asked the Secretary of State for Industry if he will make a statement about the National Enterprise Board's corporate plan, 1977 to 1981.

The board's corporate plan, 1977–81, has been reviewed and endorsed in extensive discussions with my Department. The plan re-affirms the objectives identified in the interim policy guidance which I announced in my statement of 1st December 1976 (Official Report, c. 193).The plan identifies the board's main tasks as being:

asked the Secretary of State for Industry whether he will make a statement on the future of the Shipbuilding Intervention Fund.

I have reached agreement with the EEC Commissioner for Competition on the renewal of the Shipbuilding Intervention Fund. It has been agreed between us that the fund should be used for the period to 31st December 1978, provided that the British Government satisfy the Commission case by case that the assistance to be provided is appropriately degressive and no more than necessary, and that the orders secured with the assistance of the fund are linked to the attainment of industrial restructuring objectives in accordance with Article 6 of the Fourth Directive. This agreement does not prejudge the full period of application of the intervention fund.

asked the Secretary of State for Industry how many people are directly or indirectly dependent on the bicycle industry for employment.

This information is not available. It is estimated, however, that in May 1978 13,600 persons were directly employed in the motor cycle, tricycle, and pedal cycle industry (minimum list heading 382 of the standard industrial classification).

asked the Secretary of State for Industry, pursuant to his reply to the hon. Member for Sowerby, in which he stated that 33 applications for assistance in Calderdale are under consideration, if he will qualify the total assistance represented in those 33 applications.

The 33 applications involve project costs of around £20 million: it is not possible to quantify the amount of assistance involved precisely because under some schemes it is individually negotiated, but it is likely to total around £3½ million.

asked the Secretary of State for Industry if he will make a statement about the further report on the promotion of industrial democracy within British Shipbuilders.

The report has been submitted by British Shipbuilders and I have today laid copies before each House of Parliament. The report sets out a constructive plan of action based on the establishment of local groups to be set up in each subsidiary. These groups are to prepare detailed plans for the development of industrial democracy in their companies by the end of this year. A further progress report will be submitted to me at that time.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade if the Sikorsky S-61 helicopter flying on the Heathrow-Gatwick link has been subjected to the eight-hourly inspections of the rotor blade and to tests of lugs on the sleeve of the blade spindle which were called for by the United States Federal Aviation Administration; and if he is satisfied that all safety precautions are being taken following the loss last May of a United States S-61R Sikorsky helicopter deriving from a fault in the rotor blade assemblies.

The Civil Aviation Authority is responsible for matters of airworthiness. I understand that it has endorsed the directive issued by the United States Federal Aviation Administration as well as the recommendation made by the aircraft manufacturer so as to require a special inspection of all Sikorsky S-61 helicopters on the United Kingom register. The aircraft used on the Heathrow-Gatwick link is comparatively new, but will be subjected to the special inspection procedure at the required time.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade what action he proposes to take to maintain a viable piano industry in the United Kingdom by limiting the number of pianos imported from countries outside the EEC into the United Kingdom.

There have been no imports at all into the United Kingdom from South Korea, which I understand is the source the industry is concerned about, during the whole of 1977 or in the first five months of 1978, so it is difficult to see how such a case can be put to the EEC Commission at present.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade if he will make a statement on the increased marketing of blended Japanese whisky containing malt Scotch whisky, in Australia, and the effect of this on this important future and present market for Scotch whisky.

I understand that sales of Japanese whisky in Australia are growing, but are still very small, and that some of this whisky may contain malt which has been exported from the United Kingdom to Japan. During the period January to May 1978 Japan exported to Australia 43,500 litres of whisky compared with United Kingdom Scotch exports of 7·8 million litres—converted from 1·28 million proof gallons. This export trade is amongst the matters being considered in the distilling sector working group of the economic development committee for the food and drink manufacturing industry, and is a matter ultimately for the industry to decide where the balance of its interests lies in terms of employment and sales.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade on what date he received the report of the inspectors appointed on 29th April 1977 to inquire into the affairs of the Peachey Property Companies; when he proposes to publish the report and his conclusions; and whether he will make a statement.

The inspectors have not yet reported. In accordance with normal practice, the question of publication will be considered when the report has been submitted.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade whether he has completed his review of the experimental two-year life of the National Film Development Fund.

Yes. So far about 70 projects have received loans from the fund and some have attracted production finance. I have come to the conclusion that the scheme should continue but I would wish to see its progress reviewed after a further two-yearly interval in September 1980.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade if he has come to any conclusions on the applications from the Children's Film Foundation, the British Film Institute and the National Film Institute for grants in the coming year from the money collected by the Eady levy on cinema admissions.

Yes, after receiving the advice of the Cinematograph Films Council, I have authorised the British Film Fund Agency to make payments, in the year beginning 24th September 1978, subject to the usual safeguards, up to the full amounts applied for by these bodies, which were respectively:

	£
Children's Film Foundation	574,625
British Film Institute	36,300
National Film School	180,000

asked the Secretary of State for Trade what was the total number of paid public appointments made by him in each of the last four years as recorded in the "Directory of Paid Public Appointments made by Ministers", and what was the the total cost to the public purse of these appointments in each of these years.

pursuant to his reply [Official Report, 19th July 1978; Vol. 954, c. 223], gave the following answer:The information is as follows:

	Number of paid appointments or re-appointments	Gross cost of salaries/fees paid in respect of such appointments from public funds administered by the Department of Trade during the 4-year period in question
		£
1974–75	19	16,900
1975–76	24	18,300
1976–77	25	24,900
1977–78	17	25,300

Of the bodies listed in the "Directory of Paid Public Appointments made by Ministers", the salaries and fees of Members of only seven fall on public funds administered by the Department of Trade.

asked the Minister of Overseas Development what is the purpose of the £2 million aid committed to Burma since 1st January 1978.

The purpose is to assist the development of Burma.

asked the Minister of Overseas Development what is the purpose of the £10·6 million aid committed to Portugal since 1st January 1978.

The purpose is to assist the development of Portugal.

asked the Minister of Overseas Development what is the purpose of the £6·8 mllion aid committed to Tanzania since 1st January 1978.Mrs. Hart: The purpose is to assist the development of Tanzania.

asked the Minister of Overseas Development what is the purpose of the £1·3 million aid committed to Guinea Bissau since 1st January 1978.

The purpose is to assist the development of Guinea-Bissau.

asked the Minister of Overseas Development what is the purpose of the £3 million aid committed to Malaysia since 1st January 1978.

The purpose is to assist the development of Malaysia.

asked the Minister of Overseas Development what is the purpose of the £2·28 million aid committed to Nigeria since 1st January 1978.

The purpose is to assist the development of Nigeria.

asked the Minister of Overseas Development what is the purpose of the £15 million aid committed to Sri Lanka since 1st January 1978.

The purpose is to assist the development of Sri Lanka.

asked the Minister of Overseas Development what is the purpose of the £25·5 million aid committed to Jamaica since 1st January 1978.

The purpose is to assist the development of Jamaica.

asked the Minister of Overseas Development what is the purpose of the £2·5 million aid committed to Mozambique since 1st January 1978.

The purpose is to assist the development of Mozambique.

asked the Minister of Overseas Development what is the purpose of the £3·5 million aid committed to Turkey since 1st January 1978.

The purpose is to assist the development of Turkey.

asked the Lord President of the Council how much interest has been paid on the Refreshment Department's overdraft; and at what rates for each of the years ending 1960 to 1977 inclusive.

The cost of interest on the overdraft was:

	£
1967	2,415
1968	75
1969	11
1970–71	377
1971–72	1,731
1972–73	1,854
1973–74	9,113
1974–75	23,369
1975–76	44,191
1976–77	92,437
1977–78	102,860

The Catering Sub-Committee does not think it appropriate for the rates of interest to be disclosed.NOTE. The accounts for 1970–71 cover fifteen months when the Refreshment Department went over to the national financial year—previously they were for calendar year.

asked the Lord President of the Council at what age the Government Actuary in calculating the Parliamentary pension scheme assumed that hon. Members would in fact retire.

At the last actuarial valuation of the Parliamentary Contributory Pension Fund in 1975, the Government Actuary assumed that pension benefits would be paid from age 65 in respect of younger Members of this House, and that pension benefits for Members near to or over 65 at the time of the valuation would commence at the end of the current Parliament. Similar assumptions were made in calculating costs for the various improvements in benefits incorporated in the present Parliamentary Pensions Bill. However, in the case of the proposal to allow full accrued pension to be paid from the end of a Parliament to Members under age 65 who satisfy certain conditions, it was estimated that no more than one-quarter of those eligible would take up the option.

asked the Lord President of the Council if he will make a statement on catering arrangements in the Parliamentary Press Gallery; and what are the reasons for the Catering Sub-Committee proposal to withdraw catering facilities when the House resumes in the autumn.

Discussions are still in progress as to how catering arrangements in the Parliamentary Press Gallery can best be provided. I suggest we await the outcome of these discussions.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, in view of the almost daily reports of citizens from various countries of the Arab world being found guilty of shoplifting and other crimes, whether he will tighten up on the number of persons allowed to enter Great Britain from these countries.

No. Permission to enter this country is governed by the immigration rules.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will give for the longest and most convenient period of time the number and dates when he has personally visited the detainment centres and points of entry where illegal immigrants are kept pending the investigation of their bona fides.

Illegal entrants or suspected illegal entrants are not normally detained in Immigration Service detention accommodation.My hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State visited this accommodation at Dover and Folkestone on 11th June 1976; at Heathrow airport and Harmondsworth on 22nd June 1976; at Birmingham airport on 24th March 1977; and at Stansted airport on 29th April 1977.My hon. Friend the Minister of State also intends to visit the detention accommodation at Harmondsworth in the course of a visit which he plans to make to Heathrow airport during the recess.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many persons and how many New Commonwealth citizens were prevented from entry during the past three weeks.

To obtain information for the period specified would involve disproportionate cost. In the first quarter of 1978, 2,988 people were refused entry at the ports of whom 829 were citizens of New Commonwealth countries.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many persons have been admitted into Great Britain during the past three weeks to attend the Lambeth conference of bishops.

This information is not available.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department on what date Mr. Chacon Herrero, a self-confessed and convicted rapist and robber, a native of Spain, entered Great Britain; why he was allowed to enter and remain; and whether he will give an assurance that the court's recommendation of deportation will be implemented.

On 18th May 1976 Juan Antonio Chacon Herrera was accepted for settlement by reason of marriage in 1973. The question of his deportation will be considered shortly before he is due for release.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will deport Mr. Sun Myung Moon, who has been subpoenaed to appear before the Fraser Committe in the current investigation into bribery and corruption by Korean interests connected with Mr. Moon.

Mr. Moon has entered an appeal against a refusal to extend his stay. The Immigration Act 1971 provides that he may not be required to leave the United Kingdom so long as his appeal is pending. I shall consider what action should be taken in the light of the determination of the appeal.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many cases have occurred during the last five years where persons who have been committed to mental hospitals under the provisions of the Mental Health Act following conviction for offences of violence have subsequently been released and have gone on to commit further offences of violence within 12 months of release.

I regret that the information could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many police officers are waiting for long service and good conduct medals; what is the average length of time it takes to despatch them; and what the reasons are for any delay.

3,180. Of these, 374 have been waiting for about a year; 1,283 for between six and 12 months and the remainder for less than six months. The delay has been due to technical problems in production which have now been overcome.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department which private security organisations are currently employed to protect police buildings, to transport prisoners, to guard immigrants at airports and to protect Government Departments; what is the total cost to his Department of private security organisations; what savings in police manpower this represents; and what consideration is being given to an expansion of their use.

Not all these matters come within my responsibility. When I have assembled such information as is available I shall write to the hon. Member.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, in the light of the statement of the chairman of the Equal Opportunities Commission in the July issue of "EOC News" that the Commission was accountable to him, if he will now answer questions from hon. Members on the activities of the Commission.

My right hon. Friend has always answered, and will continue to answer, Questions on those matters for which he has responsibility under the Sex Discrimination Act 1975, which established the Equal Opportunities Commission, but the Commission is responsible for the day-to-day conduct of its affairs.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many cases have occurred during the last 12 months in the Birmingham district council area of persons detained as suspected illegal immigrants but subsequently found not to be so and released; in how many such instances compensatory payments have been paid, either as a result of damages awarded as a result of legal proceedings or ex gratia; how many persons so detained received letters of apology; and how many such persons received neither damages nor apology.

The information requested in the first part of the Question is not separately available from central records, and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. Detention is authorised only after interview and where there are substantial reasons for concluding that a person entered illegally.As to compensation, I refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave to a Question by him on 30th June—[Vol. 952, c. 707]—and as I said on that occasion, the information he has sought in the last part of his Question is not separately available.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects to be in a position to make the appropriate statutory order disclosing the value of the deposit required to be lodged by any candidate for election to the European Assembly.

We hope to publish shortly draft European Assembly elections regulations, which will provide for various aspects of the conduct of these elections including the candidate's deposit. These regulations, revised as necessary in the light of consultation with the political parties and others, should be laid before Parliament for approval later in the year.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many thefts were reported at each of the airports in the United Kingdom in each year since 1974; and how many convictions followed.

The information requested is not available, and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many holders of work permits applied for renewals and were granted renewed permits in 1977.

The information requested could not be obtained without disproportionate cost.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the names and locations of all establishments in the United Kingdom at which private security organisations are responsible for the custody and detention of individuals.

At the detention centres at Harmondsworth and at Heathrow, Gatwick, Birmingham and Manchester airports, the Immigration Service exercises its responsibilities for the detention of certain persons held under the Immigration Act 1971 through orderlies employed by Securicor Ltd. under contract with the Home Office.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will introduce legislation to amend the Immigration Act 1971 so as to provide that in trials or indictments of alleged offences under this Act there may be an equal number of jurors of black and of white ethnic origin.

No.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many instances have occurred of persons detained as suspected illegal immigrants being held in prison without either being brought to trial for any alleged offence or being released from custody for periods in excess of three months; and how many of such persons have been held for periods in excess of six months.

The information requested could be compiled only at disproportionate cost, but I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave on 4th May to a Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Nelson and Colne (Mr. Hoyle).—[Vol. 949, c. 216.]

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) whether he accepts the statement in paragraph 21 of the Franks report on the Official Secrets Act that section 1 is concerned with spying;(2) whether he accepts the statement in appendix I of the Franks report on the Official Secrets Act that section 1 covers those offences popularly regarded as spying and that it does not touch the communication or publication of official information of other kinds or for other purposes.

The interpretation of the law is a matter for the courts, but my hon. Friend will see from the terms of section 1 that it is an offence, for any purpose prejudicial to the safety or interests of the State, to do certain acts which are calculated to be or might be or are intended to be directly or indirectly useful to an enemy. In the case of Chandler in 1962 the House of Lords held that the mischief aimed at in the section could not be limited to espionage.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list in full the differences between the recommendations in the Franks report and the views of the Government as set out in their recent White Paper.

The White Paper itself explains the differences between the recommendations in the Franks report and the Government's proposals.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he decided before or after the circulation of the July 1977 instructions from the then Head of the Home Civil Service to publish the Home Office document mentioned in paragraph 42 of the White Paper on the Official Secrets Act.

The decision was taken before the circulation of the letter from the Head of the Home Civil Service, but in the light of the Prime Minister's announcement on 24th November 1976 to the effect that as much as possible of the factual and analytical material used as the background to major policy studies would be published.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he favours the establishment of the kind of informal committee on classification mentioned in paragraph 25 of the White Paper on the Official Secrets Act.

The Government's position is made clear in that paragraph.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, in the course of his preparation of the White Paper on the Official Secrets Act, he commissioned any work on the operation of section 1 of the Act; and, if so, if he will publish the paper in the Official Report.

The White Paper is concerned only with the reform of section 2 of the Official Secrets Act 1911 and this follows the commitment in the Queen's Speech. I have of course informed myself about section 1 of the Act, but, as I made clear to the House in replying to supplementary questions on 19th July, I do not propose to comment on or publish any material about section 1.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the Official Secrets Acts as a whole were last reviewed by a body within the Government or a body appointed by a Government.

The Franks Committee, which reported in 1972, examined in detail section 2 of the Official Secrets Act 1911. The Committee's report included some discussion of other relevant provisions of the Official Secrets Acts. Apart from this, there has been no official review of the Official Secrets Act as a whole.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department why the Government believe, as stated in paragraph 32 of the White Paper on the Official Secrets Act, that all employees of the Post Office should be included in the definition of Crown servants to be used in the proposed Official Information Act.

For the reasons given in paragraph 211 of the Franks report.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how the Government intend to determine whether the proposals in the White Paper on the Official Secrets Act command the support which paragraph 10 of the White Paper states is necessary before the Government are ready to introduce a Bill based on the Franks report.

The Government will make their assessment in the light of all public comment on and private representations about the proposals in the White Paper.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether the first sentence of paragraph 10 of the White Paper on the Official Secrets Act means that, if criticisms are made of the proposals in the White Paper, the Government are prepared to consider legislation whose scope is wider than reform of only section 2 of the Official Secrets Act.

The Government have no present proposals for legislation going beyond the reform of section 2. Our position on freedom of information legislation is summarised in paragraphs 48 and 49 of the White Paper. We shall, of course, consider any proposals for wider legislation that are made to us.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether there are any misprints in the texts of the Official Secrets Acts 1911–1939.

We are aware of the misprint in section 7 of the 1920 Act which is referred to on page 115 of the Franks report (Cmnd. 5104). If my hon. Friend thinks there are further misprints I shall be interested to hear of them.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department for which offences under the Official Secrets Act there is a power of arrest without a warrant.

There is a power of arrest without warrant for any offence under the Official Secrets Acts 1911 to 1939.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department under which sections of the Official Secrets Act individuals are bound to give information even if it is self-incriminating.

Under section 6 of the Official Secrets Act 1920, as amended, the police may, with the permission of a Secretary of State except in cases of great emergency, require anyone believed to be in possession of information about the commission of an offence under section 1 of the Official Secrets Act 1911 to furnish that information. Under section 7 of the 1911 Act, as amended, it is an offence for anyone who knowingly harbours or allows to meet on his premises persons whom he knows or has reasonable grounds for supposing to have committed, or are about to commit, an offence under the Official Secrets Acts, wilfully to omit or refuse to disclose to the police information concerning such persons.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department under which sections of the Official Secrets Act the courts have jurisdiction outside the United Kingdom.

Under section 10 of the Official Secrets Act 1911, courts in the United Kingdom have jurisdiction to try offences against the Official Secrets Act committed elsewhere. The extent of that jurisdiction depends on the nationality of the offender, the place where the offence was committed and, in some cases, the official position of the offender. Orders in Council made under section 11 of the 1911 Act may disapply the Act or part of it in a British possession whose law makes corresponding provision.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department for which offences under the Official Secrets Acts the courts have the power to hear any proceedings in camera.

The court may order the public or a portion of the public to be excluded from proceedings for any offence under the Official Secrets Acts 1911 and 1920 if an application is made by the prosecution on the ground that the publication of any evidence to be given or statement to be made in the course of the proceedings would be prejudicial to the national safety. Sentence, however, must be passed in open court.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he will seek to amend the Official Secrets Acts to ensure that in a prosecution it is necessary to show that the accused person was guilty of a particular act tending to show a purpose prejudicial to the safety or interests of the State;

I have no present plans to amend the Official Secrets Acts beyond those set out in the recently published White Paper (Cmnd. 7285).

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what is the maximum sentence for a single offence under the Official Secrets Act;(2) what is the maximum sentence given to a single person convicted under the Official Secrets Act.

The maximum penalty which may be imposed on conviction of an offence under section 1 of the Official Secrets Act 1911 or section 7 of the Official Secrets Act 1920 is 14 years' imprisonment. Since 1st January 1964, the earliest date for which records are readily available, the most severe sentence given to a single person for offences under the Official Secrets Act was 14 years' imprisonment for one count and seven years' imprisonment for a second count, the sentences to run consecutively.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if, further to his remarks in the Official Report, 19th July 1977, column 546, that only two or three people in Ormskirk would be concerned about open government, he can now state how many representations he has received to date on the matter from people living in the Ormskirk constituency.

From when I became Home Secretary to 31st July, four, two from the Ormskirk Constituency Labour Party. Of these, three were written after I made my statement on 19th July.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department why two Irish prisoners, Eddie Butler and Hugh Doherty, have now been in solitary confinement since 28th February 1978; when these prisoners will be taken out of solitary confinement and put back into normal prison routine; and why they are being held in punishment conditions despite the fact that they have not been the subject of any internal prison disciplinary procedure.

Mr. Butler and Mr. Doherty are two of five prisoners who were moved out of the special security wing at Leicester Prison on 28th February while its security is being strengthened. All five prisoners are being held in local prisons where, for the maintenance of good order and discipline, they are being kept apart from other prisoners under the provisions of prison rule 43. I cannot say when they will be returned to their normal location, but it is not likely to be for some months.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if his Department is yet in a position to reply to the letters of 14th June and 6th July from the hon. Member for Braintree concerning the immigration position of Mrs. Ananther.

My hon. Friend the Minister of State wrote to the hon. Member on 31st July.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department why Mrs. Iris Mills has been held in solitary confinement for six weeks in Brixton Prison.

Mrs. Mills is charged with conspiracy to cause explosions and, in view of the nature and circumstances of the alleged offence, is being provisionally held in security category A. Brixton Prison is the only establishment in the south-east of England which can accommodate female prisoners in this category, and Mrs. Mills is the only one there at present.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will extend the experimental scheme of £20 a week for employers who employ workers who have been out of a job for a year or more to include Sunderland.

It would not be feasible to include Sunderland within the adult employment subsidy experiment because of the lack of other suitable comparable areas with which to make the comparisons on which the experiment is based. I intend to consider the possibility of extension of the scheme to other areas in the light of the outcome of the experiment.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what is the present unemployment level in Greater London; and what plans he has to increase employment opportunities in the Greater London council area.

On 6th July the unemployment rate for Greater London was 4·1 per cent. The special employment measures introduced by my Department and the Manpower Services Commission have so far helped over 33,000 people in Greater London and are being further developed by the introduction of the youth opportunities programme and the special temporary employment programme. The recently extended small firms employment subsidy will be of value in promoting employment opportunities in the three inner city partnership areas of London.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what is the total number of people employed in Great Britain to the latest available date; and what was the comparable figure for 1st March 1974.

At March 1978, the latest date for which estimates are available, the number of employees in employment in Great Britain, seasonally adjusted, was 22,180,000 compared with 22,214,000 in March 1974.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment in which other European Economic Community country unemployment has risen faster than in the United Kingdom; and in which it is now at a higher level than in March 1974.

Between March 1974, and March 1978, unemployment rose at a faster rate in Belgium, Denmark, France and Luxembourg. The level of unemployment is now higher in every EEC country than it was in March 1974.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what recent representations he has received on the subject of wage differentials between United Kingdom regions as they affect people undertaking the same employment.

None.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what further measures his Department is considering to increase job opportunities between now and 31st December 1978; and if he will make a statement.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment, in the light of the latest unemployment figures published on 18th July, what action he intends to take to reduce unemployment.

The special measures are continuing to develop and should be assisting over 400,000 people by March 1979—100,000 more than at present. Expansion will take place in the youth opportunities programme and the special temporary employment programme, for which targets of 130,000 and 25,000 places respectively have been set, and in the job release scheme and the small firms employment subsidy, whose extended coverage my right hon. Friend announced on 15th March. Special consideration is being given to the problem of long-term unemployment and to the response to the consultative document "Compensation for Shore-time Working".

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what is the current rate of unemployment for school leavers in the Southend travel-to-work area.

Figures for July 1978 show that there were 1,917 school leavers aged under 18 registered as unemployed in the Southend travel-to-work area. It is not possible to calculate the rate of unemployment amongst school leavers.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will give the latest convenient figures for comparisons of average wages in East Anglia, South West England and Scotland.

The latest available estimates of average weekly earnings relate to October 1977 and manual workers in manufacturing and certain other industries covered by my Department's regular survey.

AVERAGE WEEKLY EARNINGS OF FULL-TIME MANUAL WORKERS, OCTOBER 1977 IN MANUFACTURING AND CERTAIN OTHER INDUSTRIES
Region	Men aged 21 and over	Women aged 18 and over
	£	£
East Anglia	70·16	44·20
South-West England	68·03	44·77
Scotland	73·53	45·84

The non-manufacturing industries covered are construction, mining (other than coal) and quarrying, gas, electricity and water supply, some transport industries, certain miscellaneous services and public administration. Industries not covered include agriculture, coalmining, railways, distribution and catering.Differences in average earnings between regions include the effects of different occupational and industrial structures. The figures therefore do not give a precise indication of earnings for comparable work in different regions.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many men over 60 years of age are in full-time employment.

From the latest available figures it is estimated that in 1976 in the United Kingdom about 1 million male employees aged 60 and over were working full-time.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many textile workers in the North-West have lost their jobs in the last 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the prospects for the industry.

No comprehensive records are kept of those leaving the textiles industry, but I am informed by the Manpower Services Commission that notifications to it indicate a provisional 4,935 redundancies as being due to occur in the industry in the north-west region during the 12 months to June 1978. The new arrangements for low-cost imports negotiated under the Multi-Fibre Arrangement should go a long way towards providing the United Kingdom textiles industry with greater security in the future, but ultimately this industry's difficulties will not be cured until there is a sustained improvement in demand for its products.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment whether he will make a statement on the future trend of unemployment.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will make a statement on the future trend of unemployment.

The future course of unemployment will depend on the extent to which international discussions lead to an expansion of world trade, on our success in bringing down our rates of inflation and, on the ability of our manufacturing firms to compete effectively.We expect the impact of our special employment and training measures to increase this year, but this will depend on the response of employers, trade unionists and project sponsors in supporting the new youth opportunities programme and special temporary employment programme.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment on what criteria Merseyside, Tyneside and Leeds were chosen for the adult employment subsidy.

The aim of the adult employment subsidy is to run a small experiment to test the effectiveness of a subsidy in increasing the employment prospects of those unemployed for a year or more. The areas which have been selected are those in which over the last few years, the employment prospects for the long term unemployed have been comparable to those in other areas, so that any deviation is likely to be the result of the effects of the subsidy. The subsidy is being tried in areas with different levels of unemployment to assess the extent to which the effectiveness of the subsidy may vary with the level of unemployment.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will give the average years at work, length of the working week, earnings and the

Country		Length of working week (hours) 1976 (1)	Average gross hourly earnings 1976 (1)		Percentage of total population in civilian employment 1976
United Kingdom	…	42(a)	£	1·42(8)	44
West Germany	…	42(c)	DM	10·6(8)	40
France	…	42(c)	Fr	13·9(8)	39
Italy	…	42(c)	Lira	1,700(6)(a)	34
Netherlands	…	41(c)	G	11·1(8)	33
Belgium	…	39(c)	BFr	163(8)	38
Luxembourg	…	40(c)	LFr	184(8)	42
Ireland	…	42(c)(2)	£	1·27(3)(5)	32
Denmark	…	34(a)(2)	Kr	34·6(8)	46
United States	…	40(b)(3)	$	5·19	41
Canada	…	39(b)(3)	$	5·76(3)	42
Japan	…	40(a)(3)(4)	Yen	184,000(3)(4)(7)	47(12)
Austria	…	34 (a)(2)	ֵ		39(12)
Finland	…	38(a)(2)	Mk	13·4(2)(6)	45
Spain	…	ֵ	Ptas	136(3)(4)	35
Sweden	…	ֵ	Kr	27(3)(5)(10)	50(12)
Switzerland	…	44(b)(3)	F	10·5 (3)	44(11)
Greece	…	42(b)(3)	Dr	44·7(3)	ֵ
New Zealand	…	39 (b)(3)	$	2·91(3)(4)	39(11)
Sources:
Eurostat: Hourly Earnings—Hours of Work.
International Labour Office: Yearbook of Labour Statistics.
OECD: Labour Force Statistics.
Notes:
ֵ Not available.
(a) Hours worked.
(b) Hours paid for.
(c) Hours offered.
(1) Manual workers (male and female) in mining and quarrying, construction and manufacturing industries.
(2) Excluding construction.
(3) Manufacturing only.
(4) Including salaried employees.
(5) Including juveniles.
(6) Including values of payments in kind.
(7) Including family allowances and end of year bonuses.
(8) October.
(9) April.
(10) 2nd quarter.
(11) 1975.
(12) Including armed forces.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what response he has given to the TUC in respect of their demand for the early establishment of a 35-hour working week; and

The figures given are not fully comparable, owing to differences in definitions, coverage and methods of compilation, the most important of which are indicated in the footnotes. In addition, international comparisons of the earnings statistics are not meaningful unless account is taken of, first, differences in taxation and social benefits, and, secondly, differences in internal purchasing power which are not reflected by market exchange rates.how many new jobs would be created if it were implemented immediately.

The Government have set out their views on reduction of the working week in the White Paper "Winning the Battle Against Inflation". As for the effect on employment, I have nothing to add to the reply which my right hon. Friend gave earlier today to the hon. Member for Bromsgrove and Redditch (Mr. Miller).

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will ensure that the review to be carried out by the Manpower Services Commission will provide the district manpower committees with clear and positive objectives as well as adequate resources with which to tackle more effectively the problems of youth employment at local level.

I am informed by the Manpower Services Commission that the review of district manpower committees is still in progress and that no firm recommendations are likely to be put to the Commission for consideration before the end of the year. Questions of objectives, resources and responsibilities in relation to youth employment will certainly be covered by the review.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what assessment he has made of the effects of recent employment protection legislation on recruitment by small firms.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what assessment he has made of the effects of recent employment protection legislation on recruitment by small firms.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will make a statement on the effect of the employment protection legislation passed in the present Parliament in possibly deterring employers, particularly small ones, from employing people.

The recent report by the Policy Studies Institute "The Impact of Employment Protection Laws" indicated that in general employment protection legislation is not having a significant effect on recruitment. That report covered establistments with between 50 and 5,000 employees in manufacturing industry. The effect of the legislation on smaller independent firms in the sample was not significantly different from that on larger firms. Research has also been commissioned to examine in particular the effects of employment legislation on firms with fewer than 50 employees.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what is the level of unemployment in the Coventry travel-to-work area by comparison to that of assisted areas; and what steps are being considered to adjust the levels of assistance.

At July 1978 the unemployment rate in the Coventry travel-to-work area was 7·3 per cent.; at the same date the average rate for the Assisted Areas of Great Britain was 8·3 per cent. No further steps are currently being considered to adjust the levels of assistance of the special employment measures introduced by my Department to reduce the impact of the world recession on unemployment.Coventry has received particular assistance through these measures, which have so far helped over 6,000 people in the area, and this assistance will be further developed through the implementation of the youth opportunities programme and the special temporary employment programme.Coventry has also benefited substantially from the help given by the Government under section 8 of the Industry Act, with offers of £3·2 million for 22 projects in the area. The assistance provided by the Government to British Leyland and Chrysler UK has done much to secure employment in Coventry.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what proposals the Government have to deal with the skill shortages in the microelectronics industry in line with recommendations of the Electronic Components Sector Working Party; and what estimates have been made of the effect that the National Enterprise Board's major investments in this field will have on those shortages.

The Department, in co-operation with the Manpower Services Commission and other Departments, is reviewing the whole situation urgently. I am taking steps to ensure that the proposals from industrial training boards in response to the MSC document "Training for Skills" will pay particular attention to the demands created by the development of microelectronics. I understand that NEDO is considering commissioning some further research to follow up the sector working party's report.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what criteria must be satisfied before employment grants under the temporary employment scheme are made available to sporting teams and cultural organisations.

The temporary employment subsidy scheme covers all private sector employment in industry and commerce. Provided they are registered companies, these organisations are treated like any other commercial enterprise if they apply for TES to defer an impending redundancy. The conditions which have to be satisfied are set out in explanatory leaflet PL610, a copy of which is in the Library of the House.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment whether he has commissioned a survey on the effect of employment legislation upon job availability amongst firms employing 50 or fewer workers; if so, by when he has invited it to report; and whether he will undertake to publish any such report.

I refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave yesterday to a Question from the hon. Member for Woking (Mr. Onslow).

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will state for each year since 1970 the unemployment figures expressed as a percentage for January and July for the United Kingdom, the south-west region, the south-west assisted area, and the following employment exchange districts: Bodmin, Liskeard-Looe, the Saltash and Torpoint sections of the Plymouth travel-to-work are and the Gunnislake section of the Tavistock exchange area.

I will reply to the hon. Member as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment (1) if he will take steps to intervene in the proposed closure of Seel House Press, Liverpool, pending an inquiry into its affairs and use of Government financial assistance;(2) if he will make a statement on the redundancies notified arising from the proposed closure of Seel House Press, Liverpool, details of which have been sent to him by the hon. Member for Liverpool, Scotland Exchange.

I will reply to my hon. Friend as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment (1) what is the total number of job vacancies currently registered in the Bedfordshire, South parliamentary constituency; and what was the figure in February 1974;(2) what is the latest number of unemployed males and females registered in the Bedfordshire, South parliamentary constituency; and what were the comparable figures in February 1974.

I will reply to the hon. Member as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will seek to co-ordinate the methods used by the various Departments in calculating distant islands allowances for groups of workers for which they are responsible.

I will reply to the right hon. Gentleman as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment whether, pursuant to his Written Answer to the hon. Member for Essex, South-East Official Report, 17th July, columns 30–1, he will reconsider the remit of the new Railway Industry Advisory Committee set up by the Health and Safety Commission so that it should consider both ways of improving health and safety of workers engaged in the industry and the protection of the public at large from railway hazards, and should in consequence include representatives of the travelling public such as rail travellers associations.

I will reply to the hon. Member as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what is the present unemployment level in Blackpool and the Fylde; and what steps he is taking to reduce unemployment.

On 6th July 1978 there were 7,020 persons registered as unemployed in the Blackpool travel-to-work area. This represents an unemployment percentage rate of 6·5 per cent. The Government's special employment and training measures, which have so far benefited over 3,000 persons in the Blackpool travel-to-work area and over 788,000 in Great Britain as a whole, continue to be available to reduce unemployment. In the coming months, the development of the youth opportunities programme and the special temporary employment programme and the recent extension of the small firms employment subsidy will all provide further help.In addition, as an assisted area, Blackpool will continue to benefit from the regional incentives available under the Industry Act to encourage investment and stimulate employment.In the longer term, the success of the Government's industrial strategy and the reduction of inflation will bring about the conditions in which unemployment can be brought down and kept down, both in Blackpool and in the rest of the country.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many applications for work permits have been received to date in 1978; and how many have been granted.

The most recent figures available are those for the first quarter of 1978, during which my Department dealt with 4,712 applications for work permits for foreign and Common- wealth workers overseas and for permission to take employment for those already here. Of these applications, 4,146 resulted in a permit being issued or permission given.The figures do not include foreign student employees or Commonwealth employees or Commonwealth trainees for whom permits were issued or permission given for temporary periods and who are not allowed to take permanent employment.An analysis of statistics of work permits by country issuing the passports of overseas workers for the first six months of 1978 will be published when available in the

asked the Secretary of State for Employment whether, in the light of the Flixborough disaster experience, pipes buried in the ground were fractured in addition to above-ground damage, he will direct the Health and Safety Executive to make a special study of the pipe systems on the oil refinery sites on Canvey Island for which planning permission has been given.