asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) if he will seek to compensate exporting firms and co-operatives who suffer loss as a result of his decision to ban the export of meat;(2) how the ban on the export of meat will affect existing export contracts; what estimate he has made of the effect on the future of meat exports and on the relationship of British exporters and their customers overseas; and if he will make a statement.

I regret that it has been necessary to interfere temporarily with this export trade, but in present circumstances the first responsibility of the Government must be to safeguard essential supplies.Meat producers will be able to find alternative outlets in this country at the present time and I hope that this will minimise any risk of loss.As I have already announced, the ban on exports relates solely to the situation caused by the seamen's strike, and should not, therefore, permanently harm the export trade. I am convinced that both British exporters and their customers overseas will fully appreciate the reason for the ban.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many store cattle have been imported from Eire in each month of this year to England and Wales; and what number is likely to be imported each month during the rest of this year.

During January, February and March, imports into the U.K. of store cattle from the Irish Republic were, respectively, 31,602, 40,090 and 53,975 head. The official statistics relate to the U.K. as a whole but it is estimated that about 52 per cent. of the numbers mentioned entered ports in England and Wales. I cannot forecast the number likely to be imported each month during the rest of the year.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food by what amount the cost of administering the Selective Employment Tax is expected to increase as a reult of the decision to repay individual farmers rather than offset the tax through the Annual Price Review.

No estimate can be made, since the amount would depend on the detailed arrangements for repayment. Whether repayment was through the Annual Review or, as the Government have now decided, direct to individual farmers, these arrangements would be decided only after consultation with the industry.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether establishments engaged in intensive animal husbandry which do not qualify for rating relief will be classified as manufacturing establishments for the purpose of the selective employment tax.

We are considering the position of these establishments in the light of the Government's decision to refund the tax direct to individual farmers. An announcement will be made as soon as possible.

asked the Minister of Aviation what is the value of the contracts so far signed with the Saudi Arabian Government which form part of the recent agreement relating to the provision of an air defence system.

The value of the Saudi Arabian order was announced in the House on 21st December, 1965, as "over £100 million". Of this sum detailed contracts amounting to £55 million have so far been signed. The remainder, valued at over £45 million, are at an advanced stage of preparation and will be signed when the negotiations have been completed. The contractual details are, of course, confidential.

asked the Minister of Aviation what increase or decrease there was in the staff of the Department under his control in the period 16th October, 1964 to 15th April, 1966; and what increase or decrease he anticipates in the period 16th April, 1966 to 15th October, 1966.

The staff of the Department decreased by 106 between 1st October, 1964 and 1st April, 1966; exact figures for the dates mentioned by the hon. Member are not available. In addition, 2,180 staff were seconded to the British Airports Authority on 1st April, 1966. I do not expect any considerable change in numbers during the next six months.

asked the Minister of Aviation when he expects to conclude the Anglo-French review of the costs of the Concord project; and if he will make a statement.

When we and the French Government have fully considered the review, which is well advanced, I will inform the House of our conclusions.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations whether he has yet been informed of the final financial outcome of the Commonwealth Arts Festival.

The Commonwealth Arts Festival Society's final audited accounts are not yet available. Present indications are that they will reveal a deficit of about £23,000. Her Majesty's Government and the G.L.C. have agreed to assist the Society to meet their remaining obligations. Her Majesty's Government's grant will be up to £15,000.The Supplementary Estimate will be presented to Parliament for approval in due course. Meanwhile, advances, as necessary, will be made from the Civil Contingencies Fund.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence how many officers are now serving in the supplementary list of the Fleet Air Arm of the 8th, 12th, and 16th sea engagements, respectively.

None on eight-year commissions; 176 on twelve-year commissions; 548 on sixteen-year commissions.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence how many officers on regular commissions are now flying fixed wing aircraft in the Fleet Air Arm.

On 31st March, 1966, there were 171 qualified to fly fixed-wing aircraft.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence how many regular officers volunteered for fixed wing flying duties in the Fleet Air Arm during the first three months of 1966, and how many for the equivalent period of 1965.

The time to volunteer is in July each year. In July, 1965, there were 20 volunteers.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence how many men in the Fleet Air Arm are involved in fixed wing flying, and how many in rotary wing flying.

On 31st March, 1966, there were about 800 aircrew involved in fixed-wing flying and about 650 in rotary-wing flying.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence how many supplementary list officers would have to re-engage each year to maintain the present pilot strength of the Fleet Air Arm.

This year, about 20; but this is only one of several factors affecting overall strength, and these may vary from year to year.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence how many supplementary list officers have re-engaged during 1966.

Twenty-one seamen officers and forty aircraft officers have stayed in the Service beyond a breakpoint in their commissions.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence (1) how many local education authorities bar service recruiting officers from their schools;(2) how many schools are unapproachable by service recruiting officers owing to a ruling by local education authorities.

Recruiting officers do not visit schools, but the three Services have schools Liaison Officers who visit schools to give advice about careers in the Services.Sixteen Local Education Authorities bar visits to their schools by Liaison Officers and the number of schools involved is 648.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what facilities exist for Royal Air Force operations at Aldabra, Gan, and the Cocos Islands, respectively.

None at Aldabra; full staging facilities at Gan; limited civil airfield facilities in the Cocos Islands.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence how many British Service men there are at Aldabra, Gan, and the Cocos Islands, respectively.

None; 440; none.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence how long the runways are at Aldabra, Gan, and the Cocos Islands.

There is no airfield at Aldabra. The runway at Gan is 8,700 feet long. The civil airfield in the Cocos Islands is an Australian responsibility.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the amount spent to date by Her Majesty's Government on defence facilities at Aldabra, Gan, and the Cocos Islands.

About £6·25 million over the last ten years, all at Gan.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what anchorage facilities exist at Aldabra, Gan, and the Cocos Islands.

At Aldabra anchorage is available for vessels up to 14 feet in draught and 300 feet in length. At Gan there are good anchorage facilities for all types of vessel. The Cocos Islands are an Australian responsibility.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what is the strength of the infantry; and how many men are serving at infantry depots, with their battalions and on extra regimental duties, respectively; (2) what is the strength of the Royal Armoured Corps; and how many men are serving with their regiments, at depots and on extra regimental duties, respectively; (3) what is the strength of the Royal Artillery; and how many men are serving at depots, with Royal Artillery regiments, and on extra regimental duties, respectively; (4) what is the strength of the Royal Corps of Signals; and how many men are on the establishment of the training depots for the Corps; (5) what is the strength of the Royal Engineers; and how many men are on the establishment of training depots for the Corps; (6) what is the strength of the Royal Corps of Transport; and how many men are on the establishment of the training depots for the Corps.

It would not be in the public interest to disclose this detailed information.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence how many Old Contemptibles are still alive; and what sum is paid to them in pensions.

No special records are officially maintained.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence how many hours per week, on average, the KDF9 computer at the Navy Department Research Station is used.

Fifty: we plan a substantial increase.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence how many persons have been recruited into his Department as temporary civil servants since September, 1965; and in what grades or ranks.

I assume that the hon. Member is referring to non-industrials. The figures are as follows:—

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he is aware that three airmen in one group of 11 lining Parliament Street on 17th May in connection with the State Visit of the President of Austria fainted within half an hour of taking up their positions; what training in ceremonial drill these airmen received; what time they were roused on 17th May; what meals they ate before parading; and what was their medical grade.

All of the 400 Royal Air Force personnel from Halton lining the route for this State occasion took part in four rehearsals in addition to the regular daily parades which are part of their normal training. Reveille was at the usual time of 06.30 hours and breakfast at 07.30 hours. Because of the heat, the Royal Air Force party travelled in shirt sleeve order. A packed lunch was taken at 11.00 hours, when the Royal Air Force party had a break of forty minutes before taking their positions on parade. The majority of the R.A.F. party were R.A.F. apprentices and they are all of a high medical category.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence why the stretcher-bearers on duty in Parliament Street on 17th May were soldiers when the route was lined by airmen.

The Army were responsible for providing first-aid support for all three Services taking part in the route lining.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence at what figure the United States Government propose to set the value to Great Britain of the Saudi Arabian deal for the purposes of assessing progress towards the target of $40 million to be offset by way of co-operative sales to third countries.

This is a matter for discussion with the United States Government in the light of sales as they are made and will be considered during the periodic reviews of progress. We estimate that the figure should be about $275 million.

asked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs what increase or decrease there was in the staff of the Department under his control in the period 16th October, 1964, to 15th April, 1966; and what increase or decrease he anticipates in the period 16th April to 15th October, 1966.

The staff of the Department increased by 422 in the period 16th October, 1964 to 15th April, 1966; as to the second part of the Question I would refer the hon. Member to the Answer I gave on 12th May to a similar Question by the hon. Member for Rutland and Stamford (Mr. Kenneth Lewis).

asked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs how many persons have been recruited into his Department as temporary civil servants since September, 1965; and in what grades or ranks.

The following staff have been recruited since 1st September, 1965:

asked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs if he will list current and past whole-time members of the staff of the Department of Economic Affairs who are not, or were not, fully paid from public funds but who continue or continued to receive all or part of their salaries from private sources; and which are these private sources.

The following is a list of the members of the staff concerned together with their grades and the names of the organisations who continue to pay part of their salaries:

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will publish the terms of reference of the Council for Scientific Policy; and whether this body is required to submit an annual report.

The Council for Scientific Policy advises me in the exercise of my responsibilities for civil science policy. It reports to me from time to time on matters within this field, and two reports by Committees appointed by the Council have been published^*. The Council has submitted a general report on its work during the first year of its existence and this will be published next week.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if, in view of the increases in bus fares and the difficulty of obtaining public transport in the rural areas, he will review the rule that local education authorities may only pay for the transport of schoolchildren if they live more than three miles from the nearest school.

There is no such rule. Local education authorities have discretion under Section 55 of the Education Act, 1944, to provide transport for schoolchildren living within the statutory walking distances of two miles for children under eight and three miles for others.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether, in view of the Selective Employment Tax, he will now increase the grant of £5,800 paid to the Youth Hostels Association.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the Answer given to the hon. Member for Blackpool, South (Mr. Blaker) on 17th May.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will take steps, after consulting voluntary youth organisations, to implement the United Nations General Assembly's youth declaration.

The implementation of many of the principles contained in this Declaration is, in the view of Her Majesty's Government, a function more appropriate to non-governmental organisations and youth movements themselves than to Governments. In those areas covered by the Declaration where Government action might be appropriate I am satisfied that the principles which it states are already observed in this country.But if my hon. Friend has some particular points in mind, I hope he will bring them to my attention.

asked the Minister of Health what facilities are being arranged for smear tests for cancer of the cervix in the Croydon area.

I understand that a service for women at risk will be available by October. A diagnostic service is already available for women with symptoms.

asked the Minister of Health what facilities exist for smear tests for cancer of the cervix in the Shoreham-Worthing-Littlehampton-Arundel areas of West Sussex.

A diagnostic service is available for women with symptoms. I understand that a voluntary service for the taking of smears is available in Worthing and that the smears are examined at Worthing Hospital. Smears taken by general practitioners in the Littlehampton-Arundel area are examined at St. Richard's Hospital, Chichester. Discussions are now taking place between the Regional Hospital Board and the local authorities with a view to the opening of clinics later this year.

asked the Minister of Health what facilities exist in the Mansfield area for the treatment of chronic nephritis.

In addition to the ordinary medical services already available in the area, an intermittent dialysis unit for the treatment of chronic renal failure is being set up at Lodge Moor Hospital, Sheffield; this will serve the Sheffield hospital region as a whole. The Sheffield Regional Hospital Board hope to have this unit ready to receive its first patients by the end of this year.There is a dialysis unit for the immediate treatment of acute renal failure at the Royal Hospital, Sheffield.

asked the Minister of Health what is the incidence of scurvy in persons of 65 years of age and over in England and Wales.

Complete information is not available; but the hospital in-patient enquiry suggests that in the two years 1962 and 1963 about 110 inpatients aged 65 or over had scurvy.

asked the Minister of Health what was the number, per thousand of population, of district nurses in East Suffolk in 1938, 1948, 1958, and at the latest date.

In terms of whole time equivalents the figures for the administrative county are 0·11 per 1,000 population in 1948; 0·21 in 1958; and0·18 in 1965. I regret that comparable information for 1938 is not available.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what increase or decrease there was in the staff of the Department under his control in the period 16th October, 1964 to 15th April, 1966; and what increase or decrease he anticipates in the period 16th April, 1966 to 15th October, 1966.

The staff of the Home Office has increased by 1,023 since October, 1964. I expect a further increase of about 400 by October, 1966.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will relax the regulation which causes a prisoner to lose six weeks' good conduct remission if an unsuccessful appeal is lodged, and so end the system which penalises a prisoner for exercising his legal rights.

On the recommendation of the Interdepartmental Committee on the Court of Criminal Appeal, amendment of the law on this subject is proposed in Clause 5 of the Criminal Appeal Bill now in another place.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether the alternative suggestions to the Manchester Water Order, 1965, put up by the Winster Valley Preservation Society and a consortium headed by the National Trust, were referred to the Surface Water Survey Centre to ascertain whether the suggested yields were realisable; and on what date.

No. My conclusion about them was based on the Inspector's report, of which the hon. Member has a copy.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he has yet reached a decision arising from the local inquiry into the South Kilburn Extended Area Compulsory Purchase Orders; and if he will make a statement.

I cannot yet add to the Answer given on 10th May to a Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Willesden, East (Mr. Freeson).

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what reply he has sent to the letter from the Town Clerk of Manchester, dated 19th April 1966, concerning the long-term water needs of the city of Manchester; and if he will make a statement.

I am inviting Manchester to an early discussion about their long-term needs.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he will take steps to increase the maximum penalty for the wilful demolition of a building which is subject to a preservation order.

I shall do this as soon as there is a suitable opportunity for the necessary legislation.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what increase or decrease there was in the staff of the Department under his control in the period 16th October, 1964 to 15th April, 1966; and what increase or decrease he anticipates in the period 16th April, 1966 to 15th October, 1966.

Between 16th October, 1964 and 15th April, 1966 the number of staff in the Department increased by 313.During the next six months the number of staff is bound to increase, with increasing functions to be performed but I am unable at this stage to predict by how much.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government (1) how many contracts for building and civil engineering works which have an estimated completion date of May, 1968 or later in the United Kingdom his Department entered into before 3rd May with a standard form of contract without a variation clause; and what is the total value of the contracts;(2) how many contracts for building and civil engineering works in the United Kingdom which have an estimated completion date of between May, 1967 and May, 1968 his Department entered into before 3rd May 1966 with a standard form of contract without a variation clause; and what is the total value of the contracts.

None.

asked the Minister of Labour what increase or decrease there was in the staff of the Department under his control in the period 16th October, 1964 to 15th April, 1966; and what increase or decrease he anticipates in the period 16th April, 1966 to 15th October, 1966.

The date nearest to 16th October, 1964 for which statistics are available is 1st October, 1964. On that date there were in my department 21,418 staff. By 1st April, 1966 there had been an increase of 1,527.It is too early to give a reliable estimate but I think it likely that between April and October, 1966 the total number of staff will increase by about 1,900.

asked the Minister of Labour what proportion of employees in the county of Angus is employed in the service industries; how many individuals this represents; and how many extra vacancies in manufacturing industry are expected to arise in the county between now and the end of 1966.

In the areas covered by Employment Exchanges in the county of Angus, there were estimated to be about 50,300 employees in employment at mid-1965 in Orders XVII and XX to XXIII of the Standard Industrial Classification. These represented about 41 per cent. of employees in employment in all industries and services in these areas.The estimates are based on National Insurance cards exchanged in the county supplemented by employers' returns and are subject to sampling errors.Full information on the number of new jobs in manufacturing likely to arise between now and the end of 1966 is not available. However, estimates provided by applicants for industrial development certificates in the county show that 1,500 jobs were expected to arise from projects which were completed in the last twelve months or approved but not completed by the end of March, 1966.

asked the Minister of Labour when he proposes to hold a joint meeting under his chairmanship with the Trades Union Congress and the Confederation of British Industry on equal pay.

As soon as possible. I am in touch with the T.U.C. and the C.B.I. about dates.

asked the Minister of Land and Natural Resources how many contracts for building and civil engineering works which have an estimated completion date of May 1968 or later in the United Kingdom his Department entered into before 3rd May 1966 with a standard form of contract without a variation clause; and what is the total value of the contracts.

None.

asked the Minister of Land and Natural Resources how many contracts for building and civil engineering works in the United Kingdom which have an estimated completion date of between May, 1967 and May, 1968 his Department entered into before 3rd May, 1966, with a standard form of contract without a variation clause; and what is the total value of the contracts.

None.

asked the Minister of Overseas Development what increase or decrease there was in the staff of the Department under his control in the period 16th October, 1964 to 15th April, 1966; and what increase or decrease he anticipates in the period 16th April, 1966 to 15th October, 1966.

The number of staff in my Ministry increased by 456 in the period 16th October, 1964 to 15th April, 1966. A further increase of up to 90 is expected by the 15th October, 1966.

asked the Minister of Overseas Development how many persons have been recruited into his Department as temporary civil servants since September 1965; and in what grades or ranks.

One hundred and thirty four (including thirty part time) in the following grades:

asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance why it is not practicable for war disability pensioners or claimants for war disability in respect of wars prior to the 1939–45 war to have the same right of appeal to an independent pensions appeal tribunal as those involved in the latter war.

The great majority of 1914 War disablement pensioners have statutory final awards against which there was at the time a right of appeal. The available evidence in respect of a current claim to pension in respect of war service which must have ended at least 45 years ago, would usually be inadequate for determination by a legal tribunal, quite apart from the danger of giving rise to false hopes if a final right of appeal was now provided.As the hon. Member will know, there are well recognised procedures for dealing with new and revived claims, or claims for review, from these men and it is open to them, if they wish, to discuss their cases with the local war pension committee.

asked the Postmaster-General why a telegram from Paris, announcing a delay in the arrival of the two sons of the President of Gabon at London Airport and addressed to Mr. B. Clout in Brighton, which reached Brighton at 11 a.m. on Maundy Thursday, was not delivered until that evening; why the Post Office rang a wrong number to inform Mr. Clout although he is in the telephone book, and then addressed the telegram to Alderman W. Clout, and now refuse to pay for the car sent to London Airport which could have been cancelled had the telegram been delivered in reasonable time; and whether he will take steps to insure the Post Office against claims arising from such incidents as these in Brighton.

The facts are not quite in line with the statement of the hon. Member. The telegram in question was handed in at Paris at 11.22 a.m. on 31st March. It arrived at Brighton about 2 p.m. and was delivered to Mr. B. T. Clout's residence before 4 p.m. the same day. Earlier delivery by telephone might have been effected had not the officer concerned rung an incorrect number by mistake. A letter of apology for the delay was sent to Mr. B. T. Clout at his correct address but he was incorrectly addressed as Alderman B. T. Clout. I apologise for these errors but regret that I am unable to accept responsibility for any expense incurred by Mr. Clout. The question of the Post Office insuring against claims of this nature does not arise as the Post Office has never been liable for losses due to mistakes, delays or defaults in the transmission or delivery of telegrams.

asked the Postmaster-General how many contracts for building and civil engineering works which have an estimated completion date of May, 1968, or later in the United Kingdom his Department entered into before 3rd May, 1966, with a standard form of contract without a variation clause; and what is the total value of the contracts.

None.

asked the Postmaster-General how many contracts for building and civil engineering works in the United Kingdom which have an estimated completion date of between May, 1967, and May, 1968, his Department entered into before 3rd May, 1966, with a standard form of contract without a variation clause; and what is the total value of the contracts.

None.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what increase or decrease there was in the staff of the Department under his control in the period 16th October, 1964, to 15th April, 1966; and what increase or decrease he anticipates in the period 16th April to 15th October, 1966.

There was an increase of 635 in the staff of the Departments under my control between October, 1964, and April, 1966, and a further increase of 288 is expected by October, 1966.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware of the existence of nearly 500,000 acres of scrubland in Scotland and of the slow rate of replanting with productive trees and woodland expansion; and what action he will take to mitigate the effects of a partial application of the Selective Employment Tax that will further penalise private forestry in relation to other land uses and to State forestry.

The noble Lord may recall that I mentioned the acreage to which he refers in my reply to his Question of 2nd March. My hon. Friend the Minister of State is meeting a deputation from the Scottish Woodland Owners Association today to discuss the effect of the Selective Employment Tax on private forestry, but at the moment I have nothing to add to what has already been said on the subject.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what estimate he has made of the additional rating burden which will be imposed on ratepayers in Scotland as a result of higher costs of local authority house building stemming from the application of the Selective Employment Tax to the construction industry.

None. The part of housing costs borne on the rates depends upon decisions by local authorities about rent levels.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland why the original dispensation that allowed the Forestry Commission to build houses for its own employees has been withdrawn; and whether the onus of replacing temporary Forestry Commission houses will fall upon the local authorities when these houses become due for replacement.

The Forestry Commission is not prohibited from building houses for its own employees. The Commission is not, however, a housing authority and normally looks to the local authorities to provide houses for its industrial staff.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what amounts were asked for by each education authority in Scotland for their school building programmes in each year since 1960; and what amounts were allocated by him in each case.

The following table shows, in columns A and B respectively, the amounts of capital investment initially sought by each education authority for their school building programmes in the financial years 1960–61 to 1964–65, and the value of projects started in each area in each of these years. Since 1965–66 school building programmes have been

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the value of approvals for new school building in 1963, 1964, 1965 and the first quarter of 1966 in the counties of Stirling and Clackmannan, respectively.

The value of projects started is shown in the following table:

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the incidence of scurvy in persons of 65 years of age and over throughout Scotland and in the County of Inverness.

This information is not available.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when the survey of the Falkirk-Grangemouth area was started; and when it will be completed.

This survey, which is being carried out on behalf of a joint planning advisory committee representative of the local authorities concerned, started in October, 1964, and is expected to be completed in September of this year.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many houses were covered by tenders approved for Stirling, Falkirk, Grangemouth, Alloa, Alva and Tillicoultry and the counties of Stirling and Clackmannan during 1963, 1964, 1965 and the first quarter of 1966, respectively.

Following is the information:

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what will be the estimated population in the burghs of Stirling, Falkirk and Grangemouth and the County of Clackmannan, including burghs, and the Eastern No. 1 and Eastern No. 2 and Eastern No. 3 districts of the county of Stirling in 1965 and 1970, respectively.

The estimated populations in 1965 were as follows:

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the average size of classes in primary and secondary schools in the counties of Stirling and Clackmannan.

The latest available figures for the average size of classes in primary and secondary schools and departments in the counties of Stirling and Clackmannan are:

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many miles of new road are under construction or have been completed in connection with the pulp mill at Fort William; and what is the cost in each case.

Nearly one mile, comprising the Banavie Diversion on A830, 1,438 yards long and costing £106,000, and the new bridge over the River Lochy, 176 yards long and costing, £59,000. Many improvements to existing roads are also being undertaken.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how much was spent in the years 1963, 1964 and 1965 on the crofting counties' road programme at 1963 prices.

The Exchequer payments made during the financial years 1963–64, 1964–65 and 1965–66 for schemes in the Crofting Counties Programme were:

asked the President of the Board of Trade what steps he is taking to redress the adverse balance of trade with Denmark.

It is essential that our exports to Denmark should continue to rise; and since Denmark offers a good market to British exporters, I hope they will exploit it vigorously. A wide range of Government services is available to firms wishing to take advantage of the removal of industrial tariffs within E.F.T.A. at the end of this year.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what increase or decrease there was in the staff of the Department under his control in the period 16th October, 1964 to 15th April, 1966; and what increase or decrease he anticipates in the period 16th April to 15th October, 1966.

During this period the staff of the Board of Trade increased by 1,323. This increase was mainly due to the fact that the Board gained about 1,800 staff dealing with shipping and related matters from the Ministry of Transport, whilst losing some 800 to the Diplomatic Service, the Department of Economic Affairs, the Ministry of Technology and the British Museum. The staff of the Export Credits Guarantee Department increased by 120 in the same period. Further increases of the order of 750 and 30 in the Board of Trade and in the E.C.G.D. respectively are expected by 15th October, 1966. The former figure includes part of the additional staff required under the Industrial Development Bill.

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) how many contracts for building and civil engineering works which have an estimated completion date of May, 1968 or later in the United Kingdom his Department entered into before 3rd May, 1966, with a standard form of contract without a variation clause; and what is the total value of the contracts;(2) how many contracts for building and civil engineering works in the United Kingdom which have an estimated completion date of between May, 1967 and May, 1968 his Department entered into before 3rd May, 1966 with a standard form of contract without a variation clause; and what is the total value of the contracts.

None.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what assurances he has obtained from British shipowners that the penal sections of the Merchant Shipping Acts will not be invoked by them during the present seamen's strike either in home ports or abroad; and if he will make a statement.

I understand that seamen are withdrawing their labour when their ships return to the United Kingdom and their agreements terminate or are terminated by notice being given. In these circumstances no question of invoking the Merchant Shipping Acts should arise.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how long he has been considering the Merchant Shipping Acts and the penal clauses therein, and with what results; what other body he has now asked to consider these Acts; and if he will make a statement.

Officials have been reviewing all the provisions of the Merchant Shipping Acts affecting seamen with representatives of the shipowners' and seafarers' organisations during the past 2½ years and considerable progress has been made. No other body has been asked to consider them, but, as announced by my right hon. Friends the Prime Minister and the Minister of Labour, the Government have offered a full inquiry into all these matters.

asked the Minister of of Transport what consultations she had with British Railways prior to the decision to take up part of the Darlington to Middleton-in-Teesdale railway track; and by what authority British Railways departed from the undertaking given to the Consultative Committee that the railway would be used in an emergency.

Last October the Railways Board sought the agreement of my right hon. Friend's predecessor, to the disposal of the route of the section of railway line between Piercebridge and Middleton-in-Teesdale. After consultation with the Departments responsible for planning, he was satisfied that there were no grounds for opposing disposal. The Board were informed accordingly last December. The Railways Board, I understand, gave no undertaking to the Transport Users' Consultative Committee that the railway would be used in an emergency.

asked the Minister of Transport what increase or decrease there was in the staff of the Department under her control in the period 16th October, 1964 to 15th April, 1966; and what increase or decrease she anticipates in the period 16th April, 1966 to 15th October, 1966.

Between 16th October, 1964 and 15th April, 1966 there was a decrease of 544: it is estimated that by 15th October, 1966 there will be an increase of some 300 over 15th April figure.

asked the Minister of Transport how many persons have been recruited into her Department as temporary civil servants since September, 1965; and in what grades or ranks.

By the 14th May, 399 persons had been recruited by my department as temporary civil servants since September, 1965, in the following grades:

asked the Minister of Transport what is causing the delay in the decision of the Traffic Commissioner to the application of the Pontypridd and Rhondda Hospital Committee for permission to run a through bus service from the Rhondda to East Glamorgan Hospital, for staff employed at that hospital.

My right hon. Friend is told by the South Wales Traffic Commissioners that Humphreys Garages (Pontypridd) Ltd's application to run this service will be heard at a public sitting on 27th May. The application, made in January, is opposed by other bus operators. The hearing which began on 18th February could not be completed on that day. Because of the Commissioners' other commitments it was not possible to give an earlier date for the further hearing.

asked the Minister of Transport what action is proposed for the alleviation of traffic problems in Market Drayton following the discussion between her divisional road engineer and the county surveyor of the Salop County Council.

The discussions are still in progress and the action to be taken not yet been decided.

asked the Minister of Transport when she will make a statement about the sending of reminders in respect of vehicle licences.

Reminders would add unjustifiably to the cost of the present system. Licences have to be displayed on vehicles and they show the expiry date in bold print. This serves as a constant reminder.

asked the Minister of Transport when she will make a statement about the traffic box experiment in the London area.

My right hon. Friend is now considering a report on this experiment by the Greater London Council. She hopes to be able to make a statement soon.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what increase or decrease there was in the staff of the Department under his control in the period 16th October, 1964 to 15th April, 1966; and what increase or decrease he anticipates in the period 16th April to 15th October, 1966.

The number of staff employed in the Treasury rose by 138 between October, 1964 and April, 1966. Allowing for alterations resulting from transfers of work, the net increase was 70. It is expected that, in accordance with the published Estimates, there will be a further increase by October, 1966 of about 40.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many persons have been recruited into his Department as temporary civil servants since September, 1965; and in what grades or ranks.

106; 5 were graded Professional, 3 Executive, 35 Clerical, 27 Typing, 4 Ancillary Technical and 32 Messengerial, etc. The net increase of temporary staff in this period was 11.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the present annual total of Government expenditure overseas; if he will break this sum down into its component parts; and if he will give the comparable figures for 1957.

Government current expenditure in the invisibles account, net of receipts, was £454 million in 1965, and £147 million in 1957. The details for 1965 may be found in Table 4 of the Balance of Payments Tables in the March, 1966 issue of "Economic Trends", covering 1965; and for 1957 in "United Kingdom Balance of Payments 1965", Table 6. Copies of these publications are in the Library.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what further consideration has been given to the possibility of establishing Government Departments, research facilities and adjuncts of Government Departments in Northern Ireland.

As I have told the hon. Member, in selecting locations for Government Establishments which are being moved we do give special consideration to the claims of areas, including Northern Ireland, which need additional employment. We shall continue doing this. But I cannot hold out any hope of a move to Northern Ireland in the near future.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Forestry Commission are to have their contributions under the Selective Employment Tax, repaid.

The contributions will be taken into account when future estimates are considered.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what increase or decrease there was in the staff of the Department under his control in the period 16th October, 1964 to 15th April, 1966; and what increase or decrease he anticipates in the period 16th April, 1966 to 15th October, 1966.

The staff of the new Welsh Office was drawn from a number of Departments from which responsibilities were transferred and a figure for 16th October, 1964 cannot be given. There were 438 in post on 1st April, 1966 and there may be about 25 more in post by 16th October, 1966.