asked Her Majesty's Government:What is the date currently estimated for the completion and operation of the Cabora Bassa Dam, Mozambique, in which British sub-contrators are understood to be deeply involved.

The dam has been in operation since March 1977 and we understand that, despite delays, the final stage of the project should be completed during 1979. We are not aware that any British sub-contractors are involved in this project.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What stage has been reached in the building of 160-seater aircraft to meet the early 1980s market.

The construction of 160-seater aircraft is a matter to be considered by British Aerospace in conjunction with Airbus Industrie. The Government have received no proposals from British Aerospace regarding such aircraft.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether there is any truth in the rumour that as part of British Aerospace's deal with Airbus Industrie the development of the JET has been vetoed by the French; if not, when work will commence.

The development of the JET aircraft has not been vetoed by the French or any other partner. Airbus Industrie has yet to decide which future programmes it will adopt in the area mentioned by the noble Earl; and British Aerospace, as a full partner in Airbus Industrie, will participate fully in these decisions and programmes.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether, when dead elm trees stand in close proximity to public rights of way or recognised passages so establishing a possible hazard to pedestrians, obligation lies on the public authority concerned to cut down and remove them.

The responsibility for removing trees when they become dangerous rests on the owner or occupier of the land on which the trees stand. Highway and local authorities have powers under Section 10 of the Highways (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1961 and Section 23 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 respectively to take action on dangerous trees in certain circumstances, but these are not statutory obligations.

asked Her Majesty's Government:When the technical guidance notes, envisaged in paragraph 1.30 of Annex 1 of the Department of the Environment Circular 76/77 on Better Use of Vacant and Under-Occupied Housing, will be made available to local authorities, and whether they are aware that the delay in publication is causing houses to remain unoccupied, which might otherwise be leased to local authorities, particularly in rural areas.

My right honourable friend hopes to issue these notes shortly. They have been ready for some time, but were held back pending the outcome of consultations, now in train, on the proposals for security of tenure for local authority tenants. The proposals include a special provision to permit recovery of possession by local authorities who have leased privately owned houses.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether the sale of Harrier jump jets to the People's Republic of China has been discussed at the Council of Ministers of the EEC.

The sale of Harrier jump jets to the People's Republic of China was not discussed at the Council of Ministers of the EEC.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What contingency plans British Airways have for the selection and purchase of alternative aircraft in the event of Boeing not proceeding with the development of the 757.

This is a matter for the British Airways Board.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they will bring up to date the Parliamentary Answer showing the number of people drawing means-tested benefits (

I am sorry that it is taking longer to assemble this information than had been expected but I will write to the noble Lord as soon as possible and publish the reply in the Official Report after the Recess.House adjourned at eleven minutes past five o'clock for the Christmas Recess.