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Written Answers

Volume 806: debated on Thursday 19 November 1970

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Written Answers To Questions

Thursday, 19th November, 1970

Education And Science

Students

8.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether she has now considered the recommendations contained in the Report of the Select Committee on Education and Science on Student Relations; which of them she proposes to adopt; and if she will make a statement.

I have nothing to add to the answer I gave the hon. Member for Sunderland, North (Mr. Willey) on 5th November.—[Vol. 805, c. 422.]

47.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science why parents of students who have obtained a university place are held to be responsible for their fees and maintenance unless they can obtain a local authority grant, whereas places in public-sector schools are freely available to all students.

The law requires parents to see that their children of compulsory school age receive full-time education and prohibits local education authorities from charging fees for tuition in schools they maintain. Universities have their own independent charters or similar instruments and there are therefore no comparable legal requirements.

51.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if she will take steps to provide extra finance for the provision of additional student accommodation for higher education.

58.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what plans she has for improving facilities for student accommodation.

Where a local need for extra student residence exists, my right hon. Friend is prepared, within the limits of resources available, to consider proposals for the inclusion of residential projects in the further education and college of education building programmes. Finance for student residence in universities is a matter for the University Grants Committee.

Research Councils

11.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what review she has made of the activities of the research councils; and whether she will make a statement.

Secondary Education (Dorchester)

13.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what proposals she has received from the Dorset County Council for the reorganisation of secondary education in Dorchester and District.

None, but I understand that the local education authority will shortly be submitting proposals for this area to the Secretary of State.

Schoolchildren (Feeding Habits)

27.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what consideration her Department has given to recent research into the feeding habits of schoolchildren; and if she will make a statement.

If the hon. Member is referring to work commissioned by the National Dairy Council, the full Report is not yet available.

School Meals And Milk

28.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if she will make a statement of her Department's estimate of the effects on child health of withdrawing free school milk from primary school children over the age of seven years.

Children who need school milk on health grounds will continue to receive it on the certification of the school medical officer. There should therefore be no adverse effects.

29.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what representations she has received regarding the proposed withdrawal of free school milk from primary school children over seven years of age; and what replies she has sent.

From the National Union of Teachers and three of its local branches, one local parent teacher association and so far about 50 from members of the public. I am replying pointing out that free milk will continue to be available to children between the ages of seven and twelve where this is recommended by the school medical officer.

44.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if she will take steps to appoint more school medical officers to check on malnutrition among schoolchildren on Tynside as a result of the increase in the cost of school meals and the withdrawal of milk in schools.

The appointment of school medical officers rests with the local education authorities concerned. Milk will continue to be supplied free where medically necessary.

55.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if she will consult the teachers' associations regarding regulations for the arrangements for the sale of milk in primary and secondary schools.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if she will state the number and proportion of schoolchildren in the Rother Valley division of the West Riding of Yorkshire who receive free school meals and the number of those who purchase meals; and if she will give an estimate of the numbers and proportion who will cease to do so as a result of the proposed increase in price.

The following is the information related to a day in the week beginning 21st September, 1970.

NumberPercentage
Children in attendance18,715
Children taking school meals
On payment11,71862·6
Free1,6909·0

The Authority estimate, on the basis of past experience, that, when the charge

is raised in April next, about 10 per cent. of children who now pay will cease to do so; and that the number receiving free meals will rise by some 15–18 per cent. There must, however, be an element of conjecture in any such estimate.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what organisations have made representations to her Department on the proposal to withdraw school milk from primary school children over the age of seven years; and what procedures will be adopted to ensure that welfare milk is supplied to those children who will need it.

The National Union of Teachers and three of its local branches, and one parent-teacher association. I am discussing with the local education authorities the procedures to be adopted for obtaining recommendations from school medical officers for the supply of free school milk to children who need it on health grounds.

Higher Education

32.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science to what extent she takes account of her Department's statistical projections of the number of students likely to require higher education as a basis for the earmarking of financial resources.

The Government's decisions about the allocation of resources for higher education will be taken in the light of all the relevant considerations, including projections of future student numbers and costs.

45.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what estimate she has made of the effect of Her Majesty's Government's recent financial proposals on the numbers of children staying on at school after the age of 15 years in the North-East.

46.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what was the percentage of children in the Northern Region staying at school after the statutory leaving age in the year 1963–64; and what was the comparable figure in the latest year for which details are available.

In maintained schools 24·2 per cent. in January, 1964 and 44·9 per cent. in January, 1969.

Workers' Educational Association

33.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what increased provision she will make in the next financial year to encourage the expansion of the activities of the Workers' Educational Association.

The Department's estimates for the financial year 1971–72 have not yet been settled. We shall consider the W.E.A. applications in the usual way within the resources available.

Teachers' Aides

39.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what proposals she has for increasing the number of teachers' aides in the educational priority areas.

It is for the local education authority to decide on the employment of teachers' aides, in the light of the resources available and the needs of the area, including of course the special needs of any educational priority areas.

Youth Service

42 and 43.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science (1) why the Youth Service Development Council has not met since March of this year; and why the chairmanship is vacant, in view of the fact that this council has always been chaired by a Minister;(2) if she will make a statement upon the implementation of the Report, "Youth and Community Work in the 70's".

59.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if she will make a statement on the future of the Youth Service.

Policy in this field, including the future of the Youth Service Development Council, is still under consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether she will make a statement on the future of the Youth Service.

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer made to the hon. Member for Eton and Slough (Miss Lestor) on 28th October, 1970.—[Vol. 805, c. 135.]

Books

48 and 49.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science (1) if she will ensure that all education authorities in England and Wales spend at least £1 sterling per child in primary schools on school textbooks in 1971–72;(2) if she will take action to maintain the proportion of education authority expenditure allocated to books.

I attach great importance to the provision of adequate school books and equipment but expenditure on these items is a matter for the local education authorities to decide.

Primary Schools, West Essex

50.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether she will visit primary schools in the West Essex Division.

My right hon. Friend is to heavily committed to do so at present. But she will bear in mind the possibility of a visit later if the Essex local education authority so wish.

Adult Students (Evening Study)

54.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many adult students achieved professional qualifications by evening study in 1965 and in 1970.

Primary Schools, West Willesden

53.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science which old primary schools in the constituency of Willesden, West will be replaced or improved in the next five years.

I will, with permission, circulate the information in the OFFICIAL REPORT.Following is the information:

Schools submitted for building programmes are not classified by Parliamentary constituencies. The following schools in Willesden as a whole are included in the programmes:

1970–71 Starts Programme
  • Malvern Road Junior—replacement.
  • St. Mary's C. of E.—replacement.
1971–72 Starts Programme
  • St. Mary's R.C. Infants—replacement.
  • Keble Memorial C. of E., Harlesden—extensions.
  • Brondesbury C. of E. Pry—extensions.
  • Princess Frederica C. of E. Pry, Kensal Rise—extensions.
  • Salusbury Schools, Kilburn—adaptations.
  • Kensal Rise Schools—adaptations.
1971–72 Design List (i.e. projects expected to start in 1972–73)
  • St. Andrew's C. of E.I.M.—replacement.
  • St. Mary's R.C. Junior—replacement.
  • Chamberlayne—remodelling of secondary school for primary school use.

My right hon. Friend will very shortly invite local authorities to submit proposals for the following programme.

Medical School, Swansea

57.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what proposals she has for implementing the recommendation of the Royal Commission on Medical Education, Command Paper No. 3569, in column 390, that a second medical school for Wales be established in Swansea; and if she will make a statement.

The Royal Commission suggested that a new medical school at Swansea could contribute to an expansion of facilities in the period after 1975. These longer-term needs are now being studied, and developments at the various centres suggested in the Commission's Report, including Swansea, will be considered together.

Teachers

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is the number of female and male teachers, respectively, leaving the profession after 12 months, 24 months and 36 months for the last three-year period for which figures are available.

The information is not readily available in this precise form. A great deal of material about teachers leaving the profession is contained in the Department's published statistics. I am writing to my hon. Friend.

Teaching Appointments (Vacancies)

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is the comparative ratio of unfilled vacancies for teaching appointments in secondary schools in areas which have not yet been reorganised on comprehensive lines than in those which have been so reorganised.

Nursery Schools (Islington)

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if she will make a statement about her plans to assist the development of nursery schools in the London Borough of Islington.

The provision of four nursery classes was approved last year for the borough under the first phase of the urban programme. A project for a new nursery class has also been included in the Inner London Education Authority's submission for Phase III, approvals for which are likely to be announced at the end of this year.

Teacher Training Establishments

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many students were in teacher training establishments in the year 1963–64; and what is the figure for 1969–70.

57,400 students were undergoing courses of initial teacher training in England and Wales in October, 1963, and 114,000 in October, 1969.

Pupil/Teacher Ratio

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what are the figures for pupil/teacher ratio for the years 1963–64 and 1969–70, respectively, in the primary and secondary schools in England and Wales.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what are the figures for the pupil/teacher ratio in private schools for the whole of England for the last six years.

The figures are as follows:

PUPILS PER TEACHER IN INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS IN ENGLAND
Independent schools recognised as efficientOther independent schools
January
196512·713·8
196612·714·2
196712·814·3
196812·814·2
196912·714·1
197012·713·9

Sheffield Polytechnic

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether the capital construction of Sheffield Polytechnic estimated to cost between £250,000 and £300,000 has been offered to public tender; whether she is satisfied that the Public Works Department which is undertaking this work has either offered the lowest tender or the most satisfactory terms of completion; and if she will make a statement.

I am informing the Sheffield Local Education Authority that I cannot accept their reasons for seeking to carry out large-scale conversions at the Sheffield Polytechnic by means of a contract negotiated with the Sheffield Public Works Department and I am asking the authority to invite tenders for the work.

Independent Schools

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what steps she will take either to promote grammar schools, encourage and foster grant-aided schools, or assist independent day public schools, in those areas where local authorities only provide comprehensive schools.

I believe in a healthy independent sector in education but I cannot provide direct financial assistance to schools which are independent. I am consulting the Direct Grant Joint Committee about the best way for direct-grant schools to continue to make their contribution to our educational system.

School Classes (Tyneside)

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what proposals she has further to reduce the size of school classes on Tyneside.

The Tyneside local education authorities will be helped by their share of the building programmes and of the rapidly increasing supply of teachers. My right hon. Friend is willing to consider on their merits applications from them for increased quotas of teachers.

52.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if she will make a statement on her proposals for primary school building in the Northern Region.

The 1971–72 Design List, which will form the basis of the starts programme for 1972–73, includes primary and middle school projects to the value of about £4·8 million for the Northern Region, compared with £3·8 million and £4·0 million in the starts programmes for 1970–71 and 1971–72 respectively.

Defence

Canadian Defence Minister (Talks)

60.

asked the Minister of State for Defence if he will make a statement on his meeting with the Canadian Defence Minister.

My right hon. and noble Friend's conversations with the Canadian Defence Minister in Ottawa were confidential and no statement would be appropriate.

South Africa (Combined Naval Exercises)

61.

asked the Minister of State for Defence how often combined naval exercises are held between the Royal Navy and that of the Republic of South Africa; and when was the last occasion on which they took place.

Combined naval exercises with South African forces have been held annually since 1966. The last occasion was in August of this year. In addition joint training is occasionally carried out with H.M. ships on passage round the Cape.

62.

asked the Minister of State for Defence what arrangements are made to ensure that coloured members of the crews of ships of the Royal Navy are given the same hospitality and treatment as their non-coloured ship-mates during British/South African naval exercises; and whether he will make a statement.

H.M. ships visiting South Africa give and accept official entertainment without regard to race or colour. There is ample evidence that coloured crew members are well entertained privately when ships call at South African ports.

Service Pay

63.

asked the Minister of State for Defence whether in view of the Government's decision to increase the salaries of the Comptroller and Auditor General and the Parliamentary Commissioner from £9,800 per annum to £14,000 per annum, he will give the reasons why he will not increase the pay of all Servicemen by 43 per cent.

Northern Ireland

64.

asked the Minister of State for Defence why in Waterloo Place, Londonderry, on 11th October, 1970 the Army authorities permitted eight hours of persistent rioting by residents of the Bogside before using CS gas.

The decision on when CS should be used is a matter for the judgment of the Commander on the spot, who, in the light of the prevailing circumstances, decides which particular tactics and devices it is appropriate to employ.

Service Men (South East Asia)

asked the Minister of State for Defence whether Service men posted to the South-East Asia in the future will be entitled to take their wives and families with them.

Service personnel who are required to serve a full tour ashore in the area extending beyond 31st December, 1971 will be entitled to be accompanied by their wives and families under normal rules. Others will be unaccompanied but, as our arrangements for a continued British military presence develop, it is possible that a number of these will be invited to convert to a full tour when their families will then be able to join them.

Recruits (Application For Discharge)

asked the Minister of State for Defence how many recruits on average have made applications for discharge during the first three months of their service in Her Majesty's Forces during the last five years; how many applications were rejected; and how many complaints about the procedure he received in the same period.

During the first three months of their service (six months for young Service men) male other rank recruits have a statutory right to purchase their discharge for a nominal sum, and I am not aware of any complaints from the Services about this procedure. Over the last five years the average number of Service men purchasing their discharge within their first three months' service was slightly over 3,000 a year.

Royal Navy—Soviet Fleet (Collisions)

asked the Minister of State for Defence how many incidents of collision or near collision between ships of the Royal Navy and vessels of the Soviet fleet have been reported in each of the years 1960 to 1970; what damage and loss of life occurred; and what instructions have been issued to commanding officers of Royal Navy ships.

Apart from the recent incident concerning the "Ark Royal", there have been no collisions between H.M. ships and vessels of the Soviet Fleet during the last 10 years, although dangerous situations have arisen from time to time.H.M. ships are instructed to pay scrupulous regard to the International Regulations for the Prevention of Collisions at Sea.

Royal Naval Dockyard

asked the Minister of State for Defence what plans he has in relation to the expenditure proposed on the modernisation of the Royal Dockyard contained in the long term costings previously made.

I have nothing to add to the reply which my hon. and noble friend gave to the hon. Member for Portsmouth, West (Mr. Judd) on 8th July.—[Vol. 803, c. 68.]

asked the Minister of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the progress of the productivity talks in the Royal Dockyard.

Agreements have been signed at Chatham and Rosyth. Negotiations are at an advanced stage at Devonport and Portsmouth.

asked the Minister of State for Defence whether it is still his intention to provide docking facilities for nuclear submarines in Devonport dockyard as soon as possible, and to provide by 1976–77 facilities for one-stream refitting of nuclear submarines in Devonport dockyard with the possibility of eventually providing facilities for two-stream nuclear submarine facilities in Devonport dockyard.

It is still our intention to provide in Devonport dockyard facilities for docking nuclear submarines as soon as possible and for two-stream nuclear submarine refitting by the end of the 1970s.

Persian Gulf

asked the Minister of State for Defence what percentage of the £2,740 million set aside for defence and external relations expenditure in 1974–75 is earmarked for use in the Persian Gulf area.

No decision has yet been taken about our future policy in the Persian Gulf, but the costs will be met within the framework of Cmnd. Paper 4515.

Home Department

Proportional Representation

65.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will seek powers for the changing of voting in both parliamentary and local government elections to the proportional representation system.

Police Force (Recruitment)

66.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, having regard to the rapidly increasing population of the Cheshunt urban district and the projected Greater London Council development therein, he is satisfied that the recruitment of officers of the Metropolitan Police serving that area will keep pace with requirements; and if he will make a statement.

The Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis is aware of the plans for this area and does not expect that they will cause special difficulty. With regard to recruitment, I would refer my right hon. Friend to the answers to Questions by hon. Members for Kingston-upon-Hull, West (Mr. James Johnson), Dearne Valley (Mr. Wainwright), Sunderland, South (Mr. Bagier) and Croydon, South (Sir R. Thompson) on 29th October.—[Vol. 805, c. 163–4.]

Child Vandals

70.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will introduce legislation to make parents of children under the age of criminal responsibility liable to pay for vandalism committed by their offspring.

My right hon. Friend does not think it would be appropriate or effective to impose upon parents a vicarious criminal responsibility for the acts of children under ten. The liability of parents in civil proceedings in respect of damage done by their children is a matter for my noble Friend the Lord Chancellor.

Police Pay

67.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the present status of the negotiations between the staff and official sides of the Police Council; and whether he can expedite the achievement of a settlement which will give to police officers a remuneration in accordance with the responsible duties which they perform and the need to maintain recruitment.

I understand that the Police Council will meet again on 30th November.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, in view of the Government's action in granting salary increases of 43 per cent. to higher paid civil servants, he will take steps to enable the police forces to be granted similar increases in their salaries.

Vehicle Parking, Southwark

68.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been drawn to the statement made on Monday, 9th November by a police inspector, deputy to the Unit Commander of Southwark, on the breakdown in enforcing parking restrictions with particular reference to heavy lorries and such vehicles; and what action he proposes to take to assist the police in their endeavours to enforce the law.

My right hon. Friend understands that the officer concerned had primarily in mind the essentially practical problem of fitting large vehicles into narrow streets. He has consulted the Commissioner of Police, who does not suggest that changes in police powers are called for.

Armley Gaol (Alleged Assault)

69.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will institute an inquiry into allegations made about an assault upon a prisoner held on remand in Armley Gaol, a report of which has been sent to him by the hon. Member for Don Valley; and if he will arrange for the hon. Member or some approved representative to be present at the inquiry when evidence is taken.

These allegations, which were against two prison officers who had intervened in a fight between the prisoner and another prisoner, were investigated at the time by the Deputy Governor of Leeds Prison, who concluded that no further action should be taken. The Deputy Governor's report has since been considered by the Chief Constable of Leeds, who has decided that no further action by the police is called for.

Gibraltarians

71.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement about the right of entry of Gibraltarians into this country.

Citizens of the United Kingdom and Colonies who derive their citizenship from connection with Gibraltar are subject to the Commonwealth Immigrants Acts; but they are in practice freely allowed to stay here in employment.

Police Force (Retirements)

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the number of serving police officers in each of the Metropolitan and county police forces in England and Wales who are due to retire from the police services in each of the years 1971 to 1975.

Information for each force separately about the number of serving police officers who will reach normal compulsory retirement age in each of the next five years is not readily available. Following are the estimated figures for England and Wales as a whole:

YearNumber
1971280
1972400
1973600
1974900
19751,600

Northern Region (Community Development Projects)

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proposals he has for the introduction of community development projects in the Northern Region; and if he will make a statement.

Discussions are in progress with four authorities, of which one is in the North-East, who have been invited to take part in the second phase of the project. My right hon. Friend will make a statement as soon as these discussions are completed.

Police (Law Enforcement)

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department why he will not introduce legislation to enable members of the public to refer refusals by the Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police to enforce the law to the Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration.

It would not be an appropriate function for the Parliamentary Commissioner.

Road Fund Licences (Fixed Penalties)

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will introduce the necessary legislation to give him the authority to compel chief officers of the police to implement the fixed penalty system for vehicles which fail to show a current road fund licence.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department at what date he proposes to call for reports from chief officers of the police as to the action they have taken in their respective areas for the implementation of the fixed penalty system for failing to have and exhibit a road fund licence; and whether he will give an assurance that on that date such reports will be called for and published.

My right hon. Friend is in regular consultation with chief officers of police on the subject and will bear the hon. Member's interest in mind; but he cannot give him any specific assurance.

Emergency Voluntary Services

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he will be able to make a statement on the future of the emergency voluntary services, in view of the need to remove the uncertainty of the present situation.

This matter is one of the aspects of our home defence arrangements which are currently being examined in detail. My right hon. Friend will make a statement when this review has been completed.

Spot-The-Ball Contests

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is aware that there is uncertainty over the legal position concerning Spot-the-Ball contests; and if he will review the relevant provision in the Gaming Acts, with a view to introducing amending legislation to avoid uncertainty.

My right hon. Friend understands that any uncertainty there may have been was resolved by the decision of the Divisional Court on 4th November, 1970, when it dismissed appeals against the conviction of Ladbrokes and seven national newspapers under section 47(1)(a)(i) of the Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Act, 1963 in connection with the running of a Spot-the-Ball competition in the newspapers. He has no proposal for any amending legislation.

Mr Rudi Dutschke

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department on what date Mr. R. Dutschke entered this country; what legal conditions of entry was imposed upon him on this occasion; on what date or dates he was granted an extension of his stay; on what date he applied to change his condition of entry; and in what way.

Mr. Dutschke was admitted to the United Kingdom on 10th December, 1968 for a stay of one month in the first place. In response to applications based on his state of health, the period was extended on 22nd January, 1969, 17th July, 1969 and 27th January, 1970. An application for extension based on a three-year course of study was made on 4th July, 1970. This has not been approved, but on 1st September an extension was given to allow his family to arrange for their departure. Mr. Dutschke is aware that he may remain here pending settlement of his appeal.

Life Imprisonment (Sentences)

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will state the number of people sentenced to life imprisonment following the abolition of capital punishment; how many appealed against their sentence; and how many of these subsequent appeals were upheld.

The information requested is available only for complete calendar years. In England and Wales from 1966 to 1969 inclusive, the number of persons sentenced to life imprisonment was 379, of whom 267 were convicted of murder. During this period, appeals made by 61 persons against such a sentence in respect of crimes other than murder were determined; of these four were successful.The sentence for murder is fixed by law as imprisonment for life for those aged 18 years and over at the time the offence was committed, and detention during Her Majesty's pleasure for those under the age of 18 at that time. An appeal against sentence for murder can, therefore, arise only where it appears that the sentence was invalid having regard to the age of the person convicted.Since 1966, there have been two such appeals. In each case, the sentence was varied from life imprisonment to detention during Her Majesty's pleasure.

Employment

Training Centres

72.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment why there were 425 places unfilled at Government training centres in the Northern Region on 28th October compared with 272 unfilled places on 13th October, 1969.

The increase is mainly the result of restricted recruitment for the construction trades to which my hon. Friend referred in his reply to the hon. Member's Question on 4th November.—[Vol. 805, c. 382–3.]

74.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if, within the current programme bringing the number of Government training centres up to 54, to be completed by spring 1972, he will provide a Government training centre within the borough of Chesterfield.

The current programme does not include a Government Training Centre at Chesterfield but my right hon. Friend will give full consideration to the needs of the area when deciding the location of new Centres in the programme of further expansion which he announced on 4th November.

Industrial Training Act

73.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will now seek to amend the Industrial Training Act so that self-employed persons in agriculture can be brought within its scope; and whether he will make a statement.

Before considering any amendment to the Industrial Training Act, I think it best to await the outcome of the review which I am currently making of the work of industrial training boards.

Real Wages

75.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what factors he takes into account when calculating real wages in Great Britain in comparison with real wages in foreign countries; and on what basis a fair comparison can be made.

International comparison of real wages is not practicable. Tax and social security liabilities, and therefore real wages, depend on the family and other circumstances of the earner. Comparable information on earnings of particular categories of earners and their liabilities under the taxation and social security systems in different countries is not available.

Armed Forces (Pay)

76.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment when he received the Report of the National Board for Prices and Incomes on the pay of higher officers of the armed forces; and when he proposes to publish the Report.

My right hon. Friend received the Report on 16th October and proposes to publish it shortly.

Wages (Scotland)

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will publish the average wage of an employed person in Scotland at the latest convenient date.

In October, 1969, the latest date for which information is available, the average weekly earnings of male manual workers, aged 21 years and over, in Scotland were £24 1s. 2d.

Industrial Relations (Consultative Document)

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what instructions he has given to his Department's local officers concerning the free distribution of his consultative document on industrial relations to interested members of the public.

Local officers were asked to make copies available to all interested organisations and individuals on request. Instructions were given that if requests were received for the document before supplies were available, the name and address of the person should be noted and copies despatched as soon as stocks were received.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many copies of his consultative document on industrial relations have been made available for the public in the North-West; and if he will make a statement.

The initial distribution to employment exchanges in the North-West Region was 4,000. A further 4,000 copies have been sent to the regional offices as a reserve supply. All demands have been met out of this number. I understand that all employment exchanges have supplies available and there are still about 1,000 copies held in reserve at the Region.

Limbless Persons (Pay Dispute)

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he is aware of the hardship caused to limbless people and to the technicians responsible for limb fitting by the protracted pay dispute; if he will now intervene in this strike; and if he will make a statement.

All of us have the greatest sympathy with those disabled people all over the country who are suffering distress and hardship as a result of this unofficial strike. My Department has kept in close touch with the Department of Health and Social Security in this matter.

The artificial-limb makers are claiming a 20 per cent. increase in pay. My Department chaired talks between the British Surgical Trades Association and the trade unions concerned on 16th September, 1970, and agreement was reached on a postponement of the threatened strike to enable further talks to take place between the parties, without the Department being present. The Association has offered a pay rise of 12 per cent., but the limb makers rejected it, although their unions recommended acceptance.

I understand that at the end of last week the Association indicated willingness to add slightly to their offer, provided that the strikers return to work by the end of this week. The strikers will be considering this increased offer at a meeting today.

Outworkers

asked the Secretary of State for Employment in view of public concern about the treatment of outworkers, if he will now take steps to compel local authorities to keep a list of such workers; if he will consider introducing legislation imposing fines on people who do not comply with safety regulations and do not provide good conditions of employment for outworkers; and if he will make a statement.

There are arrangements under which local authorities are sent lists of outworkers in certain trades to enable them to stop work in any place which is injurious or dangerous to health. My right hon. Friend has no plans to introduce new legislation on the subject, but it is, however, within the terms of reference of the Robens Committee.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will now take steps to prevent the exploitation of women and disabled people engaged in outwork at home; what investigations have been made by his Department regarding the rates of pay for such work; and if he will make a statement.

I have no evidence of exploitation among such workers.Home workers in certain industries come within scope of wages councils and their employers are required to pay them not less than the statutory minima prescribed. As part of their general enforcement duties wages inspectors examine the records of such payments and all complaints concerning payment of less than the statutory minima are investigated. Few infractions of the wages regulation orders have recently been disclosed in the course of these activities by the wages inspectorate.

STOPPAGES OF WORK DUE TO INDUSTRIAL DISPUTES
United Kingdom
19681969January-October, 1970*
Per cent.
Proportion of stoppages beginning in period which lasted not more than 3 days61·062·354·1
Thousands
Number of working days lost in stoppages beginning in period which lasted not more than 3 days2,039†1,075863
Total working days lost in all stoppages beginning in the period4,7196,9258,702
* Provisional.
† Includes 1½ million days lost in official one-day stoppage of engineering workers (15th May, 1968).

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many working days were lost as a result of the recent strikes by local authority employees.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many working days were lost in the recent strike of local government manual workers.

Complete figures are not yet available, but the provisional estimate for working days lost up to 31st October was 835,000.

Trade And Industry

Nationalised Industries (Prices)

77.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what is now the policy of Her Majesty's Government regarding future price increases imposed by the nationalised industries.

We shall scrutinise major proposed price increases and our policy is that they should only proceed when there is a proven case for them.

Upper Clyde Shipbuilders

78.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how much money the Upper Clyde Shipbuilders

Strikes

asked the Secretary of State for Employment (1) what proportion of strikes during 1968, 1969 and 1970 lasted for less than three days;(2) how many days lost through strikes during 1968, 1969 and 1970 were from strikes lasting less than three days.

:owe to date to the British Steel Corporation; when payment will be made; and whether he will ensure that the money owed to smaller creditors will rank equally for payment on the same date.

Nuclear Agencies And Research Bodies

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry to which international nuclear agencies and research bodies the United Kingdom contributes, either directly or through the Atomic Energy Authority.

United Kingdom financial contributions are made to the International Atomic Energy Agency, to the European Nuclear Energy Agency including certain of its research projects (notably the Dragon project at Winfrith in Dorset), and to the European Organisation for Nuclear Research (CERN).

Manchester Airport (Crash)

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will now make a further statement on the cause of the crash, involving loss of life, of a privately operated Viscount aircraft at Manchester Airport in 1969; and if he will indicate what action he is taking in the light of the Chief Inspector of Accidents' report.

Control of the aircraft was lost following a simulated engine failure during take-off, the reasons for which have not been established despite a prolonged investigation.The Department is reviewing the whole question of training which involves simulated engine failure and has drawn the attention of aerodrome authorities and airline operators to the need to arrange the take-off and approach paths used for such operations to avoid flight over places where large numbers of people may live, work or congregate.

Uk—Commonwealth Trade

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) if he will publish a table showing the proportion of United Kingdom imports which came from the Commonwealth as defined in 1970 and the Commonwealth and Empire as defined in 1939 for the years 1900 to 1970;(2) if he will publish a table showing the proportion of United Kingdom exports which went to the Commonwealth as defined in 1970 and the Commonwealth and Empire as defined in 1939 for the years 1900 to 1970.

The information is not available in the form requested. It could not be extracted without an undue expenditure of time and money.

Travel Agents

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will introduce legislation to ensure that all travel agents and firms providing package tours and special excursion facilities should be required to take out insolvency indemnities in relation to the size of the tour programme so that in the event of bankruptcy there would automatically be money available to compensate clients.

No, but the question of requiring indemnities in respect of organisers of group travel by air is being considered.

Industry, Wales

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he is satisfied with the number of applications made by industrialists to his Department or any other Government Department, with a view to coming to Wales, since mid-June of this year; and if he will make a statement.

No. I am never satisfied with the number of enquiries from industrialists about development areas. The changes in investment incentives announced in October should, however, give greater encouragement to firms to consider the advantages of locating new projects in these areas.

Transport Industries

Sports Councils

79.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what proposals he has for the future of the Sports Councils.

I shall be having a meeting with the Sports Council about this next week.

80.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he intends to keep the national and regional sports councils and executives in their present form.

As to the future of the Sports Council, I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to the hon. Member for Easington (Mr. Dormand) today.As to the regional sports councils, I appreciate the valuable work they are doing and will be considering how this can best be continued.

Anti-Skid Measures (North-West)

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if, in view of concern in the North-West of England with accident prevention, he will now use the new anti-skid spray device at crossings and junctions in the North-West; and if he will make a statement.

Road surfacings with very high skid resistance are very expensive. Generally, their use is appropriate only at high-accident-risk areas where they are of significant benefit in reducing accidents. These locations are usually on urban roads, where the initiative lies mainly with local authorities but we are studying possible developments closely.

Foreign And Commonwealth Affairs

Secure Frontiers And Demilitarised Zones (Security Council Resolution)

81.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will make a statement on the latest British initiatives aimed at the implementation of Resolution 242 of the Security Council, in so far as secure frontiers and demilitarised zones are concerned.

A comprehensive political settlement would have to include provisions about frontiers and demilitarised zones which were consistent with the terms of Resolution 242. Our views about the form and content of such a settlement were set out by my right hon. Friend the Foreign and Commonwealth. Secretary in his speech at Harrogate on 31st October, a copy of which has been placed in the Library of the House.

Refugees

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether the Government accepts Resolution No. 459 in reply to the 17th Report on the activities of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees which was adopted by the Consultative Assembly of the Council of Europe on 22nd September, 1970; and whether they will maintain and if possible increase their financial contribution to the work of the High Commissioner.

Her Majesty's Government have noted the Consultative Assembly's Resolution No. 459 which is, in principle, acceptable.The United Kingdom's contribution to the 1971 programme of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees will be maintained at the same level as this year i.e. £150,000.

Oecd (Memorandum)

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether the Government accepts Resolution No. 451 in reply to the memorandum from the Secretary General of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, which was adopted by the Consultative Assembly of the Council of Europe on 18th September, 1970; and whether they will instruct their representative to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development to comply with the proposals set out in paragraph 10 of this resolution.

Resolution 451 of the Consultative Assembly of the Council of Europe is generally acceptable to us. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development is already engaged in work in the fields referred to in paragraph 10 of that Resolution.

World College Of The Atlantic

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what grants he has made to United World Colleges.

In the period 1964–67 Her Majesty's Government through the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, made three annual grants of £50,000, £30,000 and £20,000 respectively to the Atlantic College at St. Donat's, South Wales. It was subsequently renamed the World College of the Atlantic when its founders, who plan to establish similar insitutions in certain other countries, set up the international organisation now known as United World Colleges.

Overseas Development

Aid Programme (Representations)

82.

asked the Minister for Overseas Development what representations he has received from Christian churches on the decision to amalgamate the Ministry of Overseas Development with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office; and what reply he has sent.

Since the decision was announced I have received two letters from Churches and I have discussed it with a delegation from the Churches' Action for World Development. I have emphasised that the decision implies no weakening of the Government's intention to pursue an expanding aid programme, and expressed my confidence in the new arrangements.

National Finance

Private Finns (Public Accountability)

83.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what improved measures of public accountability he intends to introduce in order to ensure the protection of public investment in private firms.

I see no need to change the arrangements under which Ministers are answerable to Parliament. The arrangements between the Department and the company concerned depend on the nature of the investment and the circumstances of the case.

£ Sterling

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if the value of the £ sterling was considered as 20s. in early 1953, what would be the value of the £ sterling at the latest convenient date in 1970.

Taking the internal purchasing power of the £ sterling as 20s. in January, 1953, its value in September, 1970, the latest date for which information is available, is estimated at 11s. 3d.This estimate is based on changes in the Consumer Price Index for calendar years adjusted by movements in the Retail Price Index for the months at the beginning and end of the period.

Welfare Charges

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, taking account of the proposed increases in prescription charges, school meals, dental treatment and the proposed lowering of the age for free milk, what is his estimate of the effect on a man with two children on average earnings of all the measures recently announced.

The effect of my right hon. Friend's measures will vary with the age of the children, the circumstances of the individual family, and the level of average earnings in April, 1971, when the new charges come into effect.

Motor Vehicles (Disabled Persons)

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the present rate of taxation for motor vehicles used solely for the transport of physically-handicapped people; and what are his plans for reducing the rate.

Exemption from motor vehicle excise duty is already given to disabled people who qualify for help with the provision of vehicles under the National Health Service.

Seaside Seasonal Amusement Operators' Association

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations he has received from the Seaside Seasonal Amusement Operators' Association about taxation of play machines in amusement arcades; what replies he has given; and if he will make a statement.

The Seasonal Seaside Amusement Operators' Association has asked to make representations and I have arranged to meet my hon. Friend the Member for Scarborough and Whitby (Mr. Michael Shaw) with representatives of the Association on 25th November.

Income Tax And Surtax

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will undertake a study into the amalgamation of income tax and surtax.

Consideration is being given to several aspects of the structure of personal taxation, including the one referred to by my hon. Friend.

Lord Rothschild (Official Duties)

Q6.

asked the Prime Minister if he will make a statement on the official duties he has assigned to Lord Rothschild.

I have nothing to add to the reply I gave to a similar question by my hon. Friend the Member for Gosport and Fareham (Dr. Bennett) on 29th October.—[Vol. 805, c. 200.]

Agriculture, Fisheries And Food

Welfare Milk

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what estimate he has received from the Milk Marketing Board of the expected fall in liquid milk sales consequent upon the abolition of free milk for schoolchildren in the financial year 1971–72.

I understand that the Milk Marketing Board estimates that the changes in the School Milk Scheme will result in the financial year 1971–72 in a loss of liquid milk sales in Engand and Wales of about 13½ million gallons.

Farm Animal Welfare Codes

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will state the organisations which he intends to consult in his proposed revision of the farm animal welfare codes; what form these consultations will take; and what period he will allow such organisations to make known their views.

The consultation will be by correspondence with the organisations consulted on the draft codes in September, 1968. They will be requested to furnish their observations on the proposed code revisions within a period of approximately two months from the date of circulation.

Limitation Act, 1963

asked the Attorney-General why the Law Commissioners' Report on amendments to the Limitation Act has not been published; whether, in view of the interest of the trade unions who gave evidence on the issue to the Law Commission, the report will now be published; and whether Her Majesty's Government accepts the recommendation made by the Law Commission.

As I informed the House on 17th November, the Government accept the advice of the Law Commission. Their Report will be published as soon as it can be printed, which I expect to be next week.—[Vol. 806, c. 1026–7.]

Treaties Of Unlimited Duration

asked the Attorney-General whether, having regard to the principle that Parliament cannot bind its successors, he will refer to a committee of judges or other experts on constitutional law the question whether Her Majesty's Government can properly recommend to Parliament the approval of a treaty expressly stated to be binding in perpetuity.

No. There are no obstacles in the way of Parliament approving treaties of unlimited duration if it so wishes. Whether it should do so in any particular instances is a question of policy.

Scotland

Stornoway-Ullapool Vehicle Ferry

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will state the progress made to date on the proposed Stornoway-Ullapool vehicle ferry project.

I am examining this proposal in the context of a wider review of ferry services to the Western Isles, which I am conducting in consultation with the Scottish Transport Group. Meanwhile I am awaiting detailed proposals for the necessary terminals from those concerned.

Penalties For Homicide (Committee)

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will now announce the membership of the committee to review the penalties for homicide in Scotland.

The following have accepted my invitation and that of the Lord Advocate to serve on the Committee: The Hon. Lord Emslie (Chairman), Mr. L. I. Gordon, C.B.E., Miss E. I. W. Hobkirk, C.B.E., T.D., Professor A. K. M. Macrae, Sir James Robertson, C.B.E., The Very Reverend Father Anthony Ross, Mr. R. I. Sutherland, Q.C.

Aviation Supply

Rolls-Royce Ltd

asked the Minister of Aviation Supply in what circumstances a refund of the sum of £231,386 has recently been made to Rolls-Royce Limited.

When defence equipment is developed at Government expense there is provision for the payment of a levy on the proceeds of sales of the equipment to other customers. Under these arrangements Rolls-Royce in 1968 paid the Ministry of Technology £542,275 in respect of certain sales of Thor Ramjet engines to other Governments.The Company subsequently represented that the rate of the Government levy had proved far beyond what the market would bear in these cases and that a substantial loss had in fact been made. After verification of this from examination of the Company's actual costs and receipts, the Government decided that, in all the circumstances, it was fair to reduce the amount of that loss by repaying part of the levy, amounting to £231,386. As it had not been possible to make provision for this payment in Estimates, it was made, in August, 1970, from the Civil Contingencies Fund. A Supplementary Estimate will be presented to the House in due course.

Social Services

Family Income Supplements

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what percentage take-up of benefit under the Family Income Supplement Scheme he will regard at a point in time 12 months after the scheme comes into operation, as the minimum criterion for the satisfactory operation of the scheme.

I do not think it would be right to set in advance a single statistical criterion for judging the success of the scheme in alleviating poverty. Other relevant considerations, whether or not they can be precisely measured, would include the proportion of claimants to non-claimants according to income and according to duration of low income.

Lower-Paid Workers (Benefit Claims)

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will list in the OFFICIAL REPORT the separate means tests investigations which a lower-paid worker will be subject to if he is to claim the benefits to which he is entitled; and if he will give an estimate of the number of civil servants required to operate the various schemes.

Administered by the Department of Health and Social Security

  • 1. Supplementary Benefits.
  • 2. Free Welfare Milk and Foods.
  • 3. Refunds and exemptions of National Health Service charges.
  • 4. Patients' hospital travelling expenses.
  • 5. Legal aid (civil).
  • Administered by the Law Societies

    6. Legal Aid (Civil claims not involving proceedings).
    7. Legal Advice.

    Administered by the Courts under guidance of the Home Departments

    8. Legal Aid (Criminal).

    Administered by Local Authorities

    9. Free School Meals.
    10. Higher Education Awards (designated courses).
    11. Rate Rebates*.

    * Rate rebates are included for convenience although they are not strictly speaking a social service benefit but a remission of a tax.

    In addition, the provisions of the Family Income Supplements Bill at present before the House involve a test of income.

    It is provided in some cases that entitlement to one benefit automatically carries entitlement to others without further means testing: e.g. supplementary beneficiaries qualify for free welfare milk and foods, free school meals for their children, relief rom prescription, optical and dental charges, and, provided that their benefit includes the full amount of rent and rates, would not need to apply for a rate rebate; recipients of free welfare foods on grounds of low income are automatically exempted from payment of prescription charges.

    I have already told the House (5th November, 1970) that the Government will try to arrange that the test for the new family income supplement should become a passport to exemptions from other charges.

    The number of civil servants directly employed in assessing and paying out benefits under these schemes is about 18,900.

    Retirement Pensions (Purchasing Power)

    asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how much the purchasing power of retirement pensions has now decreased in weekly terms, for single and married pensioners, since the date of the last increase in November, 1969.

    asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what he estimates to be the cost of restoring the retirement pension to its value at the last date of increase in November, 1969.

    About £105 million a year without allowing for accompanying changes in other benefits.

    Social Survey

    asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what steps are taken to safeguard the information about income sought by the interviewers conducting the General Household Survey on behalf of the Social Survey.

    Interviewers and all their staff handling data from this and all other surveys conducted by the Social Survey are subject to the Official Secrets Act. The data are so handled that the names of individuals cannot be associated with their personal characteristics in any analysis or report on the survey.

    asked the Secretary of State for Social Services why no attempt has been made to obtain the information on household income sought in the household survey being conducted on behalf of the Social Survey from the Inland Revenue.

    The Inland Revenue is prohibited by statute from divulging any information about the income of identifiable people. But in any case the income data are required for relating to other characteristics of households in the survey and, in particular, their use of various health and social services.

    asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what other surveys authorised by Her Majesty's Government, other than tax returns, require respondents to provide information about their personal incomes or assets by category of income or asset.

    None for which my right hon. Friend has any responsibility. They are all voluntary.

    asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will ensure that the Social Survey does not in future authorise questionnaires requesting detailed information about the income or assets of individuals or organisations unless the purpose of the inquiry has been explained to and authorised by him personally.

    No. Responsibility for the subject matter of surveys rests primarily with the Minister or Ministers responsible for the surveys.

    National Insurance (Old Persons) Act, 1970

    asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many applications by men over 87 years of age and women over 82 years of age under the National Insurance (Old Persons) Act, 1970, have been approved by social security officers in Blackpool and the Blackpool area, respectively; and how many of those cases approved were in receipt of supplementary benefits.

    Up to and including 17th November, 943 pensions had been awarded under Section 1 of the Act in Blackpool and the Blackpool area. Separate figures of those included in these awards who were receiving supplementary benefits are not available.

    Wales

    Manufacturing Firms

    asked the Secretary of State for Wales how many of the firms which have established manufacturing processes in Wales in the last five years did not show a profit in their trading during the first two years.

    Aberbeeg Hospital

    asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on the future of Aberbeeg Hospital.

    The Abertillery and District Hospital, Aberbeeg, will remain open for the present. I understand that its future will be reviewed by the Welsh Hospital Board when the health centre at Abertillery opens next year.