asked the Secretary of State for Defence how many disabled ex-Service men have been killed or injured in road accidents in each of the last 10 years; and how many were actually driving the vehicles involved at that time.

I regret that the information is not available.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what representations he has received from the joint staff council of Hawker Siddeley Aviation in Manchester in regard to the proposed cut in the number of Victor tanker conversions; and if he will make a statement;(2) what representations he has received from the joint staff council of Hawker Siddeley Aviation in Manchester in regard to the cutback in Nimrod Mk 2 conversions; and if he will make a statement;(3) what representations he has received from the joint staff council of Hawker Siddeley Aviation in Manchester in regard to the programme of Argosy trainer conversions; and if he will make a statement;(4) what representations he has received from the joint staff council of Hawker Siddeley Aviation in Manchester in regard to the airborne early warning version of the Nimrod.

The Woodford and Chadderton joint staff committees of Hawker Siddeley Aviation have requested a meeting to discuss these programmes with me, including the possible effect of defence review measures. I shall be meeting their representatives, together with representatives of the remainder of the company's workforce, shortly.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if any British officer has been seconded to replace Major-General Tim Creasey as Commander-in- chief of the forces of the Sultan of Oman; and, if so, who.

Major-General K. Perkins, MBE, DFC, has been loaned to the Sultanate of Oman to serve as commander of the Sultan's armed forces in succession to Major-General T. M. Creasey, OBE.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence how many members of the RAF and the Army, respectively, are stationed at Salalah; and if he will specify any additional members of the British Armed Forces at this base who have been seconded to the service of the Sultan of Oman.

Detachments of the Army and Royal Air Force are stationed at Salalah. It is not the usual practice to give details of deployments of this kind. In addition, about 175 British personnel are serving on loan with the forces of the Sultan of Oman. Details of their deployment are a matter for the Sultanate authorities.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment (1) if he will print in the Official Report (a) the minimum weekly rates of wages operative on 31st October 1972 and (b) the size and date of any change in such rates—including threshold awards—since that date, for full-time adult men and women covered by the following national agreements (i) chemicals and allied industries JIC (Great Britain), (ii) furniture trade JIC (Great Britain), (iii) pottery industry NJC (Great Britain), and (iv) rubber manufacturing industry NJIC (Great Britain);(2) if he will print in the

Information about rates of pay for manual workers in most of the national collective agreements and in the wages board named above is given in the annual volumes "Time Rates of Wages and Hours of Work" which relate to the position in April of each year. This information is brought up to date by means of entries in the monthly publication "Changes in Rates of Wages and Hours of Work". Copies of both these publications are available in the Library.Following is the information requested in respect of the four collective agreements for which details are not published in this way. In these agreements, apart from that for the police service, there are no separate rates for women. In each case details are quoted for the lowest rated grade.

1. COAL MINING (G.B.) (NON-MANUAL)
General clerical grade, age 21 years
Rate at 31st October 1972: £21·20 per week
	Subsequent increases
Date	Amount per week	Notes
1973:	£
1st April	2·29	—
1974:
1st March	6·71	—
May	1·20	"Threshold" payment
June	0·80	ditto
July	0·40	ditto
August	0·40	ditto
October	0·40	ditto
November	1·20	ditto

2. CIVIL AIR TRANSPORT NJC (NON-MANUAL)
Clerical grade C1
Rate at 31st October 1972: £21·45 per week
	Subsequent increases
Date	Amount per week	Notes
1974:	£
1st January	2·25	—
May	1·20	"Threshold" payment
June	0·80	ditto
July	0·40	ditto
August	0·40	ditto
October	0·40	ditto
November	1·20	ditto
1975:
1st January	2·81	—

3. BANKING NJC
Messengers
Rate at 31st October 1972: £1,143 per annum
	Subsequent increases
Date	Amount per annum	Notes
1973:	£
7th November	162	—
1974:
May	62	"Threshold" payment
June	42	ditto
31st July	280	—

4. POLICE SERVICE
Constables on appointment Rates at 31st October 1972 (exclusive of rent allowance)
Men: £1,251 per annum
Women: £1,188 per annum
	Subsequent increases
	Men	Women
Date	Amount per annum		Notes
1973:	£	£
1st September	102	99	—
1974:
May	62	62	"Threshold" payment.
June	42	42	ditto
July	21	21	ditto
August	21	21	ditto
1st September	363	429	—

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what recommendation his Department made to companies concerning consultation and period of notice prior to a proposed company closure.

My Department has always encouraged employers to consult employees likely to be affected by redundancies or closures as far in advance as practicable. Any employer who wishes to claim a rebate from the Redundancy Fund for Redundancy Payments is already obliged to give the employment services up to three weeks' notice of his intention. The Employment Protection Bill, which I hope to introduce next month, will include provisions requiring employers to give trade, unions and the Department of Employment substantial periods of advance warning of redundancies.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will publish in the Official Report a comparison of the number of days lost in strikes in Great Britain for each year since 1966 with those lost in West Germany; and if he will also give these comparisons as percentages of the respective work forces in each country.

Information cannot be given precisely in the form requested. However, comparisons for the years 1966 to 1973 of the number of days lost due to stoppages of work in the United Kingdom and in West Germany, and of the number of days lost per 1,000 persons employed in mining, manufacturing, con-

			Working days lost through stoppages due to industrial disputes		Working days lost through industrial disputes per 1,000 persons employed in mining, manufacturing, construction and transport
Year			United Kingdom	West Germany*	United Kingdom	West Germany
(1)			(2)	(3)	(4)	(5)
1966	…	…	2,398,000	27,086	170	less than 5
1967	…	…	2,787,000	389,581	220	30
1968	…	…	4,690,000	25,249	370	less than 5
1969	…	…	6,846,000	249,184	520	20
1970	…	…	10,980,000	93,203	740	10
1971	…	…	13,551,000	4,483,740	1,190	330
1972	…	…	23,909,000	66,045	2,160	less than 5
1973†	…	…	7,197,000	563,051	570	40
* Includes Berlin.
† Preliminary figures.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many civil servants were employed in his Department on 1st January 1975 and on the same date in each of the three preceding years.

The figures are as follows:

1st January 1975—18,395	(including staff of Health and Safety Executive).
1st January 1974—33,773.
1st January 1973—34,437.
1st January 1972—33,069.

The reduction in figures between 1974 and 1975 is due to the creation of the Manpower Services Commission and its agencies.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many new bricks he now estimates are stockpiled; how many brickworks have reduced production or closed down since 1st January 1974; how many brickmaking workers have been made redundant over the same period; and how many are now on short time.

The Department's provisional figure for stocks of bricks at the end of 1974 is 909 million. 19 brickworks closures were notified in 1974 and

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is his estimate of the proportion of rented accommodation in the United Kingdom at present offered by private landlords who themselves live on the premises; and what would be the approximate extra cost to the Exchequer if such rented accommodation were provided through local authorities or housing associations.

The General Household Survey of 1972 estimated that of the privately rented accommodation in Great Britain 9 per cent.—representing 3 per cent. of the total rented stock, both public and private, in Great Britain—was supplied by landlords who lived on the premises. The cost estimate sought by the right hon. Member cannot be made, as local authorities and housing associations do not normally provide such accommodation as is supplied by resident landlords.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the total of rate support grant in England and Wales in 1974–75; and how it was divided between resources element, need element, domestic relief and specific grant.

The amounts as specified in the Rate Support Grant (Increase) Order are:

	£m.
Needs element	2,688
Resources element	1,019
Domestic element	446
Total 1974–75 rate support grant	4,153

Specific grants are not part of the rate support grant.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will now make a statement on the report by the Central Transport Consultative Committee on the proposed withdrawal of the British Railways car and passenger ferry between Heysham and Belfast.

The Central Transport Consultative Committee, after full consideration of the withdrawal proposal made by the British Railways Board, did not make any recommendation which would have allowed my right hon. Friend to direct the board to continue this shipping service. The service is estimated to have lost over £800,000 last year, and there is a clear commercial case for its withdrawal, bearing in mind that there are no powers at present to subsidise it. The Government have, nevertheless, considered whether they should seek statutory powers to ensure the continuance of the service in view of the many other factors involved, but have relucantly concluded, after full consideration of the representations which they have received from the interests concerned, that this would nut be justified.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many civil servants, at home and abroad, were employed by his Department on 1st January 1975 and on the same date in each of the three preceding years.

The figures are: 1st January 1972, 10,543; 1st January 1973, 10,440; 1st January 1974, 10,201; 1st January 1975, 10,256.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will specify the office and technical facilities provided for the United States Foreign Broadcast Information Service at Caversham Park and the terms on which these are provided.

The BBC Monitoring Service at Caversham Park, near Reading, has a long-standing relationship with the United States Foreign Broadcast Information Service (FBIS) dating back to the Second World War. Under agreed exchange arrangements the two organisations have divided between them world coverage of foreign broadcasts. The FBIS maintains at Caversham Park an editorial unit of 12 persons as well as communication facilities for the transmission of material to and from FBIS Headquarters in Washington. Monitoring reports are freely available to anyone on subscription. Details of these arrangements may be found on pages 231–232 of the BBC Handbook 1975.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will take up in the Council of Ministers of the EEC the question of a code of conduct for Commissioners to govern amongst other things the speaking tours of Commissioners with a view to equating conduct to the rules governing United Kingdom civil servants.

I have nothing to add to my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister's reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Newham, South (Mr. Spearing) on 11th February.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make it his policy to declare any individual to whom diplomatic privileges have been accorded persona non grata if that individual is found to be involved in carrying out intelligence operations in Great Britain.

I would refer my hon. Friend to my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary's assurance to the House on 6th February that there would be no countenancing of any illegal activities by the agents of any Government in this country. This includes the members of diplomatic missions.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will investigate the circumstances in which crew members were removed from the SS "Santa Maria B" at the Garston Docks, Liverpool; and if he will make a statement.

When the "Santa Maria B" docked on 7th February, two crew members were refused leave to enter and were detained on board. On 11th February they told an immigration officer that they no longer wished to sail with the ship, and asked to be repatriated. As the ship's master was unwilling to accept responsibility, the two men were taken into police custody. On 13th February the ship's agents agreed to repatriate the men, but when they were taken to the ship to collect their gear a dispute arose about pay due to them and they remained on board pending settlement of it. The men have now left the United Kingdom under arrangements made by the agents.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will undertake an investigation into the length of time for which prisoners awaiting trial are remanded in custody.

No. The factors determining the length of time which an untried prisoner spends in custody are already well known. We are seeking to reduce the delays, particularly in cases committed for trial at the Crown court where the average waiting time has been considerably reduced in recent years.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he can give the figures of the number of boys who passed through remand centres in 1970 and 1974.

I regret that the information for 1970 is not available. The figures centrally recorded for subsequent years relate only to the number of boys initially sent to remand centres from the court and would not include those transferred to remand centres after initial reception into a local prison. I shall write to the hon. Member with such information as is available.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he will make a statement on the circumstances in which four men awaiting trial have been on remand in custody for between nine and 12 months;(2) if he will make a statement on the circumstances in which a particular man awaiting trial has been on remand in custody for over 12 months.

One of the prisoners concerned was first remanded in custody on 24th January 1974 charged with taking and driving away a motor vehicle, driving without insurance and related offences. He was granted bail on 1st February 1974 and on 1st March was convicted and committed on bail to the Crown court for sentence. However, on 7th August he failed to answer his bail in connection with other alleged offences. He was subsequently arrested and remanded in custody on 25th October 1974. On 2nd January 1975 he was sentenced to three years' imprisonment for the first group of offences. The other charges were not proceeded with.Another was first remanded in custody on 27th February 1974 charged with two others with being knowingly concerned in attempting to evade the prohibition on the importation of cannabis. He was committed for trial on 17th April. The trial was fixed for 3rd September, which was the earliest suitable date in view of the expected length of the trial and the availability of witnesses. The trial had to be postponed, however, because of the prisoner's illness and the non-appearance of his two co-defendants, who had been granted bail. The trial began on 29th November and ended on 19th December 1974. The prisoner was convicted and sentenced to two years' imprisonment.In the other cases there are trials currently proceeding and I will send the details to my hon. Friend.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if, in view of the fact that no provision exists for the increase of maintenance payments to deserted wives to compensate for inflation, he will introduce legislation to redress the hardship so caused.

The Government do not consider that legislation is necessary for this purpose. The existing law permits either party to a maintenance order to apply at any time for variation of the rate of payments specified by the order. A general increase in the cost of living would constitute grounds for such an application.

asked the Secretary of State for Industry what was the date of his last letter to the President of the Chrysler Corporation; and if he will write again asking for a declaration of the corporation's plans for the future of its United Kingdom operation and for an assurance that its original undertakings to Her Majesty's Government will be honoured, and that all practicable steps will be taken to ensure continuing and full employment at least for the present work force.

I wrote to the President of the Chrysler Corporation on 20th January and I yesterday received a reply which I am considering.

asked the Secretary of State for Industry if he will arrange for an exhibition relating to the National Exhibition Centre to be displayed in the Upper Waiting Hall.

I have been asked to reply.I understand that arrangements have been made with the authorities of the House for the exhibition to be held in the Upper Waiting Hall from Monday 10th March to Friday 14th March.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many offices of profit are within his gift whose incumbents are not recruited through the normal Civil Service channels; and what is their value.

Seven. They comprise two special advisers and the part-time Chairman and four part-time members of the Review Board for Government Contracts. The total salaries paid amount to some £25,600 a year.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the present exchange control rules could prevent any foreign investor from acquiring 9 per cent. or less of the voting rights in a British company.

Under existing rules such acquisitions are covered by a general permission unless the shares in question are unquoted, when specific permission is required.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) whether the present exchange control rules could prevent any group of Arab countries from each acquiring 9 per cent. or less of the voting rights in a British company, and so obtaining control between them;(2) how the present exchange control rules could ascertain whether an Arab State was acquiring 10 per cent. or more of the voting rights in a British company through nominees.

Under present exchange control rules authorised depositaries are required to refer to the Bank of England any transaction where they have reason to believe that a non-resident purchaser would directly or indirectly acquire 10 per cent. or more of the voting rights in a company resident in the United Kingdom. This is intended to cover purchases through nominees as well as purchases by a group of different individuals who may be acting in concert or in partnership. It is conceivable that an authorised depositary may be kept unaware of the facts in a particular case, but this possibility has always existed and has never been significantly exploited. It is in the interests of the purchaser not to do anything which might jeopardise the success of his investment in a company resident in the United Kingdom.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how the effectiveness of the present exchange control rules is kept under review; and by whom.

Through the day-to-day application of the rules by the Treasury and the Bank of England.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how authorised depositaries were reminded during January of the importance of the exchange control rules; and by whom.

By way of Supplement No. 24 to Exchange Control Notice No. 8 issued to all authorised depositaries on 15th January 1975. Exchange control notices and supplements are issued by the Bank of England.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps he has taken to see that Arab States are aware of the import investment rules.

Through recent contacts by Ministers and officials with the Arab States. Their United Kingdom financial advisers are, of course, fully aware of the rules.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the United Kingdom contribution to the new oil fund to be established by the International Monetary Fund.

It is not expected that the United Kingdom will contribute to the new IMF facility as a lender. It has, however, been agreed that a special account should be established, with appropriate contributions by oil exporting and industrial countries, to reduce interest charges for the poorer developing countries borrowing under the facility. The detailed arrangements for this account are still under discussion.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what he estimates to be the total annual tax revenue raised in respect of rental income from owner-occupiers who let off rooms in their own homes;(2) what would be the cost to the Inland Revenue if he were to exempt from income tax the first £500 and £1,000, respectively, of rental income received by owner-occupiers in respect of rooms let in their own homes.

I regret that the information on which to base an estimate is not available.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will now take steps to mitigate the effects of VAT on live entertainment.

My right hon. Friend is at present considering representations for the relief of the performing arts from VAT.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will now take steps to mitigate the effects of VAT on charities.

There are already numerous legal and administrative provisions designed to mitigate the effects of VAT on charities.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the assurances he has given to the National Farmers' Union that sole traders and partnerships will be given two years' paper profits tax relief in 1976, and that where farmers are in real cash difficulties, collectors will take as broad a line as they can.

pursuant to his reply [Official Report, 20th February 1975; Vol. 886, c. 447], gave the following information:My right hon. Friend wrote to the President of the NFU on 27th November and repeated the assurance which he gave to the House in his Budget Statement, that those businesses which do not qualify for the relief in the current Finance Bill for increases in the value of stocks will, in the second year, get relief for two years' trading. He pointed out that collectors of taxes are authorised to allow a reasonable period of deferment of tax where a taxpayer has demonstrated that he is in genuine difficulties, and that he had been assured that collectors are, in fact, taking as broad a line as is consistent with their basic duty to collect tax.

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) what is the procedure to be followed by Service men who wish to apply for compensation after they have been invalided out of the Service as a result of injuries sustained in Northern Ireland.(2) how many Service men have applied for compensation for injuries sustained in Northern Ireland;(3) what is the average length of time taken to process each application for compensation for injuries sustained in Northern Ireland;(4) how many applicants for compensation for injuries sustained in Northern Ireland are awaiting decisions.

It should not be possible for a Service man to be invalided out of the Service as a result of injuries known to have been sustained in Northern Ireland as a result of terrorist activity without a claim for compensation having already been made. Any ex-soldier who considered, however, that he had a legitimate claim for compensation hitherto unregistered should obtain legal advice before considering an appeal through the county court.Since 1st April 1969, under the Criminal Injuries to Persons (Compensation) Act (Northern Ireland) 1968, 2,207 notices of intention to claim compensation have been received from Service men in respect of criminal injuries sustained in Northern Ireland.A sample of all claims under the Criminal Injuries to Persons (Compensation) Act (Northern Ireland) 1968 settled since 1st March 1969 indicates that over half were settled within a year of the incident, and that the average waiting time from the date of the incident to the date of payment of the award of compensation was 70 weeks in a death case and 47 weeks in an injury case.Out of a total of 18,407 applications for compensation under the Act since 1st March 1969, 7,337 cases were outstanding on 31st January 1975.

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether he will publish the text of the instruction issued to the Chief Constable on 15th January 1975 regarding the exercise of his own discretion in the matter of firearms licences.

The instructions referred to were issued by the Chief Constable as Force Orders, and it would be inappropriate to publish them.

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what consultations he intends to hold in connection with his proposed legislation on firearms.

Hon. Members and interested parties generally will have an opportunity to comment on a draft of the proposed order before it is formally laid before the House.

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether he is now in a position to announce the name of the Chairman of the Constitutional Convention of Northern Ireland.

I recommended to Her Majesty that Sir Robert Lowry, Lord Chief Justice of Northern Ireland, should be appointed, and Her Majesty has been pleased to approve the recommendation.

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what repair work has been carried out on Bangor pier during the past 25 years; whether he regards the pier as safe and not in danger of collapse; and if he will initiate a study of the condition of the pier as a matter of urgency and have all necessary work carried out forthwith.

Bangor North Pier is the property of the North Down Borough Council, which is responsible for any necessary repair work. I understand that no substantial repair work has been carried out during the last 25 years. The condition of minor harbours, including that at Bangor, is being surveyed by Government engineers with the co-operation of the owners. The Bangor survey includes the North Pier. Priorities for repairs and improvements will be determined after the survey.

asked the Minister of Overseas Development if she will take steps to double Great Britain's existing commitment of 25,000 tons of fertiliser to the FAO's fertiliser supply scheme and to pay the cost of supplying this additional fertiliser.

I am currently considering with my right hon. Friends the Secretary of State for Industry and the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, as well as with the United Kingdom Fertiliser Manufacturers' Association, what more can be done to help developing countries and in particular those most seriously affected by the increased cost of oil and other essential imports. I would not anticipate problems concerning financing arrangements.

asked the Minister of Overseas Development what relief aid Her Majesty's Government have offered to Mauritius as a result of the recent cyclone there.

I have nothing to add at present to the reply given by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary to the hon. Member for Rye (Mr. Irvine) on 17th February.—[Vol. 886, c. 314.]

asked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection how many civil servants were employed in her Department on 1st January 1975 and on the same date in each of the two preceding years.

The number on 1st January 1975 was 293. This total does not include the staffs of the Metrication Board, the Monopolies and Mergers Commission, the Office of Fair Trading and the Price Commission. The corresponding number at 1st April 1974, the first date on which information was collected following the creation of my Department on 5th March 1974, was 209.

asked the Prime Minister whether he can announce the appointment of a successor to Lord Halsbury as Chairman of the Review Body on Doctors' and Dentists' Remuneration.

Yes. I am glad to say that Sir Ernest Woodroofe has agreed to accept this important appointment.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in his discussions with the Russian leaders, he asked for a statement on the increase in the strength of their strategic missile forces.

I have nothing to add to the statement which I made in the House on 18th February.

asked the Prime Minister if he will now hold urgent official talks with the Scottish Council (Development and Industry) and other interested bodies to discuss Scotland's future.

I refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for West Lothian (Mr. Dalyell) on 20th February.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many people have become eligible for retirement pensions since 22nd July 1974.

Figures are not available from 22nd July 1974, but between 17th July 1974 and 28th January 1975 an estimated 270,000 new retirement pensions were put into payment.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if she will publish in the Official Report the full accident statistics relating to motor invalid tricycles with manually-operated gearbox, motor invalid tricycles with automatic transmission, electrically-propelled invalid tricycles and four-wheeled vehicles, respectively, as issued by her Department in England for the years ended 30th September 1973 and 1974, respectively, listing all categories of information relating to vehicles on issue, numbers of accidents, types of accidents, incidence of overturning, drivers injured and drivers killed.

I would refer the hon. Member to the replies I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Carlisle (Mr. Lewis) on 4th November 1974.—[Vol. 880, c. 87–90.]

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if she will arrange for an independent analysis of all accident report forms relating to motor invalid tricycles with manually-operated gearbox, motor invalid tricycles with automatic transmission, electrically-propelled invalid triycles and four-wheeled vehicles provided by her Department, respectively, for the years ended 30th September 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, and 1974, to assess the incidence both of accidents possibly attributable to the design of the vehicle and of severe or slight injury to the drivers.

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to the hon. Member for Stretford (Mr. Churchill) on 18th February.—[Vol. 886, c. 337–8.]

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if she will publish, as in the reply given on 15th May last [Official Report, columns 464–470], the net weekly spending power for a week's work after 39 weeks and when unemployed after 39 weeks, at the appropriate rate for a single person and a married man with a wife and no chil- dren, one child, two children, three children, and four children, assuming in each case gross weekly earnings of £20, £25, £30, £35, £40, £45, £50, £55 and £60, respectively.

I would refer the hon. Member to my replies of 15th May, 2nd, 10th and 29th July and 8th November 1974, and of 10th February 1975, to his earlier Questions.—[Vol. 873, c. 464–70; Vol. 876, c. 146–8, 494–6; Vol. 878, c. 97–100; Vol. 880, c. 275–6; Vol. 886, c. 53.]

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many tests and reports have been conducted and compiled, respectively, by the Motor Industry Research Association relating to the effect of side winds and interior noise levels, respectively, on the Model 70 invalid tricycle; and on what dates the tests were carried out.

There have been five tests relating to the interior noise level of the Model 70, in March 1972, May 1972, June 1972, January 1973 and June 1974. A report was compiled following each of these tests. There has been one test relating to the effect of side winds and this took place in November 1973, following which a report was compiled by MIRA.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what was the average length of the hospital waiting lists, in each of the regional health authority areas in England and Wales, for (a) general surgery, (b) ENT, and (c) orthopaedic cases on 14th February 1974 and 14th February 1975, respectively.

I regret the information requested is not available in this form.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many RHAs have made payments to hospital consultants on acount of overtime so far this month; what are the sums involved in each area; and what has been the source of the funds involved.

Hospital consultants do not have a specified number of hours of attendance or duty: their contracts are normally for a programme of responsibilities. Consultants' representatives have publicly stated that they regard their contracts as open-ended, and have given evidence to this effect to the Doctors and Dentists Review Body.In the case of whole-time consultants there is no limitation on the hours of duty required. Consultants with "maximum part-time" contracts are permitted to do private practice in recognition of which they receive only nine-elevenths of the whole-timer's salary. A statement by the Joint Consultants Committee in 1961 indicated that a health authority could

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is now the waiting list in each of the districts within the Surrey AHA area for out-patients' appointments; and what it was 12 months ago.

Following are the figures for three districts:

District	January 1974	January 1975
Mid-Surrey	Not available	483
South-West Surrey	2,713	2,389
North-West Surrey	964	1,016

No meaningful figures can be given for the North Surrey and West Surrey/North East Hampshire districts due to the large number of closures and other changes which have occurred during the past year.No figures are available for the East Surrey District.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what reductions there have been in each of the districts within the Surrey Area Health Authority area in the number of referrals from GPs since the start of the consultants' work-to-contract.

The number of referrals from GPs in January 1975 compared with January 1974 is as follows:

District	January 1974	January 1975
North Surrey	380	377
Mid-Surrey	266	251
West Surrey and North-East Hampshire	845	794
South-West Surrey	501	472
North-West Surrey	210	174

No figures are available for the East Surrey District.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what reduction there has been in each of the districts within the Surrey AHA area in the number of operations performed weekly since the start of the consultants' work-to-contract.

The number of operations performed in January 1975 compared with January 1974 is as follows:

District	January 1974	January 1975
North Surrey	135	119
Mid-Surrey	127	109
West Surrey and North-East Hampshire	281	262
South-West Surrey	227	217
North-West Surrey	130	105

No figures are available for the East Surrey District.

							Average daily number of beds occupied		Average weekly number of admissions
District							January 1974	January 1975	January 1974	January 1975
North Surrey	…	…	…	…	…	…	372	356	239	221
Mid-Surrey	…	…	…	…	…	…	355	338	315	390
West Surrey and North-East Hampshire					…	…	1,545	1,647	363	415
South-West Surrey		…	…	…	…	…	501	472	390	351
North-West Surrey		…	…	…	…	…	205	193	202	192
No figures are available for the East Surrey District.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many disabled people were killed in accidents in their own homes in the last 12-month period for which figures are available.

I regret that this information cannot be ascertained from the home accident statistics available.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what representations she has received in regard to the future of the Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Hospital; and if she will make a statement.

My right hon. Friend has received letters from Members of Parliament inquiring about the future of the Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Hospital. In addition, some members of the public have written directly to urge the continuance of the hospital. Camden and Islington Area Health Authority (Teaching) has been authorised to undertake formal consultations on the future of the hospital. When these consultations are completed any proposals must be agreed by my right hon. Friend.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if she will list the

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what reduction there has been in each of the districts within the Surrey AHA area in the average daily number of beds occupied and the number of admissions per week, since the start of the consultants' work-to-contract.

Following are the figures relating to five districts:proposals for hospital building schemes which have been placed before regional health authorities with a view to starts in 1975–76.

The 1975–76 programme has not yet been finally settled.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services when patients will be able to obtain family planning services under the NHS from family doctors and pharmacists.

We have now reached agreement with the representatives of general practitioners on revisions to their contracts to provide for this extension of the National Health Service. The agreement, which covers fees and other matters, has been reported to the Doctors' and Dentists' Review Body and the representatives of the pharmacists have been informed. Subject to discussions with them, we expect to introduce the service during the summer.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade if any of the information to which he referred in his answer to the hon. Member for Chingford on 12th February 1975, being information required for the monitoring of the progress of the nationalised industries for which he is responsible towards the objectives which they have been set, which is supplied to trade unions in those industries, is not available to the House of Commons.

The annual reports of the British Airports Authority and the British Airways Board provide full information on the progress of these bodies towards achieving the statutory financial objectives they have been set. As is common practice in all industries, the British Airports Authority and the British Airways Board sometimes in the course of collective bargaining and joint consultation provide trade unions with information which is not readily available outside their respective industries.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade whether he is aware of the practice of people setting up businesses with the sole purpose of obtaining credit and then going bankrupt and establishing new businesses, and whether he will take action to prevent this by suitable amending legislation.

I have no evidence that this is a common practice; it is an offence for an undischarged bankrupt to obtain credit without disclosing his status, to engage in business under any other name without disclosing his original name, or to act as a director or to take part in the management of any company without the leave of the court. Further, if in a winding-up it appears that there has been an intent to defraud creditors the court may make the responsible persons liable for the debts, and there may be criminal consequences as well. I shall be ready to consider possible improvements in these provisions when time is available for new legislation in this field.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade from whom special permission would be required by an Arab State or group of Arab States or their

			1969	1970	1971	1972	1973	1974
Imports	…	…	26·7	27·9	31·6	33·3	34·8	37·8
Exports	…	…	27·8	28·8	28·4	29·7	31·8	32·2
(a) "Oil" is defined as Division 33 of the trade classification.

From the Bank of England, as agents of the Treasury for the purposes of the Exchange Control Act 1947, as amended. Considerations taken into account will include the industrial and other economic implications as well as the balance of payments effect. In some cases the provisions of the Fair Trading Act may be relevant.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade how many civil servants were employed by his Department on 1st January 1975 and on 1st March 1974.

7,303 on 1st January 1975 and 7,016 on 1st April 1974, the first date for which information was collected following the creation of my Department on 5th March 1974.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade what is the total quantity of helium imported into the United Kingdom for welding, driving, cyrogenic engineering, &c., and the sources of supply with quantities in each case.

Helium is not separately distinguished in the Overseas Trade Statistics.

asked the Secretary of State for Trade what percentage of total United Kingdom imports and total United Kingdom exports imports from and exports to the other countries now members of the EEC formed in 1974 and each of the previous five years, excluding from the figures all United Kingdom trade in oil.

Following are the percentages by value on an Overseas Trade Statistics basis (a):

asked the Secretary of State for Trade what percentage of the United Kingdom's non-oil trade deficit on a balance of payments basis for the year 1974 is accounted for by trade with EFTA, the USA, the USSR, the EEC, Canada and Japan, giving the total as one figure.

Figures of our non-oil trade on a balance of payments basis are available only in aggregate for all countries and, exceptionally, for the EEC. In 1974, on a balance of payments basis the EEC(8) accounted for 110 per cent. of our total non-oil trade deficit.Figures of the balance of trade on an Overseas Trade Statistics basis can be obtained from the recorded figures of imports cif and exports fob but this "crude" trade balance is not a good measure of the balance of trade because,

asked the Secretary of State for Trade if he is satisfied with the rules relating to certificates of airworthiness in relation to aircraft which have been subject to a recommendation for modification by the United States Federal Aviation Authority or any other national licensing authority.

This is a matter for the Civil Aviation Authority, which informs me that it is satisfied with the rules.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales how many civil servants were employed by his Department on 1st January 1975 and on the same date in each of the three preceding years.

The information is as follows:

	Total
1975	1,270
1974	1,062
1973	991
1972	926

The increase reflects the growth in the responsibilities of the Welsh Office over this period.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales how many beekeepers there are in each county in Wales; and if there has been a decrease in the number of beekeepers during the last five years.

The numbers at the end of 1974 were:

Clwyd	414
Dyfed	938
Mid Glamorgan	100
South Glamorgan	107
West Glamorgan	119
Gwent	301
Gwynedd	534
Powys	333
Total	2,846

There has been no decrease in the number of beekeepers in Wales during the last five years.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will list in the Official Report those secondary schools in the Inner London Education Authority area which, due to staff shortages, are providing only part-time education.

Reduced hours are being worked at the following 13 schools:

• Abbey Wood
• Beaufoy
• Catford
• Charlton
• Greenwich Park
• Kidbrooke
• Malory
• Norwood
• St. Michael's RC, Bermondsey
• St. William of York, RC
• Scott Lidgett
• South Hackney
• Spencer Park

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what representations he has received from the Inner London Education Authority, from teachers or from parents, about the continuation of part-time education in certain Inner London secondary schools; and what answers he has given.

None from the authority during the current school year and few from others. Part-time schooling in a few London schools arises mainly from a shortage of certain specialist teachers. The increase in London weighting, the payment of allowances to teachers in social priority schools and the general salary improvements following the Houghton Report should ease the situation.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will give estimated figures of the extent of the present shortage of specialist teachers in Inner London secondary schools; and when he expects these shortages to be sufficiently overcome to allow a return to full-time education at all Inner London secondary schools.

The ILEA is currently advertising for about 80 specialist teachers mainly of craft, home economics, mathematics and science. Recent salary improvements and Press advertising by my Department may improve the supply nationally, but it is not possible to say when the needs of all ILEA schools will be met. Since some schools now offering

				Candidates through UCCA		Total entrants
Academic year				Men	Women	Men	Women
1972–73	…	…	…	7,985	3,192	2,344	1,122
1973–74	…	…	…	9,141	3,774	2,309	1,107
1974–75 (provisional)		…	…	9,101	3,902	2,253	1,162

All universities participate fully in the UCCA scheme except the universities of Aberdeen, Glasgow and Strathclyde which may receive direct applications from United Kingdom candidates who are not also applying to other institutions in the scheme.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is his estimate of the total cost of linking the pay of WEA tutors to the Burnham further education scale; and how this

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many civil servants were employed in his Department on 1st January 1975 and on the same date in each of the three preceding years.

The figures are as follows:

January 1975	2,887
January 1974	2,915
January, 1973	3,236
January 1972	3,245

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science (1) how many women applied for medical school in the last three years; and how many were successful in obtaining medical training;(2) how many men applied for medical training in the past three years; and how many were successful in obtaining training.

The number of candidates applying through the Universities Central Council on Admissions (UCCA) for entry to medical schools in the United Kingdom and the total number of entrants to pre-clinical studies in the last three years were as follows:compares with the total cost of his proposed 17 per cent. increase in WEA tutors

The immediate cost of such a link in respect of the 119 tutor-organisers is estimated at £250,000. A 17 per cent. salary increase would cost about £50,000.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science (1) what is the percentage of primary school children using temporary accommodation in Leicestershire at the latest available date; and how this compares with the same figure nationally;(2) what is the percentage of secondary school children using temporary accommodation in Leicestershire at the latest available date; and how this compares with the same figure nationally.

The Leicestershire Education Authority estimate is that 18 per cent. of its primary pupils and 16 per cent. of its secondary school pupils are using temporary classrooms. These figures would be higher if all forms of temporary accommodation, including hired premises, were taken into account. Comparable national figures are not available at present.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science (1) how many places are available in special schools maintained by local education authorities or voluntary bodies which cater solely for children who are defined as autistic in each English region and in Wales, respectively;(2) what statistics are available as to the number of children diagnosed as autistic in England and Wales; and what proportion is being given special education.

There are 51 places available in the four special schools for autistic children maintained by local education authorities, of which two are in the South-East, one in the North-West and one in Wales. There are no equivalent non-maintained special schools run by voluntary bodies for these children, but there are 11 independent schools catering solely for autistic children which provide about 240 places. Other autistic children are educated in units for such children attached to maintained schools, in special schools catering for various handicaps and in hospital schools.Returns from local education authorities for January 1974 show a total of 627 children in England and Wales whose major handicap was judged to be autism. Of these, 34 were awaiting placement and the rest were receiving special educational treatment in various forms.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science (1) what powers he has to ensure that every local education authority, when planning the provision of new schools or colleges, complies with the requirements of Section 8 of the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970 to provide for the needs of persons using the buildings who are disabled;(2) if he is satisfied that local education authorities, when planning new schools and colleges, are making sufficient provision for the needs of disabled people as required by Section 8 of the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970; and if he will make a statement;(3) if, when proposals for new schools or colleges are submitted to his Department by local education authorities which do not make provision for the needs of disabled people, he requires the authority to state the reason why, in the circumstances, it was not practicable and reasonable to do so; and if he will make a statement.

The use of an educational building by the disabled will vary according to its function, location, and the extent to which it is likely to be used by the community. Under the terms of Section 8 of the Act it is for local education authorities to decide what provision it is practicable and reasonable to make. Guidance on the subject has been given in the Department's Circular 13/70, and authorities are reminded of it, where necessary, when plans for new buildings are under discussion. I am satisfied that local education authorities have a proper regard to their responsibilities in this matter, and consider that the powers and influence exercised by the Department are adequate.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what proportion of young people between the ages of 16 and 18 years in England and Wales is currently in full-time education; and what are the corresponding figures for each of the past five years.

			England and Wales
(thousands)
			1969–70	1970–71	1971–72	1972–73	1973–74*
Numbers aged 16–18 in full-time education			552·4	571·3	597·7	613·6	708·1
Percentage of 16–18 age group	…	…	27·7	28·7	29·5	30·2	34·2
* Provisional.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what proportion of young people between the ages of 16 and 18 years in Bedfordshire is currently in full-time education; and what are the corresponding figures for each of the last five years.

In 1973–74 there were some 6,250 16–18 year olds in full-time education in Bedfordshire, representing about 31·3 per cent. of the relevant population age group. The numbers at such ages in school in 1973–74 and earlier years were as follows: 1969–70, 3,159; 1970–71, 3,188; 1971–72, 3,545; 1972–73, 3,795 and 1973–74, 4,765. In further education and in teacher training many of the full-time students will be studying outside their normal areas of residence.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what are his plans for the future for adult education and, in particular, for the future role of the Workers' Educational Association.

I greatly value the work that is being done by the adult education service in general and the Workers' Educational Association in particular. When I have held discussions about the Russell Report with the main adult education interests I hope it will be possible to make progress in implementing the report's recommendations, although the rate of progress is bound to be affected by our difficult economic situation.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science when the review on medical standards for epileptics training to be specialist teachers of physical education, as set out in addendum 3 to Circular 429, was initiated; and when he expects to publish his conclusions on the review.

There was no formal review. The question of modifying the Department's advice on this subject was

The figures for the most recent five years available are as follows:raised by my medical advisers in the context of a circular being prepared to consolidate guidance given in Circular 249 and subsequent amendments. The circular will issue when current consultations with the local authorities' and teachers' associations are complete.

asked the Secretary of State for Energy how many civil servants were employed in his Department on 1st January 1975; and what is his estimate of the number who will be so employed on 1st January 1976.

There were 1,207 civil servants employed in my Department on 1st January 1975. A forward estimate is not available for 1st January 1976 but for 1st April 1976 it is estimated that the corresponding number will be 1,354.

asked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will indicate the total cost of coal to the Central Electricity Generating Board in each of the past five years and the anticipated annual cost after 1st July 1975, assessed on an annual basis.

According to data from the CEGB statistical yearbook 1973–74, the figures for the last five financial years are as follows:

	£m.
1969–70	335·3
1970–71	367·6
1971–72	388·2
1972–73	411·7
1973–74	427·2

A corresponding figure for the present financial year is not yet available.In view of the uncertainties affecting the future demand for electricity, such as the variations in average temperature from year to year and the prices and availabilities of alternative fuels, I do not consider that publication of estimates of future consumption would be helpful.

asked the Secretary of State for Energy whether he is satisfied that the purchase by the Bank of England from Burmah Oil Company Ltd. of its holding in British Petroleum Company is fair to the Burmah shareholders, in view of the fact that the market value has since risen by £100 million; and if he will make a statement.

Yes. The company asked for Government assistance just before Christmas and support operations were announced on 31st December. However, as further information about the company's problems came to light, these support operations had to be modified to meet the company's needs. Outright purchase of the BP shares was an essential feature of the new proposals.The price agreed was the average of stock market prices from 31st December to 22nd January—the day before the transaction was completed—but leaving out of account any day's price below that on 31st December. The Government considered that this arrangement was fair both to the shareholders and to the taxpayer, who is underwriting the bank's guarantees to the company.

asked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will undertake a feasibility study into the development of an expanded oil and gas processing industry in Scotland.

I would refer the hon. Member to the statement my right hon. Friend made on refinery policy and North Sea oil on 6th December.—[Vol. 882, c. 646–8.] Discussions are being held with the companies concerned and the scope for new developments in Scotland or elsewhere is being kept under continuous review.

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what proportion of North Sea Oil production currently estimated for 1980 and 1985 will be refined within Scotland, England, Wales, Northern Ireland and overseas respectively.

It is too early to make forecasts of this type. My right hon. Friend has already announced that we might reasonably expect up to two-thirds of North Sea oil to be refined in the United Kingdom, depending on the level of production.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will now place in the Library a copy of the Edwards Report on lobster fishing; if he will make arrangements to ensure that the Edwards Report is available to members of the public; and whether he will make a statement about Government policy on the Edwards Report.

I have now studied the report prepared by my Department on the lobster fishery in England and Wales. In order that interested organisations may consider its recommendations and later meet with my officials to discuss them I am arranging for copies to be sent to the industry and to those who have asked to see it. A copy is being placed in the Library of the House.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) if he will make a statement on irregularities arising from the workings of the EEC egg marketing procedures which have led to imported eggs being sold to consumers as home-produced eggs;(2) if he is satisfied that EEC regulations on the labelling of eggs imported to the United Kingdom are being observed; and if he will make a statement.

We maintain a system of regular checks to ensure compliance with the EEC regulations on the grading and labelling of eggs. Where we have found evidence of any infringement of these regulations the appropriate action has been taken.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the recent contraventions of Article 46 of the Treaty of Rome in relation to financial assistance being provided to eggs produced abroad and imported into the United Kingdom.

The EEC Commission is responsible for examining the compatibility with Community rules of aids in member States. The Commission is currently studying certain national aids in the eggs sector.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will introduce regulations to ensure that imported eggs are checked at the port of entry.

Regular checks are made at the ports to ensure that boxes of eggs imported from other member States of the EEC are properly labelled and marked. Since there would be practical difficulties in making quality checks at the port these checks are made at other points in the distribution chain. Eggs imported from outside the EEC are also checked to ensure compliance with the marketing regulations.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will take steps to ensure that British egg producers are enabled to secure interest-free loans on the same basis as French producers benefit from FORMA.

It has not been the policy of this Government or the previous administration to give interest-free loans to the farming industry.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is satisfied with the arrangements that enable the import of eggs from France, while France forbids reciprocal trading with the United Kingdom.

The French import controls can be justified under current EEC rules on feed additives. We are seeking changes to these rules, and we hope that it will be possible to reach conclusions in Brussels in April.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the situation in the egg-producing industry, in the light of experience of the operation of the EEC system of prices and levies.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to the hon. Member for Devon, West (Mr. Mills) yesterday.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many cases of eggs have been imported into the United Kingdom from France in 1975.

Official figures for imports in January 1975 are not yet available, but it is estimated that approximately 60,000 boxes of eggs were imported from France in that month.