KOREA (CHINESE NOTE)
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what reply has been received from the Chinese and North Korean Governments, concerning the submission made by the 16 nations, on the question of disengagement, and the unification of Korea; and whether he will now make a statement.
A reply to the communication made to the Chinese Government on 9th April on behalf of the countries concerned was handed to Her Majesty's Chargé d'Affaires in Peking on 6th May. The Chinese reply, I regret to say, did not respond to the request for clarification of the North Korean proposals for elections and merely repeated the demand for withdrawal of United Nations forces, after which consideration of other matters might take place. A further communication has today been delivered to the Chinese Government by Her Majesty's Chargé d'Affaires on behalf of the Governments concerned. I am circulating both these texts in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
Following are the texts:
Chinese Note of May
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China presents its compliments to the office of the British Chargé d'Affaires in China and asks it to communicate the following to the British Government and through the British Government to the Government of the other countries on the United Nations Command side.
On April 9, 1958, the British Government on behalf of the Governments of the countries on the United Nations Command side delivered to the Chinese Government Note No. 35, as a reply to the statements made by the Government of the People's Republic of Korea and the Government of the People's Republic of China respectively on February 5 and 7, 1958. The Chinese Government in its own name and entrusted by the Government of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea hereby replies to the Note of the British Government as follows:
The Korean and Chinese Governments, reviewing the situation in the past three months, are glad to note that the proposals of the Korean and Chinese Governments for the withdrawal of all foreign forces from Korea and the peaceful settlement of the Korean question have won the warm support and approval of many countries and people; particularly the fact that the Chinese People's volunteers have decided to withdraw completely from Korea by stages and in groups and are carrying out the withdrawal has opened up a new and practical way for the peaceful settlement of the Korean question. However, the Korean and Chinese Governments cannot but point out with regret that while the peace-loving countries and people throughout the world have expected the United States and the other countries on the United Nations Command side to withdraw also all United Nations forces from Korea, just as the Chinese People's volunteers are being withdrawn, the United Nations Command side has up to now failed to take any positive measure on the question of withdrawal of forces. Furthermore in their reply to the Korean and Chinese statements which took as long as two months, the Governments of the United States and the other countries on the United Nations Command side have by-passed the question of withdrawal of forces which is the most urgent and practical step in the peaceful settlement of the Korean question, and, for ulterior purposes, have diverged to the question of so-called clarification on the supervision of elections to entangle the issue, although a Clear cut attitude on this question was set out by the Korean Government in its statement of February 5. The Korean and Chinese Governments see in this behaviour of the Governments of the countries on the United Nations Command side an obvious attempt to divert the attention of the people of the world to escape from its inevitable responsibility of withdrawal of its forces from Korea and to cover up the scheme of the United States to prolong its occupation of South Korea, to continue to obstruct the peaceful unification of Korea and to further create tension in the Far East. The Korean and Chinese Governments deem it necessary, once again, to call on the Governments of the countries on the United Nations Command side to face squarely the present situation, favourable for the peaceful settlement of the Korean question brought about by the initiative of the Chinese People's volunteers in withdrawing from Korea, as well as their responsibility before the Korean people and the people of the world. Facts are more eloquent than words. If the Governments of the United States and the other countries on the United Nations Command side are averse to proving themselves to be persistently obstructing the peaceful unification of Korea and relaxation of tension in the Far East, they should show good faith by the actual withdrawal of their forces. All attempts to find pretexts to evade this will be of no avail. The Korean and Chinese Governments would like to know when the Governments of the United States and the other countries on the United Nations Command side intend to withdraw all their forces from South Korea. Whether all United Nations forces would withdraw speedily from Korea will be an evidence of the presence or not of goodwill on the part of the Governments of the countries on the United Nations Command side for a peaceful settlement of the Korean question. The Korean people eagerly desire an early realization of the peaceful unification of their Motherland and the peoples of the world are anxious for relaxation of tension in the Far East and the world. The Korean and Chinese Governments have done much in the past for the fulfilment of these desires, and will continue to make untiring efforts in the future. The Korean and Chinese Governments consistently maintain that only a complete withdrawal of all foreign forces from Korea will provide the necessary condition for a peaceful settlement of the Korean question, including the question of holding free elections. Provided that the Governments of the United States and the other countries on the United Nations Command side will clearly decide to withdraw all United Nations forces from South Korea within a definite time limit and put the decision into practice, proposed by the Korean and Chinese Governments, the Korean and Chinese Governments are going to propose a conference with the countries concerned to carry out negotiation on the peaceful settlement of the Korean question, following the withdrawal of all foreign forces from Korea.
Reply to the Chinese Note of May
Her Majesty's Chargé d'Affaires presents his compliments to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and, on instructions from Her Majesty's Principal Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, has the honour to refer to the Ministry's Note of 6th May, 1958, communicated to the Governments of the countries which have contributed forces for the United Nations force in Korea, who, after consultation, have requested Her Majesty's Government to reply again on their behalf.
The Governments concerned, noting that the greater part of the forces sent to Korea in accordance with resolutions of the United Nations have already been withdrawn, reiterate that they welcome the announcement by the Government of the People's Republic of China that Chinese troops are also to be withdrawn from North Korea.
The Governments concerned are disappointed, however, that the Note handed to Her Majesty's Chargé d'Affaires on the sixth of May does not provide the clarification asked for in the Note delivered by Her Majesty's Chargé d'Affaires on the ninth of April and brushes aside the question of the principles on which elections should be held. The Governments concerned consider that these principles, which were set forth in the Note of the ninth of April, lie at the heart of the matter. It was for this reason that they sought the clarification requested in Her Majesty's Chargé d'Affaires' Note under reference. They cannot agree that the further withdrawal of United Nations forces without any provision for a proper settlement of the Korean question would be calculated to lead to a reduction of tension in the Far East; indeed they believe that such action would remove one necessary guarantee which exists against further aggression in Korea pending a final settlement.
The Governments concerned wish to see a genuine settlement of the Korean question in accordance with United Nations resolutions and are at all times willing to further the consideration of measures designed to effect reunification on this basis. United Nations forces are in Korea at the instance of the United Nations. In accordance with the existing recommendations of the General Assembly of the United Nations, the Governments concerned are prepared to withdraw their forces from Korea when the conditions for a lasting settlement laid down by the General Assembly have been fulfilled.
A copy of this reply is being transmitted to the United Nations
Fishery Limits, Iceland (Extension)
asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what instructions Her Majesty's ships have been given to protect British trawlers fishing outside the four-mile limit from the Icelandic coast, but within the proposed 12-mile limit.
As my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary said earlier this afternoon, the attitude of Her Majesty's Government to the extension by Iceland of her fishery limits is contained in Her Majesty's Government's Declaration of 4th June. I cannot at present add to this.
Oil in Navigable Waters Act, 1955
asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what instructions have been given to Her Majesty's ships to keep a look out for, and to report on, vessels discharging oily waste into the sea in contravention of the Oil in Navigable Waters Act, 1955.
No instructions have been given since it is generally recognised that it would be invidious to do this, though commanding officers of Her Majesty's ships would be expected to report flagrant cases.
Merchant Shipping (New Launchings)
asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what tonnage of shipping was launched in the United Kingdom in the first six months of this year; and how this compares with the first six months of last year.
Approximately 620,000 gross tons of new merchant shipping were launched in United Kingdom shipyards during the first six months of 1958, compared with 560,000 gross tons during the corresponding period of 1957.
asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what tonnage of shipping was launched in the north-east in the first six months of this year; and how this compares with the first six months of last year.
Approximately 290,000 gross tons were launched in shipyards on the north east coast during January to June, 1958, compared with 270,000 gross tons during the first half of 1957.
Unexploded Shells, Pateley Bridge
asked the Secretary of State for War how many shells have been found on the Pocstones Moor and Rocky Moor, near Pateley Bridge, since the accident last October when there were many fatalities and casualties; and what steps he has taken or intends to take to search these moors and clear them of explosive missiles.
About 20 potentially dangerous missiles have been found and destroyed since October. In November, the area commander invited the local civil authorities, police and property owners to meet him. A number of precautionary measures were agreed including the erection of warning notices and an undertaking by the Army to make a search in the vicinity whenever an unexploded shell was reported. As a result over 500 acres have since been searched.
These arrangements are working well and we shall pursue them, but because of the nature and extent of the area and because there are still missiles buried deep in the ground it is not possible to clear it absolutely and beyond all doubt. For that reason it is vital that members of the public should pay attention to the warning notices.
Bomb Explosions, Canford Heath
asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that last week there were two bomb explosions on Canford Heath, Poole, injuring five children; whether he is further aware that the Army have previously made two sweeps of the area and have given clearance certificates; how these accidents occurred; and whether he will take immediate and effective steps to see that Canford Heath is made safe.
Three boys were injured on Canford Heath on 21st June when they dug up a shell and threw stones at it until it exploded. I understand that the other accident referred to by my hon. and gallant Friend occurred in a private dwelling and was not connected with the old training area on Canford Heath.
The heath was searched before it was released from requisition after the war, and all missiles found were destroyed. A further search was made over part of the heath in 1956. Whenever a suspicious object is reported we go over all the ground near it, and as a precaution after the recent explosion about 150 acres in the vicinity will again be combed by troops.
Wallington Hill, Fareham (Road)
asked the Secretary of State for War what progress he has made towards reaching an understanding with the Fareham Urban District Council which may lead to the reopening of the road at Wallington Hill for the benefit of the public.
We have repeated our offer to allow the road to be used by the public provided that the local authority will maintain it. I explained the reasons for this in answer to my hon. Friend on 12th February. The council has replied, suggesting terms for the transfer which are being negotiated.
Accounts (Payment)
asked the Postmaster-General if he will introduce a system of paying telephone accounts by instalments in the form of stamps to be bought at post offices and affixed to cards.
No. A special scheme would be expensive and is unnecessary in view of the small savings facilities already available.
Trunk Calls, Taunton (Automatic Dialling)
asked the Postmaster-General on what precise date he anticipates automatic dialling for trunk calls will be extended to telephone subscribers in the Taunton area.
Towards the end of 1960. I cannot be more precise at this stage.
Telex (Delivery of Overseas Telegrams)
asked the Postmaster-General what steps he is taking to ensure that cables sent to Post Office cables and wireless services over the telex system for transmission abroad are in fact delivered.
The progress of each overseas telegram handed in by telex is continuously checked until its receipt is acknowledged by the overseas telegraph office. The system of checks is kept under regular review to try to eliminate completely the possibilitiy of failures.
Oil in Navigable Waters Act, 1955
asked the Secretary of State for Air what instructions have been given to patrolling aircraft of Coastal Command to keep a look out for, and to report on, vessels discharging oily waste into the sea in contravention of the Oil in Navigable Waters Act, 1955.
Coastal Command aircraft have standing instructions to report on vessels discharging oily waste in the sea areas prescribed by the Act.
North Atlantic Treaty Organisation
asked the Minister of Defence to make a statement on the present and future rôle of Coastal Command; and to what extent it co-operates with the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation forces.
The primary rôle of Coastal Command consists of operations against submarines and surface ships; its rôle also embraces air-sea rescue, ocean search, photographic and meteorological reconnaissance, and air transport operations.
It has been assigned its appropriate part in N.A.T.O. defence plans, and would in war be included in the forces of the Supreme Allied Commander Atlantic and the Joint Allied Naval and Air Commanders in the Channel.
asked the Minister of Defence to what extent the United Kingdom is taking part in the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation Maintenance Supply Services System; and whether he will make a statement.
Great Britain is taking part in the arrangements for establishing the N.A.T.O. Maintenance Supply Services System, the purpose of which is to assist, by co-operative action, in ensuring the availability of spare parts needed for the efficient maintenance of equipment in service with the armed forces of N.A.T.O. member countries. The Government have nominated a member of the Board of Directors of the N.A.T.O. Spare Parts Agency, which will be responsible for organising and running the system, and have agreed to contribute towards the administrative expenses of the agency until it has become financially self-supporting.
asked the Minister of Defence to make a statement on the progress made by the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation Standardisation Agency.
The Military Agency for Standardisation, which has been in existence for seven years, has now issued some 360 standardisation agreements, which are binding on the member countries of N.A.T.O. About half of the agreements are concerned with operational and administrative procedures; the rest deal with standardisation of supplies and materials, notably fuels and component parts of military equipment. A further 200 draft agreements are at present in course of preparation.
Road Schemes
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland to make a statement about the road programme, showing the progress up to date, together with any further schemes authorised since details given in HANSARD of 25th June, 1957.
Details of progress with schemes on which work has started or which have so far been authorised are as follows: A.—SCHEMES COSTING OVER £100,000 (1) Trunk Roads Road Agent Authority Scheme Estimated Cost Progress Starting date or probable starting date Estimated date of completion £ A.8 … Renfrew C.C. Improvement at Langbank 133,000 Work in progress May, 1957 End 1958 A.9 … Stirling C.C. Bridge of Allan diversion, including new bridges. 276,000 Work in progress June, 1956 End 1959 A.9 … Stirling/West Lothian C.C. Improvement, including new bridge, at Linlithgow Bridge. 164,000 Work in progress March, 1958 End 1959 A.74 … Dumfries C.C. Improvement from Johnstone Bridge to Beattock. 471,000 Work in progress March, 1958 Early 1960 A.74† … Lanark C.C. Improvement, including new bridge, at Paddy's Rickle Bridge. 125,000 Work in progress September, 1957 Autumn, 1959 A.74† … Lanark C.C. Improvement from Newfield Inn to South of Millbank. 712,000 Work in progress October, 1957 Spring, 1960 A.74† … Dumfries C.C. Improvement from Dalmakethar to north of Lockerbie. 518,000 Tender accepted Summer, 1958 Summer, 1960 A.74† … Lanark C.C. Abington and Crawford Diversions 723,000 Land acquisition about to commence. Early 1959 Spring, 1961 A.77 … Ayr C.C. Improvement from Wigtown County Boundary northwards. 107,000 Work in progress December, 1957 End 1959 A.77 … Renfrew C.C. Improvement from Malletsheugh Inn to Woodvale Avenue. 551,000 Compulsory purchase Order about to be made. Late 1958 Spring, 1961 A.80 … Dunbarton C.C. Improvement from Luggie Water to West of Cumbernauld. 434,000 Work in progress April, 1958 Spring, 1960 A.80 … Lanark C.C. Improvement from Cardowan Road, Stepps, to Mollinsburn. 631,000 Work in progress April, 1955 Summer, 1960 A.82 … Dunbarton C.C. Widening from Dumbuck to S.E. of Barloan Crescent, Dumbarton. 103,000 Almost complete June, 1956 Summer, 1958 A.82† … Perth and Kinross C.C. Euich and Castlebridge Diversions 157,000 Land being acquired Late 1958 End 1960 A.92 … Aberdeen C.C. Widening of Bridge of Don, Aberdeen (trunk road part). 138,000 Work in progress May, 1956 Early 1959 A.96 … Moray and Nairn C.C. Sheriffmill diversion, including new bridge. 132,000 Work in progress May, 1957 Spring, 1959 *A.83 … Argyll C.C. Improvement from Loin Bridge to Black Spout. 166,000 Land being acquired Autumn, 1958 Autumn, 1960 Road Agent Authority Scheme Estimated Cost Progress Starting date or probable starting date Estimated date of completion £ *A.87† … Inverness C.C. … … Diversion between Glen Garry and Glenmoriston (Contribution to North of Scotland Hydro-Electric Board's scheme). 215,000 Work in progress … January, 1958 Spring, 1960 *A.830 … Inverness C.C. … … Improvement from Lochailort to Glenfinnan. 551,000 Tenders invited … Autumn, 1958 End 1961 (2)— Classified Roads Road Highway Authority Scheme Estimated Cost Progress Starting date or probable starting date Estimated date of completion £ A.8/A.814 Glasgow T.C. … Clyde Tunnel No. 1 6,392,000 Work in progress June, 1957 1962–63 A.9 Inverness T.C. … Replacement of Suspension Bridge 350,000 Work on revised design in progress. 1959 1961 A.72 Lanark C.C. … Bridge at Kirkfieldbank 143,000 Work in progress September, 1956 End 1958 A.81 Perth and Kinross C.C. … Bridges at Gartmore 103,000 Work in progress January, 1957 Spring 1959 A.92 Aberdeen T.C. … Widening of Bridge of Don (classified road part). 155,000 Work in progress May, 1956 Early 1959 A.92 Aberdeen T.C. … Stonehaven Road 125,000 Work in progress October, 1957 End 1959 A.737 Glasgow T.C. … Paisley Road West—widening 106,000 Almost completed January, 1957 Mid 1958 A.865 Inverness C.C. … North Ford Causeway 472,000 Work in progress Autumn 1957 Spring 1960 A.911 Fife C.C. … Lothrie Bridge, Leslie 111,000 Authorised Autumn 1958 1960 A.911† Fife C.C. … Diversion at Glenrothes 140,000 Authorised Autumn 1958 1960 Class III Argyll C.C. … Ford-Kilchrennan 282,000 Work in progress May, 1957 1959 — Lanark C.C … Construction of roads in East Kilbride New Town. 73,000 Continuing programme of works £73,000 in 1958–59. 1950 — — Fife C.C. … Construction of roads in Glenrothes New Town. 43,000 Continuing programme of works £43,000 in 1958–59. 1952 — *A.832† Ross and Cromarty C.C. … Gruinard Hill 114,000 Approved in principle Autumn 1958 1960 *A.838 Sutherland C.C. … Rhiconich-Gualin 159,000 Almost completed June, 1956 Mid 1958 *A.884† Argyll C.C. … Achleck-Lochaline 155,000 Tenders received Summer 1958 1960
NOTES: 1. The table doss not include the Forth Road Bridge which will be formally authorised when the tender for the main superstructure has been received and approved. Work has started on site clearance and is expected to begin on the bridge itself within a few months. 2. The scheme for the reconstruction between Blairton and junction with A.975 shown in the 25th June, 1957 statement is now estimated to cost less than £100,000 and is included in Table B. 3. * Schemes in the Crofter Counties Programme. † Schemes authorised since 25th June, 1957. B.—SCHEMES COSTING UNDER £100,000 Position at 18 th June, 1958 Number Estimated Cost £ (1) Trunk Roads: Schemes in progress … … … 48 1,432,000 Schemes authorised but not started … … … 35 614,000 (2) Classified Roads: ( a ) Costing between £10,000 and £100,000— Schemes in progress … … … 60 1,731,000 Schemes authorised but not started … … … 23 584,000 ( b ) Costing less than £10,000— Schemes authorised from 1st April, 1957 to 18th June, 1958 … … … 170 470,000
Transport Users' Consultative Committee (Report)
asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation if he will now report the conclusions of the Transport Users' Consultative Committee on the use of privileged station ranks for taxi-cabs.
The Committee's report is not expected until later in the month.
Oil Pollution, Cornwall
asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what reports he has received about the oil pollution in the Rame Peninsula and the area from the Lizard to Land's End; and if he has yet been able to trace those responsible.
Her Majesty's Coastguard have reported pollution by oil of the South and West Cornish beaches. Most of the pollution appears to have resulted from recent discharges from ships, but I regret that it has not been possible to identify the ship or ships concerned.
Wrecks, The Wash (Removal)
asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation whether he is aware that serious losses of gear are continually occurring to fishermen in The Wash due to wrecks and other underwater obstructions; and if he will consult with the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food with a view to having the obstructions located and removed wherever possible.
The Corporation of Trinity House, as the General Lighthouse Authority for England and Wales, has power under the Merchant Shipping Acts to remove any wrecks off the coast which in their opinion are, or are likely to become, an obstruction or danger to navigation. However, I am informed by the Corporation that they have no knowledge of any wreck in this locality which is dangerous to navigation, and I regret that there is nothing which my Department can do in this particular matter.
Electrification Projects
asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation to what extent, as a result of Government financial policy, the electrification section of the British Transport Commission's modernisation programme is likely to be in any way retarded.
With the additional £25 million which the Government authorised in May for investment in the railways in 1958 and 1959 as part of the arrangements for strengthening the British Transport Commission's financial position, there should be no slowing down of electrification projects.
Unremunerative Services (Withdrawal)
asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what directions he has given to the British Transport Commission arising out of the recommendations of the Central Transport Consultative Committee contained in paragraphs 35 and 36 of its report on the proposed withdrawal of train services from the Lewes-East Grinstead branch railway.
No directions have been necessary as the Central Transport Consultative Committee is fully satisfied with the heads of information which it has now agreed with the British Transport Commission will be submitted in future in support of proposals to withdraw unremunerative services.
Passenger Fares
asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation, if he will give a general direction to the British Transport Commission on the method of financing the cost of the recent wage increases for the staff of the London Transport Executive and on how the losses caused by the strike are to be recouped, in view of the national economic interests involved in the level of passenger fares generally.
asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what general direction he has given or intends to give to the British Transport Commission in regard to the raising of fares in London, in view of the national repercussions of variations in London fares.
I would refer hon. Members to the Answer which I gave to the hon. Member for Truro (Mr. G. Wilson) on 30th June.
Improvement Schemes, Somerset
asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation how many major and minor road improvement schemes, respectively, have been carried out in the county of Somerset during each of the last five years; and how many schemes it is anticipated will be carried out this year.
Major road improvements in Somerset authorised for the years 1953–54 to 1957–58 numbered 19, 55, 27, 26 and 14. The comparable figures for minor improvements are 72, 62, 140, 132 and 150 respectively. In the interests of keeping the programme flexible, I do not intend to announce anticipated schemes in advance.
Parked Vehicles (Removal by Police)
asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation if he will introduce legislation to provide insurance cover where vehicles are removed by the police without the owner's consent from unauthorised parking places.
No. The police are already liable for any loss or damage caused by negligence on their part when a vehicle is removed.
Collision Risk
asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation how many near misses between aircraft have taken place in the various control zones of the United Kingdom during the last twelve months.
During the twelve months ended 30th April, 1958, the last period analysed, 40 incidents were reported by pilots under the procedure for reporting air misses. All were investigated, and an actual risk of collision was found to have existed in one of these incidents.
The Lebanon (Consultations)
asked the Under-Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations what consultations have taken place with Commonwealth countries over the situation in the Lebanon, with a view to formulating a joint policy at the United Nations.
In accordance with normal procedure we have been in close and constant touch with other Commonwealth Governments throughout the Lebanese crisis. We have exchanged views and information with other Governments about developments as they have occurred. Hon. Members will not expect me to give details of the nature of these Commonwealth consultations which are, by long established practice, confidential.
Industrial Building
asked the President of the Board of Trade to publish, in square feet, the industrial building in Great Britain, in the London and south-eastern area, in Scotland, in Wales, and in the Midlands, respectively, for each of the years from 1945 until 1958, in the categories, work approved, buildings under construction, and buildings completed, respectively, all as at 31st May of each year.
This information is not readily available for periods other than calendar years and most recent quarters. The figures for calendar years, excluding buildings not exceeding 5,000 square feet, are: INDUSTRIAL BUILDING IN GREAT BRITAIN AND SELECTED AREAS NEW FACTORIES AND EXTENSIONS (OVER 5,000 SQUARE FEET) IN MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY FOR WHICH LOCATION APPROVAL HAS BEEN GIVEN, 1ST JANUARY, 1945 TO 31ST DECEMBER, 1957 (AS KNOWN AT 31ST MAY, 1958) (Area: million square feet) — Great Britain London and South Eastern Region Wales Midlands Region Scotland Approved in period Under construction at end of each period* Completed in period* Approved in period Under construction at end of each period* Completed in period* Approved in period Under construction at end of each period* Completed in period* Approved in period Under construction at end of each period* Completed in period* Approved in period Under construction at end of each period* Completed in period* 1945 … … … 26.1 10.1 0.1 0.3 0.1 — 5.6 3.7 — 1.8 0.5 — 3.6 1.0 — 1946 … … … 40.8 38.0 3.2 2.4 1.2 0.1 5.3 7.6 0.5 4.6 3.4 0.4 6.8 5.3 0.6 1947 … … … 25.0 57.8 11.4 1.7 2.3 0.4 6.9 12.9 1.5 2.0 5.4 1.2 2.9 7.9 2.4 1948 … … … 26.7 47.2 23.3 3.3 1.9 1.5 0.9 9.4 4.2 3.9 4.6 2.3 3.2 6.0 2.8 1949 … … … 58.5 57.6 21.8 11.6 4.2 1.1 2.9 9.4 2.2 7.9 6.1 3.0 3.3 5.8 3.7 1950 … … … 45.9 69.6 24.7 6.6 9.7 2.2 1.4 7.8 3.8 7.5 6.9 3.0 3.0 6.2 2.2 1951 … … … 46.6 69.4 33.9 7.5 10.1 3.2 2.6 4.3 5.5 6.8 7.2 4.1 3.6 7.1 2.8 1952 … … … 26.5 59.5 29.6 4.1 8.6 3.9 0.6 3.5 1.3 4.1 6.1 3.8 1.9 4.9 3.5 1953 … … … 39.1 56.9 31.6 7.0 9.7 3.6 2.2 3.3 2.5 4.2 6.7 3.4 2.6 3.9 3.3 1954 … … … 70.8 64.1 39.1 13.4 10.0 6.7 2.6 4.8 1.5 9.2 8.4 4.5 5.1 4.5 3.1 1955 … … … 91.7 79.0 41.6 18.7 13.8 6.6 2.3 4.2 2.0 11.0 12.7 5.9 5.4 6.5 3.1 1956 … … … 71.6 97.3 48.4 13.0 15.4 8.1 6.7 6.0 2.7 9.2 11.7 8.2 4.8 7.1 4.2 1957† … … … 64.0 85.5 53.0 9.9 14.5 7.3 1.8 5.9 2.0 10.4 9.3 8.6 4.0 5.8 4.8 * Areas of building under construction and completed in a period are the areas of whole schemes and not the areas built or under construction in that period. † Figures of under construction and completion are provisional.
Agricultural Machinery Industry, Aberdeen (Exports to South America)
asked the President of the Board of Trade, in view of the recent official statement on the opportunities for the sale to Venezuela, and other parts of South America, of agricultural machinery made in Great Britain, what steps he is taking to promote the sale in those countries of agricultural machinery made in Aberdeen.
My right hon. Friend did, in fact, draw attention to these opportunities after his return from South America in the middle of May. Experience leads me to believe that manufacturers in Aberdeen will lose no opportunities to increase their trade.
New Primary Schools, Wednesbury
asked the Minister of Education what provision is being made for new primary schools in Wednesbury under the development plan; and when these schools will be completed.
Of the four new primary schools in Wednesbury for which provision is made in the Development Plan, one has been completed and work on another will start this year. I cannot say when it will be possible to build the others.
Parkhurst Prison (Letter to Member)
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is aware that a letter dated 12th June, 1958, addressed to the hon. Member for Perry Barr was not censored at Parkhurst until 18th June, and posted on 20th June: and why this delay took place.
The only letter to the hon. Member from a prisoner at Parkhurst which I have been able to trace within the relevant period was not handed in for censorship until 18th June. It was censored on 19th June and posted on the following day.
Eastern European Nationals (Visas)
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many applications for visas to visit the United Kingdom have been received in each of the last five years from persons living in Poland, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Rumania and Bulgaria; and how many have been granted.
I am obtaining the information asked for and I will send it to the hon. and learned Member as soon as possible.
Retirement Pensioners, Abertillery (Supplementary Allowances)
asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance how many retired pensioners were in receipt of supplementary allowance at the Abertillery National Assistance Board Office at the last available date; and the corresponding numbers for the previous 10 years.
The National Assistance Board informs me that the numbers of weekly National Assistance grants paid to retirement pensioners in the area served by the Board's office in Abertillery at the dates stated since the National Assistance Act came into force on 5th July, 1948, were as follows:— Number of grants 27th July, 1948 … … 1,190 28th June, 1949 … … 1,570 27th June, 1950 … … 1,830 26th June, 1951 … … 2,120 24th June, 1952 … … 2,290 30th June, 1953 … … 2,480 29th June, 1954 … … 2,620 28th June, 1955 … … 2,250 26th June, 1956 … … 2,220 25th June, 1957 … … 2,130 24th June, 1958 … … 1,830 Some of the grants provided for the requirements of a household with more than one pensioner.
Fuel Abstracts
asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works as representing the Lord President of the Council, whether he will make a statement on the future of Fuel Abstracts after the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research discontinues their publication in December, 1958.
Before reaching the decision to discontinue Fuel Abstracts, the Ministry of Power, the National Coal Board, the British Coal Utilisation Research Association and other organisations were consulted. A careful examination of the various sections of Fuel Assistants showed that they are already covered wholly or in part by other abstracting organisations. Discussions have taken place with the National Coal Board as to ways and means of arranging for abstracting organisations in this country to extend their present Coverage and for the provision of some form of joint index. The Society of Chemical Industry have decided to increase the coverage of abstracts that lie within their field of interest. The Institute of Fuel is also considering the possibility of issuing collected abstracts of fuel literature.
A number of abstracting organisations other than D.S.I.R. do not make their abstracts directly available to the general public, but the Department has had an arrangement with them whereby abstracts of fuel literature could be published in "Fuel Abstracts". The Department has also had exchange arrangements for journals and abstracts with foreign organisations. There is no reason to think that similar arrangements could not be made by any other organisation which publishes collected abstracts of fuel literature.