asked Her Majesty's Government:What facilities for the disposal of human remains have been planned by local authorities in pursuance of their duties under the Civil Defence (Planning) Regulations 1974.

Detailed planning guidance was issued in Home Office Circular No. ES 8/1976, a copy of which is in the Library. Some local authorities may have devised alternative arrangements, as they are entitled to do.

asked Her Majesty's Government:How many local authorities have made plans as required under the Civil Defence (Planning) Regulations 1974 and whether any authorities have refused to make such plans.

Local authorities generally have made reasonable progress with their planning responsibilities under the 1974 Regulations. None has so far refused to carry out its responsibilities.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What steps they are taking to ensure the continuation of the Royal London Homoeopathic Hospital which is the only homoeopathic teaching hospital in the country; and whether previous ministerial assurances about the future of this hospital are being honoured.

The Government are committed to retaining the Royal London Homoeopathic Hospital as a general homoeopathic hospital. Should it be necessary, as a result of the inspection of the theatre by an independent microbiologist, to cease surgical operations in the interests of the safety of patients, alternative facilities will be made available at a nearby hospital and my right honourable friend's department will discuss urgently with the health authorities and homoeopathic interests what further action should be taken.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they will now publish the White Paper promised in Cmnd. 8170 (

I am publishing a White Paper today reporting on progress in recent years in seeking greater efficiency in the Civil Service and more value for the taxpayer in the work which it does.The White Paper makes it clear that there is still much to be done. Moreover, the pay dispute has occasioned immediate disruption to some services, and brought with it a loss of morale and of public confidence. All this will take time to repair. But the Government remain firmly committed to pursue the measures and policies outlined in the White Paper; they regard them as essential in the public interest.House adjourned at six minutes past nine o'clock.