asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what further financial assistance he is extending to social work departments for the provision of day care facilities for mentally handicapped children; and if he will make a statement.

Loan charges and running costs on these and other social work facilities are relevant expenditure for rate support grant purposes. My right hon. Friend has asked local authorities to take account of the need for day care facilities in drawing up proposals for the future development of the social work services. Four new day care centres are under construction and my right hon. Friend expects shortly to authorise starts on two more.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what educational facilities are available for aphasic children in each of the education authority areas in Scotland; and how many aphasic children reside in each area.

There is a special unit in Edinburgh for children with communication difficulties. Elsewhere provision is made in or through child guidance clinics, special schools or occupational centres. Information about the numbers of children involved is not available and could not readily be obtained.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will now publish the details of the proposals which he has made regarding the setting up of a passenger transport authority for the greater Glasgow transportation area; and if he will make a statement.

Detailed proposals for the establishment of a passenger transport authority for the greater Glasgow area will be contained in a draft designa tion order which my right hon. Friend expects to publish shortly as a basis for statutory consultations with local authorities and bus operators in the area.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has for the Stornoway-Ullapool ferry to handle the volume of traffic, in addition to the use of the motor vessel "Iona".

The Scottish Transport Group has stated publicly that the "Iona" can deal adequately with the initial volume of traffic expected on the new service.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will publish the net emigration figures from Scotland for the most recent 12 months period for which figures are available.

It is estimated that net emigration from Scotland in the year to June, 1971, amounted to 21,700, 11,200 to the rest of the United Kingdom and 10,500 to countries overseas.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT, a table showing how many people have left Scotland in each quarter of the period November, 1970, to November, 1971, and which areas have been most affected.

The migration figures by quarter and by area are not available. Net emigration from Scotland in the second half of 1970 and the first half of 1971 is estimated at 12,100 and 9,600, respectively.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will call for a report from chief constables in relation to the conduct of police in areas where picketing took place during the miners' strike.

I have no reason to believe that the police have not been discharging their difficult duties with propriety; and I therefore do not propose to call for such reports. If the hon. Member has any specific matter in mind, I am of course prepared to look into it.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the statutory provisions to the effect that Gaelic is a statutory language, having parity with English and Welsh.

There are no statutory provisions expressly to this effect.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will now authorise the North of Scotland Hydro-Electric Board to proceed to implement their plans for a nuclear power station at Stakeness, Banffshire.

My right hon. Friend cannot authorise this project until a decision has been reached on the type of station to be built. This decision must be made in the light of the urgent review of nuclear reactor policy which is being conducted by the Government.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what further steps he is taking fully to implement the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act, 1970, in so far as the Act applies to Scotland.

The attention of local authorities has been drawn in circulars to the relevant provisions of the Act under which they have responsibilities. If the hon. Member would like to write to me about any particular points he has in mind. I shall be glad to let him know the position.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will issue a circular to all local authorities in Scotland, requesting their social services departments to compile a register of chronically sick and disabled persons to enable such registered persons to secure assistance under the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act. 1970.

I have recently asked local authorities to let me know of their proposals for developing their social work services, including their arrangements for detecting and contacting disabled persons. I propose shortly to issue a further circular about services for the disabled which will suggest ways of identifying those who need and want help.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the amount of money to be allocated to the respective hospitals in each hospital board region in Scotland; and whether he will intimate the hospitals' present financial aid requirements, in each separate region.

Financial allocations to the hospital service are made by my Department on a regional basis. It is for the regional hospital boards to decide how much should be made available to each board of management, and for the latter to allocate the money between hospitals.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how much additional expenditure, capital and current, he intends to authorise for the respective regional hospital boards for the financial year 1972–73; and whether this will take into account the forthcoming increases in nurses' pay.

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given today to the hon. Member for Kirkcaldy Burghs (Mr. Gourlay).In accordance with established practice, revenue allocations are adjusted to take account of the cost of new pay awards as they occur.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received from local authorities regarding difficulties in obtaining tenders from building contractors for the construction of small numbers of houses; and what action he will take to enable local authorities to build houses in small numbers.

None, although many of the housing proposals put to me by local authorities are for small developments. If the hon. Member knows of any particular difficulty, perhaps he would write to me.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many children from Scottish education authorities are currently attending the Corsbie Hall School in Fife for mentally and socially disturbed boys; if he will name the local authorities concerned, indicating the number of children sent to the school by each; and what inquiries these authorities made as to the adequacy of the educational facilities provided.

The figures are as shown below. I understand that representatives of the education authorities who have made recent visits to the school have been satisfied with the arrangements for the education and care of the children.

Education Authority	No. of pupils
Dundee	15
Edinburgh	8
Caithness	2
Dumfries	1
Fife	1
Perth	1
Renfrewshire	1
Stirlingshire	6
West Lothian	2

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many representations he has received in the last three months, from local authorities and other organisations and individuals, about the financial proposals in the Scottish Housing Bill; and what reply he has sent.

Forty. I have also received a number of letters expressing approval. In each case the reply has indicated that the views expressed have been carefully noted.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what increase is planned for expenditure on the National Health Service in Scotland in each of the next five years; and if he will make a statement.

In terms of the White Paper on Public Expenditure of last November a total addition of £121 million at 1971 prices is planned for the five-year period to 1975–76. The figures for the individual years are as shown below:

	£ million
1971–72	8
1972–73	19
1973–74	24
1974–75	32
1975–76	38
Total	121

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what proposals following his recent announcement about development at Hunterston he now has to secure the eastern bridgehead of Oceanspan, and in particular to realise the potential of the Port of Leith.

The Forth Ports Authority has in hand a complete review of port facilities in the Forth with particular reference to the potential development afforded by our prospective entry to the European Economic Community and by North Sea oil.

asked the Lord Advocate whether he is satisfied with the working of the Sheriff Courts (Scotland) Act, 1971, in regard to matters coming under his competence; and if he will make a statement.

Yes. I have not yet found it necessary to issue any instructions to procurators fiscal under the powers conferred upon me by Section 20 of the Act, but the speedy and efficient disposal of business in the Sheriff Court is kept under review and I shall not hesitate to use my powers if necessary.

asked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications what is the number of post offices at which vehicle excise licences may be purchased.

The Post Office tells me that there are over 1,800.

asked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications by what statutory authority the Post Office Board are permitted to print and publish stamps for mail delivery and then to withdraw them and repurchase these at a discount loss from the original purchase.

No express statutory authority is necessary; the Post Office is acting under the general powers conferred in Sections 7 and 28 of the Post Office Act, 1969.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will set up a departmental committee, to include local representatives, to study the problem of environmental pollution in the Black Country and to recommend action to clean up public buildings and rehabilitate waste grounds and derelict sites, in view of concern in the area at the inadequacy of present arrangements.

No. If the local authorities concerned wished to consider together the best use which they can collectively make of the available grants for derelict land clearance and for infrastructure schemes I would be pleased to provide technical advice and assistance and to study its eventual recommendations sympathetically. I also intend visiting the Black Country to discuss such projects with the local authorities concerned.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what estimate he has made of the effects of the corporate plan prepared by the Board of British Railways, a copy of which is in his possession, on services and employment in Scotland.

I have not yet received a copy of the Railways Board's Second Corporate Plan, to which I assume the hon. Member is referring.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will make an order extending the full provision of the Prevention of Pollution Act to the River Orwell.

Orders under Section 6 of the 1951 Act can only be made by my right hon. Friend on the application of a river authority or of some other person appearing to him to be interested. No such application has yet been received.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he is aware of the need for new housing accommodation in the Brodsworth and Sprotborough areas in the Don Valley; and if he will immediately publish his decision with regard to the application for planning permission to develop a housing site off Barnsley Road.

I hope to issue a decision shortly.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will give the date when he circulated local borough councils advising them of the need to license the placing of skips on public highways; and to what extent there has been a response.

The circular was issued on 7th December, 1971. I have not thought it necessary to call for a report from local authorities on the operation of the new provisions.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he is satisfied with the completions in public housing for Birmingham comparing 1970 with 1971; and if he will make a statement.

Although completions in 1971 were less than in 1970, I am glad that starts were higher. The hon. Member has written to me about this and I shall be replying as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what consideration he is giving to the approval of housing land to enable Birmingham to solve its slum clearance by 1975.

No applications for such approval are currently before my right hon. Friend.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he has yet reached a decision on the construction of a third lane on the MI between Barrygrove and Beechtree in Hertfordshire.

My right hon. Friend hopes to be able to announce his intentions very soon.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what changes have been made since 1st July, 1970, in the expected completion date of the improvement near the Devon Smithey near Whimple on the A30;(2) what changes have been made since 1st July, 1970, in the expected completion date of the Mutford Roundabout and approach roads at Exeter;(3) what changes have been made since 1st July, 1970, in the expected completion date of the Camborne/Scoria bypass on the A30;(4) what changes have been made since 1st July, 1970, in the estimated total expenditure on roads in the South-West; and the South-West's share of planned road expenditure in the five-year period from 1970–71 to 1974–75;(5) what changes have been made since 1st July, 1970, in the expected completion date for the M5/A38 spine road to Plymouth;(6) what changes have been made since 1st July, 1970, in the expected completion date on the extension of the M5 to Exeter;(7) what changes have been made since 1st July, 1970, in the expected expenditure on road improvement on the A30 in Devon and Cornwall in the five-year period from 1970–71 to 1974–75;(8) what changes have been made since 1st July, 1970, in the expected total expenditure on road improvements in Devon and Cornwall during the five-year period 1970–71 to 1974–75;(9) what changes have been made since 1st July, 1970, in the expected completion date of the Chudleigh bypass on the A38;(10) what changes have been made since 1st July, 1970, in the expected completion date of the Ivybridge bypass on the A38;(11) what changes have been made since 1st July, 1970, in the expected completion of the Ashburton-Buck fastleigh improvement on the A38;(12) what changes have been made since 1st July, 1970, in the expected completion date of the Liskeard bypass on the A38;(13) what changes have been made since 1st July, 1970, in the expected completion date of the Newton Abbott-Kingsteignton bypass on the A380.(14) what changes have been made since 1st July, 1970, in the expected completion date of the Hele Bridge diversion on the A39;(15) what changes have been made since 1st July, 1970, in the expected completion date of the West-of-Halfway House improvement on the A38;(16) what changes have been made since 1st July, 1970, in the expected completion date of the Peamore Roundabout and approach roads at Exeter on the A30.

Estimated spending in the five-year period from 1970–71 to 1974–75 on building and improving roads in the South-West Economic Planning Region has increased by about £10 million at constant prices. The region's share of the national total is still expected to be about 9 per cent. Forecasts of total expenditure are not available for individual counties.With regard to A38 Exeter-Plymouth dualling and completion of the M5 to Exeter, I have nothing to add to the answer I gave to the hon. Member on 15th December, 1971.—[Vol. 828, c.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what con sultation he has had with local housing authorities about providing alternative supplies of power in tower blocks where light, heating, cooking, lifts and water supply facilities are interrupted during cuts or failures; and whether he will make the installation of independent generators obligatory in such buildings.

The provision of alternative power supplies in tower blocks during failures or cuts is essentially a matter for the local housing authorities in consultation with the power undertakings.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many local authorities are awaiting his approval for major road schemes more than a year after public inquiries or feasibility studies have been completed.

Only one local authority road scheme awaits my right hon. Friend's approval following a public inquiry held over a year ago. As regards feasibility studies, I have nothing to add to the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Bolton, West (Mr. Redmond) on 8th December last.—[Vol. 827, c. 310.]

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will now review the operation of the procedure under which a lorry driver loses his heavy goods vehicle licence in cases where his normal driver's licence is withdrawn.

No.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will conduct an inquiry into road safety in close proximity to schools.

This is under continuing study by my Department and increasingly by the local authorities. My right hon. Friend has recently introduced a new school entrance road marking.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether consideration has been given to the pollutional effects arising from the disposal of used car oil in drains by many motorists who change their own car oil; and what steps towards controlling this practice are being contemplated.

There is little doubt that some water pollution is caused by the disposal of used car oil, though it is not possible to say to what extent the individual motorist is responsible. Anyone who puts oil into a drain communicating with the public sewer could be committing an offence under the Public Health Act, 1936. My Department is consulting the Association of Public Health Inspectors on the advice to be given to motorists as to how to dispose of used oil acceptably.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether the national target set down in the 1970 derelict land survey for land reclamation in 1971 was reached, or what was the shortfall.

I assume that the hon. Member is referring to the local authority estimates of land to be restored in 1971 which were included in the 1970 survey. The total for England was 6,170 acres. The amount actually restored will be included in the 1971 survey on which local authoriteis are at present engaged.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many acres of derelict land were restored in the North-West Region in 1971; and what percentage of the total acreage justifying treatment this represents.

Figures of land restored in 1971 are not yet available. The amount estimated by local authorities to be restored in the North-West Region in that year was 939 acres, 8 per cent. of the total acreage in the region justifying treatment, according to the 1970 survey.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will make a statement on the demolition of the whole of the Yorkshire Bank in Saturday Market, Beverley, contrary to the term of the planning consent given on his authority.

Although my right hon. Friend left the decision on the application for consent to demolish the Yorkshire Bank to the local planning authority, the decision to give consent, subject to the retention of certain parts, including most of the front of the building, was the authority's.It is an offence to carry out unauthorised works on a listed building but Section 40(8) of the Town and Country Planning Act, 1968, provides that in proceedings for such an offence it shall be a defence to prove that the works were urgently necessary in the interests of health or safety, or for the preservation of the building, and that notice in writing of the need for the works was given to the local planning authority as soon as reasonably practicable. I understand that the owners of the Yorkshire Bank gave the authority notice that the demolition of the front of the building was urgently necessary in the interests of safety before they demolish it. They have undertaken to dismantle the front carefully and to rebuild with the original materials. It is now for the local planning authority to decide whether it should take any further action.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment why the appeal by W. Basterfield and Company, of Kinver, against Seisdon Rural District Council's refusal to allow residential development at Hyde Lane, Kinver, due to be heard on 15th February, 1972, was postponed by his Department without its informing either Seisdon Council or the local residents who wished to object.

I very much regret that through an oversight the Department failed to notify the postponement of this inquiry. Letters of apology have been sent to all concerned.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many planning applications for residential development within the area of the South-East Region Economic Planning Board involving sites of greater extent than five acres have since June, 1970, been granted on appeal to the Secretary of State; and what is the total area of land involved.

42 appeals of this kind have been allowed, involving some 500 acres of land.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will announce the proposed route of the new Pudsey-Dishforth road.

The results of a study carried out to assess the feasibility of a new or improved route to relieve the Al as an outlet to the North-East for traffic from the West Riding conurbation are still being considered.An announcement will be made as soon as possible about the Department's proposals.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will request Dr. Valentin's working party on unpleasant odours either to expedite their report or produce an interim report.

The working party will report as soon as practicable. No report, however, will be of value unless it is based upon a thorough examination of the problem.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will introduce legislation to control unpleasant and unhealthy odours; and if he will make a statement.

No. There are already powers in the Public Health Act, 1936, for local authorities to deal with offensive odours which are prejudicial to health or a nuisance.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what action Her Majesty's Government intends taking to implement Recommendation 644 of the Council of Europe Consultative Assembly on road safety problems.

The Government accept this recommendation and in particular intend to ratify the European agreements in due course.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether the Operation Eyesore Scheme will apply to the urban districts of Kidsgrove, Biddulph and Leek; and what rate of Government grant will operate.

The scheme will extend to all three areas: the rate of grant will be 75 per cent. in each case.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what studies the British Waterways Board have made of the Barge-aboard-Catamaran system of cargo carrying and its suitability for conditions in the United Kingdom.

The board has I understand studied the feasibility, cost benefit, and traffic prospects of this system.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will initiate studies of the scope, cost, and commercial viability of craft designed to carry standard-sized containers on major navigable waterways, in particular the Thames, Trent and waterways in South Yorkshire.

No.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what consideration is being given to the recruitment and training of residential staff in the social services; and what further consideration he is giving to recommendations in the Williams report, "Caring for People".

The promotion of training in residential social work is a function which the Central Council for Education and Training in Social Work has taken over from the former Council for Training in Social Work and the Central Training Council in Child Care. In considering policy for its development, the new council will no doubt have in mind the suggestions made in the report "Caring for People". Recruitment is a matter in the first instance for the employing authorities, but I keep under review overall manpower needs and shall look to the Personal Social Services Council, when set up, for advice on this matter.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will cause the mental hospital at Crowthorne in Berkshire to be renamed, in view of the stigma that is associated with the name Broadmoor.

I have nothing to add to my right hon. Friend's reply to the hon. Member for Woolwich, East (Mr. Mayhew) on 16th March, 1971.—[Vol. 813, c. 285.]

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will cease the practice of addressing hon. Members who belong to Her Majesty's Opposition by their Christian names when answering letters on controversial issues, as this causes offence to their constituents.

This has always been regarded as a matter best left to the discretion of the correspondents.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what reports he has received concerning the incidence of pulmonary tuberculosis during the past three years; and whether he will make a statement.

Figures received weekly and quarterly from medical officers of health of local authorities of the notifications of pulmonary tuberculosis are published in the Registrar General's weekly and quarterly returns. The number of notifications in the last three years in England are:

1969	9,178
1970	8,976
1971	(provisional) 8,798

Each year we receive from medical officers of health of local authorities a copy of their annual report which invariably includes a report concerning the incidence of tuberculosis in their area.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what was the estimated amount paid by the Supplementary Benefits Commission in Scotland in respect of rent for the latest period for which information is available.

A sample of cases taken in November, 1970, indicated that expenditure was then running at just under £19 million a year. Supplementary benefit rent additions include, by definition, rates and, in the case of owner-occupiers, provision for mortgage interest and an allowance for repairs and insurance.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will review the 5p paid for every three months after retirement at 65 years of age for men and 60 years of age for women who remain at work; and if he will make a statement.

I would refer the hon. Member to my right hon. Friend's reply to the right hon. Member for Devon, North (Mr. Thorpe), on 31st January, 1972.—[Vol. 830, c. 48.]

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what was the cost to his Department of producing the Health Education Council's posters on contraception in 1970–71; how many local authorities accepted these posters for display; how many Family Planning Association clinics accepted these posters for display; and what are the number and value of those still left in store.

The funds which are made available to the Health Education Council are related to broad topics and not to detailed plans for campaigns of publicity material. Out of funds set aside for publicity on contraception one poster has been produced by the Health Education Council at a total cost of £1,140, of which the costs incurred in 1970–71 were about £500.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he is studying the processes followed for hospital building.

I have asked Mr. Herbert Cruickshank, C.B.E., a member of the team of businessmen on secondment to the Government, to study with the assistance of officers of my Department the building processes in the hospital service and to report his conclusions to me. His report will be published.

asked the Attorney-General if he will introduce legislation to prevent women, with children, whose marriages have broken up having to leave the matrimonial home because they cannot raise the necessary capital to purchase their husband's half of the property or cannot maintain the mortgage payments.

The provisions of the Matrimonial Homes Act, 1967, go some way towards preventing this kind of hardship if they are invoked while the marriage is still subsisting and the Matrimonial Proceedings and Property Act, 1970, gives the courts extensive powers on or after granting a decree of divorce, nullity or judicial separation to alter property rights as between the spouses. The Law Commission is at present engaged on a study of the whole field of family property law and will be presenting its report to my noble and learned Friend in due course.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he will give an assurance that any assigna tion or licensing to parties other than Rolls-Royce (1971) Ltd. of patents purchased by the Government from Rolls-Royce Ltd. will be made at the full economic price.

No. One of the conditions under which the receiver agreed to assign all the Rolls-Royce patents to the Government was that the Government would make available to the receiver or at his direction, and at no charge, such patents as may be agreed to be requisite for the purposes of carrying on any part of the Rolls-Royce undertaking not acquired by Rolls-Royce (1971) Ltd.In recognition of this arrangement it was agreed that, in setting the price of those assets, including patents, acquired by or on behalf of Rolls-Royce (1971) Ltd., the whole of the consideration paid to the receiver on the acquisition of the Rolls-Royce patents by Her Majesty's Government should be regarded as a general payment on account.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what effect the national emergency regulations are having on industry in the West Midlands.

The effect in the West Midlands, as elsewhere, is clearly serious, but I cannot give the hon. Member any detailed statistics.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will refer the evidence sent to him by the hon. Member for Newark, that some publicans are, with the consent of the brewers, selling brands of whisky in bottles which indicate other brand names, to the Erroll Committee.

The newspaper article forwarded by the hon. Member suggests that some publicans are refilling empty bottles with whisky of a different and less popular brand, but exonerates the brewers from any complicity in this malpractice. The only action I consider necessary is for those who have evidence of such behaviour to bring it to the attention of the local authority responsible for enforcing the Trade Descriptions Act. 1968, and the Food and Drugs Act, 1955, in the area.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he proposes a revision of the Copyright Act, 1956, in the light of the Berne Convention.

The right hon. Member will appreciate that before we can ratify the most recent text of the Berne Copyright Convention, the Copyright Act, 1956, must be amended. While I believe that opinion in this country is generally in favour of ratifying the convention, the consequences of amending the Copyright Act will require careful consideration before it is decided to proceed with the required legislation.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what progress has been made in the Government's consideration of the proposal for regional development boards; and if he will make a statement.

As I made clear in the debate on the Second Reading of the Regional Development Corporation Bill on 11th February, representations of this nature are being taken into account in our work on regional policy.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if, in view of the continuing decline in job opportunity in the development areas, the Government will now consider introducing legislation to direct firms to development areas; and if he will make a statement.

No.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many new industries, or extensions to existing industries, have been introduced or taken place in the burghs of Lochgelly, Cowdenbeath and Glenrothes, respectively, in each of the last five years; how many new jobs, male and female, respectively, have been created as a con sequence; and what are the prospects for the next three years.

I regret precise figures cannot be provided. For the years 1967 to 1971 32 industrial development certificates were approved for the Cowdenbeath and Glenrothes employment exchange areas. These were estimated by the applicants to provide an additional 3,200 jobs when the projects were complete and fully manned. For the same area 1,400 jobs are expected to arise in the next four years in authorised new industrial buildings and in existing buildings taken over by manufacturing industry.These do not include additional jobs which might arise in existing industrial buildings or in the non-manufacturing and service sector.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what was the average price per ton of imported coal during 1971.

The average value per ton on imported coal was £9·42, but this is not an average of true prices and is influenced by varying qualities of coal, transport costs and other factors.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he will now make a statement about the progressive relaxation of the restrictions on the use of electricity.

Since the original restrictions were imposed a number of relaxations have been made. First, from 19th February the directions prohibiting the use of electricity by larger consumers on specified days have been modified to exempt the use of communications equipment including telex. Secondly, with effect from today, 23rd February, the consumption of electricity for space heating in a wide range of non-domestic premises is permitted between midnight and 7 a.m. Thirdly, from today the larger consumers in Groups A to F who have received directions are permitted to consume electricity from midnight to 7 a.m., including electricity for space heating. They may also use electricity at any time in their offices which are part of their industrial premises—although there are some restrictions on electric space heating—for their computers and ancillary equipment and for operating central heating equipment using other fuels. Finally, Group O consumers may increase their electricity consumption to 60 per cent. of normal instead of 50 per cent. The recovery programme is going well and I hope that soon it will be possible to announce further relaxations. The need for voluntary economy in electricity use by all consumers remains of very great importance.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what categories of skilled labour are in short supply in Scotland and what steps are being taken to meet demand.

There are many more skilled workers unemployed than unfilled vacancies notified to employment exchanges. Although our vacancy figures do not purport to show total demand it is clear that at present the supply of skilled men exceeds demand. Training facilities in Scotland are being expanded so that when the demand for skilled workers does increase the expansion of the Scottish economy will not be hindered.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment whether he is aware that persistent unemployment is increasing the difficulties of the low-paid in attempts to increase their earnings; and whether he will introduce legislation for a statutory minimum earnings level for all able-bodied workers.

There is no evidence to suggest that the relative position of the low-paid has deteriorated in recent years; but it is clear that a major cause of high unemployment has been excessive wage increases, and attempts to provide for even larger pay increases for certain groups could, in present circumstances, make the unemployment situation more difficult for those groups. My right hon. Friend has no present plans to introduce legislation for a national minimum wage.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what were the numbers unemployed in each of the employment areas in the Leek constituency in January, 1972; what percentages of the working population they represent; and how the percentage figures compare with the national average percentage figure.

Following is the information:

Numbers registered as unemployed at 10th January 1972, in Employment Exchange areas which collectively are similar to the Leek Constituency.
	Total	Temporarily stopped included in total
Leek	387	21
Cheadle	244	—
Biddulph	302	8
Kidsgrove	543	23

The rate of unemployment for Great Britain was 4·3 per cent. and for Leek was 3·1 per cent. The remaining areas are in the Stoke-on-Trent, Biddulph, Burslem, Cheadle, Hanley, Kidsgrove, Longton and Newcastle-under-Lyme travel-to-work area for which the rate was 4·3 per cent.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what are the male and female job losses and gains by employment sector categories, in the South-West of Scotland since the publication of the document, "Strategy for South-West Scotland".

My Department has no way of identifying all job gains and losses. While we can measure the net changes in employment between the mid-year dates for which local employment estimates are compiled, the estimates for mid-1971 will not be available until later this year.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what consideration he is giving to enlarging the training grants schemes in development and intermediate areas in the light of his recent proposals.

From Monday, 6th March, I am introducing a new scheme to encourage the retraining of workers in assisted areas who might otherwise be declared redundant. From the same date the rate of grant under the existing schemes will be increased.Under the existing direct training grant schemes administered by my Department in development and intermediate areas, financial assistance is available towards the cost of training undertaken by new and expanding firms in providing additional jobs and also to all employers who engage and retrain for permanent jobs workers aged 45 or over who have been unemployed for at least eight weeks.The weekly rate of grant under these schemes will be increased, for training begun on or after 6th March to £15 for men, £12 for women, £8 for boys and £7 for girls from the present rates of £10, £7, £5 and £4, respectively.Under the new scheme grants are available to firms in assisted areas to retrain workers whom they would otherwise have had to declare redundant, provided that the workers are not declared redundant on completing the training. The rates of grant will be the same as the new rates for existing schemes.This new scheme is being introduced in the present circumstances of high unemployment to provide assistance for firms with a surplus of workers who will be needed when business improves. The scheme is designed to encourage such firms to retain redundant workers, training them in new skills or widening and improving existing skills that will be of value later on.The scheme will be reviewed after 12 months.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will list those provisions of the Contracts of Employment Act, 1963, which are affected by the declaration of the state of emergency; and if he will make a statement.

No provisions of the Contracts of Employment Act, 1963, are affected by the declaration of the state of emergency.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will state the average weekly and hourly earnings of adult male workers in industry and the average earnings of all hired male farm workers, respectively, at the most recent date; what is the earnings gap and what is the variation in basic working hours for these employment categories.

Following is the latest available information from the Department's regular earnings and hours inquiry and for agriculture:

	All Industries covered United Kingdom October 1971	Agriculture* Half yearly period April to September 1971
	Men manual workers 21 years and over	Hired regular whole-time men 20 years and over
Average weekly earnings	£30·93	£21·61
Average hours worked per week	44·7	49·1
Average hourly earnings	69·19p	44·33p
Basic working hours per week	40·0	42·0
* England and Wales, except for average weekly earning which relate to Great Britain.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the latest figure for stocks of imported mutton and lamb; and what was the comparable figure one year previously.

The stocks of imported mutton and lamb reported as being in public cold stores on 11th February, 1972, were 17,600 tons. The comparable figure for precisely one year earlier is not available due to the postal strike at that time, but the figures at 15th January and 12th March were 25,800 tons and 35,600 tons, respectively.

asked the Lord President of the Council whether he will now move to set up a committee of hon. Members of this House to consider the method of appointment of Members to the European Assembly, as envisaged under Article 138(3) of the Treaty of Rome.

No. But the appointment of our delegates to the European Parliament is a matter which I have under consideration, and which I will pursue through the usual channels.

asked the Minister for the Civil Service which Departments have increased the number of civil servants employed in the last 20 months from 1st July, 1970; what were the numbers involved in each case, and the additional cost in salaries; and what plans he has for their reduction.

The table below lists Departments which have increased their staff by 100 or more in the period 1st July, 1970, to 1st January, 1972. Some of these increases reflected changes in Departments' functions and are counterbalanced by decreases elsewhere. It is not possible from the information available centrally to assess the additional salary cost of these net increases. It remains the Government's policy to look for economies in all areas of the Civil Service.

Departments in which the number of civil servants has increased by 100 or more in the period 1st July. 1970, to 1st January, 1972.
	Increase
Civil Service Department	168
Customs and Excise	497
Employment	1,138
Export Credits Guarantee Department	112
General Register Office, Scotland	198
Health and Social Security	3,072
Home Office	2,331
Inland Revenue	4,442
Lord Chancellor's Department Courts Service	1,343
Land Registry	421
Office of Population Censuses and Surveys	532
Scottish Office	300
Stationery Office	105

asked the Minister of State for Defence how many British military personnel are currently seconded to the armed forces of Oman; what is the analysis by rank; who pays the costs of these personnel; whether their secondment is based on a written agreement; and whether that agreement has been registered with the United Nations.

About 70 officers and 15 other ranks are serving with the armed forces of Oman; the cost is borne by the Sultanate; this assistance is provided in pursuance of an agreement with the Sultan of Muscat of Oman concluded in July, 1958, and presented to Parliament in Command Paper No. 507 of August, 1958, which was also registered with the United Nations.

asked the Minister of State for Defence with what countries agreements registered with the United Nations have been concluded providing for the secondment of British military personnel; and if he will place copies of the agreements in the Library.

Guyana, Kenya, Malaysia, Mauritius and also Botswana which I regret was omitted from my earlier reply. These were all published as Command Papers and copies placed in the Library. Their numbers are 3483, 3582, 3578, 3635 and 3937, respectively.—[Vol. 831, c. 231.]

asked the Minister of State for Defence why 20 of the 24 agreements this country has made with other countries for the secondment of British military personnel to those countries have not been registered with the United Nations; whether Oman is one of the countries covered by an unregistered agreement; how many personnel are currently seconded under unregistered agreements; and how many unregistered agreements are unclassified for the purposes of British documentation security.

In concluding these arrangements the countries concerned have preferred that they remain confidential; in the case of Oman I refer the hon. Member to my reply to his Question on Oman of today; some 480 personnel; none.

asked the Minister of State for Defence what is his estimate of the percentage of the defence budget allocated to pay and allowances of both Servicemen and civilians together.

I would refer my hon. Friend to Annex B, Table 3 of the Statement on the Defence Estimates. 1972 (Cmnd. 4891).

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether she will make a statement concerning the tragedy in consequence of which three school boys of Dulwich College lost their lives on Mount Snowdon.

Everybody will be deeply distressed about this tragedy. Dulwich College, which organised the walking party, is an independent school. An inquest is to be held. I cannot therefore comment further except to express my sympathy with the parents of the boys and with the teachers and authorities of the school.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what arrangements are made for children receiving free school meals to receive them during the school holidays.

Local education authorities have power to provide meals during holidays and are usually prepared to do so where in their judgment there is a sufficient demand for them. The normal arrangements for remitting the charge on grounds of financial hardship apply.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if she will seek powers to appoint an ombudsman for education.

No. The Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration has power to investigate complaints of maladministration by my Department and the Government are considering the introduction of an ombudsman system for local government generally.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many head teachers of local education authority schools have been dismissed in the last five years; and what were the reasons for these dismissals.

This information is not available.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will seek to make inquiries with the Uganda Government as to the details concerning the death of Mr. Muhammad Hassan, on behalf of his wife, a constituent of the hon. Member for Wandsworth, Central following an alleged escape from the Mutukula Prison Farm, Uganda.

Mrs. Hassan recently visited Uganda in connection with her husband's death and called on our High Commission there to discuss the question of the release of her husband's body. She did not ask the High Commission to inquire about the circumstances of his death. Since Mr. Hassan was a citizen of Uganda the High Commission has no status to institute such inquiries.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the total number of vacancies now existing for prison officers within the prison service.

So far as concerns England and Wales, my right hon. Friend's practice is to set a target for each financial year; and I am glad to say that the number of recruits this year is now about 300 above the current target. A high rate of recruitment is likely to be needed for some years to come.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what percentage of people coming before the courts were under 18 years of age and under 21 years of age, respectively, in the last year for which figures are available.

Statistics relating to persons aged under 18 are not readily available.In 1970, the latest year for which figures are available, 7·4 per cent. of persons proceeded against for offences in criminal courts in England and Wales were aged under 17; 22·5 per cent. were aged under 21.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will cease the practice of addressing hon. Members who belong to Her Majesty's Opposition by their Christian names when answering letters on controversial issues, as this causes offence to their constituents.

This has always been regarded as a matter best left to the discretion of the correspondents.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what progress has been made on the Government's examination of the Holroyd Report on the Fire Service.

Good progress has been made in discussing the Holroyd Committee's wide-ranging recommendations with the organisations concerned, particularly in the fields of training and research, and action is proceeding in the light of these discussions.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what action is being taken to lay before the House a Double Taxation Relief Order with regard to Spain, so that the present uncompetitive position of London banks lending in Spain compared to foreign banks may be relieved, in view of the consequent benefits for Great Britain's invisible earnings.

No negotiations are at present taking place for a double taxation agreement with Spain. The competitive position of London banks lending in Spain is safeguarded, however, by those provisions in our tax law which allow double taxation relief to be given unilaterally in respect of foreign tax suffered.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will reconsider the decision to issue premium savings bonds in a minimum of two £1 units.

No. This change was carefully considered and made in order to improve efficiency and absorb increased costs.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his estimate of the net cost of introducing tax-free family allowances for all children up to 16 years of age at £1·50 and at £2 per week, but cancelling at the same time the existing family allowances and tax allowances for children, and making offsetting adjustments in entitlement to other social benefits payable to either parent in respect of children.

A close estimate is not possible, but on the assumption that children over 16 continued to be treated as now, the approximate costs would respectively be small and somewhat over £350 million.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his estimate of the net cost of increasing family allowances, respectively, to all children to £2 per week and £2 for the second and subsequent children plus £1 for the first child on the basis of clawback restricted to the extent of child tax allowances, but without recoupment from other allowances.

About £125 million and £90 million for a full year, respectively.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will ask local valuation officers to give consideration to the escalating cost of houses when they consider compensation for owner-occupiers in redevelopment areas.

The district valuer's assessment of compensation for compulsory acquisitions is based on the open market value of the property at, normally, the date when agreement is reached on the amount or the acquiring authority enters on to the property. If the hon. Member has any particular case in mind, perhaps he will write to me.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what percentage of the total excise duty on liquor he estimates is collected from sales in public houses.

No official data is available.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what is the estimated cost of replacing all pre-1903 primary schools in Carmarthenshire.

The cost would vary according to the size and number of replacement units proposed. The best estimate of total cost which can be made at this stage is £2·5 million.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what is the estimated cost of providing a bilingual comprehensive school to accommodate 700, 1,000 and 1,500 pupils, respectively.

£0·5 million, £0·7 million and £1 million, respectively.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales when his Roads Division intends to make adequate provision for pedestrian access beneath the Machynlleth Railway Bridge, following the closure of the archway adjoining the trunk road.

As the hon. and learned Member knows, I offered in June, 1971, to improve the footpath on the east side of the bridge but at the time this proposal was not acceptable to the Machynlleth U.D.C. It has now asked that the improvement be carried out and I am considering with the Montgomeryshire County Council and British Rail how this can best be undertaken.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales whether he will make a statement on the representation that will be accorded in present and future discussions relating to education to teachers and teachers' organisations in those areas of Wales which it is proposed to attach, consequent upon local government reorganisation, to larger groupings and, in particular, to new counties.

I think it right that teachers should be brought into discussions on matters in which their professional knowledge would be useful, but the method by which this is done is a matter for the local authorities concerned.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales why there are no urban-aid-granted nursery classes attached to infants' schools in West Denbighshire.

Seven of the 10 submissions for nursery schools in Denbighshire were included in Phase 5 of the Urban Aid Programme. The two submissions for West Denbighshire did not command sufficient priority for inclusion in this programme.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales when he proposes to make a statement as to the final route decided upon for the bypass of Llanrwst, Denbighshire.

Investigations into a satisfactory new route are still proceeding, and I am not yet in a position to make a statement.