asked the Minister of Works what will be the cost to his Department of the lease of State House, Holborn; and what efforts were made, before this lease was taken, to find accommodation farther from the centre of London.

It is not my policy to publish details of commercial transactions such as leases. My Department has recently taken the leases of several office buildings outside the central London area, but the principal Departments which are to occupy State House, Holborn, could not have been accommodated further from the centre without serious loss of efficiency.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think, in view of the general concern about congestion in London, that further consideration ought to have been given to a Ministry not adding to it? In these circumstances, are we not entitled to know how much the Ministry is going to pay?

No, Sir. I do not think that the hon. Gentleman's first point has anything to do with knowing about the price. The answer to his main contention is that one must take into account the efficiency factor, and we were satisfied in this case that the D.S.I.R., which is one of the main occupants, would lose efficiency if it were not in this part of central London.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that the Government have built around London a number of new towns as part of the Government's programme for dispersing population and that these new towns are very anxious to have Government office accommodation? Does it not make nonsense of the Government's policy in planning the dispersal of population not to encourage Government Departments to go to the new towns instead of congesting the centre of London?

Where Government Departments are to go out, which in many cases is thoroughly desirable, it means that there would be no loss in the efficient working of the Departments, but clearly it would be against the public interest if one dispersed when concentration led to greater efficiency.

The Minister says that it is not his policy to give prices of this kind, but if the Public Accounts Committee were to ask him he would have to provide the information, would he not?

All I know is that if I am asked by the hon. Gentleman I must say what the policy is. I am sure that it would be highly undesirable and would prejudice the public interest if the details of commercial transactions such as this were divulged. It would put both parties to such a transaction at a hopeless disadvantage. We could not do as well for the public in the market as we can under present conditions.

asked the Minister of Works what steps he proposes to take, in consultation with the other Departments concerned, to stagger working hours of officials at State House so that the movement of those employed there will not increase unduly the rush-hour congestion at Holborn station.

The Department of Scientific and Industrial Research will be the major occupant of State House. I understand it will be discussing with other occupying Departments arrangements for securing a reasonable staggering of the times of arrival and departure of all staff to be accommodated in this building. I understand also that the hours of attendance of staff in the headquarters of the Department are already staggered.

What reason has the D.S.I.R. for being in the centre of London? Of all the administrative bodies, surely this is the one which could be most easily dispersed and which it is desirable to disperse?

I tried to answer that point on the supplementary questions which were put to me on the last Question. This Question concerns the staggering of hours.

asked the Minister of Works how many grace and favour residences come within his control; and how much his Department has spent on them in each of the last ten years.

I am responsible for repair and maintenance of the structure and services, and for modernisation on change of occupation, at 140 grace and favour residences. Over the last ten years, the total expenditure on them by my Department has averaged about £24,000 a year.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how many occupants of such residences pay rents, and can he provide information in the OFFICIAL REPORT giving such rents as are currently being paid?

That is a different Question, but, in fact, I think I can help the hon. Gentleman by telling him that occupants of these residences are responsible for costs of decoration during occupation and for running their services—hot water, heating, gas and so on—and also for a contribution in lieu of rates.

Would it be of any use hon. Members applying for one of these grace and favour residences?

The right hon. Gentleman could always try and see what happens.

Not on this Question.

I must emphasise that this is not part of my responsibility, Mr. Speaker.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs whether, in view of housing needs, he will give an assurance that he will not sanction the use of planning powers by the Central Electricity Generating Board to prevent the erection of caravan sites in the vicinity of their generating stations.

The Central Electricity Generating Board has no powers to control development near its generating stations. This is a matter for the local planning authorities. My right hon. Friend and my right hon. Friend the Minister of Power are, however, arranging that they should both be consulted by the local planning authorities before permission for certain kinds of development near nuclear power stations is given.

There seems to be a farcical situation growing up here. Will my hon. Friend look into it? The board is buying out potential caravan sites near nuclear power stations. Is it not high time that there was a reappraisal of planning, building and normal development near these sorts of structure?

I must repeat that the Electricity Generating Board has no power of control in the planning sense. Control rests with the planning authorities. My right hon. Friend proposes to give some guidance to planning authorities on the matter in the near future.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs whether there exists any arrangement for regular meetings of the Easington Rural District Council and the Peterlee Parish Council with the Peterlee Corporation on matters concerning the new town in which the local authorities have an interest; and if he is aware that the Corporation has refused to meet the Peterlee Parish Council.

My right hon. Friend understands that meetings with the development corporation or their officers are arranged quite frequently to discuss questions connected with the functions of either council. He understands, however, that the corporation considers it inappropriate to discuss rent policy with the parish council, and on this he is disposed to agree with the Corporation.

Apart from consultations on rent policy, which, after all, concern the parish council as an elected body, is the hon. Gentleman aware that my information is that the parish council has frequently approached the corporation for consultations on important matters but the corporation has refused to see it? Will the hon. Gentleman suggest to his right hon. Friend that he might advise the corporation, in the interests of good relations in the area, that it might see the parish council when it asks?

If that is so, my right hon. Friend will consider the matter. However, my information is that there have been five meetings of officers with the parish council in the past year and a number of more infrequent informal meetings before that. I will look into the matter.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs if he will state the price paid to Mr. James Lee in 1957 by the Crawley Development Corporation in respect of 174 acres of property known as Little Buckswood Farm; what has been the cost of developing this land since that date; what was the price obtained for it when it was recently sold for building purposes by the development corporation; if he will make a statement about the size of the profit made.

When Mr. Lee served a notice on the corporation requiring it to buy all his land it paid him £13,500 for the freehold of 179 acres plus £711 for loss of crops, tenant right and other disturbance. The combined cost to the corporation of buying and developing this particular area is estimated at about £4,500 per acre. My right hon. Friend does not think it right to disclose the price paid by a private builder for the 31 acres recently sold by the corporation because he thinks the builder is entitled to regard this as confidential. I can, however, say that the element of profit to the corporation was very modest.

Why does my hon. Friend seek to conceal this figure from the House? Surely it is right for us to know whether the profit is modest or not. Further, does he appreciate that it is commonly considered in Crawley that those who helped the Crawley Development Corporation and made no trouble received far less compensation than those who dug in their heels and eventually had to be winkled out? Will my hon. Friend consider the matter again and ensure that justice is done?

I understand the strong feelings about this in any case of purchase by a new town corporation, but this was a commercial transaction, and the development corporation is obliged to get the best market price. I was able to assure my hon. Friend that in this case the element of profit was very modest. With regard to my hon. Friend's allegation that a different price was paid to those people who co-operated from that which was paid to those who did not co-operate so freely with the Crawley Development Corporation, I assure him that the corporation must take the advice of the district valuer, and his advice is bound to be of the same order in each case, whatever the character of the transaction.

Would the hon. Gentleman tell us why only a small profit was made? The development corporation added enormously to the value of this land by its efforts and not by the farmers' efforts. Why is it inhibited from taking the value which it has created?

The development corporation is not inhibited. In this case, evidently, it happened that the cost of making the land available was not very much below the market value of the land when sold.

Since the Government's lack of policy has turned buying and selling land into a lottery, is it not gratifying that occasionally a public corporation wins some of the prizes?

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs what steps he took, before granting planning permission for the development of an open space on the Regina Crescent estate, Newstead, to ascertain the views of the owners of other land on the estate.

My right hon. Friend was informed by the local authority that adjoining owners were likely to object to development of the land, and he took this into account before reaching his decision.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that under the procedure followed in this case under Section 19 of the Act there was no opportunity for the house owners on adjoining land, who had been led to believe that this open space would be permanently retained as such, to cross-examine witnesses or to present their objections to the Ministry inspector? As the Minister must have made his decision without being in possession of all the facts, will he reconsider the matter?

The answer to the last part of the hon. Gentleman's supplementary question is, "No, Sir". The question before my right hon. Friend was whether the land would be capable of reasonably beneficial use to the owner. As a result of a hearing of the two parties, he was satisfied that it was not. Therefore, he had only to decide whether, bearing in mind the known attitude of the neighbours—and their attitude was known—he should allow some beneficial use or force the local authority, which did not want to buy the land, to purchase it.

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the hon. Gentleman's reply, I give notice that I shall seek to raise the matter on the Adjournment.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs what action he proposes to take to assist local authorities in the capital expenditure involved in comprehensive urban renewal.

My right hon. Friend is not clear that local authorities should require any assistance for this purpose over and above that given.

Does the hon. Gentleman realise that many schemes will not be as comprehensive nor satisfactory from the traffic and social planning points of view as they should be unless local authorities have financial help with the initial acquisition and development of these schemes? Has the Minister yet examined the possibility of making loans available with the payment of interest suspended for the initial period?

The hon. Lady should remember that the taxpayer is already providing considerable help for comprehensive development through the general grant and through assistance to housing, particularly where the sites are expensive, and by way of a contribution to classified roads. In addition, the local authorities can expect to get a good price from letting the bulk of the development put up in comprehensive redevelopment. However, my right hon. Friend is considering the whole of this complex matter and is looking at all the ideas. I did not mention the question of deferring interest because I did not think that, although it might be helpful in many cases, it was the sort of assistance which the hon. Lady had in mind.

Is my hon. Friend aware that, finance apart, there is overwhelming evidence of the need for more guidance in this matter by a number of local authorities? Are any steps being taken to issue such guidance on consultation with the principal authorities concerned for central redevelopment?

Yes, Sir. My right right hon. Friend is studying this subject in conjunction with his right hon. Friends most directly concerned in order to provide guidance to local authorities who are constantly consulting his Department and are therefore receiving guidance continuously. But he has in mind more formal methods of guidance in due course when these consultations are complete.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that, even if he does not appreciate that local authorities need assistance, the Civic Trust does appreciate it? Is he further aware that one of the problems is that, if a local authority is to plan redevelopment prudently, it must lock up its resources for a long time and therefor it needs assistance?

The ideas of the Civic Trust in this field are particularly being studied by my right hon. Friend.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs how many local authorities have now made representations to him with regard to the Report of the Royal Commission on Local Government in Greater London; and what have been his replies.

One hundred and twenty-three local authorities have made representations. They have been told that their views will be taken into account in the Government's consideration of the Royal Commission's Report.

In view of the far-reaching and controversial nature of the Commission's Report, should not there be an opportunity of a debate on the Floor of the House to ascertain the views of hon. Members before the Minister comes to a decision on the Report?

I will refer that point to my right hon. Friend.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs if he is aware of the special problem confronting certain local authorities in areas where the National Coal Board owns housing estates and has recently decided to issue notices to quit to tenants who have left the mining industry; and if he will convene a conference composed of representatives of his Department, the National Coal Board, and local authorities concerned, for the purpose of working out a concerted policy to deal with the problem.

The hon. Member is no doubt referring to the position in the Newcastle-under-Lyme area about which he has recently written to my right hon. Friend. No representations have been received from the local authorities concerned, but my right hon. Friend is looking into the matter further and will be writing to the hon. Member very shortly.

Will the hon. Gentleman take note of the fact that he will be certainly receiving representations from local authorities which have not written yet because they do not know the size of the problem? However, it is clear that the problem is exceptional and that it might have the effect of considerably putting back the housing lists in such localities. Will the hon. Gentleman therefore consider the matter urgently and sympathetically?

I appreciate the hon. Gentleman's concern on the figures that he may have, but my information is that only one case is urgent and that the council concerned is reviewing that at its next meeting.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that this matter is not confined to the Newcastle-under-Lyme area? It is found in any area where there are tied houses. Is he also aware that, where local authorities have stopped building for general needs as a result of the Government's policy, it is particularly difficult for them to find accommodation for displaced people?

I understand that there is very close co-operation between the local authorities concerned and the National Coal Board. As I have said, my right hon. Friend is looking into the whole matter.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs when he expects to be able to give a decision on the application by the Kirkby Urban District Council for planning permission to develop land for housing purposes, in view of the lapse of 11 months since the public inquiry was held and the urgent need to rehouse overcrowded families in the Kirkby area.

Shortly. My right hon. Friend found it necessary after the inquiry to seek information from Liverpool Corporation. He is now awaiting the comments of the parties on the corporation's reply.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that when the Minister originally approved the boundaries for this urban district it was envisaged that this land would be used for overspill housing? Is he aware that people who have been moved from Liverpool into this Liverpool overspill area are very apprehensive that there may be a plan in the Minister's mind to require them to move once again to the new town of Skelmers-dale in a few years' time? Will the hon. Gentleman ensure that the Minister gives a reasonable decision on this matter so that rehousing can begin as quickly as possible?

indicated assent.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if recognition will be given to the Society of Administrative and Executive Civil Servants in Malta.

The Society has been recognised as a trade union since it first registered as such in 1954.

Has not there been some difficulty recently, because this union claims the right to withhold labour? What has been the result of the negotiations about that point?

There are current negotiations, and I think that both the matters to which this union attaches importance—that of separate negotiation and, if necessary, of ultimate arbitration—have been conceded to it on this issue.

Thank you.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what arrangements he is making for local elections in the Island of Gozo; what consultations he has had with Maltese political parties about these elections; and if he is satisfied that political parties will be free to participate in these elections without restrictions from official or other bodies.

The elections will be conducted on 4th June in accordance with the provisions of Ordinance No. XI of 1961, copies of which have been placed in the Library. The Ordinance establishes the Gozo Civil Council which will replace a voluntary Committee in existence since 1958. Local opinion in Gozo has been consulted but not Maltese political parties. No one is debarred from participating in the elections because of his political activities, but candidates will stand as individuals and not as party representatives.

Is the Colonial Secretary aware that the Church in Gozo is now engaged in a campaign of intimidation, using also the powers of interdiction, against one of the political parties? Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this is causing a great deal of concern in the island and, in these circumstances, will he not arrange for the elections to be postponed?

In reply to the last part of the question, certainly not. Clearly, there is a need for local government in Gozo, because at the moment any matter, however parochial, has to be decided by the central Government. Concerning the other matters which the hon. Member has raised, I understand that Mr. Mintoff has written a letter of complaint to me. I have not yet had an opportunity of studying it, but I will do so and reply to it.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many Africans have been arrested for political offences in the Northern Province of Northern Rhodesia in the last three months; with what specific offences they have been charged; what proportion has been found guilty; and what penalties have been imposed.

The law does not define a "political offence", but if the hon. Member has in mind seditious practices under the penal code, three Africans have been arrested for committing such offences in the Northern Province during the last three months. AH were convicted and sentenced, one to nine months' and two to twelve months' imprisonment. No one is prosecuted in connection with political activity unless a breach of the law is involved.

Is the Minister quite sure that that answer is accurate? Has he examined, for example, the allegations I sent him from a trading organisation in Northern Rhodesia about Africans being arrested, charged and convicted, it was alleged, merely for shouting such things as "Freedom" and "Independence" at political demonstrations? Is the right hon. Gentleman saying that this is completely untrue? Have the allegations been thoroughly examined?

Naturally, I rely on information that is given to me, but in this case my information comes from the Governor and, as far as I am concerned, that is sufficient guarantee of its accuracy. He has inquired particularly into the matters raised by a number of hon. Members in this House in relation to the U.N.I.P. party and the Northern Province, and he is satisfied that prosecutions are brought not for the reasons alleged but only if there is some additional reason such as, for example, a breach of the peace.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that Africans have complained in Lusaka that they are afraid to go home to, and afraid to go go out at night in, places like the Chibolya township because of the danger of assault by political terrorists armed with knobkerries and axes; what measures are being taken in Northern Rhodesia to defend British-protected persons from such intimidation; and what reports have been received as to the identity of its organisers.

There has recently been some fear of violence in African townships because of disputes between political factions. Although the efforts of the police to prevent intimidation and identify those responsible have been hampered by the absence of any specific complaints, the trouble has now died down.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if, in view of continuing unrest, he will make a further statement on the political and security situation in Kenya.

The new Legislative Council has been sitting for less than a month: during that period the new Government has shown its ability to govern and to maintain its majority. In my overall assessment the disturbing features in the security situation are three: the problem of increasing crime, the theft of firearms and the increase of illegal oathings in two areas. Since a statement made by the Kenya Minister of Internal Securtiy and Defence was placed in the Library on 18th May, an oathing ceremony attended by some 500 Meru has been discovered. Security operations are now taking place in this area. My right hon. Friend has assured the Governor of his full support in any measures which he may consider necessary to maintain security in Kenya, and in that maintenance the Governor has of course at his disposal a large and efficient police force, far closer administration than ever before, experience of the previous outbreak and the determination of the mass of the people of all communities to avoid violence and a repetition of Kenya's tragic years.

Whilst I think the whole House will welcome the meetings and the statements that have been made by political leaders in Kenya denouncing any return to the past, may I ask the Under-Secretary why he found it necessary to contradict the statement of the Minister of Internal Security about the state of public security in the territory?

That is not so. I consulted the Minister before I made my statement and I will place in the Library a copy of the broadcast I made in Kenya.

Has not the Under-Secretary read the accounts of the results of his visit and the impression which he left upon the minds of people in the territory? Does he not think that when paying a visit in an attempt to allay unrest, if he should leave the impression in their minds that he and the Minister of Internal Security are not as one on this matter, so far from his visit being successful it would be far better if he had not gone?

I thank the hon. Gentleman for what he has said in such a courteous way. I think, however, that it has been of some value that a Minister from this country should visit Kenya and should look at the security situation at first hand and get a proper appreciation of the problems which lie ahead.

Would my right hon. Friend not agree that the root cause of the unrest in Kenya lies in the question of land? Will he consider calling a conference between Europeans, Africans and Her Majesty's Government to consider the whole question of land title, both European and African?

Certainly, the problem of land is basic to Kenya's economic and, indeed, political problems. I will consider what my hon. Friend has suggested.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make a statement on the futher constitutional conferences to be called on Kenya as announced recently by the Under-Secretary of State in Nairobi.

A new Constitution has recently come into force in Kenya and I have no statement to make regarding future constitutional conferences.

Is the Colonial Secretary aware that some of us have a great deal of sympathy with the Under-Secretary that some of his remarks should be quoted out of context by certain newspapers in Kenya and elsewhere, but that we are glad that since his return to the United Kingdom the Under-Secretary has clarified what he said in Nairobi? In particular, is the Colonial Secretary aware that we are pleased that there is no question of Kenya proceeding to complete independence without new elections being held on a basis which will allow fairer representation to the major tribes?

The hon. Member knows very well that my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary did not say what he has put into his mouth in the last part of his supplementary question. What my hon. Friend did say, which is a statement of fact, is that Kenya is not yet at the stage of responsible government, let alone of full internal self-government or of independence.

Did the Under-Secretary say that independence is several years ahead? If so, is he or the Minister standing by that or do we regard that statement as being withdrawn?

I have always spoken in terms of stages. My hon. Friend said that these stages would take several conferences, which is obviously true, and several years. I have no intention of trying to define that phrase further. It is unquestionably true that it is quite wrong for politicians in Kenya to say that independence, for example, could come to Kenya in 1961 when nobody knows better than those same politicians that that is quite untrue.

Is not the Colonial Secretary aware that there has been an expectation in Kenya, some people anticipating it gleefully and others with regret, that if independence did not come in 1961, it would come probably next year? In view of the unrest which has been caused by the Under-Secretary's words, will the Colonial Secretary now define a little more precisely what is in his mind about the achievement of independence? Does he expect it to come, as hitherto was expected until the Under-Secretary spoke, within, say, the next eighteen months or two years?

No. No member of the Government has ever attempted to define the stages that are necessary for Kenya to advance politically and constitutionally in terms of years. I have no criticism whatever to make of the words used by my hon. Friend. He said that these stages are in front of Kenya, and so they are, and he used the expression "several years". I do not think that it is at all profitable to attempt to define that further.

Would my right hon. Friend not agree that the two important things in this matter are, first, to avoid a timetable, and secondly, that the existing Constitution should be made to work satisfactorily for all races in Kenya?

Yes. I entirely agree with that, and not only in this case, but in all cases. In dealing with constitutional advances in the territory, I have always resolutely refused to agree to timetables.

Whilst we have all had experience of uttering words that may be regretted afterwards, have we not now reached the position that the Under-Secretary, having made a statement, has subsequently modified it? Would it not be simpler if he were now to withdraw it altogether so that we could return to the position that existed before he made it, so that there was no timetable announced and we were not left in the position that the Minister has to defend an obviously indefensible statement? Why not withdraw it?

I do not think that that is the position. Had I thought that there was something which should be withdrawn, I am sure that my hon. Friend would have withdrawn the words in this House. I have made it clear, as my hon. Friend also has done, that there has been no change in Her Majesty's Government's policies. I have never put forward timetables for Kenya or for any other Colony. I am certain that the right thing to do, as my hon. Friend said, is to study the position and to take constitutional advance at the pace that is appropriate to the economic circumstances of the country and to the needs of all the races in it.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number and nationalities of foreign fishing vessels which have fished in the Moray Firth during each of the last ten years, the amounts of their respective catches in crans landed in British ports; and the value of each catch.

I shall, with permission, circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT a table showing the number and nationality of foreign trawlers observed fishing in the Moray Firth in each of the last ten years. Such trawlers are not allowed to land fish in the United Kingdom for a period of two months after being so observed, and I have no information about their catches.

Can the Secretary of State say why the Government continue to neglect the British fishing industry in favour of invasions such as those set out in my Question and in the very long table which will be circulated, especially in view of the restrictions on territorial waters imposed by foreign Governments on British fishing vessels?

As the hon. and learned Member knows, the Government pay

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what inquiries he is making into the effects upon future economic and social developments in Scotland of the average net loss of population by migration of 27,000 per annum.

In 1960 the inward flow to Scotland was approximately 40,000 and the outward 63,000. Migration is one of the factors being considered by the Committee of Inquiry into the Scottish economy, set up by the Scottish Council (Development and Industry).

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that, whatever the figure might be, it is very substantial and is causing great concern, particularly in those areas which are suffering a continuous process of depopulation? Does he not think that this raises a number of serious questions in

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of that answer, I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment at the earliest possible date.

I quite agree that the figures give us cause for considerable concern, although it is interesting to note that 40,000 people came into the country last year. The inquiry to which I have referred is, however, going on and Government Departments, including my own, are giving every assistance with that inquiry.

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that this constant loss of population by migration must be a serious matter for Scotland, that this is evidence that the right hon. Gentleman's or the Government's economic policies over the years have failed and that it is no good suggesting that this is a matter which might be looked at by the Scottish Council (Development and Industry), which is not an official body? Is it not time that Her Majesty's Ministers were thinking of new economic policies that would arrest this trend?

The hon. Member must realise that Her Majesty's Government's economic policies are producing results. At the moment, there are 31,000 jobs in the pipeline likely to mature over the next few years.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received from ship building firms in Scotland about recent revaluation assessments affecting the industry; and what reply he has given.

In addition to five representations from individual firms and one from the Greenock Chamber of Commerce, I have received a memorandum from the Clyde Shipbuilders' Association about the effect of the revaluation on the shipbuilding industry. My noble Friend the Minister of State is meeting a deputation from the Association on my behalf on 9th June.

With all respect to Lord Craigton, will the right hon. Gentleman accept the view that the Clyde shipbuilders would be much happier if they could meet him, since this matter may either involve a Cabinet decision for amelioration of the rating position or result in direct aid to the industry? Will the Secretary of State consider meeting a deputation after Lord Craigton has had his meeting?

As the hon. Member knows, I see the Clyde shipbuilders individually from time to time. I will, of course, consider meeting them later if it seems desirable. Time is important, however, and I consider it wise to carry on with the meeting which has been arranged with Lord Craigton.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received from district councils for an increase of their powers to enable them to promote the tourist trade; and, in particular, if he will bring advertising within their competence.

I know of the interest of district councils in tourism, and I have taken note of their desire to be given the powers to advertise the amenities of their areas and to make contributions towards overseas publicity that town councils have under the Health Resorts and Watering Places Act, 1936, and the Local Authorities (Publicity) Act, 1931.

As the right hon. Gentleman says that he has taken note of this, can he give an indication when he will take some action?

One of the problems, as the hon. Gentleman will realise, about taking action in matters like this is that legislation is involved and no one can say exactly how long even the most innocent Bill will take to get through the Scottish Committee.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what consultations he had with the University Grants Committee regarding the allocation of funds for the expansion of the number of university places in Scotland.

I maintain close contact both with the Chancellor of the Exchequer and with the University Grants Committee on matters relating to universities in Scotland. I should make it clear that the Chancellor's statement of 18th May applied to the needs of the next decade and that longer term needs will be considered in the light of the Report of the Robbins Committee. The position in this respect was explained by the Chairman of the U.G.C. to the representatives of the six Scottish centres interested in a new foundation when he met them last December and the position has not changed since then.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that his consultations and influence do not seem to be very successful? Is he aware that while there are seven universities to be established in England, Scotland has not had a new university since the sixteenth century, and that at present the Government's programme for university places in Scotland is totally inadequate to the number of students expected in the new few years?

The hon. Gentleman is just not correct in the latter part of his statement. As the Chancellor of the Exchequer explained in the House, and as I have explained now, the building programmes he has authorised for universities will enable the Scottish universities and the Royal College of Science and Technology to accommodate the increasing number of students coming forward this decade.

Does the right hon. Gentleman really think that the solution he is proposing is one which will be accepted by the people of Scotland? How much does the right hon. Gentleman think his education would have been retarded at Glasgow University, or wherever it was he was educated, if when he was being educated there were repair works and renovations going on? His proposals are quite intolerable to the people of Scotland, who want another university.

Perhaps the hon. Member would study what has been said in answers today and in the Chancellor of the Exchequer's statement earlier. I will give him fuller information, if he would care to talk to me about it, in the light of the remarks of the Chairman of the U.G.C., who really does know something about universities.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what further consideration he has given to the question of salary increases for Scottish teachers.

I am considering my proposals in the light of the views expressed by the National Joint Council to deal with Salaries of Teachers in Scotlnad. I hope to write to the Council again in the near future.

Since the views of the National Joint Council were an outright rejection, will not the right hon. Gentleman reconsider his proposals and put forward a more generous offer, and will he consider an improvement he might bring about in the atmosphere if he were to introduce legislation allowing the salary offered to be paid retrospectively?

As the hon. Gentleman knows and as I said in my original reply, I am considering my proposals at the moment. I do not want to add to that statement. The Question of retrospection raises another and different issue.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary for Science if the programme of space research, specifically dealing with scientific experiments using sounding rockets, is to be conducted by the United Kingdom alone; and at what estimated cost.

The experiments in the present sounding rocket programme are devised by United Kingdom scientists and carried in Skylark rockets fired at Woomera under joint Anglo-Australian arrangements. The main element in the cost is that of providing the rockets, which is estimated as of the order of £225,000 in the current year. The possibility of enlarging this porgramme in co-operation with the Commonwealth and Europe is under consideration, and a co-operative sounding rocket programme is one of the first questions which are being explored by the Preparatory Commission set up to plan a possible European organisation for space research.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary for Science if he will state the total cost in the first year of the United Kingdom's overseas plans to develop a varied programme for space research.

The cost cannot be assessed pending the outcome of the international discussions now in progress on the co-operative development of a satellite launcher, and on the scale of activities to be carried on by the proposed European Space Research Organisation.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary for Science what steps the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research has taken to Increase research on water pollution in Scotland.

The Water Pollution Research Laboratory, the headquarters of which is at Stevenage, opened a branch at East Kilbride in January this year. This will enable the Laboratory to keep in closer touch with Scottish local authorities, River Purification Boards and industry, and will, in particular, help Scottish manufacturers with problems of effluent treatment.