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Written Answers
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Mr. Luce: We believe that the circumstances of Hong Kong are unique and should be reflected in a unique status. There are also reasons why British overseas citizenship would not be an "appropriate status" within the terms of the United Kingdom memorandum. For example, British overseas citizenship may be acquired at any time by registration, but the United Kingdom memorandum imposes time limits on the acquisition of the new status. The benefits to be accorded to holders of the proposed new status of "British National (Overseas)” are still under detailed consideration and will be subject to parliamentary approval. The Government intend, however, that they should be broadly the same as those enjoyed by British dependent territories citizens, except for transmissibility. This means that there are unlikely to be major differences under United Kingdom law in the benefits enjoyed by holders of the proposed British national (overseas) status and the existing British overseas citizenship.
TRANSPORT
Stage Carriage Bus Services
Mr. Caborn asked the Secretary of State for Transport how many applications for road service licences to run stage carriage bus services have been made in the last two years for which figures are available; and how many of these applications have been refused.
Mr. David Mitchell: In 1982-83 2,005 applications were made for new road service licences (excluding renewals and excursions and tours). Three hundred and fifty-one applications were opposed of which 104 were withdrawn following objection and 18 refused. The comparable figures for 1983-84 were 1,885, 319, 93 and 7.
Felixstowe Dock and Railway Bill
Mr. Weetch asked the Secretary of State for Transport whether he has made any study of the navigational implications of the provisions contained in the Felixstowe Dock and Railway Bill.
Mr. David Mitchell Before making its report on the Bill in due course, the Government will consider all its aspects, including those affecting navigation.
Railway Closures
Mr. Pavitt asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will introduce legislation to enable all objectors appearing before transport users' consultative committees in connection with railway closures to be represented by counsel; and if he will make a statement.
Mr. David Mitchell: There is nothing in the present law to prevent the chairman of a transport user's consultative committee allowing objectors to be represen- ted by counsel when public hearings into rail passenger closure proposals are held, and I understand that some chairman already do so.
Severn Bridge (Tolls)
Mr. Roy Hughes asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will now announce his decision, following the commissioners' report, about the proposal to increase toll charges on the Severn Bridge.
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Written Answers
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552
Mrs. Chalker: As I explained to the hon. Member in my reply of 3 December 1984 at column 32, the inspector's report is being considered. The decision will be announced as soon as possible.
Road Signs
Mr. Forth asked the Secretary of State for Transport what is the annual cost of maintenance of road signs for the years 1980 to 1984.
Mrs. Chalker: The cost of maintaining road signs is not recorded as a separate item. However, the total costs of routine maintenance of permanent road signs, traffic signals, pedestrian crossings and motorway communica- tions equipment in England in the financial years 1980-81 to 1982-83 were as follows:
£ million
1980-81
1981-82
1982-83
Motorways and
trunk roads
5.125
5.792
6.596
32-758
37.924
40.672
37.883
43.716
47.268
Local authority
roads
Total
Final figures for 1983-84 are not yet available.
Maritime Research Projects and Studies
Mr. Prescott asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list the research projects and studies on maritime issues which are currently under commission by his Department, their purpose, the organisations which are carrying out the work, and the costs.
Mr. David Mitchell: The total value of research under commission during the present financial year is £3.281 million. I shall write to the hon. Member giving information about individual projects.
ENVIRONMENT
Urban Development (Leeds)
Dr. Hampson asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what urban development grant schemes have been approved for Leeds; at what cost to public funds; and how much private investment they have generated.
Sir George Young: Six projects in Leeds are the subject of current offers of urban development grant. The estimated public expenditure is £5 million and this will lever an estimated £9.9 million of private investment. Three other offers of UDG have not been taken up. The six projects are as follows:
Construction of 45 low cost houses and flats for sale at Hill street, Beeston (UDG £158,000; total project cost £1,023,000). Refurbishment of difficult-to-let local authority housing on the Raynville estate to provide 238 flats for sale and 49 new houses (UDG £2,311,000; total project cost £6,700,000).
Construction of four shop units at Chapeltown road (UDG £96,000; total project cost £267,000).
Provision of 85,000 sq ft of industrial space at Balm and Beza roads (UDG £1,349,000; total project cost £3,335,000).
Conversion to provide premises at Nineveh road for an expanding catering business (UDG £109,000; total project cost £257,000).
Conversion and construction to provide 120 dwellings for assured tenancies and sale at Crown point bridge (UDG £942,000, English heritage grant £60,000, total project cost £3,409,000).
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