asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he expects the report of the Agricultural Advisory Council's inquiry into soil structure to be published; and whether he will make a statement.

The report of the Agricultural Advisory Council on the effects of modern farming on soil fertility and soil structure, which was commissioned by my predecessor at the end of 1969, is being published today. It is an important work of reference for all those concerned with the soil—farmers, landowners and workers, those engaged in research, development and advice, teachers and students of farming. We are greatly indebted to Mr. Strutt and his Council for their valuable work.It is reassuring to find no evidence of damage to inherent fertility but everyone must be concerned about the Council's conclusions on soil structure. The troubles seem to vary according to soil and climate, farming practice and other factors. The report discusses them region by region. It tells us which soils are most at risk and why. The problems are worse moreover where drainage is inadequate or neglected. The special difficulties, to which the Council draw attention, associated with high stocking rates and poaching on poorly drained grassland in the wetter areas are disturbing.Many of the problems are not new and there is already a good deal of knowledge of what needs to be done to avoid them or put them right. The report brings all this knowledge together for the first time. The Council emphasise that there is a great deal which farmers can do for themselves. The problems of the soil are very much those of the individual farmer.Much is already being done. In recent years there has been a growing awareness of the dangers of some modern practices. A steadily increasing amount of field drainage is being carried out encouraged by the Ministry's drainage and advisory services. Their effectiveness will be further increased by the reorganisation of the Department's technical services into a unified Agricultural Development and Advisory Services (A.D.A.S.) as from 1st March, 1971. The report's recommendations regarding advisory work will be studied having regard to the future advisory role of A.D.A.S. Proposals and priorities for further experimental and investigational work will also be considered, in the light of the work that is already being done at the Department's Experimental Centres.The report recommends a major campaign on drainage. This will need to be considered with the agricultural organisations. Much depends upon the finance, manpower and equipment available to contractors and farmers and the acreage of land economically worthwhile to drain. My Department's Land Drainage Division will be putting this in hand.Some of the report's suggestions are the concern of other Departments; some concern the Agricultural Research Council or the Meteorological Office; others touch on the responsibilities of drainage and other local authorities. They will need to study them.It is clear that most of the problems are long-term ones which cannot be put right overnight. There will be no immediate or spectacular improvement. But the problems are no less real for that. Fortunately there is little that cannot be put right or greatly improved by farmers themselves with patience and determination. The greater awareness of the problems which the Council's timely report must create will, I am sure, be a great help in this task.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when will be the appropriate time for deciding the mechanics of keeping the pigmeat and bacon situation in an enlarged Community under review during the transitional period and thereafter.

I have nothing to add to the Answer my right hon. Friend gave to the hon. Member on 8th December, 1970.—[Vol. 808, c. 66.]

asked the Minister of Aviation Supply if he will make a statement on the nature of the survey into the effects of Concorde on the public now being conducted by his Department and arrange for a copy of the survey questions to be published in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

The survey is being conducted by questioning random samples of people living within the areas affected by Concorde's boom. Control groups from outside these areas are also being questioned. The survey is intended to investigate public reactions to Concorde in general and to the sonic boom in particular.The survey questionnaire is too lengthy for inclusion in the OFFICIAL REPORT. But I have arranged for a copy to be placed in the House of Commons Library.

asked the Minister of Aviation Supply what technical reports he has received on the effects of high overpressure sonic booms on people, buildings and animals, respectively, during Concorde supersonic tests so far completed.

I am kept regularly informed by the appropriate specialists of the effects of Concorde's boom on people, buildings and animals. Those submitting reports include specialists at the Royal Aircraft Establishment and at Universities under contract to my Department and observers in the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, and the Department of Health and Social Security.

asked the Minister of Aviation Supply to what extent the scientific readings taken in Truro Cathedral are relevant to other persons or fabrics not directly in the same related position to Concorde as the instruments used.

Each individual boom is unique, but measurements of the effect of a series of Concorde booms on particular buildings, including Truro Cathedral, can be used to assess the effect on buildings generally.

asked the Minister of Aviation Supply by what yardstick are the effects of supersonic flight on passengers being measured.

There is no reason to expect that supersonic flight will have an effect on passengers any different from that of existing subsonic jets.

asked the Minister for the Civil Service whether he will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT as detailed as possible a list of the various retirement pension schemes affecting stated public servants, giving the amounts of contribution payable and the benefits received in each instance.

The following table summarises the main provisions of

		Contributions
		Normal Benefits		Family Benefits		Benefits
		Employee	Employer	Employee	Employer	(subject to 10 years' service)
Civil Service	…	Non-contributory		1¼ per cent. of salary or one-third reduction of lump sum	Equivalent to employee's contribution	Retirement Pension: One-eightieth of pensionable salary for each completed year of service.
						Lump sum on retirement: Three times pension.
						Widow's Pension: One-third of member's accrued pension.
Local Government		Officers:		Two-thirds reduction of lump sum	None	Retirement Pension: One-eightieth of pensionable salary for each year of contributing service (non-contributing service reckons as to half).
		6 per cent.	6 per cent.
		Servants:
		5 per cent.	5 per cent.
						Lump sum on retirement: Three times pension.
						Widow's Pension: One-third of member's pension.
National Health Service		Non-Manual Workers:		Two-thirds reduction of lump sum wholly surrendered for a halfrate widow's pension	None	Retirement Pension: One-eightieth of pensionable salary for each year of contributing service (non-contributing service reckons as to half).
		6 per cent.	8 per cent.
		Manual Workers:
		5 per cent.	6 per cent.
						Lump sum of retirement: Three times pension.
						Widow's Pension: One-third of member's pension (half of member's pension if whole of lump sum surrendered).
Teachers	…	6 per cent.	6 per cent. (plus a supplementary contribution, currently 2½ per cent. in England and Wales and 1½ per cent. in Scotland)	2 per cent.	None	Retirement Pension: One-eightieth of pensionable salary for each year of service.
						Lump sum on retirement: Three times pension (slightly less where service before 1st October, 1956 reckons).
						Widow's Pension: One-third of member's accrued pension.
Notes:
1. Death Benefits. Subject to five years' service, a lump sum payment is made on death in service. Subject to reduction as necessary to take account of contributions for widow's benefit the sum paid is not less than one year's pensionable salary and may reach 1½ years' pensionable salary after 40 years' service. The same sum is paid on death after retirement but reduced to take account of benefits already received.
2. Children's Pensions. There is no provision for children's pensions in the Local Government Scheme. In the Civil Service, National Health Service and teachers' schemes, small pensions are provided for children; the amounts paid vary according to the number of children and whether or not there is a surviving widow

asked the Minister for the Civil Service what is the retirement pension payable to a civil servant of any stated rank who was on a salary of £3,250 in October, 1964, who retired in June, 1970, after a 35-year period of service in the civil service.

A Senior Chief Executive Officer in receipt of the scale maximum of £3,300 per annum in October, 1964, who retired on 30th June, 1970, after 35 years reckonable service would have been awarded a pension of £1,718 9s 3d.

asked the Minister for the Civil Service what further representations he has received on the question of public service pensions; and whether he will make a statement.

Since the Government statement of 17th November about the adjustment of public service pensions the Civil Service Staff Side have pursued a number of points with officials of the Civil Service Department. In the same period hon. Members have sent to the Lord Privy Seal and myself some 40 letters from individual pensioners or local groups of pensioners on various aspects, many of which have welcomed the main features of the proposals.My right hon. and noble Friend is arranging to see the Public Service Pensioners' Council at their request and he is considering a similar request he has very recently received from the T.U.C. in respect of local government pensioners.—[Vol. 806, c. 1040–1.]

asked the Attorney-General, on what date his Department were first requested to take action with regard to the illegal practice known as cube cutting; and when he now expects to publish his report.

							FINANCIAL YEARS
							1959–60	1964–65	1970–71 (estimated)
ALL AUTHORITIES (England and Wales)							£	£	£
Nursery	…	…	…	…	…	…	101·3	115·8	202·2
Primary	…	…	…	…	…	…	48·2	65·2*	97·0
Secondary	…	…	…	…	…	…	81·5	120·5*	186·3
YORKSHIRE, WEST RIDING
Nursery	…	…	…	…	…	…	85·0	116·7	171·3
Primary	…	…	…	…	…	…	47·6	62·3	93·6
Secondary	…	…	…	…	…	…	74·7	112·1	180·0
* County authorities only.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science (1) by what methods inquiries are being made into the financing of student union further education: if such inquiries are also being made into the financing of student representative councils; and by whom;(2) if she will state the terms of reference of the inquiries into the financing of student organisations in further education; which matters besides finance they cover; and by whom the inquiries are being made.

After consultation with the National Union of Students, the Department in conjunction with the associations representing local education authorities, has sent a questionnaire asking for information about

This matter first came to the attention of my Department on 23rd January, 1969. The police report of their investigation of the allegations has now been received by the Director of Public Prosecutions who is considering it. It is not the practice to publish such reports.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what was the annual cost to a local education authority in England of each pupil in a nursery, primary and secondary school, respectively, in 1960 and 1965, and what is the estimated cost for 1971; and what are the comparable figures for the West Riding.

The available information is as follows:Student Union subscriptions and other income, expenditure, number of students in membership, and accommodation available for Student Union use, to a selection of further education establishments in England and Wales. The term "student representative council" is not in general use and has no clearly separate identity in England and Wales.My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland will shortly be undertaking a broadly similar enquiry in relation to student representative councils and student unions in the Scottish Central Institutions and Colleges of Education.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is the retirement pension payable to head teachers, or any other person in the educational service, who was in October, 1964 on a salary of £3,250 per annum, who retired in June, 1970 after 35 years' service, or the longest period of time up to 30 years.

For a teacher after 30 years' service, an annual pension between £1,500 and £1,640, and a lump sum between £4,230 and £4,640. An additional five years' service would increase, the pension to £1,750–£1,920, and the lump sum to £4,890–£5,370.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science when the universities may expect firm commitments on resources from the Government for the period 1972 to 1977.

I hope to announce a provisional recurrent grant for the academic year 1972–73 towards the end of 1971 and the grants for the whole of the 1972–1977 quinquennium in the summer or autumn of 1972. This is the same timing as the previous Government followed in settling the grants for the present quinquennium and has been agreed with the University Grants Committee.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what sums are devoted to investigating the causes of, and a cure for, epilepsy; and whether she will make a statement.

Research into the causes and treatment of epilepsy is being carried out with support from Government funds under the auspices of the Medical Research Council; in their own research establishments, by external scientific staff and research groups through the Council's research grant schemes.A number of other investigations related to this disorder are also in progress in university and hospital departments, while much basic research is being carried out by the Council and the universities, particularly in the field of neurobiology, may well throw light on the problems of epilepsy.As work in this field frequently forms part of a wider programme of neurologi- cal research it is not possible to isolate a figure for expenditure on research into epilepsy alone.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what assessments he has made of the reduction in income from sales of postcards, reproductions and other publications on sale in public museums and art galleries to be expected following the imposition of entrance fees in such museums and galleries.

Until consultations with the individual institutions about the detailed arrangements for the collection of charges have been completed no informed assessment of the effect on sales of publications, etc., can be made. My noble Friend knows of no reason why the introduction of admission charges need lead to any significant reduction in museum sales.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is the wastage rate among students in dental schools; and what is the average wastage for other university faculties.

The latest available information is given in the University Grants Committee's published report "Enquiry into Student Progress 1968" This shows that 12 per cent. of dental students who would normally have graduated in the summer of 1966 left without obtaining a first degree. The corresponding figure for all university faculties was 13·3 per cent.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether, in the light of the Arts Council's decision to refuse any contribution to the Albert Hall centenary appeal whilst making a constructional grant to the Round House, she will make a statement with regard to Government policy on housing the arts.

The Arts Council is empowered to offer capital grants towards the provision of new buildings for the arts or the improvement of existing buildings up to an annual limit approved by the Government. The Council is given complete discretion to decide which projects should be supported. It has a large number of outstanding applications and has reluctantly concluded that it cannot offer a further contribution to the Royal Albert Hall beyond the grant of £5,000 already made for improving acoustics.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is his estimate of the number of schoolchildren in the London Borough of Waltham Forest who will cease to buy school meals as a result of the increased charges recently announced.

The local education authority estimates that, when the charge for the school meal is raised in April, about 15 per cent. of the children who now pay for their meal will cease to take the meal.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment whether he will arrange for the terms of reference for the Court of Inquiry appointed to inquire into the wage and salary dispute affecting the electricity supply industry to take into account during their investigations the fact that judges, the higher-paid civil servants and the chairmen of the nationalised boards have had salary increases of 67·7 per cent. since 1966 of which 36·7 per cent. has been paid or awarded for payment since April, 1970.

The terms of reference will enable the Court of Inquiry to take into account all relevant factors.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment (1) what percentage of employees was at work on 1st January and 24th December, 1970, respectively;(2) what percentage of employees was at work on Monday 28th December, 1970.

I regret that this information is not available.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment whether, following the report of the Noise Advisory Council, he will take further steps to abate industrial noise.

Following publication in March, 1970 of the report of an extensive investigation into hearing and noise in industry, our Industrial Health Advisory Committee set up a special sub-Committee on industrial noise with the following terms of reference—

"to consider what action should be taken to prevent loss of hearing by employed persons due to industrial noise, and to report back to the I.H.A.C"

This step was welcomed by the Noise Advisory Council in its report.My right hon. Friend must await the advice of the I.H.A.C. before considering what further steps should be taken, but in the meantime, H.M. Factory Inspectorate will continue to investigate noise in industry and to advise firms on noise problems.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what representations he has received from the Scottish National Party concerning the consultative document and the Industrial Relations Bill; and what reply he has sent.

The Scottish National Party wrote to my right hon. Friend on 10th November, 1970, giving me their detailed comments on the Consultative Document together with some of their ideas on industrial relations, and he replied giving his views on 30th November, 1970.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment by how much the Index of Retail Prices increased in November and December, 1970.

The General Index of Retail Prices rose from 143·0 at 20th October, 1970 to 144·0 at 17th November, 1970, that is by 0·7 per cent. The index figure for 15th December, 1970 is not yet available but is scheduled for publication on 16th January, 1971.

asked the secretary of state for Employment whether he will

No.	Title									Adopted by the ILO	Notes
1	Hours of Work (Industry)			…	…	…	…	…	…	1919
3	Maternity Protection		…	…	…	…	…	…	…	1919	1
4	Night Work (Women)			…	…	…	…	…	…	1919	1
6	Night Work of Young Persons (industry)					…	…	…	…	1919	1
9	Placing of Seamen		…	…	…	…	…	…	…	1920
13	White Lead (Painting)			…	…	…	…	…	…	1921
14	Weekly Rest (Industry)			…	…	…	…	…	…	1921
20	Night Work (Bakeries)			…	…	…	…	…	…	1925
23	Repatriation of Seamen			…	…	…	…	…	…	1926
27	Marking of Weight (Packages Transported by Vessels)							…	…	1929
30	Hours of Work (Commerce and Offices)					…	…	…	…	1930
31	Hours of Work (Coal Mines)			…	…	…	…	…	…	1931	1,2
43	Sheet-Glass Works		…	…	…	…	…	…	…	1934
46	Hours of Work (Coal Mines) (Revised)					…	…	…	…	1935	2
47	Forty-Hour Week		…	…	…	…	…	…	…	1935
48	Maintenance of Migrants' Pension Rights					…	…	…	…	1935
49	Reduction of Hours of Work (Glass Bottle Works)							…	…	1935
51	Reduction of Hours of Work (Public Works)						…	…	…	1936	2
52	Holidays with Pay		…	…	…	…	…	…	…	1936	1
53	Officers' Competency Certificates				…	…	…	…	…	1936
55	Shipowners' Liability (Sick and Injured Seamen)						…	…	…	1936
57	Hours of Work and Manning (Sea)				…	…	…	…	…	1936	1,2
58	Minimum Age (Sea) (Revised)				…	…	…	…	…	1936
59	Minimum Age (Industry) (Revised)				…	…	…	…	…	1937
60	Minimum Age (Non-Industrial Employment) (Revised)							…	…	1937
61	Reduction of Hours of Work (Textiles)					…	…	…	…	1937	2
62	Safety Provisions (Building)			…	…	…	…	…	…	1937
67	Hours of Work and Rest Period (Road Transport)							…	…	1939
71	Seafarers' Pensions		…	…	…	…	…	…	…	1946
73	Medical Examination (Seafarers)				…	…	…	…	…	1946
76	Wages, Hours of Work and Manning (Sea)					…	…	…	…	1946	1,2
77	Medical Examination of Young Persons (Industry)							…	…	1946
78	Medical Examination of Young Persons (Non-Industrial Occupations)									1946
79	Night Work of Young Persons (Non-Industrial Occupations)								…	1946
89	Night Work (Women) (Revised)				…	…	…	…	…	1948
90	Night Work of Young Persons (Industry) (Revised)							…	…	1948
91	Paid Vacations (Seafarers) (Revised)					…	…	…	…	1949
93	Wages, Hours of Work and Manning (Sea) (Revised)							…	…	1949	1,2
96	Fee-Charging Employment Agencies (Revised)						…	…	…	1949
100	Equal Remuneration		…	…	…	…	…	…	…	1951
103	Maternity Protection (Revised)				…	…	…	…	…	1952
104	Abolition of Penal Sanctions (Indigenous Workers)							…	…	1955
106	Weekly Rest (Commerce and Offices)					…	…	…	…	1957
107	Indigenous and Tribal Populations				…	…	…	…	…	1957
109	Wages, Hours of Work and Manning (Sea) (Revised)							…	…	1958	2
110	Plantations	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	1958
111	Discrimination (Employment and Occupation)						…	…	…	1958
112	Minimum Age (Fishermen)			…	…	…	…	…	…	1959
113	Medical Examination (Fishermen)				…	…	…	…	…	1959
114	Fishermen's Articles of Agreement				…	…	…	…	…	1959
117	Social Policy (Basic Aims and Standards)					…	…	…	…	1962

The list is as follows:

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if his discussions with the British Medical Association about the Industrial Relations Bill dealt with principle or detail; and if he will make a statement.

Following my right hon. Friend's discussions with the British Medical Association and a number of other organisations he has put to them proposals for modifications which would, within the basic framework of the Bill, facilitate their representing their members in negotiation of pay and conditions of work.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what advice he gave to the employers' side of the National Joint Council in connection with the fire service pay claim.

My right hon. Friend has given no advice to the employers' side of the National Joint Council in connection with the fire service pay claim beyond the same general advice about pay negotiations which he has given to all other employers in the public sector.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will recommend the appointment of a Royal Commission to investigate and report on industrial and mining working conditions.

No. These matters are covered to a very large extent by the terms of reference of the Committee on Safety and Health at Work which is chaired by Lord Robens.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will consider the establishment of sheltered workshops and specialised vocational training for the partially sighted.

No. Partially sighted people who are unable to work in ordinary employment can be placed in any of the sheltered workshops already established for severely disabled sighted people and for the blind. Partially sighted people who may benefit from them also undergo courses of vocational training.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the value of sums held under the liability defects clause inserted into building contracts in respect of local government housing.

I regret that this information is not available. The attention of local authorities was, however, drawn in Circular 79/67 to the fact that the percentages in the R.I.B.A. form of contract are recommended maxima for retention moneys, and that they were free to agree to lower percentages if they wished. They were recommended to keep this possibility well in mind.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the average time for final settlement of accounts in respect of local authority building contracts from the time of completion of building.

I regret that this information is not available. Local authorities were reminded in M.H.L.G. Circulars 79/67 and 35/69 of the need for prompt payments.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many local authorities make contributions to their housing revenue account from the general rate fund, expressed in terms of a percentage of total income of housing revenue account of 15 per cent. or more.

The latest information for England and Wales is contained in column 52 of "Housing Statistics (England and Wales) 1968–69"published by the Institute of Municipal Treasurers and Accountants in June, 1970. A copy of this publication is in the Library.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many houses he expects to be completed in England and Wales in 1970 and 1971.

The total number of dwellings completed in England and Wales in the first ten months of 1970 was 252,098. I am not prepared to make a forecast for 1971.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the required annual level of investment in housing by the Greater London Council, London boroughs and other housing authorities in England, respectively, in 1971 at current prices to equal the capital investment levels in real terms in 1966.

As the level of prices in 1971 is not yet known it is not possible to express the investment in 1966 in terms of 1971 prices.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what were the annual levels of capital investment in housing by the London County Council, Metropolitan boroughs and other boroughs within the present Greater London Council boundaries for the years 1960 to 1964, inclusive; and what were the annual levels of capital investment in housing by the Greater London Council and London boroughs in 1969 and 1970, the latter to the latest calculable estimate.

Following are the figures (for the local authorities which were included within the area of the Greater London Council on 1st April, 1965).

CAPITAL EXPENDITURE ON HOUSING
£ million (current prices)
	L.C.C.	Metropolitan Boroughs	Other Authorities
1960–61	14	23	19
1961–62	16	20	19
1962–63	21	21	22
1963–64	25	31	27
1964–65	35	35	39

The best estimates which can be made at the present time of the capital expenditure on housing in 1969–70 of the Greater London Council and the London Boroughs are £60 million and £146 million respectively.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what has been the annual percentage rise in the average cost per unit of slums purchased and cleared in England and Wales and in Greater London between 1966 and 1970;(2) what is his estimate of the average cost per unit of buying and clearing slums in England and Wales following the introduction of the revised compensation provisions for slum owners under the Housing Act, 1969.

The information asked for is not available: I am considering how best further information can be obtained and will write to the hon. Member as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what were the annual numbers of dwellings included in slum clearance representations received by his Department between 1960 and 1970, inclusive; and what were the annual numbers of dwellings so represented during these years by the London County Council, Metropolitan boroughs, the Greater London Council and the London boroughs.

Following are the figures for England and Wales:

1960	37,719
1961	38,937
1962	34,982
1963	45,817
1964	45,567
1965	46,937
1966	43,162
1967	51,217
1968	48,031
1969	42,567
1970 (to November)	41,007

Separate figures for London are readily available only from 1967 and are as follows:

	Greater London Council	London Boroughs
1967	1,131	6,590
1968	1,402	3,587
1969	1,354	2,967
1970 (to November)	1,328	2,021

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received since the passing of the Improvements Grants Act, 1969, that property is being purchased cheaply, renovated, and then sold at a considerable profit; and if he will make a statement.

None in such terms. But with the possibility in mind of substantial demand developing for improvement grants for this purpose, one or two local authorities have suggested that payment should be subject to three-year conditions similar to those in force before the passing of the Housing Act, 1969. I am, however, satisfied that in present circumstances the absence of such conditions is in the best interests of securing much-needed progress with house improvement and of encouraging the growth of owner-occupation.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many council houses and flats have been built in the London Borough of Waltham Forest in each of the years since 1965.

The Borough and its predecessors, the Boroughs of Chingford, Leyton and Walthamstow, completed 616 houses and flats in 1965. The numbers completed in the years 1966 to 1969 and in the first nine months of 1970 are published in Local Housing Statistics Nos. 1, 5, 9, 13 and 16; copies are available in the Library.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what steps he intends to take to reduce unemployment in the construction industry in North Staffordshire.

The steps announced in my right hon. Friend's reply to the hon. Member for Liverpool, Walton (Mr. Heffer) on 28th October apply to the construction industry in North Staffordshire and elsewhere.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what action he proposes to take, following the Law Commission Report on Civil Liability of Venders and Lessors for Defective Premises, House of Commons Paper No. 184, to make builders more liable for defects in construction.

My right hon. and noble Friend the Lord Chancellor has the Law Commission's Report under consideration. I have brought my interest in the proposals to his notice, taking account of the existing N.H.B.R.C. scheme and the advice of my Committee on Building Maintenance which has the adequacy of existing arrangements for defects liability in building under review.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what representations she has received regarding the installation of burglar alarms in museums run by her Department; to what extent the individual museums have delegated authority to spend money for the safeguarding of valuable treasures; and if she will make a statement.

I have been asked to reply.None. Representations have, however, been received about three small museums which, though housed at monuments in my care, are owned and run by private Trustees. They have no delegation to spend public money. In two cases I have agreed improved security arrangements with the Trustees. The third case is under consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he is aware of the difficulties experienced by Whickham Urban District Council, developers and tenants of properties caused by the delay in reaching a decision by his Department on the public inquiry held on 23rd September, 1969 in respect of Durham Development Plan, Comprehensive Development Area No. 11 (Whickham) Whickham Front Street (No. 1) Compulsory Purchase Order 1969; and what considerations his Department is giving to the proposals put to the inquiry.

As I explained in my letter, I am only too well aware that delays in reaching decisions on development plans and compulsory purchase orders present difficulties for all concerned. Legislation passed in 1968 should speed up the procedure, but the case to which the hon. Member refers had to be dealt with under the old procedure. Decisions will be issued as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations

				WATER UNDERTAKINGS
				1966	1967	1968	1969	1970
Metropolitan Water				3	2	9	4	8
Board	…	…	…	£158 0s. 0d.	£70 0s. 0d.	£745 11s. 6d.	£1,000 0s. 0d.	£350 7s. 0d.
Bucks. Water Board				1			1
				£20 14s. 6d.			£75 0s. 0d.
West Cornwall Water						3
Board	…	…	…			£170 0s. 0d.
Wessex Water Board								1
								£30 0s. 0d.
Yearly totals
Number		…	…	4	2	12	5	9
Value		…	…	£178 14s. 6d.	£70 0s. 0d.	£915 11s. 6d.	£1,075 0s. 0d.	£380 7s. 0d.

Grand Totals	Number	…	…	…	…	32
	Value	…	…	…	…	£2,619 13s. 0d.

My right hon. Friend has explained to a deputation that he had not been able to confirm the building preservation notice on the buildings concerned because he was advised they were not of such special architectural or historic interest as to justify statutory listing. As, however, he said in reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Lewisham, West (Mr. Selwyn Gummer) on 16th December, he is sure that legislation is needed to enable local authorities to control the demolition of buildings, if such demolition would damage the character of a conservation area; and he hopes there will be an early opportunity to achieve this.—[Vol. 808, c. 333.]

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the number and value of ex gratia payments to persons suffering damage as a result of burst water mains authorised by him in each of the last five years in respect of each water authority in Great Britain.

The following table gives the information in relation to England in terms of the number and value of payments authorised under Section 228(1) of the Local Government Act, 1933.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what consideration he gives to the possible alternative use of river barrages when considering whether to allow reservoirs to be built on agricultural land.

The Strategy for water resources development is provided in the Water Resources Board's Regional Studies. These examine all alternatives, including estuarial barrages.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment, whether, in view of the advances being made in ocean engineering, he will include a survey of potential uses of the Irish Sea and its resources in the terms of reference for his Department's study on the North West.

The terms of reference of the proposed study are still to be discussed with the local planning authorities and the Economic Planning Council. Put a survey of the Irish Sea would be quite beyond the scope of the Study for which we see an urgent need.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what proposals he has received for the re-zoning of land within the Lewisham Clock Tower Comprehensive Development Area (No. 7); and whether he will withhold a decision on these proposals until he has received the report of the Greater London Development Plan Inquiry.

The Greater London Council have submitted a proposed amendment to the Initial Development Plan for the re-zoning of some 12 acres within the Lewisham Clock Tower Comprehensive Development Area. They propose that the land, most of which is at present allocated for commerce and light industry, should be re-allocated mainly for use as shops, offices and car-parks.My right hon. Friend does not feel justified in holding up consideration of this amendment until after the Greater London Development Plan Inquiry.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what action the Government have taken on Resolution (70) 11 adopted on 7th March, 1970, by the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe and relating to the co-ordination of efforts made in town and country planning and in air pollution control.

The recommendations reflect generally the practice already observed in this country. As guidance to local authorities is reviewed, the desirability of drawing attention to particular points in the resolution will be borne in mind.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment to what extent the road works programme in North Staffordshire will be cut as a result of the proposed reductions in Government expenditure.

The main motorway and trunk road programme remains unchanged. Progress on principal road schemes must depend on the rate at which local authorities in North Staf-fordshire and throughout the country prepare individual schemes to grant application stage.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the latest position of the proposed Bury easterly bypass; whether the starting date has been moved back in the road programme; and, in view of the significance of the road to North-East Lancashire, if he will receive as soon as convenient a deputation consisting of those hon. Members whose constituencies are affected.

Draft proposals for the southern section of the bypass were published in July and, subject to completion of the statutory procedures, it is hoped that work will start in late 1972. The northern section is proceeding as quickly as possible but has not reached the stage at which a starting date can be set. There has been no postponement and it seems unnecessary at this stage to receive a deputation.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment in view of the bad accident record of the stretch of the A458 Shrewsbury to Welshpool road near the Cross Gates Inn, Ford, Shropshire, whether he will now make provision without delay for the necessary road improvements.

A scheme for improvement of A458 near Cross Gates Inn, Ford, Shropshire has been provisionally included in the Trunk Road Programme for 1971–72.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will consider providing adequate financial assistance during 1971–72 for the landscaping of public open space in the comprehensive redevelopment areas of the city of Birmingham.

The cost of landscaping public open space forms part of the general expenditure of a local authority towards which financial assistance is provided by the Rate Support Grant.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when agreement will be given to improvements in the local government superannuation scheme.

It is intended that legislation on the subject of the local government superannuation scheme should be introduced as soon as possible, though it cannot yet be said when that will be. That legislation will, amongst other things provide a procedure for amendment of the scheme by Regulations. This will facilitate the introduction of changes that may be required as a result of the review of the scheme now being undertaken by the local authorities.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what progress is being made on the draft report relating to the operation of sanitary installations along certain stretches of trunk roads; and why this report has not yet been completed in view of the fact that the scheme was sponsored over five years ago.

The pilot scheme financed as to two-thirds by local authorities and one-third by the Government was slow to get going and the installations were not completed until 1969. A report on the experiment is still under consideration in order to decide whether the scheme should be continued and expanded.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will undertake not to run down the number of persons employed at the Royal Aircraft Establishment at Aberporth, Cardiganshire.

I have been asked to reply. There are at present no plans for any substantial reduction in the number of staff employed at the Royal Aircraft Establishment, Aberporth. The activities of all my establishments will, however, be kept under critical review, and I can give no assurance for the indefinite future.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is his present assessment of the effectiveness of the breathalyser tests in reducing road accidents.

The Breathalyser continues to make a significant and valuable contribution to reducing road casualties.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will sponsor special research into multiple-vehicle crashes on motorways.

I am reviewing the research already being done.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many fares increase applications have been made to the West and East Mid-lands Traffic Commissioners since 1950 to the present; how many appeals have been made to him by statutory objectors; how many of these applications have been successful; and whether he will make a statement.

There have been four appeals since 1951 resulting from fares applications. The other information requested is not readily available.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action the Government has taken on Resolution (70)5 adopted on 7th March, 1970 by the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe concerning teaching and research in European law.

Resolution (70)5 was based on the conclusions of the first European Conference of Deans of Law Faculties. These conclusions were communicated to all law faculties in the United Kingdom.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the European Economic Community Council of Ministers about proposed price increases to European Economic Community farmers for beef, milk and barley; and what assessment he has made about the effect of these proposed increases on the cost of United Kingdom entry into the European Economic Community.

I have no official knowledge of proposed farm price increases in the Communities and I understand that the Commission has so far made no proposals.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will seek to ensure, in the negotiations for United Kingdom entry into the European Economic Community, that the Commonwealth countries of the Caribbean, Pacific and Indian Oceans will be offered associate membership.

We continue to seek for those Commonwealth developing countries in the Caribbean, Pacific and Indian Oceans for whom we have already requested it, that the options covered by the Community's 1963 Declaration of Intent should be open to them, namely: association under the Yaoundé Convention; other association agreements with mutual rights and obligations particularly in matters of trade; or commercial agreements to facilitate and expand trade between the Communities and these countries.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what communication he has received from the President of the House of Representatives of the Gilbert and Ellice Islands, praying for the separation of the Gilbert and Ellice Islands colony from the Western Pacific High Commission; what reply has been sent; and if he will make a statement.

The Resident Commissioner in the Gilbert and Ellice Islands Colony has sent to my right hon. Friend the text of a Motion passed without dissent by the House of Representatives on 27th November, 1970, praying for the separation of the Colony from the Western Pacific High Commission.We had already been considering in consultation with the High Commissioner for the Western Pacific and the Resident Commissioner whether the association of the Colony with the High Commission was still appropriate in view of constitutional and administrative progress in the Colony. We have decided that it would now be in the interests of the Colony to separate it from the High Commission. The necessary administrative and legal changes are under consideration and will be implemented in due course.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what progress has been made over the negotiations on compensation for nationalised British property in Egypt; and if he will make a statement.

Discussions were held with a United Arab Republic Government delegation in London from 8th to 16th December, 1970, but although some progress was made the delegation were unable to offer an amount of compensation which we could accept. Both sides are now considering the matter further.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will give an undertaking that no Government loan will be made to the United Arab Republic Government until British-owned property which has been sequestrated or re-sequestrated is returned or adequate compensation is paid, and the terms of the Anglo/United Arab Republic financial agreements of 1959 and 1967 are implemented.

The extent to which the United Arab Republic Government are meeting their obligations under the Financial agreements of 1959 and 1967 would be an important factor in our minds when considering any Government loan to them.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps are being taken to secure the de-sequestration of British property in Egypt subsequent to the presidential order on the liquidation of the sequestration, or government take-over, of the private property of Egyptian nationals.

With the exception of a small number of special cases, all British property sequestrated in the United Arab Republic is eligible for release under the terms of the Financial Agreement of 1959 and subsequent Exchanges of Notes.The special cases were discussed with the United Arab Republic delegation at the talks in December on nationalised property when the United Kingdom delegation made it clear that Her Majesty's Government would expect a satisfactory settlement of these cases to form part of any agreement on outstanding issues between the two countries.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many of those persons whose names are given in the Annexes of the Exchange of Notes, Command Paper No. 3976 of December, 1967, have now had their property returned and/or received compensation; how many cases have not yet been settled; and how many have not yet been allowed to export their property and/or compensation from Egypt under the terms of the Exchange of Notes or the 1959 financial agreement.

As far as is known, all the property sequestrated between November, 1956 and 28th February, 1959 of the persons named in the Annexes to the Exchange of Notes of December, 1967 has, with one exception, been released and, where appropriate, a transfer effected.The exception is that of Mrs. Josa Finney whose property has been released from sequestration but who has had difficulties over the export of her personal effects. This case is being currently pursued with the Government of the United Arab Republic and it is hoped that a satisfactory outcome will be achieved. Her Majesty's Government are, of course, ready to give assistance, on notification of the facts, to any other owner of such property who may still be meeting with difficulties.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will reconsider Her Majesty's Government's policy toward the United Nations Committee of 24.

The United Kingdom has played a full part in the work of the Committee of 24 since its establishment in 1962. However, our own process of decolonisation has now reached a stage where experience of the Committee's work has led us to question whether it can offer any constructive help in resolving the remaining problems. Our doubts on this point have been reinforced by the recent adoption by the General Assembly of a thoroughly unrealistic Programme of Action intended as a guide to the Committee's future activities.While we shall, of course, continue to observe the provisions of the Charter relating to non-self-governing territories, Her Majesty's Government have therefore decided to withdraw from membership of the Committee with immediate effect. The Secretary-General of the United Nations was so informed on 11th January.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action the Government has taken on Resolution (70)13 adopted on 13th April, 1970, by the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe relating to hidden delinquency.

The Government have taken note of this Resolution and will bear the recommendations in mind, together with other demands on the available resources.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the retirement pension payable to a police officer in the Metropolitan Police Force who was on a salary of £3,250 per annum in October, 1964, or the nearest payment to this figure, who retired in June, 1970, after 35 years' service, or the longest period of time up to 35 years.

An officer of the former rank of Deputy Commander in the Metropolitan Police Force whose salary in October, 1964, was at the then maximum of £3,390 a year and who retired in June, 1970, without further promotion, would have qualified for a full pension of £2,551 a year if he had completed at least 30 years' pensionable service. He could have commuted a quarter of the pension for a lump sum.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the policy of Her Majesty's Government towards the continuance of the Agricultural Remoteness Grant to Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement.

The Government have decided that the grant should be continued for a further period beyond 31st March, 1971, subject to Parliamentary approval, but on this occasion for only three years, since major changes in the U.K. system of support for agriculture could affect the relative position of Northern Ireland agriculture in the next few years. It is proposed that the basic rate of grant should remain unchanged at £1¾ million a year, but that the actual rate of grant should be £1·9 million a year since there will be an unspent balance of £450,000 at the end of the current period.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will take steps to control the conveyance of petroleum gases.

The Home Office Standing Advisory Committee on Dangerous Substances has decided to set up a working party to prepare proposals for this purpose.

asked the Lord President of the Council (1) whether he is aware that from October, 1964 until October, 1970 Members of Parliament's salaries depreciated in purchasing value from £3,250 per annum to £2,467 per annum; and that between June, 1970 and October, 1970 this depreciation was 2·2 per cent.; and whether he will ask the review body appointed to investigate Members of Parliament's salaries to take into account not only the past loss in the purchasing value of Members of Parliament's salaries but the current annual loss of 6·6 per cent.;(2) whether he is aware that between October, 1964 and October, 1970 it is estimated that the purchasing value of the £ sterling fell by 24·1 per cent. and in cash terms the £ sterling depreciated from 20s. to 15s. 2d. and that during this period the cumulative annual percentage increase in the pay of senior civil servants was between 4·8 per cent. up to 6·2 per cent., which latter figure is to again rise in January, 1971; and whether he will see that these details and other information in his possession is transmitted to the board which is to review Members of Parliament's salaries in 1971.

I am fully aware that there has been a decline in the purchasing power of the salary of Members of Parliament. It will be for the review body to decide what factors are relevant to its enquiries and the submission of any evidence by the Government will be a matter for consideration when that body is set up and the question of Members' remuneration has been referred to it.

asked the Lord President of the Council if he will give, from information available to him from international sources, an up-to-date comparison showing the position regarding social security status and financial provisions for defeated members of the House of Commons and members of the West German Bundestag, the French National Assembly, the Italian Chamber of Deputies, the Japanese Diet and the Canadian House of Commons.

I think that such inquiries had now best be left to the review body to which, as I announced to the House on 4th December, 1970, the whole question of Members' remuneration is to be referred.

asked the Lord President of the Council if he will give, from information available to him from international sources, an up-to-date comparison showing the position regarding salary, salary review procedure, allowances, tax relief, postage, telephones and secretarial services between Members of the House of Commons and members of the West German Bundestag, the French National Assembly, the Italian Chamber of Deputies, the Japanese Diet and the Canadian House of Commons.

Detailed information similar to that requested by the hon. Member was supplied by my predecessor, the right hon. Member for Workington (Mr. Peart) to the former Member for Lewisham, West (Mr. Dickens) on 5th May, 1969. I am afraid I could not justify a repetition of these extensive inquiries at this stage.—[Vol. 783, c. 40–42.]

asked the Lord President of the Council (1) whether he will ensure that the terms of reference of the review body into the salaries and conditions of Members of Parliament are wide enough for them to consider not only the rise in the cost of living since October, 1964 when Members' salaries were last adjusted but also the rise in the cost of services and expenses which have to be met out of the salaries;(2) whether, in view of the fact that in order to adjust the salaries of Members of Parliament on the same basis as those paid to the higher paid civil servants, judges and chairmen of the nationalised boards since 1966 the present figure of £3,250 per annum will have to be raised to more than £5,657 per annum, he will take steps to ensure that this information is supplied to the review body which is to inquire into Members of Parliament's salaries and pensions;(3) whether he will ensure that the terms of reference of the review body into the salaries and conditions of Members of Parliament are wide enough for them to consider the 61·2 per cent. increases given since 1966 to the judges, higher paid civil servants, and chairmen of the nationalised boards, and comparability with the salaries and pension rights of European, United States and Commonwealth legislators, and for this information to be contained in their report.

It is the intention that the terms of reference of the independent Review Body will enable it to obtain and take into account all relevant information. It will be for the Review Body itself to decide what information should be contained in its report.

asked the Lord President of the Council if, in view of the withdrawal of the Consumer Council's grant, he will consider recommending the setting up of a Select Committee on Consumer Protection with its own professional staff, and with powers to call for persons, papers and records, including evidence from firms.

No.

asked the Lord President of the Council why the House of Commons telephonists, after accepting calls from Members, do not inform them whether or not the call has been connected until some time has elapsed; and whether he will ensure that in future these telephonists will follow the normal practice of informing the caller without delay that he is connected, or give reasons why the call cannot be connected.

The difficulty arises mainly from the present congestion on the switchboard. For instance, an operator may be dealing with eight to ten calls at any one time. The problem will be completely solved only when the automatic exchange comes into operation in 1972. In the meantime, operators are instructed to check regularly all calls in progress, but they have to strike a balance between such calls and other calls waiting to be answered.

asked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications whether he will take steps to ensure that British Broadcasting Corporation Radio Stoke-on-Trent continues its coverage of civic affairs, of sports of all kinds, and of the theatrical, musical and religious life of North Staffordshire.

On the longer-term future of B.B.C. local radio stations I have nothing to add at present to the announcement I made on 6th August, a copy of which is in the Library. I do not intervene in the programme content of broadcasting stations.

asked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications whether he will establish a committee of inquiry into the educational and civic service provided by British Broadcasting Corporation Radio Stoke over the past three years.

No. A Committee of Inquiry would not be appropriate. I am aware of the activities of B.B.C. Radio Stoke.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if it is Her Majesty's Government's policy not to allow the eventual location at Hunterston of an integrated steelworks.

In the letter which I sent to Ayr County Council on 9th December, 1970, regarding the zoning of land at Hunterston I said that if the British Steel Corporation were to submit a planning application for such a development the way would remain open for the Corporation to establish to my satisfaction that the steelworks might be sited there.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will now apply for a compulsory licence for the alternative manufacture of ampicillin in order to reduce public expenditure.

It would be for another company to apply for a compulsory licence under section 41 of the Patents Act, 1949, but none has done so. In view of the satisfactory negotiations under the Voluntary Price Regulation Scheme, use of my right hon. Friend's own Patent's Act powers would not at present be justified.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services when the committee inquiring into Scientology set up on 27th January, 1969, is likely to complete its investigations; and if he will make a statement.

My right hon. Friend has as yet nothing to add to his reply on 10th December, 1970, to the hon. Member for Liverpool, West Derby (Mr. Ogden).—[Vol. 808, c. 180.]

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will now add to the list of services for which a dentist is paid under the National Health Service a fee for treating teeth with fluoride on the same scale as treatment by silver nitrate.

No. The inclusion of the prophylactic topical application of fluoride to sound teeth in the services available under the National Health Service would, in my view, lead to uneconomical use of dental manpower. Prevention of tooth decay is much more economically achieved by fluoridation of water supplies.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many drug users were treated in drug dependence clinics in England and Wales during 1970; and what was the comparable figure for 1969.

Information in the form requested is not available, but at the end of October, 1970, 1,163 out-patients and 110 in-patients were receiving hospital treatment for heroin addiction; the corresponding figures for October, 1969, are 1,179 and 104.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what are the numbers of known sufferers from epilepsy in the United Kingdom.

A record of total numbers is not maintained, but the report "People with Epilepsy" published for my Department in 1969, suggests that in England and Wales the number may be about 290,000.