asked Her Majesty's Government: Whether they will improve the bargain offered to those who avail themselves of stamp cards to pay by instalments in advance for vehicle licence duty, TV licences and telephone bills without interest or discount for prepayment without compensation in the event of loss, theft or destruction by fire and without cash refunds for stamps purchased in excess of the amount due to be paid.

No, my Lords. Although the departments concerned with TV licences and vehicle licence duty are credited with income from the sale of stamps in advance of the normal time for payment of the bill in full, the provision of this service involves additional costs both for Post Office counter services for the supply of stamps and for administering the schemes. These costs to a very large extent offset (and sometimes exceed) the benefit derived from the earlier receipt of income. The terms on which tele- phone stamps are issued are a matter for British Telecommunications, but I understand that the same considerations apply.

asked Her Majesty's Government: When they intend to review the Northern Ireland Shops Act.

A review of the Shops Act (NI) 1946 was initiated following the announcement made in this House by my noble friend Lord Elton on 18th December 1980. The Government are now considering what action should be taken in the light of the information which the review has provided. When decisions have been taken they will be announced in due course.

asked Her Majesty's Government: Whether matters have improved or worsened since the 1976 English House Condition Survey showed that 47 per cent. of all houses in need of major rehabilitation were occupied by persons, retired, unemployed or working part-time; and that 46 per cent. of the remaining houses in this category were occupied by people on low incomes; and when similar information for 1981 will be published.

The 1981 English House Condition Survey will give the information sought by my noble friend. The results should be available by the end of this year.

asked Her Majesty's Government: What their attitude is at the Vienna talks on the mutual reduction of the opposing armed forces in Central Europe, to the proposal made by Czechoslovakia and other East European Governments for a reduction in two stages to the level of 900,000 men each, beginning with cuts in land forces by the Soviet Union of 20,000 and by the USA of 13,000, together with the mutual freezing of numerical strengths.

We will examine this proposal carefully. At first sight it would appear to contain little that is new. It essentially codifies and reiterates well-known eastern positions and ignores those which are known to be crucial to the Alliance, especially agreed data and verification. Without these a worthwhile agreement is not possible.

asked Her Majesty's Government: Whether they will take the initiative towards the resumption of talks on the limitations of military activities in the Indian Ocean which were agreed at summit level in Vienna in 1979.

The Soviet Union continues its military occupation of Afghanistan and we do not think that it would be right in present circumstances to propose the resumption of talks between the United States of America and the USSR on limiting arms in the Indian Ocean. Discussion on regional security in the area continues, however, in the United Nations Ad Hoc Committee on the Indian Ocean.

asked Her Majesty's Government: Whether, in view of the serious criticism of contracts, working conditions and practices in the BBC External Services, particularly those affecting the staff from overseas, detailed in the report presented to management jointly by the ABS and the NUJ, they will ask ACAS or other appropriate persons to conduct an inquiry into the administration at Bush House and to consider changes which may be necessary, including the series of proposals for reforms which the two unions make.

This is a matter between the BBC management and the unions concerned and it would not be appropriate for Her Majesty's Government to intervene. I understand negotiations are continuing; it is open to the interested parties to seek the assistance of ACAS if they so wish.House adjourned at seventeen minutes past ten o'clock.