Written Answers
Northern Ireland: Recipients Of Means-Tested Benefits
asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they will state the numbers of people in Northern Ireland receiving the means-tested benefits listed below during the years 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980 and 1981:
The information requested is set out below:
| 1977 | 1978 | 1979 | 1980 | 1981 | |
| Supplementary Benefit(1) | 115,232 | 116,446 | 115,359 | 128,993 | 149,977 |
| Family Income Supplement(1)(5) | 8,401 | 8,906 | 8,139 | 8,455 | 10,109 |
| Rent Rebates(1) | 17,538 | 19,215 | 20,342 | 20,714 | 27,720 |
| Rent Allowances(1)(2) | — | 252 | 1,318 | 1,587 | 1,995 |
| Rate Rebates(3) | 34,577 | 35,201 | 34,785 | 39,076 | Not yet available |
| Free School Meals(4) | 72,860 | 84,297 | 75,070 | 63,080 | 73,519 |
| (1) average yearly figures. | |||||
| (2) Rent allowance scheme first introduced on 1st October 1978. | |||||
| (3) Figures are for the financial year i.e. 34,577: 1st April 1977–31st March 1978 etc. | |||||
| (4) Annual Census figures, taken on a day in October. | |||||
| (5) Numbers of families—not individuals. | |||||
"Continuing Education": Student Enrolment
asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they will give the latest figures for the enrolment of students aged 25 and over on courses as set out in the table appearing in Annex A to the DES discussion paper
Continuing Education of October 1980.
The figures for the academic year 1980–81 are shown below together with the final figures for 1978–79.
| ENROLMENTS OF STUDENTS AGED 25 AND OVER | ||
| Maintained, assisted, grant-aided major establishments in England and Wales | 1978–79 | 1980–81 |
| Advanced (FT and Sandwich) | 43,293 | 42,262 |
| Non-Advanced (FT and Sandwich) | 31,910 | 26,887 |
| Advanced and Non-Advanced (PT day) | 239,540 | 219,000 (estimate) |
| Universities in Great Britain | ||
| Undergraduates | 15,572 | 18,849 |
| Postgraduates | 27,484 | 26,280 |
South African Refugees: Contributions To Un Trust Fund
asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they have reconsidered their intention to withhold a contribution to the United Nations trust fund for the education of exiles and refugees from South Africa; if so, what is to be the amount of the contribution, and how this contribution compares with those from other Governments.
Subject to parliamentary approval, Her Majesty's Government intend to contribute £50,000 to the United Nations Education and Training Programme for Southern Africa in 1982. It is not possible to say at this stage how this contribution compares with those from other Governments, as pledges to the programme are traditionally made at the annual ceremony to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination on 21st March.
Eec Budget: Uk Contribution
asked Her Majesty's Government:What progress has been made and what action is contemplated to obtain a fairer budget contribution to the EEC for the United Kingdom.
The agreement of 30th May 1980 brought reductions totalling more than £1,500 million in the United Kingdom's net contributions for 1980 and 1981. It also pledged the Community to find a more lasting solution by structural changes. Negotiations on the arrangements for 1982 and beyond are continuing in Brussels. My noble friend reported to the House on progress so far in his statement of 27th January. Foreign Ministers have now agreed to devote 23rd March, the second day of the next Foreign Affairs Council, to this subject. Before the meeting the Presidents of the council and Commission will undertake a series of bilateral contracts with the member states.
Unesco Committee On Cultural Property
asked Her Majesty's Government:What is their attitude to the recommendations of the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee for Promoting the Return of Cultural Property to its countries of origin.
In so far as the committee's recommendations refer to the need to develop museum infrastructure and technical co-operation between museums, and to curb the illicit traffic in cultural property, Her Majesty's Government support them in principle. At the same time, Her Majesty's Government maintain reservations about their practical implementation. We do not accept the principle that cultural property should be returned to its country of origin, save in the case of illicit appropriation.House adjourned at seventeen minutes before seven o'clock.