asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if it is his intention to make the East Kilbride Development Corporation responsible for the planning and construction of the proposed new town development at Stonehouse.

My right hon. Friend is considering the proposals for a development at Stonehouse, and in doing so he is bearing in mind the possibility mentioned by the right hon. Lady.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what discussions he has had with the Scottish Economic Planning Council about the present level of unemployment in Scotland.

Two meetings of the lull Council have taken place since I took office and I raised this subject on each occasion.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will publish a detailed breakdown of the allocation of the £1½ million, as between functions and local authorities, to be allotted for the immediate purpose of alleviating unemployment in the winter months; and how soon the money will be allocated to the various authorities concerned.

Of the £1½ million, it is intended to apply £1 million to trunk road maintenance and the remainder to work on hospitals, social work projects, agriculture and further education colleges, the demolition of air raid shelters, and improving the environment of some of the Scottish Special Housing Association's older schemes. The allocations to spending authorities are not yet complete.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will now give an estimate of the total cost of Ninewells Hospital in Dundee; and his latest estimate of when it will be completed.

The March, 1970, estimate of the cost of Ninewells Hospital, including fees and equipment, was £17 million. The possible effect upon this estimate of current arbitration between the Eastern Regional Hospital Board and the contractors cannot be assessed. On completion date, I have nothing to add to my reply given to the hon. Gentleman on 15th July last.—[Vol. 803, c. 218.]

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what action he proposes to take on the Tayside Study Group Report made to him; and what financial assistance the Government are prepared to give.

My right hon. Friend has asked the local planning authorities in the area to let him have their views on the report by the end of November. He will consider Government assistance when he knows what the local authorities propose to do.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will now announce his proposals for the reform of local government in Scotland.

As stated in my reply on 8th July to the hon. Member for Greenock (Dr. Dickson Mabon) and my hon. Friend the Member for Ross and Cromarty (Mr. Gray), I hope it will be possible to produce a White Paper before the end of the year.—[Vol. 803, c. 664–5.]

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware that the north-west of Glasgow is becoming under-doctored and that general practitioners have difficulty in obtaining premises adequate and suitable as surgeries; and when a start will be made on the redevelopment of this area, and in particular when the construction of the two proposed health centres will commence.

I have no information to suggest that the number of general practitioners providing services is inadequate to the needs of the area, though I understand there may be difficulties in finding suitable surgery accommodation. The timing of the redevelopment of the area as a whole is a matter for Glasgow Corporation, but my Department is now discussing possible sites for health centres for Maryhill and Possilpark. Depending on the outcome of local negotiations, I hope that construction work on them would start in about two years' time.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if, in view of the widespread concern at drug taking amongst school children, he will take steps to institute an investigation into the problem in the schools of Scotland, so as to identify the size of the problem and to make recommendations as to its solution.

Inquiries earlier this year gave no reason to suppose that drug-taking is a serious problem in Scottish schools and, while I share the hon. Member's concern about misuse of drugs, I doubt whether a national survey in schools would serve a useful purpose at present. I will continue to watch the position carefully.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will review the position of grants to students of colleges of domestic science who have exceptionally heavy expenses not presently covered by the existing allowance arrangements.

This matter will be considered as part of the general review of students' grants which was announced on 29th October.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many additional new places will be provided for children in primary schools between 1972 and 1975 in Scotland and Lanarkshire as a result of the policy changes announced in Command Paper No. 4515.

The additional resources will be used for the improvement and replacement of primary schools as well as the provision of additional places to enable class sizes to be reduced. Until the projects to be started have been decided, after consultation with education authorities, it will not be possible to give the number of additional places that will be provided.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what number of fully qualified teachers are still required to enable all primary schools to be fully staffed on the basis of a class roll not exceeding 40.

About 800 would be needed to implement the staffing standards proposed in my Department's circular of 29th April. These standards would give at most an average class size of 35 and would make classes of 40 unlikely.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many new primary schools were built in the five years 1964 to 1969; what was the comparable figure for the previous five years; how many are currently being built; how many are expected to be completed in 1970; and what is the estimate of completions in 1971, 1972, 1973 and 1974.

Two hundred and fifty-nine schools were completed in the five years 1965 to 1969, and 168 in the previous five years; 43 were under construction at the end of June, 1970, and I estimate that completions in 1970 will total 36. Completions of primary schools cannot be estimated beyond 1970.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether it is his intention to expand the nursery school building programme between 1972 and 1975; and if he will make a statement.

Under the Urban Aid Programme introduced in 1968, approval has been given to the provision of over 1,000 new nursery places in areas of special social need in Scotland. Proposals for 300 places are now under consideration and I hope to approve further proposals as the programme continues. Further developments will take place as resources permit.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will continue the policy of giving grants for the modernisation of the older houses in Scotland as set out in the 1969 Act; and if he will make a statement.

Yes. I attach great importance to the improvement of existing houses and I shall continue to give this every encouragement.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received from the Scottish Police Federation on police pay and conditions; and what replies he has sent.

I have received one representation from a branch board of the Scottish Police Federation in my capacity as a constituency Member and I have replied to the board in that capacity. Three right hon. and hon. Members have written to me enclosing a memorandum prepared by the Police Federations setting out their case for higher pay. I have replied that in the Police Council, established by Parliament, the Police Federation has negotiating machinery which provides ample opportunity for them to state and argue their case, and that the Official Side of the Council is equally concerned with the efficiency of the police service.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he is taking to improve the morale and efficiency of the police in Scotland.

The police service have my full backing in carrying out their difficult duties. In conjunction with police authorities, I propose to see that they are provided with the best equipment available, and an extensive programme of new police building is planned. I have announced my intention to review police establishments; a joint recruiting campaign is planned; pay is under review; and with the help of the police associations I shall keep up to date the regulations affecting police conditions of service.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will consider the siting of telephones along that section of the M90 motorway which runs through Fife.

Yes. Starting in 1972, a new combined emergency telephone and automatic traffic warning system will be installed on the M90.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on arrangements for planning in the Clyde Valley.

I have set up the West Central Scotland Plan Steering Committee to prepare and keep up to date an advisory economic and physical plan for the area. This plan is intended to serve as a guide to local planning authorities in preparing their development plans, and as the framework for decisions by developers. The Committee comprises representatives of central and local government and persons with particular economic and industrial knowledge of the area. It has a permanent staff and an annual budget of up to £100,000.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will publish his findings on the rating of commercial properties in Scotland.

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Clackmannan and East Stirlingshire (Mr. Douglas) on 28th October.—[Vol. 805, c. 148.]

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what consultations he has held with local authorities regarding the implementation of the Tayside Study; and if he will make a statement.

I have asked the planning authorities to consult the other local authorities in the area about the proposals made in the Study, and to let me have their views by the end of this month. I am sure that the Report is being very carefully considered by all concerned.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is his policy regarding a reform of the licensing law.

I am aware that there is fairly widespread dissatisfaction with various aspects of the existing law, but that opinions vary on the kind of changes that might be made. I am considering what action to take.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what proposals he has for reducing the size of classes in secondary schools.

I am at present reviewing the whole question of staffing standards in secondary schools but it will be some time yet before the results are available.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what has been the cost to date of the Scottish Hospital Advisory Service.

The cost of the service from its inception on 1st April, 1970, to 30th September, 1970, was approximately £12,500.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the total amount collected in prescription charges in each of the last eight years; and how much he estimates will be collected in each year up to 1974–75.

The National Health Service (Scotland) Accounts for the years 1962–63 to 1968–69 contain figures of prescription charges collected in these years. Income in 1969–70 and 1970–71 is estimated at about £1·8 million in each year. I am not yet able to give estimates for later years.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what new steps he now proposes to deal with the teacher shortage in Scotland.

By next session, the number of primary teachers forecast to be available should match the requirements of the schools although there may be local difficulties. In secondary schools, a shortage will persist and no single measure is likely to provide a remedy. As an indication of the steps that are being taken, I am sending the hon. Gentleman a copy of Circular 762 issued in July of this year.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will take steps to delay the quinquennial revaluation of properties in Scotland.

No.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how much public money has been paid to the Western Heritable Investment Company Limited in the form of housing subsidies and improvement grants; and if he will make a statement.

£2·7 million in annual subsidies over 40 years under the Housing (Financial Provisions) (Scotland) Act, 1924. No improvement grants have been paid.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what action he proposes to take on the General Teaching Council's proposal that university graduates should be paid during their training period.

I have only recently received the Council's proposal. I shall consider it carefully.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT the estimates of net numbers emigrating from Scotland to other parts of the United Kingdom and overseas, respectively, in each of the last eight years up to 6th June, 1970.

Estimates of the net numbers emigrating from Scotland to other parts of the United Kingdom and overseas are to be found for each of the seven years to the year ending 30th June, 1969, in the Digest of Scottish Statistics for April, 1970. It is estimated that the net numbers emigrating to other parts of the United Kingdom and overseas during the year ending 30th June, 1970, were 8,000 and 13,000 respectively.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many new houses will be completed by the end of 1970 and ready for occupation; and what will be the number still on the waiting list at the same date.

About 33,500 houses were completed in the first nine months of 1970; I cannot say how many more will be completed in the last quarter. I am asking local authorities for information about outstanding housing needs.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when the motorway between Glasgow and Edinburgh will be completed.

I would refer the hon. Gentleman to the Reply given to his earlier Question today.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will remove from the Highlands and Islands Development Board that member who indicated that the Board is indifferent to the welfare of the Western Isles.

I have no evidence that any member of the Board has given any indication so contrary to the Board's policies.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT, or in the form of a White Paper, statistics showing how, and by what amounts, the cuts in public expenditure and increased charges for social services as set out in Command Paper Number 4515 specifically affect Scotland.

The next in the annual Treasury series of White Papers on Public Expenditure will include a table relating to Scotland similar to Table 2.23 of Command 4234.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what are the minimum and maximum reductions in the total housing subsidies which he aims to achieve within the figures of £100 million to £200 million for the United Kingdom as a whole, as indicated in Command Paper Number 4515, New Policies of Public Spending.

My aim is not to reduce the current level of subsidies but to ensure that subsidies in future go to those who need them. The amount of money required for this purpose will depend on the detailed arrangements we are to discuss with the local authority associations.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he is taking to advise parents of their rights as regards school meals; and if he will make a statement.

There will be a general publicity campaign about the improved entitlements of those with low incomes. It will include advice about the more favourable conditions for the remission of charges for school meals which the Government intend to introduce.

asked the Minister for the Civil Service (1) whether, in his legislative proposals to ensure that taxpayers who draw subsidies for housing whilst they are able to afford to pay the economic rents, pay the market rent, he will arrange that Ministers of the Crown who receive 100 per cent. subsidies and charge rent for their private properties have off-set against their subsidies the rents which accrue due to having ministerial residences;(2) whether he is aware that, in addition to having the use of accommodation and services costing as much as £2,650 per annum, Ministers are allowed to let off their private residences; and whether he will introduce legislation to claim back these amounts from Ministers;(3) whether, in his proposals to deal with housing and subsidies and fair rents, he will end the situation whereby Ministers receive 100 per cent. subsidies on the cost of their rents, rates and service charges, and ensure that such Ministers are charged an economic rent for their properties on a rebate system, similar to that as proposed for council rents.

No. There is a long-standing convention that no contributions should be required of Ministers in respect of official residential accommodation which is allocated because of their public duties and not their private needs. It would in any case be impossible to assess a realistic rental for this type of accommodation.

asked the Minister for the Civil Service how many outside advisers have been appointed to Her Majesty's Government.

asked the Minister for the Civil Service if he will make a further statement on the appointment of outside business advisers to Her Majesty's Government.

No further appointments have yet been made beyond the six members of the business team and the special adviser already announced. The following contributions are being made from public funds to the companies concerned for the services of the businessmen:Full-time: Mr. R. East—Guest Keen and Nettlefolds Ltd.—£12,500; Mr. R. Hutton—Hambros Bank—£13,694; Mr. R. A. Meyjes—Shell International Petroleum Co., Ltd.—£19,000; Mr. D. G. Rayner—Marks & Spencer Ltd.—£12,500.

asked the Minister for the Civil Service if he will make a statement on the composition of the Central Capability Unit.

I have nothing to add to the reply my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister gave to the hon. Member for Rutherglen (Mr. Gregor Mackenzie) on the 5th November.—[Vol. 805, c. 1261.]

asked the Minister of Aviation Supply whether he will make a statement on Her Majesty's Government's policy towards the European Airbus project.

My right hon. Friend is not yet in a position to add to the answer he gave to the hon. Member for Glasgow, Govan (Mr. Rankin) on Monday, 9th November.—[Vol. 806, c. 35.]

asked the Minister of Aviation Supply if he will give an assurance that the Concorde base at Fairford will be maintained.

B.A.C. with our agreement is planning to make Fairford the centre of its Concorde test operations.

asked the Minister of Aviation Supply if he will report on the outcome of the European Space Conference in Brussels on 4th November.

The Fourth Ministerial European Space Conference was held in two parts. The first session was held in July when the Conference agreed that a mission headed by its President, the Belgian Minister of Scientific Policy and Planning, Mr. Lefevre, should explore with the Government of the United States of America the political, financial and other conditions for possible European participation in the post-Apollo programme. Expenditure of up to $2·5 million to June, 1971 (United Kingdom share £0·23 million) on studies of possible forms of participation in the programme was also authorised.A proposal for a unified European Space Organisation to replace the four existing organisations was approved and a working group set up to draft a convention.Agreement was reached on the financial resources to be made available during 1971 for studies and pre-development work on applications satellites, with priority being given to a telecommunications satellite. Decisions to proceed to the next stage would be dependent on the outcome of the studies. In the field of scientific research, financial arrangements were agreed for the period up to the end of 1973 inclusive. In addition France, Germany and Belgium agreed to continue the current programme for the development of Europa I and Europa II launchers; to construct up to six vehicles for potential customers and to start the development of the more powerful Europa III.The United Kingdom, which had previously negotiated a limitation to its financial commitments to the EUROPA I and II development programmes, did not undertake further commitments in respect of launchers but agreed to continue its support of the scientific programme and to pay its share of the agreed applications satellite programme.Because at least all major contributors could not agree to participate in all parts of the programme reservations were made by some Member States. In particular, the French Government subordinated its consent to the establishment of a unified European Space Organisation to agreement being reached on the adoption of a comprehensive space programme.The Second Session of the Conference was held in Brussels on 4th November, to consider the report by Mr. Lefevre on his mission to the United States. The United States had welcomed European participation in the development of a reusable shuttle and space tug, the development of which would cost, on current estimates, about $10,000 million over the next ten years. In return for a European contribution of at least 10 per cent. of the cost the United States would undertake to supply launchings to Europe for all peaceful purposes consistent with existing international agreements from the start of the development programme. European countries could therefore, if they so wished, abandon the development of an independent launching capability and instead participate in the post-Apollo programme.The United States is not yet committed to carrying out a post-Apollo programme. Indeed Congress has yet to decide whether to vote the necessary funds. Studies are expected to be available in the middle of next year which will define the programme and give a more realistic estimate of the cost and timescale.In the course of the meeting in Brussels the Belgian, French and German delegations made it clear that they wished to participate in a comprehensive European Space Programme including applications satellites, scientific satellites and launchers. They wished to continue to examine the possibility of participating in the post-Apollo programme while continuing their European launcher programme including studies and pre-development work for EUROPA III, costing some $35 million up to the end of 1971, in case the plans for joining in the post-Apollo programme could not be brought to fruition. Participation by the United Kingdom would have involved paying a share of the EUROPA III studies (which it was claimed could be so arranged as to be in part useful for the post-Apollo programme) and an implied commitment to paying a share in the full costs of the post Apollo programme if satisfactory arrangements (which were left undefined) could be negotiated.The cost of participation in a heavy satellite launcher programme is high in relation to the limited number of launchings at present foreseen and it is not possible to assess at present either the costs or potential benefits of participation in the post-Apollo programme. There is, moreover, no reason to suppose that present

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the estimated number of houses that will be demolished annually over the next five years in towns and cities in the United Kingdom to make way for urban road building and improvements.

This information is not readily available.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if, in view of the high cost of road improvments faced by local authorities, he will review the present highways grants system.

No.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he has yet received any application from the Greater London Council for contributions of capital funds for the proposed Fleet Line; and if he will make a statement.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what proposals he has now received for capital expenditure on the London Underground.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what requests for capital expenditure on the future Underground lines in London have been received from the Greater London Council.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he has now received a proposal from the Greater London Council for the extension of the Fleet Line into South East London; and whether he will make a statement.

The Government has been asked to pay capital grants towards the cost of extending the Piccadilly Line to Heathrow and of the Fleet Line.The decision on the Heathrow Link was published on 6th November. I am in consultation with the G.L.C. about the Fleet Line.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a further statement on the future of the Humber Bridge project.

I have nothing to add to the reply I gave my hon. Friend the Member for Haltemprice (Mr. Wall) and the hon. Member for Kingston upon Hull, West (Mr. James Johnson) on 4th November.—[Vol. 805, c. 1056–8.]

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will now announce the extension of the Lancashire-Yorkshire motorway to Hull.

Reports from recently completed investigation reached me only last month and careful study is needed before I can decide what form of improved road access is necessary between Hull and the present planned terminal of M62 at Balkholme.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the Malton bypass on the A64.

After consultation with the local authorities concerned, the eastern junction has been re-designed and an amended Firm Programme Report is expected by the end of the year. A further announcement about a place in the programme should follow early in 1971.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when he proposes to authorise the start of the construction of the Bishop Auckland bypass.

This is a principal road scheme. Its progress therefore depends primarily on how quickly Durham County Council, the responsible highway authority, can prepare it.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what alterations he is making in the road programme in the financial year 1971–72.

Spending next year on the road programme of motorway, trunk and principal road improvements will be unaffected by the new policies for public spending outlined in the White Paper Cmnd. 4515. However, the exceptional progress made on some motorway schemes this year may reduce the incidence of payments on these schemes in 1971–72.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what special provision is made for disabled persons in motorway service areas.

Special lavatories and ramped accesses have been mandatory in tenders invited since 1966.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what decision he has made on the route to be followed by the M11.

As announced on 4th September the published route in the Roding Valley was confirmed with certain minor modifications described in the announcement.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if, in the interests of disabled persons, he will advise local authorities not to erect kerbs of more than four inches in height.

Advice that kerbs should be about four inches high is given in the Department's design manual entitled "Roads in Urban Areas".

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will introduce legislation to provide for financial payment to assist in the sound-proofing of homes which have been severely affected by the passage nearby of freightliner traffic.

My right hon. Friend has such provision, with many others, under consideration in his extensive review of the compensation code.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will appoint inspectors to see that contractors and resident engineers ensure that hardship and suffering caused to residents in the area of motorway development is kept to a minimum; if he will reconsider policy regarding compensation; and if he will make a statement.

No. Highway authorities, including my Department already do their best to keep disturbance caused by large-scale road works to a minimum. If residents near motorway works think there is unnecessary disturbance they should bring their complaint to the immediate notice of my Department or, if it is a principal road motorway, to the notice of the responsible local highway authority.Compensation policy is currently under an extensive and thorough review.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he has now received London Transport's application to close the Epping-Ongar section of the underground railway; and how much grant aid, under the Transport Act, 1968, he estimates is required to keep the line open.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the amount of grant aid under the Transport Act, 1968, that will be needed to keep open the Epping-Ongar line.

The proposal is now being examined in accordance with the normal statutory procedures. The question of grant would arise only after a decision to refuse closure.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will order an inquiry into the proposed closure of Epping-Ongar Railway.

No. I am satisfied that the normal statutory procedures, which will include a public hearing by the Transport Users' Consultative Committee, are sufficient.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment on what date he expects each stage of the M4 motorway to be completed.

I expect all stages to be completed by the end of 1971. It is too early to say whether any parts completed earlier can be opened in advance of the remainder.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will seek powers to encourage the establishment of private mini-bus services in those rural areas where the existing public services are inadequate.

These services can already be provided under present legislation and, should they not pay their way, can receive the encouragement of a grant to which both central and local government contribute. I hope that the pilot studies of rural transport now under way in Devon and West Suffolk will yield more information about the scope for such services.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what consideration he gave to the report of the Landscape Committee when making his decision to route the M3 extension through the Itchen Valley.

The report of the Landscape Advisory Committee was one of the factors taken into account in selecting the proposed route.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will make a statement on the progress being made on the clearance of derelict land in the Northern Region.

In the Northern Region during the twelve months ending 31st March, 1970, 22 schemes covering 550 acres at an estimated gross cost of £1,006,817 were given final approval by the Department allowing work to start. The figures for the 6 months ending 30th September, 1970, were 21 schemes covering 377 acres at an estimated gross cost of £715,752.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) if he will take steps to encourage local authorities to prevent industries from discharging polluted effluent in their areas;

Local authorities control discharges of trade effluents into their sewers; river authorities control discharges into non-tidal rivers and some discharges into estuaries; and in both cases the dischargers have certain rights of appeal to me. Parliament having made the local bodies primarily responsible for these controls, I do not discuss waste disposal with individual firms, though my technical officers are sometimes present by invitation at their meetings with the local bodies. Furthermore, as the standard required of an effluent needs to be determined in the light of local factors, including the dilution available in the receiving water and its quality and subsequent use, I think that it must generally be left to the river authority.There is no general statutory control of other discharges to estuaries or of discharges to the sea. The need for this and to make industrialists meet the full cost of treatment are the subject of recommendations in the report of the Working Party on Sewage Disposal, which I am at present considering.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will delay any compulsory purchase order for land in the parish of Kirton until consultations have taken place with the Kirton Parish Council or the Rural District Council about his proposed changes in the centre of Kirton.

Yes. There was a meeting yesterday between the divisional road engineer and all the interested local authorities.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he has completed his study of the reports received in January this year on the operation of the 34 sanitary installations along certain stretches of trunk roads; and what conclusions he has reached.

A draft report on this scheme is being drawn up. When complete this can be a basis for further consideration with all interested parties.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many miles of motorway were constructed between 1958 and 1964, and 1964 and 1970 in the Northern Region; and how many miles are under construction at present.

1958–64 (inclusive) nil.1965-to date 83 miles.There are 19 miles of motorway under construction in the Region.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what was the public expenditure on roads in the Northern Region in the years ending 31st March, 1964, and 31st March, 1970, respectively; and what is the proposed expenditure for the years ending 31st March, 1972, and 31st March, 1973.

Public expenditure on road construction in the Northern Economic Planning Region for 1963–64 and 1969–70 was £9 million and £45·4 million respectively at out-turn prices^*.The level of expenditure in 1971–72 and 1972–73 cannot be forecast precisely at this stage but is expected to be of the same order as for 1969–70.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will seek powers to ensure that when a man's house is accidentally burnt down he may, if he wishes, restore it without asking the consent of the planning authorities; and how many cases have been reported to him over the last three years in which county planning authorities have in such circumstances refused consent to re-build.

Records are not kept which would provide a reliable figure in answer to the second half of the question. The fact that only a very small number of appeals against refusal of planning permission or even of reports of difficulty in such cases have been made to the Department would appear to suggest that this is a matter in which local planning authorities exercise the existing powers with full regard to the circumstances of each case. If my hon. Friend has evidence to the contrary I will be glad to examine it.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make financial arrangements to assist the Mersey Tunnel Joint Committee with a view to reducing the proposed rise in tolls.

We are considering the request which the Tunnel Committee recently made for help in their financial arrangements but they have already been told that there is no prospect of direct assistance from the Government.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what further objections have been received to his choice of the Roding Valley route for the M11; what compulsory purchase orders have been issued; when work on the motorway will begin and be completed; and whether he will make a statement.

Since the announcement of my right hon. Friend's decision on 4th September, 1970 no further formal objections to the choice have been received but there have been a Notice of Motion to the High Court (on a matter other than that choice) and several expressions of disappointment from residents' associations.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what steps he is taking to provide a new bridge across the Tees at Barnard Castle to replace the existing one which is dangerous and inadequate for present-day traffic.

This is a matter for the Durham and North Riding County Councils who are the highway authorities jointly responsible. If they submit proposals for a new bridge it will be considered for a place in the principal roads preparation list.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when the dualling of the five-mile single carriageway stretch of the A.1 between South Mimms and Hatfield will be completed.

Preparation of the scheme has not reached a stage at which a definite date can be set.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will take steps to ensure that children over the age of 15 years are allowed to travel to school at children's fares; and if he will make a statement.

No.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment in the light of the profit of £70,000 on work for outside parties by British Railways workshops, as revealed in the British Railways Board Annual Report and Accounts for 1969, if he will issue a general direction to the British Railways Board to maintain and extend operations in this field.

I am reviewing the manufacturing activities of British Railways under Section 48 of the Transport Act, 1968.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will give a general direction to British Railways to introduce public telephone connections on to passenger trains operating in the intercity services.

No.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will seek powers to impose temporary speed limits on new roads and on roads with altered classifications, where appropriate, and where local authorities have failed to apply in good time for such restrictions; and if he will make a statement.

I already have adequate powers.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what recent discussions he has had with motoring organisations over the 70 miles per hour speed limit on motorways.

I am frequently in touch with the motoring organisations and am aware of their views on this subject.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will reduce the speed limit for buses and coaches on general purpose roads from 50 miles per hour to 40 miles per hour, and when drawing trailers from 40 miles per hour to 30 miles per hour on general purpose roads and from 50 miles per hour to 40 miles per hour on motorways, as from 1st January, 1971, as a contribution towards reducing the increasing number of persons now being killed or injured on the roads.

No.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received from the Pedestrians' Association concerning the 70 miles per hour speed limit; and what reply he has sent.

I am sending the hon. Member a copy of the letter and the reply.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a further statement on the proposed Channel Tunnel.

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Hastings (Mr. Warren) and the hon. Member for Ashton-under-Lyne (Mr. Sheldon) on 4th November.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if, in view of the difficulties facing the smaller bus companies which are privately operated when the limitation on drivers' working hours comes into effect, he will seek to change the limitation to one on the number of hours of daily driving rather than the number of hours of daily work.

I am reviewing the drivers' hours requirements generally. Evidence received from the bus operators' Associations shows that the present restrictions have hampered services and that substantial relaxations are necessary in the interests of the travelling public. I shall consult both sides of the industry about any changes.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will issue a general direction to the National Bus Company to improve its operating standards and to hold its fares at their present levels.

No. The National Bus Company are aware of their managerial responsibilities including the improvement of their operations. Fares must reflect cost increases, but they are subject to the statutory control of the Traffic Commissioners.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will take steps to wind up the National Bus Company.

No.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what capital projects for the development of Hull's freightliner terminal he has approved.

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply of 4th November given to the hon. Member for Kingston upon Hull, West (Mr. James Johnson)—[Vol. 805, c. 1059–60.]

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether, following his consideration of this matter, he will introduce legislation to require compulsory insurance for passengers carried in motor vehicles and, in particular, for pillion passengers on motorcycles.

Having carefully considered the views of all interested parties, I have decided that there is a strong case for making passenger liability insurance compulsory. I recognise the particular problem involved in motor-cyclists and their passengers, and propose to invite insurers and the motorcycle interests to discuss this with me with a view to considering the terms of legislation. In principle, there seems a good case for exempting mopeds from any requirement for passenger insurance.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what arrangements are made at roll-on roll-off berths at British ports for the weighing of vehicles arriving from countries where the all-up and axle weight limits exceed those in this country.

Spot checks are carried out. Foreign vehicles are also subject to roadside checks.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what response has been made by the United Kingdom to the invitation to participate in the work of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation's pilot project on Road Safety and meanwhile to provide relevant data.

The Government is participating in work to develop a standard method of recording road accident information and is working towards participation in work on safety features in car design.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will strengthen the road safety provisions of the 1967 Act by introducing more inspectors to prevent accidents.

No.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment in view of the fact that recent returns show an increase between 1959 and 1969 of 19,741 road casualties, what steps are being taken to reduce those figures.

I am carrying out a review of possible road safety measures. I will announce my conclusions as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what are his plans for the planting of anti-dazzle bushes along motorways as has been done in some European countries along the centre.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what proposals he has for screening traffic travelling in one direction on the M1 from the headlights of traffic coming in the other direction.

I have no plans at present for the erection of anti-dazzle screening on M1. Experiments with the use of such screening have so far proved inconclusive as improvements to road safety, but further trials are being considered. Nor do I plan the general introduction of anti-dazzle bushes. Experiments have been carried out with central reserve planting, but there are considerable difficulties in promoting the successful growth of shrubs and plants in the 13 feet reserve normally provided on motorways in this country.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on his policy in view of the application by British Railways to close the Manchester-Oldham-Rochdale passenger rail service.

I am reviewing my policy on unremunerative rail passenger services. Meanwhile each closure proposal will be considered individually on its merits.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will give details for the most convenient recent period of total revenue received in the collection of road fund licensing and also the cost of administration including that incurred by defaulters.

In the year ended 31st March, 1970, the revenue was £411 million. Administration costs were £9·8 million.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many serious accidents have there been in Longbridge Lane, Northfield, Birmingham, during the past three-and-a-half years.

25 in the 3½ years up to 30th September.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will now approve the scheme of the Port of Bristol Authority for a new West Dock.

I hope to be able to announce my decision within the next week or so.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will consider amending the Road Traffic Regulations Act, 1967, Sections 21 to 23, so as to give powers to local authorities to approve pedestrian crossings without referring to his Department.

Local authorities already have power to install zebra crossings within numerical quotas based on population. They are expected to follow the Department's criteria in deciding upon sites so that the safety value of zebras can be maintained.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when he will approve appropriate signs banning lorry parking in Birmingham and its suburbs.

The new signs banning overnight parking on certain streets in the City, were issued on 10th November, after consultation with interested organisations.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what steps he intends to take following the issue of Ministry of Transport test certificates in respect of an unroadworthy vehicle registration number ATJ 620A by a number of his authorised examiners.

Investigations have now been made into the allegations about wrongful issue of test certificates for this vehicle. In line with normal procedure the three garages concerned have been notified that withdrawal of their authorisation to test is contemplated and their comments have been invited.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will introduce regulations to ensure that all new cars sold in this country have to pass safety requirements no less stringent than those obtaining in any part of Europe or North America; and if he will make a statement.

No.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment in view of the fact that the enforcement departments are refusing to take action on reports made to them by Members of Parliament and the general public of unlicensed road vehicles being used on the road illegally, whether he will seek power to compel the appropriate authority to deal with matters referred to them by the general public concerning licence enforcement.

I would refer the hon. Member to the answers I have sent him on 28th October.—[Vol. 805, c. 200, 120.]

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if, in the public interest, he will give a general direction to British Railways to revise the fares structure.

No.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what consultations he held with outside bodies during the recent review of goods vehicle weight limits.

Proposals for increasing weight limits have been the subject of extensive consultations between the Department and local authorities, British Railways, the Police and many organisations concerned with road use, road safety and amenity.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will now give a starting and completion date and the estimated cost of electrifying that stretch of British Railways lying between Crewe and Glasgow; and if he will make a statement.

The British Railways Board tell me that work has already started and that the target date for completion is May, 1974. The estimated cost, excluding the cost of locomotives, is £21·7 million.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will make arrangements to allow Mr. B. Pearson of Bevan Crescent, Maltby, Yorkshire, a disabled driver, to receive a licence to drive a three-wheeled motor vehicle which he was qualified to drive before being disabled.

I have no power to interfere with the decision of the local licensing authority, to grant only a provisional licence until Mr. Pearson has passed the necessary driving test: an appeal may be made to the magistrates' court. I sympathise with Mr. Pearson in his misfortune, but provision for a further driving test in certain circumstances is in the interests of disabled drivers themselves, their passengers and road users generally.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if Government subsidy is to be applied to the rents charged by the London Borough of Brent for two-bedroom and three-bedroom units now completed in stage three of the Stonebridge Development Scheme; how many units are ready for letting; and what rents will be charged for them.

The dwelling have been approved for subsidy. The Brent Council is responsible for the letting of these dwellings and deciding what rents are charged. Only it can give details of the number of units ready for letting.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will consider releasing Somerset House for use as an art gallery and museum.

I regret that the high cost and acute shortage of office space in Central London prevents me from releasing Somerset House for use as an Art Gallery and Museum.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) whether he will take action to charge the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster £1,450 per annum, the approximate costs of the accommodation and services which he and his family enjoy at present at public expense;(2) whether he will take action to charge the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs £2,350 per annum, the approximate costs of the accommodation and services which he and his family enjoy at present at public expense;(3) whether he will take action to charge the Secretary of State for the Home Department £2,000 per annum, the approximate costs of the accommodation and services which he and his family enjoy at present at public expense;(4) whether he will take action to charge the Chancellor of the Exchequer £2,650 per annum, the approximate costs of the accommodation and services which he and his family enjoy at present at public expense;(5) whether he will take action to charge the Prime Minister £2,400 per annum, the approximate costs of accommodation and services which he enjoys at present at public expense.