Written Answers
Legislation: Procedure Of Production
asked Her Maiesty's Government:Which (if any) of the three stages in the evolution of a statutory provision referred to in their Answer of 30th July 1985 (col. 260) involves the employment of (
a) secretarial services: ( b) typewriting; ( c) word processing; ( d) printing.
Practice varies, but the need for these services could arise at all stages of the evolution of a statutory provision.
Water Rates: Increases
asked Her Majesty's Government:What has been the percentage increase on water rates over the last five and 10 years.
The average household water bill in England and Wales rose by 43·1 per cent. between 1981–2 and 1985–6 (13·7 per cent. in real terms) and 147·6 per cent. between 1976–7 and 1985–6 (7·5 per cent. in real terms). For the rest of the United Kingdom, I will ask the Secretaries of State for Scotland and Northern Ireland to write to the noble Lord.
Local Authority Grant Related Expenditure Assessments
asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they will make a statement about grant related expenditure assessments for local authorities in England in 1986–87.
In response to requests from the local authority associations and many individual authorities, my right honourable friend the Secretary of State for the Environment has sent to all local authorities in England details of their provisional GREs for 1986–87. Copies have been placed in the Library. For the first time authorities have information about GREs some six weeks in advance of the RSG settlement.
Hms "Hermes"
asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they will initiate a feasibility study with the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Defence Heritage Project to see whether HMS "Hermes" could become one of the ships in their naval museum.
HMS "Hermes", while no longer required for Royal Navy service, is a fine ship with many years of life ahead of her. She is therefore being offered for sale abroad for further service. The proposal referred to by the noble Lord does not therefore arise.
Council Of Cypriot Associations: Reply To Letter
asked Her Majesty's Government:What reply has been given to the letter of 9th October addressed to the Prime Minister by the Council of Cypriot Associations (UK).
A reply was sent to the Council of Turkish Cypriot Associations on 16th October 1985.
Hong Kong: Annual Report
asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether a decision has been taken on the form of the annual report on Hong Kong, and the date on which it is to be laid before Parliament.
Yes. The first annual report on Hong Kong will be published as a White Paper and we hope to lay it before Parliament in December.