Written Answers
Bnoc: Staff
asked Her Majesty's Government:
With the exception of (c), these are matters for the Corporation, but I am advised by the chairman that, as at 31st December 1977, BNOC employed 754 people, divided between Glasgow, Aberdeen and London as to 231, 208 and 315. Meaningful comparisons concerning salaries are difficult to make. I will ask the chairman to write to the noble Lord about (d).
Visiting Students: Part- Time Work
asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether students visiting this country to learn English are permitted to take part-time temporary work; and what conditions, if any, are required to be observed.
Under the Immigration Rules a bona fide student may be permitted to take work, in his free time or vacation, that has been approved by the Department of Employment. The Department of Employment will not approve jobs unless the employment will not interfere with a student's studies, local labour is not available, and the wages and conditions are not less favourable than those prevailing in the area for similar work.EEC nationals enjoy rights under the Treaty of Rome to look for and take employment at any time.
Motor Vehicle (Test) Regulations
asked Her Majesty's Government:How many motor cars in the 12-month period ending 31st December 1977:
I regret that the information is not available in the precise form required. The following are the details for the nine-month period 1st January 1977 to 30th September 1977 and the corresponding period for 1976:
| 1st January-30th September 1977 | 1st January-30th September 1976 | |
| Number of Passenger Car Tests (including re-tests, which are not separately identified) | 10,418,600 | 10,220,950 |
| Number of Passes (VT 20) | 6,698,300 | 6,896,250 |
| Number of Failures (VT 21 and 22) | 3,720,300 | 3,324,700 |
| Principal reasons for failure: | ||
| (a) Brakes | 2,070,150 | 2,039,000 |
| (b) Steering | 1,701,250 | 1,730,300 |
| (c) Lighting | 1,091,060 | 718,300 |
| (d) Tyres | 612,150 | 623,600 |
| (e) Seat belts | 112,800 | 39,500 |
| (f) Other Defects (Other items included in the test as from 1st January 1977) | 1,384,100 | — |
The A75 And Heysham-Belfast Ferry Service
asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether, in view of the high cost in terms of motor fuel, environmental pollution, road maintenance and vehicle wear and tear, and the potential capital expenditure involved on the notorious A.75 road, they have examined the possibility of reopening the Heysham-Belfast ferry service to carry freight to and from England, thereby obviating the costly outlay on A.75 improvements; and if so what has been the result of such examination.
No such examination is necessary. A freight ferry service between Heysham and Belfast has been operated since November 1971. The existence of this ferry has no bearing on the need to improve the quality of the A.75 road in Scotland.
Ecgd: Staff Movement To Cardiff
asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether the move from London of 800 staff of the Export Credits Guarantee Department to Cardiff will increase or decrease the cost to public funds of that Department over the next two years; and by what amount.
The Export Credits Guarantee Department operates at no net cost to public funds in accordance with its prescribed financial objectives. The move of 800 staff to Cardiff is not expected to affect the Department's continuing ability to meet these objectives over the next two years and indeed thereafter.
Housing Inspections
asked Her Majesty's Government:How many housing authorities (
a) in London and ( b) in England and Wales, have so far inspected the whole of their districts in accordance with their duty under Section 70 of the Housing Act 1969 and Section 48(3) of the Housing Act 1974, and what action Her Majesty's Government are taking in cases where inspection has not been made.
My right honourable friend the Secretary of State for the Environment has given no directions to local authorities under Section 70 and there is no requirement upon them to notify Her Majesty's Government of inspections carried out under that Section. It is known, however, that many authorities have carried out specific surveys: others are monitoring the condition of housing within their area as part of the on-going exercise of their general housing functions. On the second part of the Question, Her Majesty's Government have given advice to authorities on the need for up-to-date information about housing conditions in their area and have issued detailed guidance on a technique for sample surveys.
Northern Ireland: Criminal Injuries Compensation
asked Her Majesty's Government:What compensation is payable in the event of civilians being killed or injured in attacks on members of the Armed Forces or the Royal Ulster Constabulary in Northern Ireland?
Compensation is payable under the Criminal Injuries (Compensation) (Northern Ireland) Order 1977. This order came into effect on 9th August 1977 and replaced the Criminal Injuries to Persons (Compensation) Act (Northern Ireland) 1968.For injury, compensation can be claimed for all reasonable expenses, loss of earnings resulting from incapacity to work, and pain, suffering and disablement caused by the injuries. For death as a result of the injury, dependants can claim compensation for all reasonable expenses and their financial loss resulting from the death.House adjourned at twenty-two minutes past four o'clock.