table:

The latest available information relates to 31st March 1986, and is given in the following table:

asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will set out the total hospital in-patient waiting list for each health authority, the total population living in that area of that authority, the percentage the former represents of the latter and their ranking in Wales of that percentage.

asked the Minister for the Arts if he will list all the changes that have been made since 1979 in his Department in the presentation of statistical information; and what further changes are now planned.

There have been no significant changes during that period in the presentation of statistical information for which my Department is responsible, and none is currently being planned.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many visas have been issued in (a) Ghana, (b) Bangladesh, (c) India and (d) Pakistan since the scheme began; and how many of these were issued without an interview.

The information currently available centrally on entry clearances issued is given in the following table. It is usual practice to interview applicants for an entry clearance for settlement. It is estimated that in November the proportion of visitors, students and transit passengers dealt with who were not interviewed was about half in Ghana, negligible in Bangladesh, two thirds in India and over three quarters in Pakistan.

The latest available information relates to 30 June 1986, and is given in the following table:

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will call for reports from the relevant chief constables as to the total number of police in Surrey, Sussex, Essex, Hertfordshire, Kent and Buckinghamshire, respectively, and as to what numbers of those are engaged on traffic duties in each county.

The information is as follows:

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how often a fire-fighting exercise takes place at each prison in the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement;(2) what is his policy towards the presence in each prison in the United Kingdom of a prison officer with special fire-fighting responsibilities; and if he will make a statement;(3) whether fire-fighting equipment is kept in each wing of prisons in the United Kingdom.

Governors of penal establishments in England and Wales nominate a prison officer known as the fire officer to be responsible to them for all fire matters. Arrangements are made for him to receive training as necessary with the local fire brigade. It is the fire officer's duty to familiarise himself with the fire precautions in force at the establishment and to develop such fire precautions as are considered necessary. He also trains other prison officers in the use of fire-fighting equipment.Subject to any overriding security or control considerations a full fire pratice, which include a drill with fire-fighting equipment, should be held at least every six months. Where practicable, the exercises also includes the evacuation of selected buildings and calling the local fire brigade. Fire fighting equipment is located according to advice given by local fire authorities, which would normally result in equipment being placed in each prison wing.Responsibility for penal establishments in Scotland and Northern Ireland rests with my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland and my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will seek to reduce traffic disruption by arranging for high security prisoners held in remand, who are on trial at the Central Criminal Court, to be lodged during the period of their trials at a secure place close to the court in place of Brixton prison.

In the longer term the new prison and adjacent Crown court at Woolwich should reduce the need for high security escorts. In the meantime there is no suitable accommodation nearer to the Central Criminal court than Brixton prison.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will call for a report from the chief constable of Thames Valley police on the progress of inquiries into allegation of a failure to declare pecuniary interests by Buckinghamshire county councillors.

I understand from the chief constable of Thames Valley police that an investigation into this matter is continuing; a report will be submitted to the DPP in due course.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the implications of the new contract wheel clamping service for the level of illegal parking by coaches; and if he will make a statement.

The Commissioner has informed me that wheel clamps suitable for fixing to coaches are available to all the wheel clamping teams. As with any vehicle, where the driver is present the police will normally direct the driver to move the vehicle rather than fixing a wheel clamp.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list all the changes that have been made since 1979 in his Department in the presentation of statistical information; and what further changes are now planned.

I refer the hon. Member to the reply given today to a question from the hon. Member for Dagenham (Mr. Gould).Changes now being considered or planned include:

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if, in respect of the statistics kept and published by his Department, he will publish in the Official Report any changes since 1979 in (a) the statistical series which are published, including those which have been introduced and those which have been dropped, (b) the basis on which any elements in the statistics are estimated, calculated or presented, (c) the periods over which, and the dates on which the series are collected or published and (d) any other respects in the ways and if he will explain the reasons for any such changes.

[pursuant to his reply, 3 December 1986, c. 633]: Changes in the basis of compilation, presentation and publication of statistical series are made from time to time in response to the Government's requirements for statistical information, changes in legislation and in the administrative systems on which some series are based, the development of new statistical techniques and technological developments affecting the compilation and dissemination of statistical data. When such changes are made they are fully documented in the relevant statistical publications.The main changes which have been made since 1979 to the statistics regularly collected and published by the Home Office include the following:

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many reported crimes in 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984 and 1985 involved theft of vehicles or theft from vehicles.

Numbers of offences of theft from vehicles, theft or unauthorised taking of motor vehicles and theft of pedal cycles recorded in the last 10 years were published in "Criminal Statistics, England and Wales, 1985" (Cmnd. 10, table 2.12).

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what information he has on the levels of fines imposed or cases involving industrial counterfeiting.

In 1985, the average fine imposed on offenders convicted under section 1 of the Trade Descriptions Act 1968 was £203, broken down as follows:

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received about the level of penalties available for industrial counterfeiting.

Offences under the Trade Descriptions Act 1968 are a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, to whom representations about the Act are normally made. I hope to reply shortly to my hon. Friend's letter to me on 11 November on this subject.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the first meeting is due to be held of the new statutory police consultative committee in Camden; and if he will make a statement.

I understand that a meeting is being arranged for 22 January.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his statement of 3 December, Official Report, column 939, in what form he gives direction and guidance to the director general of MI5 as to how the Security Service goes about its business.

I have nothing to add to the full account I gave on 3 December of my responsibility for the Security Service, at columns 937–45.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will give the Government's estimate of the number of herion addicts in each year since 1979.

Because of the nature of the activity, it is not possible to make any reliable estimate of the total number of heroin addicts in the United Kingdom. Information on addicts notified to the Home Office in the years 1979 to 1984 who were reported as addicted to heroin, alone or in combination with other notifiable drugs, is given in table 11 of "Statistics of the Misuse of Drugs in the United Kingdom, 1984", (Home Office statistical bulletin 23/85). Corresponding figures for 1985 will be published shortly. Some research carried out in 1981 in two urban areas in England suggested that the number of notified addicts was about one fifth of the actual number of opioid addicts in the local population at that time. Researchers believe that there are considerable local variations in such "multipliers" and that they may also change rapidly over time.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland which local authorities in Scotland have published tourism strategies; and if he will make a statement.

The information requested is not available centrally. I understand from the Scottish tourist board that all area tourist boards, which include local authority representation, are in the process of producing local tourism strategies. These will complement the board's national business and marketing plans.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland, pursuant to his reply to the hon. Member for Dundee, West on 25 November, Official Report, column 176, how many of the migrant workers in Dundee are reported to be working overseas or at sea.

From the 1981 census of population, it is estimated on the basis of a 10 per cent. sample that about 200 people whose area of residence was in the city of Dundee were working overseas or at sea.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will instruct the local authorities in Glasgow and Edinburgh to produce detailed evacuation plans for a maximum credible accident under adverse meteorological conditions at the nearest nuclear power station.

My right hon. and learned Friend has no powers to direct local authorities on these matters. It is for the authorities concerned to draw up contingency plans for responding in the unlikely event of an accident at a civil nuclear installation, including arrangements for assisting with evacuation where this is considered advisable. The plans should be compatible with those prepared by nuclear site operators and other appropriate bodies, including the emergency services.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans there are in existence for the emergency supply of water following a nuclear accident for Edinburgh and Glasgow.

Government plans for civil nuclear emergencies, and those of nuclear site operators, include arrangements for notifying water authorities whose supplies may be affected, for monitoring these supplies and for advising authorities accordingly. While drinking water would rank very low as a health risk following a nuclear accident, if monitoring results indicated a need for action the responsible water authority would implement plans to introduce alternative supplies.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will list in tabular form the sums paid by the South of Scotland Electricity Board and the North of Scotland Hydro Electricity Board in each year since 1973 for research, design and demonstration of fast reactors; and for each year and for each category who are the recipients of such funding.

I shall ask the chairmen to write to the hon. Member.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many people were injured, where motor accidents were involved, in the parliamentary constituency of Midlothian in the years 1983, 1984, 1985 and to the nearest available date in 1986; and if he will give the figures in calendar months of the respective years.

The numbers of people injured in, on or by motor vehicles in Midlothian district were as follows:

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many motorists were killed in driving accidents in the parliamentary constituency of Midlothian in the years 1983, 1984, 1985 and to the nearest possible date in 1986; and if he will give the figures in the calendar months of the years referred to.

The numbers of car drivers killed in road accidents in Midlothian district were as follows:

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many motorists were killed or injured in driving accidents in Scotland in the years 1983, 1984, 1985 and to the nearest available date in 1986; and if he will give the figures for the calendar months of the years mentioned.

The numbers of car drivers killed or injured in road accidents in Scotland were as follows:

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will give an estimate of the costs involved of every fatality in a motor accident and of every injury in such accidents; and how such estimates are calculated.

The average costs per accident, at 1985 prices, are estimated as follows:

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is now able to respond to the submissions from district councils with new towns concerning an end to the housebuilding moratorium; and if he will make a statement.

I refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my right hon. and learned Friend to the hon. Member for Eastwood (Mr. Stewart) on 5 December at column 755. The submissions from district councils, which were taken into account in reaching decisions, were discussed when I met representatives of the local authorities, together with the hon. Members for Livingston (Mr. Cook) and for Cunninghame, South (Mr. Lambie), on 3 October 1986.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what advice he has given to new town development corporations concerning communicating the decisions of development corporation boards to the press and public.

My right hon. and learned Friend continues to encourage the development corporations to take whatever steps they consider appropriate to provide the

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will give the hospital out-patient waiting list in each health board in 1978 and each subsequent year.

This information is not available centrally.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland, pursuant to his reply to the hon. Member for East Lothian on 26 November Official Report column 274, if he will publish the formal comments of Her Majesty's nuclear installations inspectorate on the exercise that was conducted at Torness power station on 18 September, and if he will make a statement.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will set out the urgent hospital in-patient waiting list for each health board, together with the number of urgent cases waiting more than one month, the percentage the latter represents of the former and their ranking in Scotland by that percentage.

This information is not available centrally.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will set out the non-urgent hospital in-patient waiting list for each health board, together with the number of non-urgent cases waiting more than one year, the percentage of the latter represents of the former and their ranking in Scotland by that percentage.

This information is not available centrally.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will set out the total hospital in-patient waiting list of each health board, the total population living in each health board area, the percentage the former represents of the latter and their ranking in Scotland by that percentage.

The information requested is as follows:

[pursuant to his reply, 1 December 1986, c. 451]: No. It is not the policy of Her Majesty's nuclear installations inspectorate to publish correspondence with licensees. I am aware, however, that following the demonstration of the South of Scotland Electricity Board's emergency arrangements for Torness nuclear power station on 18 September 1986, a number of adjustments and improvements have been required and these are being implemented. The inspectorate requires a satisfactory demonstration of the emergency arrangements before fuel loading is permitted.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement about the operation of section 94, controls on expenditure on capital projects undertaken by councils where long leaseback arrangements are made with (a) private sector organisations, (b) public sector bodies and (c) limited companies in which the local authority has a majority interest.

[pursuant to his reply, 9 December 1986]: While we keep their operation under review, my right hon. and learned Friend and I are content that the controls on Scottish local authority capital expenditure operate satisfactorily in relation to projects of the kinds described in my hon. Friend's question.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the export performance of the United Kingdom.

Non-oil exports have been at their highest ever level in recent months. The volume of non-oil exports should rise further in 1987 reflecting faster growth in the United Kingdom's overseas markets and our improved competitiveness.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what information he has as to the current level of exports from the north-east region.

This information is not available as export figures are not collected on a regional basis.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what measures he proposes to take to protect the United Kingdom cement industry from unfair overseas competition.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what active steps Her Majesty's Government are taking to protect the British cement industry from the effects of the dumping of subsidised Greek cement in the United Kingdom.

My Department will continue to monitor very closely the trend in imports of cement and take action where the threat of unfair competition emerges. In the case of subsidised Greek cement my continuous pressure for action has brought results. I expect the European Commission to reach agreement before Christmas on the phasing out of Greek export subsidies with a safeguard clause enabling immediate action to be taken in special cases such as cement. The Greek Government have also recognised the need to ensure that cement exports do not unfairly disrupt our market and I hope that complementary discussions will also be concluded before Christmas.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the progress of discussions in the European Economic Community on shipbuilding.

As I told the House in the debate on the new draft directive on shipbuilding on Monday, we already have the prospect of a regime which will allow our builders to compete more fairly, and to do so within an overall level of subvention that is greater than present arrangements permit. These are already considerable improvements on the present filth directive. We shall seek agreement on the new directive at the Industry Council arranged for 22 December. With the support of this House, we shall continue to press the Commission for a higher aid ceiling than the 26 per cent. of cost which it has proposed.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what proposals on aids to shipbuilding he will be putting to the next meeting of the European Community Council of Industry Ministers on 22 December.

May I refer the hon. Member to the answer that I have just given to the hon. Member for Jarrow (Mr. Dixon). I stress that we shall spare no effort in pressing for a higher aid ceiling than the Commission has proposed.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what is the most recent figure for output in manufacturing industry; and what was the comparable figure for the same month seven years ago.

The hon. Member will appreciate that monthly data can be erratic. However, since the trough of the recession in 1981, manufacturing output has increased by over 13 per cent. to reach a level of 105·6 in September 1986, based on 1980 equal to 100. This was some ½ per cent. lower than the level of output in September 1979.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he will make a statement on the current level of investment in manufacturing industry.

Investment in manufacturing rose by nearly 6 per cent. in 1985, and was 25 per cent. higher than in 1983. In the first three quarters of this year it was slightly lower (2½ per cent.) than in the same period last year. But the underlying determinants of manufacturing investment—continuing growth in the economy, buoyant profits, improved profitability and a low rate of inflation—remain favourable. Most forecasters expect a significant increase in manufacturing investment next year.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps he proposes to take to encourage regeneration of the manufacturing industry and an increase in output.

We shall continue to pursue policies which encourage sustained economic growth, falling inflation and competitive enterprise. And we shall continue to monitor and adjust where necessary the comprehensive range of support which my Department makes available to help industry develop its competitive strength.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on investment in manufacturing industry.

Investment in manufacturing rose by nearly 6 per cent. in 1985, and was 25 per cent. higher than in 1983. In the first three quarters of this year it was slightly lower (2½ per cent.) than in the same period last year. But the underlying determinants of manufacturing investment—continuing growth in the economy, buoyant profits, improved profitability and a low rate of inflation—remain favourable. Most forecasters expect a significant increase in manufacturing investment next year.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what are the most recent statistics for capital investment by manufacturing industry; and whether he will make a statement.

Investment in manufacturing rose by nearly 6 per cent. in 1985, and was 25 per cent. higher than in 1983. In the first three quarters of this year it was slightly lower (2½ per cent.) than in the same period last year. But the underlying determinants of manufacturing investment—continuing growth in the economy, buoyant profits, improved profitability and a low rate of inflation—remain favourable. Most forecasters expect a significant increase in manufacturing investment next year.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what is his estimate of the cumulative deterioration in the balance of trade in manufacturing since 1978.

In the first 10 months of 1986 trade in manufactures was in deficit by £4·6 billion compared with a surplus of £5·1 billion in 1978 as a whole.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the objectives and progress so far of his Department's small firms merit award for research and technology programme; if he is considering any changes to the programme for the future; and if he will make a statement.

The small firms merit award for research and technology is intended to encourage new and innovative companies in research and development initiatives. The first 20 awards were made in October and all the winning projects will be monitored and considered for further support next October. I consider that the scheme has been very successful in stimulating good innovative projects, although it will be some time before their commercial prospects become clear. I shall consider how the scheme might be developed in the light of experience of this pilot scheme.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the current situation for research and development funding from his Department.

My Department plans to spend £415 million in 1986–87 on support for research and development.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what was the average interval between reference of a merger to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission and submission of a report by the Monopolies and Mergers Commission in (i) 1982–83 and (ii) the latest year for which figures are available.

The average period taken by the Monopolies and Mergers Commission for investigation into mergers referred in the years 1982 and 1983 was about six months. The average for mergers referred in 1986 has so far been about five months.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what is the state of the Government's proposals for the privatisation of the Rover Group.

I refer the hon. Member to the statement that I made on 2 December.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether the Government have any plans to give further financial support to Rover plc; and whether he will make a statement.

The question of any further financial support for Rover Group operations will be addressed in the context of the 1987 corporate plan which the Government expect to receive around the end of the year.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the future of Rover Group plc.

As my right hon. Friend explained in his statement on 2 December, Mr. Day's review of the plans of all Rover Group operating companies will form the basis of the 1987 corporate plan. My right hon. Friend will announce the Government's response when Mr. Day's recommendations have been received and fully considered.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he next intends to meet the Confederation of British Industry to discuss the trade deficit in manufactured goods.

My right hon. Friend meets the CBI regularly at the National Economic Development Council and on other occasions. At present he has no plans for a special meeting on this subject.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps taken by Her Majesty's Government have stimulated a revival in the traditional industries of the city of Leicester.

This Government's economic and industrial policies are creating the right conditions for sustainable growth in jobs and output. The traditional industries of Leicester have also benefited from the wide range of schemes operated by my Department to assist industry in adjusting to the needs of today's market.