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Written Answers

Volume 768: debated on Monday 15 July 1968

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Written Answers To Questions

Monday, 15th July, 1968

Social Security

Supplementary Benefits (Pension Increases)

5.

asked the Minister of Social Security whether she will ensure that when future pension increases are introduced no deduction will be made in the amounts paid to those in receipt of supplementary benefit.

This would not be in the best interests of supplementary pensioners. It may be desirable as it will be this autumn, to raise supplementary benefit levels in advance of a general pensions increase, so as to provide speedy help for the poorest. When this happens the instalment supplementary pensioners have received must clearly be taken into account at the next general uprating.

Death Grants

12.

asked the Minister of Social Security if, in view of the relatively small sums involved, she will now take steps to allow death grants to be paid to the surviving spouse on the death of a husband or wife born before 5th July, 1883 and 5th July, 1888, respectively.

My right hon. Friend would not be justified in extending in this way the age conditions laid down in the transitional arrangements introducing this benefit in 1948. These were examined in 1956 by the National Insurance Advisory Committee who concluded that in general the arrangements were generous and saw no sufficient reason for further concessions. My right hon. Friend has examined this matter and has come to the conclusion that the advice given by the Advisory Committee still holds good today.

Retirement Pension

20.

asked the Minister of Social Security, what is the maximum anyone who retired on 1st January, 1968 can have contributed to his retirement pension; with the pension at the present level, how much pension in total he may expect to draw, assuming the current expectation of life; what is the capital value of his pension, assuming interest throughout the contribution period at 3½ per cent.; and what are the relevant figures for a married pensioner.

On the assumptions mentioned the maximum amounts that could have been paid for retirement pension by a man and his employer are £320 and £325 respectively with a total capital value of about £855. If the man was aged 65 on retirement he could expect to draw on average £3,100 in pension, the capital value of which would be £2,400; if he had a wife aged 60, the two of them could expect to draw on average £6,800, the capital value of which would be £4,800.

Widow's Pension

21.

asked the Minister of Social Security, what pension a widow is actuarially entitled to receive on widowhood in 1968, assuming that her late husband and his employers had contributed to the National Insurance Fund the full contributions, which in fact each could have contributed since 1948.

This would vary widely depending on such factors as the proportion of the contributions regarded as appropriate to widowhood benefits, both before and after pensionable age, the scheme of widowhood benefits selected, and the age and family circumstances of the individual widow.

Prescription Charges (Exemption)

40.

asked the Minister of Social Security whether disablement benefit paid as a lump sum in respect of a specified period is treated as weekly income in assessing entitlement to exemption from prescription charges on grounds of low income.

Disablement benefit paid as a lump sum in respect of a specified period would be treated as weekly income.

41.

asked the Minister of Social Security, what steps officers of her Department take to ensure that all allowable expenses are deducted by applicants for exemption from prescription charges in declaring their weekly income.

51.

asked the Minister of Social Security, whether fares to work can be deducted in calculating the net earnings of an applicant for exemption from prescription charges on grounds of low income.

The expenses which a claimant can deduct are those necessary to arrive at his net earnings, such as N.I. contributions and fares to work, which can certainly be deducted. The claimant should make these deductions himself when completing the claim form. Other expenses should be notified on the claim form and will be allowed if appropriate by the local officer who decides the claim.

48.

asked the Minister of Social Security what increase or decrease in weekly income constitutes a change of circumstances such as to invalidate a certificate of exemption from prescription charges on grounds of low income.

No decreases in weekly income can invalidate the certificate. The amount of increase that will invalidate any particular exemption certificate will depend upon the circumstances of the individual claimant.

49.

asked the Minister of Social Security what steps officers of her Department take to verify the weekly earnings declared by applicants for exemption from prescription charges.

The officers of my Department will, where appropriate, ask a person claiming exemption on grounds of hardship to provide evidence of earnings or other income.

52 and 53.

asked the Minister of Social Security (1) how purchased annuities are treated in assessing entitlement to exemption from prescription charges on grounds of low income;(2) in what circumstances payments under deed of covenant are deducted from weekly income in assessing entitlements to exemption from prescription charges on grounds of low income;(3) how capital gains are treated in assessing entitlement to exemptions from prescription charges on grounds of low income;

(4) whether gambling gains and losses are taken into account in assessing entitlement to exemption from prescription charges on grounds of low income;

(5) how regular gifts to a needy relative or friend are taken into account in assessing entitlement to exemption from prescription charges on grounds of low income;

(6) how regular gifts from relatives, friends or charities are taken into account in assessing entitlement to exemption from prescription charges on grounds of low income.

All resources and relevant expenses should be declared by the claimant, and would be dealt with under the rules set out in the guide and claim form P.C. 11. Payments made by the claimant voluntarily, would not normally be allowed as expenses. My local officers are available to give guidance in any particular case.

Polygamous Marriages (Benefits And Allowances)

44. and 45.

asked the Minister of Social Security (1) how many wives of a polygamous marriage qualify for married persons' tax allowance; and how many widows of a polygamous marriage qualify for widows' pension.(2) how many widows have been refused pension entitlement during the past 12 months on the basis that their marriages were polygamous and therefore invalid.

Widows of a polygamous marriage would not satisfy the conditions for receiving national insurance widows' benefit. I have no information about the number of applications which may have been refused during the last 12 months. Questions about tax allowances are, of course, for my right hon. Friend, the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

Retirement Pension Age

asked the Minister of Social Security if she will consider a reduction of the retirement pension age from 65 to 60 years, in view of the increasing number of miners becoming redundant at 55 years; and whether she will make a statement.

I very well understand the concern which underlies my hon. Friend's Question, but I am afraid that an earlier National Insurance pension is not the right answer to such problems of redundancy.

Family Allowances

asked the Minister of Social Security what proportion of the gross cost, and of the net cost, respectively, of the Family Allowance Scheme after the three-shilling increase in October, will go to families where the net family income is at, or below, supplementary benefit level.

Since the number of families whose income will be at or below the supplementary benefit level for any period after October cannot be predicted, these proportions cannot be calculated, but of course they will get a much higher proportion of the net than of the gross cost.

asked the Minister of Social Security what is the cost, estimated or actual, of family allowances in the year 1965–66, 1966–67, 1967–68, and 1968–69, respectively.

:

Financial YearCost of Family Allowances
£
1965–66146,298,184
1966–67149,219,626
1967–68160,206,000*
1968–69298,000,000†‡
* Provisional.
† Estimated.
‡ Includes about £147,000,000 for the 10s. increase, of which about £57,000,000 will be recovered from the reduction of the total tax allowances of the families concerned (in addition to about £28,000,000 from tax paid on the increases themselves).

Trade Disputes (Unemployed Persons)

asked the Minister of Social Security why no provision is made by her Department for the support of single men and women who are out of work as a result of an industrial dispute in which they are not directly involved.

The Ministry of Social Security Act provides that supplementary benefit shall not normally be paid for the personal requirements of anybody involved in a trade dispute within the meaning of Section 10 of the Act, which is in the same terms as the trade dispute disqualification for unemployment benefit.The question of involvement in a dispute is a difficult one and has been examined by the Royal Commission on Trade Unions and Employers' Associations, whose recommendations are under consideration. The Supplementary Benefits Commission have, however, a discretionary power to make a grant for the claimant's own needs in an urgent case. I am writing to my hon. Friend about the particular cases he has in mind.

Retired Widowers

asked the Minister of Social Security whether she will consider giving some compensation to a man who retires after pensionable age and then loses his wife, having foregone his wife's pension while still in work after pensionable age.

No. To extend the provision of increments on the wife's pension to benefit the husband in this way would not be justified.

Earnings Related Pensions Scheme

asked the Minister of Social Security whether she will now state when the White Paper on the earnings related pensions scheme will be published.

I would refer the hon. Member to the replies I gave today to Questions by the hon. Member for Kensington, South (Sir B. Rhys Williams) and other hon. Members.

Child Allowances

asked the Minister of Social Security what is the cost, actual or estimated, in the years 1965–66, 1966–67, 1967–68 and 1968–69 of allowances for children paid under National Insurance and the Supplementary Benefits Commission, respectively.

The estimated cost of allowances for children under the National Insurance and Industrial Injuries schemes is as follows:

Financial Year£ million
1965–6650
1966–6752
1967–6861
1968–6956

Similar estimates cannot be given for supplementary benefit (National Assistance before November, 1966), as it is not possible to isolate the amount paid in respect of children. Payments of supplementary benefit are made to cover the needs of the recipient and his dependants, and accordingly in cases where there are children the assessment has regard not only to any family allowance or insurance benefit in payment but also to other forms of income possessed by the recipient and his dependants.

Employment And Productivity

National Dock Labour Board (Staff)

57.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity what will be the role of the staff of the National Dock Labour Board in the reorganised docks industry.

My right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport will be making a statement about the reorganisation of the industry as soon as possible. Only then can one say how the Board's functions and the rôle of its staff will be affected.

British Steel Corporation (Clerical Workers)

58.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity what progress has been made towards resolving the dispute between the British Steel Corporation and the Clerical and Administrative Workers Union on the question of the recognition of the Union.

The Court of Inquiry, which was referred to in the reply given on 9th July to my hon. Friend the Member for Central Ayrshire (Mr. Manuel), held an initial meeting on Friday, and there will be further hearings this week.—[Vol. 768, c. 47–8.]

Prices And Incomes Board (Employees)

56.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity if she is aware that the numbers of temporary secretaries employed by the National Board for Prices and Incomes have increased by 50 per cent. in 12 months and that the cost of employing each of them has increased by £2 per week; and which body has the responsibility of reviewing the salaries and productivity of employees of the National Board for Prices and Incomes.

Yes. The Board have 11 more temporary secretarial staff employed through agencies to help in dealing with an increased and fluctuating workload. The charges made by employment agencies are the subject of a current reference to the Board.

North-East Lancashire (Employment)

59.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity how many people were in work in North-East Lancashire on 30th June, 1968; and how many were in work in that area on 30th June, 1966.

Employment estimates for local areas are made in respect of June each year and the latest available are for June, 1967. In North-East Lancashire the numbers of employees in employment at June 1967, and June, 1966, were 201,000 and 213,000, respectively.

Strikes (Wales)

asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity how many strikes there have been in the Principality of Wales, including Monmouthshire, during the course of the past five years; and how the number of man-days lost through strikes in the Principality compares rateably with the man-days lost in the United Kingdom as a whole.

In the years 1963–67 inclusive the total number of stoppages due to industrial disputes in Wales was 1,537. The average annual number of days lost per 1,000 employees as a result of stoppages was 275 for Wales, compared with 105 for the United Kingdom.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity how many of the strikes in the Principality of Wales during the last five years have been official; and how many have been unofficial.

Certain stoppages are known to have been official, but it is not known whether all the remainder were unofficial, though the great majority would have been. Out of a total of 1,537 stoppages occurring in Wales in the years 1963–67 inclusive, 27 are known to have been official.

Manufacturing Industries, Wales

asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity what is the average weekly wage in manufacturing industries in Wales; and how this compares with the United Kingdom figures, and with the figure in Scotland.

In October, 1967, the latest date for which information is

EMPLOYEES IN EMPLOYMENT IN WALES, SCOTLAND AND ENGLAND EXPRESSED AS PERCENTAGES OF THOSE IN GREAT BRITAIN AT JUNE, 1967
WalesScotlandEngland
Radio and other electronic apparatus (Minimum List Heading 364 of the Standard Industrial Classification)2·36·491·3
Synthetic resins and plastics materials (Minimum List Heading 276)14·04·981·1
Plastics moulding and fabricating (Minimum List Heading 496)1·92·595·6
Aircraft manufacturing and repairing (Minimum List Heading 383)1·25·793·1

East Germany (Travel Documents)

61.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many citizens of the German Democratic Republic have been refused permission by the Allied Travel Office in West Berlin, to visit the United Kingdom during the past 12 months; and how many British subjects have been denied entry to the German Democratic Republic during that period.

In the 12 months from 1st July, 1967, to 30th June, 1968, 1,384 East Germans were issued with temporary Travel Documents by the Allied Travel Office for travel to the United Kingdom, and 10 were refused. I have no information about the number of British citizens denied entry to East Germany.

British Consulate, Istanbul

62.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what decision has been reached about the future of the building occupied by the British Consul General in Istanbul and the possibility of using some of the grounds for exhibition of British goods.

available, the average weekly earnings of adult male manual workers in manufacturing industries in Wales, in the United Kingdom as a whole and in Scotland were 445s. 9d., 437s. 9d., and 424s. 10d., respectively.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity what proportion of the British labour force employed in the electronics, plastics and aeronautical industries are employed in Wales, Scotland and England.

We have accepted the recommendation of the Estimates Committee that a scheme should be drawn up for making better use of the building. Various alternative courses are under consideration but no decision has yet been reached. No proposal has been put to us for using the grounds for exhibition of British goods.

Haiti (Detained British Subjects)

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is the latest information he has about the recent imprisonment of British subjects by the Haitian régime.

Mr. D. J. Knox, Director of Information in the service of the Government of the Bahama Islands, was arrested while on a private visit to Haiti. The case against him is still under investigation. He has been visited by the First Secretary from the British High Commission in Kingston, who reported him to be composed and in reasonable physical health. We are pressing for release or an early trial and for further staff visits.We know of two other British subjects under detention in Haiti. They are citizens of Jamaica and their own Government is responsible for their protection.

Rhodesia

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs when he will now make further representations to the South African Government concerning the occupation of British territory in Rhodesia by South African forces.

I have nothing at present to add to my Answer to my hon. Friend on the 8th July.—[Vol. 768, c. 9.]

Federal German Republic (Passports)

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that certain categories of United Kingdom nationals holding United Kingdom passports are encountering difficulties in entering the Federal German Republic; and what steps are being taken to minimise these difficulties.

We are aware of these difficulties which arise when people are unable to satisfy the Federal German immigration authorities that they have unrestricted right of entry to the United Kingdom. The main groups of those who do have such a right of entry to the United Kingdom are those who were born in the United Kingdom and those holding passports issued in the United Kingdom. Federal German immigration officers have been instructed by their Government to admit these two groups without formality and also to admit other United Kingdom nationals whose passports have been stamped to indicate exemption from United Kingdom immigration control. United Kingdom passport officers overseas are instructed to stamp new passports which they issue, and existing passports whenever the opportunity occurs, to indicate whether or not the holders are subject to United Kingdom immigration control, if the passports do not already make this clear. Provision has also been made in this country for stamping existing passports issued abroad, whose holders have an unrestricted right of entry here, to indicate this fact.All practicable steps have been and are being taken to bring the new German regulations to the attention of United Kingdom nationals proposing to visit the Federal German Republic, to ensure either that their passports indicate that they are exempt from United Kingdom immigration control or that they obtain a German visa before travelling. People whose passports do not already indicate exemption from United Kingdom immigration control can, if they are in fact exempt, have their passports appropriately stamped on application to any of the passport offices in this country or to a British Consulate or High Commission overseas.

Ministry Of Health

Prescription Charges (Exemption)

63.

asked the Minister of Health what representations he has received from pensioners' organisations in Scotland, England and Wales on the administration affecting his Department concerning women over 60 years of age and prescription charge exemption; and what replies he has sent.

I am sending my hon. Friend a copy of the reply to a letter from the National Federation of Old Age Pensions Associations. I have also seen representations on this point from about half-a-dozen local old age pensions associations and from the General Council of the National Old Age Pensioners' Associations of Scotland, Merseyside and Wales, and replies in similar terms have been sent.

Severely Disabled (Social Survey)

64.

asked the Minister of Health what progress has been made by the Government Social Survey in their study of the severely disabled.

Pilot studies have been completed, and the main postal inquiry is now in progress. The Secretary of State for Scotland and I are writing personally to those who have been approached but have not so far replied, urging them to help us by completing and returning the inquiry form even if no one in their household is disabled.

asked the Minister of Health what is the estimated cost of the Government's social survey inquiry into whether people over 16 years of age can get about and look after themselves; what sampling techniques are being employed; how many inquiry forms have been sent out; what Government decisions will be affected by the result; and whether the results will be published.

The estimated cost of the inquiry is £111,000. A preliminary postal inquiry has been directed to 250,000 households based on a stratified random sample drawn from the electoral register. Two forms of postal questionaire have been used; the longer has gone to 100,000 households and is intended to identify for subsequent interview people with a significant disability; the shorter has gone to 150,000 households and is designed to obtain for interview an adequate sample of the most severely handicapped who are fewer in number. The main purpose of the survey is to provide factual information on which the development of services for handi-

DEATHS DUE TO DROWNING IN RIVER THAMES WHERE BODY WAS RECOVERED BETWEEN GORING AND HENLEY, 1963 TO 1967 (ICD 7TH REVISION E850–858, E929, E975, E983)
19631964196519661967
AccidentalSuicideAccidentalSuicideAccidentalSuicideAccidentalSuicideAccidentalSuicide
Male aged 21Male aged 73*Male aged 12*Male aged 64Male aged 52Female aged 41Female aged 53*Male aged 69Male aged 18Female aged 63
Male aged 26Male aged 50Male aged 3Female aged 65Male aged 62*Female aged 46
Male aged 50*Male aged 17Male aged 12Male aged 69Male aged 30*
Female aged 49Male aged 16*Male aged 74*
Male aged 17*
* Death where the body was recovered from the River within the boundaries of Reading County Borough.

Imported Food Regulations

asked the Minister of Health when he proposes to reply to the inquiry of the Felixstowe Urban District Council of 8tih March, 1968 regarding the Imported Food Regulations 1968 which become operative on 1st August.

A letter has been sent today. I regret that it took so long to deal with the inquiry.

Nurse Education

asked the Minister of Health what action is being taken to encourage nurse education; how many qualified tutors remain in the hospital field; in view of the fact that the salary scale is an inhibition to recruitment for

capped people may be based. I expect the results to be published.

Drowning Fatalities (Goring—Henley)

asked the Minister of Health what were the total numbers of fatalities from drowning and other accidents on the River Thames between Goring and Henley for the years 1950, 1960, 1965, 1966 and 1967; and in how many cases such fatalities occurred in that stretch of the river which passes through or abuts on the borough of Reading.

I regret that the information asked for cannot be provided for the years 1950 and 1960 without disproportionate expense. Data for 1963–67 are given in the following table. No record has been traced of a fatality on the river from a cause other than drowning during the period.this service, whether he will take steps to improve it; and if he will make a statement.

Nurse education is the responsibility of the General Nursing Council, but in a memorandum issued last year I gave hospital authorities my views on measures they should take to secure improvements. I have increased the money available to the Council for nurse education and given it funds for a small research unit and for the payment of course fees of trainee tutors. I am also giving financial aid to a limited number of experimental schemes of training.There were 1,136 whole-time and 46 part-time qualified tutors in hospitals at 30th September, 1967; the number of qualified tutors has been slowly increasing for the last three years, but there is a shortage. My Department, the General Nursing Council and the Royal College of Nursing are jointly studying the numbers and pattern of teaching staff required to meet current and foreseeable needs for training student and pupil nurses.The salary scales for nurse tutors are a matter for the Nurses and Midwives Whitley Council and in the debate on 1st July I explained the effect of the recommendations of the National Board for Prices and Incomes.

Hearing Aids

asked the Minister of Health how many companies in Great Britain tendered for the contract to produce ear level hearing aids for his Department; and how many overseas firms tendered.

Seven companies, all registered in the United Kingdom, tendered for the supply of these instruments. Three of these firms offered aids to be made in the United Kingdom; the remainder offered aids to be produced overseas.

asked the Minister of Health if the ear level hearing aids he is proposing to issue to children will incorporate a special cord adjustment system to the external receiver.

No. The connector will be available in two different lengths in a semi-stiff form capable of being shaped to suit the wearer.

asked the Minister of Health how many ear level hearing aids for children he has ordered; what is the value of the order; and if the hearing aids will be produced in Great Britain.

An initial order as been placed for 11,250 aids. Contract prices are confidential and I cannot therefore disclose the value of the order. This first batch will be imported from Denmark.

asked the Minister of Health when he expects to begin the issue of ear level hearing aids to children.

Ports

West Dock Scheme, Bristol

65.

asked the Minister of Transport what esimate he has made of the proportion of Bristol's rates involved in Government approval of the Bristol West Dock scheme.

Any estimate must be based on assumption and cannot be exact, but on Bristol's own lower traffic forecasts (which we believe over-optimistic) the deficit on the West Dock Scheme might have been equivalent for some years after the initial period to some five pence in the pound, though the direct impact on the rates would depend on the funding of the capital cost. This is no longer a live issue since the House decided not to give a Second Reading to the Bristol Corporation Bill.

Transport

Southdown Bus Company (Subsidy)

asked the Minister of Transport how much has been paid out in public money to date in subsidies to the Southdown Bus Company since the closure of the Shoreham-Horsham branch railway line.

The total subsidy paid from March 1966 to the end of 1967 amounts to £64,469. Later figures are not yet available.

Motor Vehicle Examination (Application Form)

asked the Minister of Transport when was the form number VTG 1 (2), application for a first examination of a motor vehicle, first printed.

asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware that there is waste in the use of the application form number VTG 1 (2) caused by firms using excess supplies of these large forms for the wrapping of their goods; and if he will introduce a smaller-sized form.

I am not aware of any misuse and perhaps the hon. Member will let me have particulars.

This is Part II of the application form for first examination of a motor vehicle under the Goods Vehicle Plating and Testing scheme. Copies have been distributed to vehicle operators for use for voluntary testing and pre-registration of vehicles pending the start of the scheme on 1st October. The form has had to be revised because of the delay in the start of the scheme which I announced on 18th April, but it would be impracticable to reduce its size.

Railways

Ashford-Ore Line

asked the Minister of Transport in view of the inconvenience and expense arising in planning and other ways from the delay in announcing his decision on the proposal to withdraw the Ashford-Ore railway, when his decision may now be expected.

I regret any consequences which arise from uncertainty over the future of this line. I shall announce a decision as soon as possible, but I cannot do so until all my detailed investigations are completed.

Pensions

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the wage increases granted to railwaymen, he will now consider seeking power to increase railway pensions, particularly for those who retired before 1956.

Any change in the present pension arrangements for railwaymen would be a matter for the British Railways Board to decide, subject to my consent under Section 74 of the Transport Act, 1962.

Closure Proposals

asked the Minister of Transport if he will give a general direction to the British Railways Board that they should not take into account in any figures prepared in connection with future rail closure proposals any loss incurred directly as a result of the suspension of service by the Board on the lines in question during the recent work-to-rule.

A general direction for this purpose would be inappropriate. But in considering any closure proposal for which figures covering the period in question were relevant I would, of course, takes these circumstances into account.

Edinburgh—Hawick—Carlisle Line

asked the Minister of Transport if he has now reached a decision on the proposal to discontinue rail passenger services on the Edinburgh—Hawick—Carlisle line; and if he will make a statement.

I have decided to give my consent to the Railways Board's proposal to discontinue passenger services on this line. In reaching this decision I have taken into account the advice I have received from many sources, including the Scottish Transport Users Consultative Committee, the Borders Consultative Group and the Scottish Economic Planning Council, and the recommendations made in the Central Borders Report. I am making it a condition of my consent that certain additional bus services shall be provided. The Railways Board normally seek my agreement before disposing of route formation and station sites and I have told them that I would not be prepared to consider such disposal between Edinburgh and Hawick for at least two years.This decision has been taken in the light of the low and declining passenger use of the line and only after long and exhaustive appraisal of the possibilities of increased traffic and all possible alternative courses, including the likely effect of retaining part of the line and making various operational economies. I am satisfied that the present exceptionally heavy losses cannot be allowed to continue especially in the current economic climate, and that there is no practicable way of retaining even part of the line at an acceptable cost, To maintain current services an annual grant of £700,000 would be needed. Even a reduced single track service between Edinburgh and Hawick, serving only the four main intermediate stations would entail grant at a level of £250,000 a year (or about l1d. per passenger mile compared with the present standard second class fare of just over 3d. per mile.

Commonwealth Affairs

Kenya Asians (Discussions)

66.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs what communication he has had with the Governments of India and Pakistan concerning the emigration from Kenya of British nationals of Asian origin in Kenya.

As I told my hon. Friend the Member for Sheffield, Heeley (Mr. Hooley) on 4th July, we are continuing discussions with the Government of India and with other Governments on this matter. There appears to be no immediate problem as far as Pakistan is concerned.

Falkland Islands

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs what discussion he has had with the Government of the Falkland Islands concerning tourist facilities in the Islands; and if he will make a statement.

We have not been approached by the Falkland Islands Government on this matter but we are asking the Governor for a report.

Education And Science

Rheumatic Diseases (Research)

67.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is the total annual Government expenditure on research into rheumatic diseases.

A considerable programme of research on rheumatic and related diseases is being undertaken with support from Government funds in Medical Research Council establishments, university departments and a number of National Health Service hospitals and rheumatism centres. Since this work covers a very wide field, and includes much fundamental biological research, it is not possible to provide an estimate of expenditure.

Students' Grants, Salford

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if, in view of the Salford City Council's decision of 25th June, 1968, to withdraw statutory grants from university and further education students in certain circumstances, he will take steps to restore them in cases where no suspension on disciplinary grounds has been imposed by the university or college.

I understand that the Council decided to send letters to award-holders reminding them that, in circumstances laid down in the statutory Regulations, awards may be terminated or suspended. This calls for no action on my part.

Nursery Education

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what steps he is taking to encourage local education authorities in educational priority areas to start nursery classes.

I would refer the hon. Member to my Answers on 27th June to the hon. Members for Bristol, West (Mr. Robert Cooke) and Bristol, North-West (Mr. Ellis).—[Vol. 766, c. 785–6.]

Teacher Quota, Wales

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what steps he has taken to implement his policy of increasing the teachers quota for Wales.

My right hon. Friend is notifying those authorities which have asked for additions to quota in connection with Welsh language teaching and examinations that he can meet their requests in full; 227 additional teachers are involved.

Minister's Letters (Copies)

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science on how many occasions within the last 12 months he has, when communicating officially with a local education authority, sent a copy to the leader of the minority group of the authority concerned.

As I explained in reply to the hon. Member's previous Question, this action was taken in the case of Reading because I had been asked about progress. Similar action has been taken in the past in similar circumstances in a few cases, but the occasions have not been specially recorded.—[Vol. 768, c. 53–4.]

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science, in sending a copy of his recent letter to the county borough of Reading about secondary reorganisation to the leader of the minority group on that council, what conditions he imposed covering the release of the copy to the Press before his official letter was placed before the appropriate committee of the council.

New Members

69.

asked the Lord Privy Seal if he will move to amend the practice of the House so that new Members desiring to take their seats may be called to do so immediately after Question Time, rather than after the end of statements to the House.

House Of Commons Writing Paper

70.

asked the Lord Privy Seal, in view of the decision of the Select Committee on House of Commons (Services) that quarto size writing paper will continue to be available to Members on demand, for what reason flimsy paper used for copying is no longer available in a matching size.

£ million
End of:
196419671968
SeptemberDecemberSeptemberDecemberMarch
Gross4,6094,4184,7595,1425,580
Net3,5343,3053,4563,7994,146
Further details are available in the Bank of England Quarterly Bulletin.

National Finance

International Monetary Fund (South African Gold Sales)

71.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer why Her Majesty's Government support the United States Government in resisting the right of the South African Government to sell gold to the International Monetary Fund; and what estimate he has made of the effect on the United Kingdom reserves of the South African Government being allowed to exercise its rights.

The hon. Member appears to be prejudging issues which are still the subject of confidential discussions in the I.M.F.'s Executive Board.

Sterling Balances

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what were the estimated total sterling balances in October 1964, at the time of devaluation and at the latest convenient date, respectively.

Figures are published quarterly. The sterling holdings of overseas countries at the nearest relevant dates were:—other distributions and from annual payments made in the course of the year. For the year 1967–68 330,000 forms were printed at a cost of £1,044 and it is estimated that about 250,000 were issued.The answer to the last part of the Question is "No".

Child Allowances

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the cost to the Revenue last year, and what is his estimate for the current year, of the tax allowances for children.

Family Allowances (Tax)

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the yield to the Revenue last year, and what is his estimate for the current year, of tax paid on family allowances.

Hotel Industry (Selective Employment Tax)

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if, in view of the present rate of unemployment, he will now consider removing the Selective Employment Tax being levied on the hotel industry.

Personal Savings

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will publish information about the net volume of private savings for the 12 month period up to the most recent available date, giving separately the net totals for separate categories as far as possible, namely, unit trusts, National Savings, life assurance other than sponsored pension schemes, building societies, new stock exchange investment, company pension schemes and other personal savings, and the corresponding figures for the previous 12 months.

I would refer the hon. Member to Tables 2 and 8 of the monthly publication "Financial Statistics", a copy of which is available in the library. These tables bring together all the available information about personal saving and borrowing, both quarterly and annually.

Home Department

Public Demonstrations, London

72.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the cost to public funds of providing the means and manpower to maintain order and minimise public inconvenience during weekends in London in the year ended 7th July, 1968, as a consequence of protest marches and other demonstrations.

The pay and transport costs of officers required for a major demonstration are of the order of £2,500, mostly for pay which would in any event be incurred. In addition, there are other costs, for example for refreshment, and for damage and loss of clothing and equipment. These additional costs cannot be calculated precisely without undue research. There were six major demonstrations during the year, and 41 smaller ones.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will ban any further demonstrations and protest marches in London until suitable arrangements can be made for such activities to take place without violence or inconvenience to the general public.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many arrests of demonstrators and spectators at demonstrations were made in London during the year ended 7th July, 1968.

There were 369 arrests of demonstrators in the Metropolitan Police District and 50 in the City of London.

Cs Gas (Use By Police)

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he wlil obtain reports from chief constables regarding the occasions on which C.S. gas has been used by any police force in Great Britain, for what purpose, and with what results.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) on how many occasions C.S. gas has been used by the Metropolitan Police Force; and on how many of those occasions was C.S. gas used in a room of a building or similar confined space;(2) if he will call for reports from chief constables on the number of occasions C.S. gas has been used, and on the number of occasions it was used in a room of a building or smiliar confined space;(3) whether medical examinations are carried out on those exposed to C.S. gas by the Metropolitan Police Force; and to what extent ill effects have been discovered;

(4) if he will call for reports from chief constables on whether medical examinations are carried out on those exposed, to C.S. gas by their police forces, and on the extent to which ill effects have been discovered.

My information is that C.S. gas has been used operationally by the police in England and Wales only once, in Surrey, when cartridge were used to dislodge a mentally-deranged man, armed with a shot-gun, who had barricaded himself in a house. He was attended by his own doctor but no lasting ill effect was observed on him or on the police officers concerned.I understand from my right hon. Friend that in Scotland C.S. gas has been used once by the police.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what quantities of C.S. gas are now held by the Metropolitan Police Force; and if he will call for reports from chief constables on the amount of C.S. gas now held by police forces in England and Wales.

The answer to the first part of the Question is 16 grenades and 50 cartridges.I am seeking the information requested in the second part and will write to my hon. Friend when it is available.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether the limited amounts of non-toxic tear smoke officially supplied to police forces in 1965 are identical with the 264 grenades and 170 cartridges of C.S. gas supplied to police forces in that year.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) whether members of the Metropolitan Police to whom C.S. gas is issued are at the same time issued with antidotes to the effect of this gas, and in what quantity.(2) if he will call for reports from chief constables on the extent to which members of the police forces to whom C.S. gas is issued are at the same time issued with antidotes to the effect of this gas.

Ministry Of Defence

Bovingdon Airfield (Night Flying)

73.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what steps he is taking to reduce night flying from Bovingdon Airfield during the summer months.

With effect from 1st July 1968 night continuation circuit training at R.A.F. Bovingdon has been discontinued and will not be resumed until the end of September. During these months limited night conversion circuit training will take place for about one to two hours once every ten days. R.A.F. Bovingdon will close in 1969.

Royal Dockyards (Review)

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will give an undertaking that any announcement concerning the closure or cut in the work load of any of the Royal Dockyards will be made so as to allow it to be debated before the Recess.

The review of the dockyards is still in progress and no decisions are expected before the Recess.

Falkland Islands

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what consideration he has given to the stationing and training, in rotation, of British infantry and artillery regiments in the Falkland Islands; and what conclusion he has reached.

We have no intention of stationing or training Army units in the Falkland Islands.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will consider the holding of fleet exercises based on the Falkland Islands.

Strafing Exercise (Carmarthenshire)

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will give details of the eight-day strafing exercise taking place over Carmarthenshire between 8th and 16th July, inclusive.

Statute Book (Computerisation)

asked the Attorney-General if he will give details of the research being carried out on computerisation of the statute book; and if he will indicate the cost of this work in each of the last three years.

Some preliminary research has been carried out by the Management Services (Computers) Division of the Treasury into the possible uses of computers for legal purposes. In the course of this research the possibility of computerising the Statute Book has been investigated in a provisional way. It is estimated that this preliminary research has cost about £1,500, mostly this year.

Post Office

Early Day Motion (Letters To Members)

74.

asked the Postmaster General whether it was with his authority that letters containing vague threats were despatched to right hon. and hon. Members, who had signed Early Day Motion No. 328, in franked envelopes of his Department from the Richmond and Twickenham Post Office at 5.15 p.m. on 16th June; and what action he proposes to take.

No. The use of official envelopes for sending communications of this nature was completely unauthorised. If we could trace the offender serious disciplinary action would be taken.

Premium Bonds

asked the Postmaster General (1) what was the total sum of new purchases of premium bonds during the first three months of 1968; and what was the corresponding figure for the first three months of 1967;(2) what was the total sum of new purchases of premium bonds during the second quarter of 1968; and what was the corresponding figure for the second quarter of 1967;(3) what was the total value of encashments of premium bonds during the first three months of 1968; and what was the corresponding figure for the first three months of 1967;(4) what was the total value of encashments of premium bonds during the second quarter of 1968; and what was the corresponding figure for the second quarter of 1967.

:

Total purchasesTotal encashments
£m.£m.
1st quarter 196825·814·4
1st quarter 196723·312·6
2nd quarter 196825·112·0
2nd quarter 196729·612·6
The figures for 1968 are provisional.

Agriculture, Fisheries And Food

Hourly Wages (Farming And Forestry)

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the average hourly wage in agriculture and forestry in Wales, Scotland and the United Kingdom, respectively.

Average hourly earnings (including overtime payments, bonuses and other additions) of hired regular whole-time men in agriculture for the year ended 31st December, 1967, are estimated at 5s. 10d. in Wales, 6s. 3d. in Scotland and 6s. 2d. in Great Britain. Corresponding information relating to the whole of the United Kingdom and to earnings of forestry workers is not available.

Ministry Of Power

National Coal Board Houses (Rent)

asked the Minister of Power whether he will take steps to ensure that the limit in the amount of increase permitted for council house rents under prices and incomes legislation is also made applicable to the rents of houses owned by the National Coal Board.

The fixing of rents is a matter for the National Coal Board within the framework of the Government's prices and incomes policy and relevant statutory controls. I understand that the Board is continuing its practices of relating rent increases of Coal Industry Housing Association houses to those for comparable council houses.

Welsh Coal Industry (Employees)

asked the Minister of Power what is the number of men currently employed by the coal industry in Wales; and what were the numbers employed on the corresponding dates in 1967, 1966, 1965 and 1964.

I am informed by the National Coal Board that the number of wage-earners on colliery books at the end of June, 1968, was 52,600. The figures for the end of March, 1968, 1967, 1966, 1965 and 1964, were 54,600, 59,900, 64,900, 73,800 and 79,400 respectively.

British Steel Corporation (Capital Expenditure)

asked the Minister of Power what are the expected capital expenditure programmes for the British Steel Corporation for the financial years 1969, 1970 and 1971.

The programme for the year to March 1969 which I have approved provides for capital expenditure of up to £100 million. The programmes for the following years have not yet been submitted to me.

Board Of Trade

Italian Domestic Washing Machines (Imports)

asked the President of the Board of Trade what was the value of Italian-made washing machines imported into this country for the last full year for which figures are available, together with similar information for the preceding four years.

Following is the information:The value of imports of domestic washing machines and parts from Italy was as follows:

year ending£'000
c.i.f.
May 1964412
May 19651,130
May 1966643
May 1967839
May 19681,712

Small Firms Scheme (Consultants)

asked the President of the Board of Trade what consultants have been employed, or will be employed, under the pilot scheme for which money is sought in the Supplementary Estimate submitted to Parliament on 28th June, 1968; and for what purpose their services are required.

It is up to individual firms to select the consultant they wish to employ under this scheme the purpose of which was described by my right hon. Friend in an answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Billericay (Mr. Moonman) on 11th June, 1968. We are not restricting the choice of consultant to any approved list but, since public expenditure is involved, we shall naturally wish to check that the consultants selected are of reasonable standing.—[Vol. 766, c. 23.]

Aviation

Gatwick Airport (Aircraft Noise)

asked the President of the Board of Trade what proposals he has for controlling the noise of aircraft taking off at Gatwick.

The Board of Trade have made requirements under section 14 of the Airports Authority Act, 1965 establishing maximum noise levels at specified monitoring points for jet aircraft taking off at Gatwick. The levels are 110 PNdB by day and 102 PNdB by night. In addition, some changes have been made to the routes which aircraft must follow after take-off to reduce noise disturbance on the ground to a minimum. These new arrangements come into force today and are in keeping with our general policy of minimising wherever possible the nuisance of aircraft noise.

Public Building And Works

Palace Of Westminster (Bridge Street Lift)

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works, how many times the lift at Bridge Street has been reported out of action in the last six months; and if he will take action to reduce inconvenience caused to hon. Members who have desk rooms in that building.

The lift has been reported out of order on five occasions. On three of these, the lift was found to be working again when the lift fitter arrived. On the other two occasions, the lift had stopped because the users had not closed the landing doors properly.

Wales

Houses (Amenities)

asked the Secretary of State for Wales how many houses there are in Wales and in Caernarvonshire, respectively, without bathrooms and water closets.

The information is not available in this form. The 1966 Sample Census, however, gives the following figures:Households without exclusive use of a water-closet:

Wales34,020
Caernarvonshire2,680
Households without exclusive use of a bathroom:

Wales174,140
Caernarvonshire9,900

Government Establishments (Location)

asked the Secretary of State for Wales how many jobs will be provided at each Government estab- lishment which it is planned to site in Wales.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to my hon. Friend the Member for Brecon and Radnor (Mr. Tudor Watkins) on 10th July.—[Vol. 768, c. 100.]

Roads (Expenditure)

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what was the total expenditure on Welsh roads in 1965–66 and 1966–67; and what was the average annual expenditure between 1960 and 1964.

The total expenditure on Welsh roads was as follows:

1965–66£26,221,000
1966–67£29,435,000
Average over the five year period 1960–61 to 1964–65£18,288,000

Derelict Land (Reclamation)

asked the Secretary of State for Wales how many schemes for the reclamation of derelict land in Wales have been approved; what acreage is involved; and what is the total estimated cost.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Pontypridd (Mr. Arthur Pearson) on 20th June. The total estimated cost of the 27 approved schemes was £1,218,131.—[Vol. 766, c. 1279–1280.]