Parliamentary Questions - Written Replies

DEFENCE: A pounds 60m contract with Westland Helicopters Ltd for six new Sea King MK3 helicopters was signed yesterday, Jonathan Aitken, Minister for Defence Procurement, said.

UNEMPLOYMENT: The administrative costs of paying unemployment benefit for the years 1987-88 to 1990-91 were pounds 166m, pounds 172m, pounds 176m and pounds 182m, Alistair Burt, Under- Secretary, Department of Social Security, said.

MAGISTRATES: The political allegiances of magistrates in the Borough of Sandwell are: Conservative 158, Labour 97, Liberal Democrat 26, Independent and not known, 29, John Taylor, Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department, said. The Lord Chancellor has asked the West Bromwich Advisory Committee to seek new appointments to improve the political balance.