asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they will list the factors that in their view housing authorities should take into account when compiling their four-yearly housing investment programmes (bearing in mind the widely differing needs and circumstances of the various areas); and whether the factors will be the same ones as housing authorities already have a statutory duty to consider when inspecting their districts and assessing their housing needs.

Guidance to local authorities on the preparation of local housing strategies and investment programmes (HIPs), including factors which might be taken into account and data to be supplied, is given in Circular 38/78 Housing Strategies and Investment Programmes for Local Authorities in England: Arrangements for 1979/80, which was issued on 24th May. I am sending the noble Lord a copy. The HIP system provides authorities with the opportunity to develop policies and expenditure proposals tailored to the particular requirements of their area. In preparing HIPs authorities are asked to make a comprehensive assessment of housing requirements covering both the public and private sectors and to draw up their own investment programme having regard to the likely contribution of other public agencies and the private sector.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Which statutory and voluntary bodies were consulted about the danger to seabirds from oil spills in United Kingdom waters, and to fish from the use of dispersants, before the new Merchant Shipping Bill was drafted; what advice was received; and whether they are satisfied that the Bill will result in more effective safeguards against oil spills and appropriate penalties for breaches of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships 1973.

The proposed Merchant Shipping Bill would enable the United Kingdom to ratify the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973 (MARPOL 1973); the 1978 Protocol to that Convention; and the 1978 Protocol to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea 1974. Once brought into force internationally, these Instruments are expected to reduce the risk of tanker casualties, and with it accidental oil pollution, and the pollution resulting from routine ships' operations, notably tank cleaning.The Bill does not relate to action to deal with oil spills once they have occurred: consequently, it was not thought appropriate to consult with fisheries or wildlife interests. The Prevention of Oil Pollution Act 1971 already provides for fines not exceeding £50,000 on summary conviction and unlimited fines on conviction on indictment for unlawful operational discharges of oil: these provisions, which will still apply to the stricter discharge requirements under MARPOL 1973, are judged to be appropriate.House adjourned at seven minutes past eleven o'clock.