asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they will publish a consultation document on the rules governing betting offices following the Betting, Gaming and Lotteries (Amendment) Act 1984.

A consultation document has been published today and a copy has been placed in the Library of the House. In addition, copies have been sent to those people who appear to have an interest in the rules governing betting offices and copies may also be obtained by writing to E3 Division, the Home Office, 50 Queen Anne's Gate, London SW1H 9AT. My right honourable friend the Home Secretary will want to look carefully at the comments received in response to the consultation document before bringing forward regulations affecting the displays which are allowed outside betting offices or an order changing the facilities which may be provided on the premises.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What is the current rate of capital gains tax in Spain and in Gibraltar.

The information requested is as follows:

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether, before reaching any decision on airport development, they will take into consideration the wishes and welfare of the millions adversely affected by the numbers and noise of aircraft landing at Heathrow.

My right honourable friend the Secretary of State for Transport and my honourable friend the Minister for Housing and Construction will reach their decisions in the light of the Inspector's report on the Airports Inquiries and all other material considerations, including the interests of those most directly affected.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they are able to make a statement on the setting up of a Committee of Inquiry into the handling of geographic information in the United Kingdom, as agreed in the Government's response (Cmnd. 9320) to the first Report of the House of Lords Select Committee on Science and Technology on

The Committee of Inquiry has now been established. Its terms of reference are:"To advise the Secretary of State for the Environment within two years on the future handling of geographic information in the United Kingdom, taking account of modern developments in information technology and of markets needs".I am pleased to announce that Lord Chorley has been appointed as chairman of the committee, and Mr. Walter Smith, who retires in March from his present position as Director General of the Ordnance Survey, is to be deputy chairman. The remaining members of the committee will be appointed shortly and the committee will begin its work in April.