asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many occupational pensions schemes have been recognised for tax relief by the Exchequer in each of the years 1954, 1955, 1956, and 1957.

I regret that figures in the precise form asked for could not be extracted without a disproportionate expenditure of time and labour. The nearest figures available are given below.

(1) SCHEMES APPROVED UNDER SECTION 379, INCOME TAX ACT, 1952
Year to 30th September, 1954	…	…	404
Year to 30th September, 1955	…	…	331
Year to 30th September, 1956	…	…	458
Year to 30th September, 1957	…	…	455

(2) SCHEMES TO WHICH SECTION 386 (1) RELATES
—	Group Schemes	Schemes relating to named individuals
Year to 30th September, 1954	2,285	5,089
Year to 30th September, 1955	2,699	6,967
Year to 30th September, 1956	2,711	6,541
Year to 30th September, 1957	2,498	6,426

There are also schemes of a similar pattern to those under (2) above which do not require the approval of the Inland Revenue, usually because the employer is not a body corporate. Some of these schemes come to the notice of the Inland Revenue, but the total number is not known.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what has been the cost to the Exchequer of tax reliefs granted in respect of occupational pensions schemes in each of the years 1954, 1955, 1956, and 1957.

The estimated amounts of tax relief to both employers and employees for the years 1954–55, 1955–56, 1956–57 and 1957–58 in respect of contributions to occupational pension schemes and to the investment income of approved funds are about £100 million, about £105 million, about £120 million and about £130 million, respectively. It cannot, of course, be assumed that, if the reliefs had been withdrawn, these amounts of extra tax would have been collected.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what proportion of the 8s. 4d. per week paid by men and 7s. 2d. by women under National Insurance to the new pension scheme ranks for tax relief; and what the total tax relief in the first full year will be for insured persons, including those in the graduated pension section, income tax remaining as at present.

I regret that this information is not yet available.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many applications have been lodged this year with the Development Areas Treasury Advisory Committee by firms operating in Greenock; how many have been approved; and what amount of public money has been involved.

Two firm and eligible applications have been lodged with the Committee from firms operating in Greenock; one, involving £75,000, has been approved, and the other is at present under consideration.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that a reduction or abolition of the fuel tax would assist the road passenger industry to reduce fares, thus reducing the cost of living and enabling the lower income group to spend more on consumer goods, thereby assisting to maintain national production and full employment; and whether he will consider removing this tax in his forthcoming Budget.

I have noted the hon. Member's views on this matter, but he will not expect me to anticipate my Budget statement.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury at what level the Cost-of-Living Index was standing when the most recent Pensions (Increase) Act was drafted; by how much the index has risen since then; and how this compares with the increases in pensions granted under that Act.

Notice of presentation of the most recent Pensions (Increase) Act was given to the House on 3rd February, 1956. The index of retail prices now current stood at 100 in January and February, 1956, and by October, 1958, it had risen to 109. In general the 1956 Act increased by up to 10 per cent. pensions based on salary scales which had been improved in recent years.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury if he is aware of the growing tendency amongst certain civil servants to send out personal letters under a stamped signature; and, since this is both dangerous and discourteous, if he will take steps to discourage it.

No. No general guidance has been given by the Treasury, and I am satisfied that the issue of any instructions on the point raised by the hon. Member ought to be left to individual Government Departments. If the hon. Member has any particular cases in mind, no doubt he will take them up with the Minister of the Department concerned.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, in view of the confusion caused by official statements about the past, present, and future rate of investment in the nationalised industries, and by divergent figures in the Blue Book on National Income, whether he will now state the expected figure of capital investment in the nationalised industries for the current year, the actual figure for the previous year on a comparable basis, and the planned rate for next year on the same basis.

I would refer the right hon. Member to my reply to the noble Lord the Member for Dorset, South (Viscount Hinchingbrooke) on 18th November.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what were the quantities of malt whisky and grain whisky, respectively, distilled in Scotland for the year ended 30th September, 1958, and the quantities of both distilled in the whole of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

The quantities of malt spirit and of grain spirit distilled in Scotland and in the United Kingdom as a whole in the year ended 30th September, 1958, were as follows:

Proof gallons
—	United Kingdom	Scotland
Production by distilleries using malt only (malt spirit)	20,553,579	20,450,103
Production by distilleries using malt and other materials (grain spirit)	33,686,232	31,574,448

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many applications for assistance under the Distribution of Industry (Industrial Finance) Act, 1958, have so far been received from Wales. England, and Scotland, respectively; and how many have been accepted, rejected, or are still under consideration in each country.

The following is the information:

POSITION ON 5TH DECEMBER, 1958
—	Wales	England	Scotland
Preliminary enquiries	38	122	73
Firm and eligible applications	12	19	15
Approved	1	2	1
Rejected	1	4	1
Still under consideration	10	13	13

asked the Secretary to the Treasury what it would cost to redeem all outstanding post-war credits as at the latest convenient date.

Nearly £440 million.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury what it would cost to pay all outstanding post-war credits owing to the heirs, widows or estates of deceased holders of post-war credits irrespective of the current age qualifications.

£40 million.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many persons are employed by the Iron and Steel Holding and Realisation Agency.

I am informed by the Agency that 19 persons were employed by them on 5th December, 1958.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will give the names and qualifications of all the members of the reconstituted Standing Commission on Museums and Galleries, and state which of these are the independent members chosen for their special experience of the current international art market and of collecting.

The following is a list and description of the present members of the Standing Commission on Museums and Galleries. The independent members are chosen for their independence and distinction.The Earl of Rosse, M.B.E., F.S.A.—

asked the Prime Minister if he will recommend the appointment of a Royal Commission to inquire into and report on the influence of automation and the electronics industry on the pattern of British economy, the siting of industry, and the future of employment, so that the social consequences of these new productive methods may be met with understanding in the transition period.

The effect of automation on employment has been under consideration by the National Joint Advisory Council of the Ministry of Labour, representing the British Employers' Confederation, the Trades Union Congress and the Boards of the Nationalised Industries. I do not think a Royal Commission on the subject is called for.

asked the Prime Minister, in view of the observations made by the coroner at the inquest on Andreas Louca, whether he will publish as a White Paper the findings of the Government inquiry on this matter.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in order to establish the full facts and to protect the reputation of Her Majesty's Forces, he will now order an independent inquiry into the conduct of British troops in Cyprus.

I hope later in the week to make a general statement on Cyprus.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is now in a position to make a statement on the conclusion of an agreement between this country and Euratom.

On 3rd December the Euratom Council approved in principle the text of an Agreement prepared by representatives of the Euratom Commission and of Her Majesty's Government, but they asked that the text of one of the Articles should be reconsidered. Negotiations have therefore been re-opened on this point.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has any changes to announce in the composition of the United Kingdom delegation to the Consultative Assembly of the Council of Europe.

Yes. The noble Lord, Lord, Lansdowne, has resigned his place as a Substitute in the United Kingdom Delegation on his appointment as Joint Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs. I have appointed the noble Lord, Lord Lothian, in his place.My hon. Friend the Member for Armagh (Mr. Armstrong) has also resigned his place as a Substitute Delegate and I have appointed my hon. Friend the Member for Londonderry (Mr. Chichester-Clark) in his place.These changes will of course apply also to our Delegation to the Western European Union.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs what work the Council for Wales and Monmouth is at present engaged upon; and if he will make a statement.

Panels of the Council are continuing with a number of inquiries which had been started under the chairmanship of my predecessor. In addition it has been decided at the next meeting in January to discuss the whole work and future of the Council and the possibilities of closer and more fruitful relationship with the Government.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs whether a further memorandum has now been received from the Council for Wales and Monmouthshire, following the rejection by the Government of the recommendation in the Council's third memorandum for a Secretary of State for Wales with responsibility for a number of Welsh departments under him; and whether he will make a statement.

Yes. The Council for Wales and Monmouthshire have submitted to my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister a Fourth Memorandum which comprises a report by their Government Administration Panel commenting on his reply to the Council's earlier recommendation for the appointment of a Secretary of State for Wales. Arrangements are being made for it to be printed and published.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs whether he is aware that the Civil Service Housing Association adopt the practice of arranging mortgages on the credit-worthiness of the applicant irrespective of sex; and if he will, before making a loan to any building society, ensure that a similar procedure is adopted.

I am informed by the Building Societies Association that the policy of most of its members is to treat a woman applicant for a loan in exactly the same way as a man if she is in regular employment and earning a sufficient income. There is no discrimination on grounds of sex in such a case, and no male guarantor is normally required. For my part, I have no doubt that building societies wishing to participate in the Government's house purchase scheme will be prepared to work in accordance with this policy.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs, what action he has taken to warn tenants of the effect of the Rent Act in destroying the tenant's right to enforce repairs against the landlord in all new tenancies entered into after the passage of the Act; and whether he will introduce fresh amending legislation to restore these tenants' rights.

Any new letting of any house is normally free of control. The responsibility of landlord and tenant for repairs will therefore depend on the terms of the letting, and it is important that the tenant should understand his position before signing any agreement. If in doubt he should seek advice.The position has been explained in the Press, on the B.B.C., and in reply to Questions in this House, and I shall continue to take opportunities for publicity that present themselves. But in my view this is properly a subject for agreement between the parties, not for legislation.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs whether he will restore the general subsidy for housing in view of the urgent housing needs of most urban areas.

No.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs, in view of the fact that local authorities do not send information to his Department in respect of the number of families and persons who are now in temporary accommodation provided by welfare authorities arising from evictions and other causes, whether he will cause such information to be secured in order that this aspect of the national housing problem may be more accurately assessed.

My right hon. and learned Friend the Minister of Health obtains this information once a year. It is published in his Department's Annual Report. I understand that he does not think more frequent collection necessary for his purposes, and I do not consider it necessary for mine.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs, what estimate he has, or what inquiries he has made to secure an estimate, in respect of the number of householders and tenants whose accommodation has had to be relinquished or demolished in connection with new or expanded roadways; and, in view of the impossibility of the Leyton Borough Council rehousing the many persons likely to lose their accommodation when the Eastern Avenue Extension is constructed through the borough, what steps he will take to ensure the proper rehousing of these people.

My right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport normally makes arrangements for ensuring any necessary rehousing in connection with roadworks for which he is responsible, including the Eastern Avenue Extension. As to the latter, I understand that this proposal is still being examined and that no estimate can yet be made of the number of people who may need rehousing.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs what steps he is taking to ensure that his investigation into problems connected with caravans takes full account of Scottish experience in these matters.

This investigation, which is limited to England and Wales, is concerned solely with the problem of residential caravans; and my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State tells me that he knows of no special Scottish experience in this connection. He assures me, however, that Sir Arton Wilson will be very welcome to cross the Border if he should decide that that might help him in his task.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs whether he is prepared to give financial support to Tyneside local authorities for schemes designed to reduce the pollution of the River Tyne.

My right hon. Friend will give sympathetic consideration to any applications for loan sanction which the local authorities may make.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs what investigations he has made regarding complaints of unpleasant smells from Messrs. Cooper's factory at Shrivenham Road, Swindon; and with what result.

This trade is classified as offensive under the Public Health Act, 1936, and primary responsibility rests with the Highworth Rural District Council, who have been giving close attention to the difficult problems involved. The factory is not registrable under the Alkali Act, but one of the Alkali Inspectors has visited the factory, with the Council's Public Health Inspector, and has been able to offer a number of technical suggestions. The firm are co-operating fully in trying out various measures suggested to them and are carrying out a modernisation programme. I think there is every prospect of a substantial improvement.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs why he has declined to supply the Medical Officer of Health for Bristol with the whereabouts of the sources of various radioactive materials in the city.

In supplying radioisotopes the Atomic Energy Authority act as a commercial concern and it is not normal practice to make known the full details of such transactions. The Department follows up deliveries and is able to ensure that any requisite statutory consent for disposal of waste is obtained from the appropriate authorities. My right hon. Friend has assured the Medical Officer of Health for Bristol that there is no danger to public health from disposals of radioactive waste in his area.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs how many prosecutions have been made by local authorities under the Litter Act, 1958.

There have been a number of prosecutions under the Litter Act, but my right hon. Friend is unable to say without inquiry from all local authorities how many were undertaken by them.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs what information he possesses of prosecutions under the Litter Act; if he is satisfied that local authorities are playing their part in providing litter bins for use by the public who desire to co-operate; and if he will make a statement indicating the effect that the Litter Act is having.

Particulars of prosecutions in Magistrates' Courts in England and Wales, including those under the Litter Act, are sent to my right hon. Friend, the Home Secretary, and he has agreed to make them available to me when the next Annual Return of Criminal Statistics is being prepared. In the meantime, the local and national Press give many reports of prosecutions under the Act. Some local authorities have increased the provision of litter bins recently, and others are considering doing so. But many authorities could do more, and I am about to suggest to them that they should pay special attention to the provision and clearing of bins.In general, though much remains to be done I am not at all disappointed in the reaction of the public to the anti-litter campaign since the passing of the Act.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs why he authorised the publication in the national Press, before 3rd December, of his decision, dated 3rd December, to allow the West Midlands Gas Board to construct a Lurgi gasification plant on a site at Gorsey Lane, Coleshill, in the County of Warwick, in view of the fact that his decision had not been made known to either the Warwickshire County Council or the Meriden Rural District Council.

My right hon. Friend did not authorise publication and no announcement was made by anyone in the Department.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs what he estimates would be the approximate annual cost of increasing by 50 per cent. the present scale of grants to local health authorities.

Under the Local Government Act, 1958, general grants are to be paid from April next in lieu of grants to local health authorities and other grants listed in the First Schedule to the Act. The general grants are not related to the expenditure of the individual local authority; I have presented a report to the House under section 1 (6) of the Act on the basis and proposed amounts of these grants. The Appendix to the report gives the estimated expenditure on local health services in the two years of the first general grant period: the corresponding estimate of expenditure in the current year is £57·83 million and, under the system to be superseded, this expenditure attracts a:50 per cent. grant.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs what is the present expenditure by local authorities on youth clubs, hostels, camp sites, playing fields and swimming baths; and what additional grants he estimates would be necessary to enable local authorities to double the provision of such facilities over the next five years.

This expenditure is not shown separately in the returns of local authorities, and could not readily be ascertained. It is not specifically aided by Exchequer grant, except in so far as some initial provision may be assisted under the Physical Training and Recreation Act, 1937; and these grants are now to be absorbed into the general grant under the Local Government Act, 1958.It must not be assumed that, to double the provision, all that is necessary is to offer an Exchequer grant. Among other matters, the local authorities would need to be convinced that a prior need existed in comparison with other requirements, and that it would be appropriate to devote the necessary capital to the purpose despite the competition for investment.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs when he expects to receive the report of the Royal Commission on Local Government in Greater London.

I cannot add to the reply I gave to the hon. Member on 29th July.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many secondary school places there are in Tanganyika; and whether all those students who wished to go there were able to be accommodated.

Approximately 3,500 Africans, 7,500 Asians and 400 Europeans are receiving secondary education this year. Some of the Africans who wished to go to secondary schools could not be admitted because they failed either to reach the required standard or to pay the assessed fee. As a result 80 places of the total of 1,720 new places for Africans were unfilled at the beginning of 1958. Generally speaking all Asian and European children who wished to go to secondary schools gained places.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make a statement upon the Conference on Islami Education held in Dar-es-Salaam in late November, attended by delegates from the Sudan, Somalia, Nigeria, Nyasaland and the territories of Uganda, Kenya, Tanganyika, and Zanzibar.

The Conference was attended by members of Education Departments of the four East African territories and Aden, and by Muslim representatives and observers from Nyasaland, Northern Nigeria, Somaliland, as well as from Pakistan, the Sudan and Somalia. It accepted in principle the main recommendations of the report on Muslim education prepared by Mr. V. L. Griffiths and Professor R. B. Serjeant, who with an Assistant Educational Adviser from the Colonial Office were present in an advisory capacity.The recommendations include proposals for the establishment in Zanzibar of a Muslim Institute for the teaching of religion, history and Arabic to Muslim students, and for the formation of a Book Production Unit to prepare a series of books for the teaching of Arabic to childen whose mother tongue is not Arabic. The views of the Conference will be brought to the attention of East African Governments by the Conference Chairman, who was the Administrator of the East Africa High Commission.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what representations the trade union organisations of Cyprus have made regarding the suspension and dismissal of 4,200 Cypriot workers employed by the Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes and the Royal Air Force in the Colony.

Three trade union federations, eight constituent unions and three local branches of U.K. organisations made representations to the Service authorities on the 12th November against the dismissals. Further representations seeking reinstatement were made to the Governor on the 4th and 26th November by a committee representing the federation and the U.K. organisations.In addition, representations have been made by two United Kingdom Civil Service Unions at the War Office and the Air Ministry. Representations at the Air Ministry have also been made by a representative of the Pan Cyprian Federation of Labour.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many convicted terrorists have been removed from Cyprus to other places of confinement outside the Colony since the beginning of the emergency.

Thirty-two.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many Maltese have received education or technical training during the last year in the United Kingdom, other Commonwealth and European countries and the United States of America, respectively.

Last year 62 Maltese students sponsored by the Maltese Government received technical or other educational training in the United Kingdom; eight in Italy and two in the United States. I regret that no figures are available for students not sponsored by the Maltese Government.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies to what extent the tourist trade of Malta has improved in recent months and years.

I regret that there are no reliable figures distinguishing tourists from other visitors. The total number of visitors to Malta has risen by about 20 per cent, over the past three years and is at present running at an annual rate of over 25,000. A Malta Government Tourist Board with full executive powers has recently been established to promote tourism.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make a statement about unemployment in the Malta dockyard, and the progress of plans and measures to provide other work.

Under the plans that have been made and which, of course, depend for their success on the co-operation of the Maltese unions and workers, there are good prospects of maintaining a high level of employment at the dockyard.Below is a fuller statement on this and on plans for providing work outside the dockyard.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been drawn to the statement made by the Governor of Kenya in his speech to the Kenya Legislative Council on 4th November, 1958, to the effect that certain of those at present detained under emergency powers will be placed eventually under restriction orders in a settlement at Hola on the Tana river; and whether he will give an assurance that this House will be consulted before permanent legislation is enacted in Kenya under which Her Majesty's subject may be imprisoned, or otherwise deprived of their liberty, without trial.

Since 1954 I have repeatedly made clear my view that those irreconcilably attached to Mau Mau cannot be allowed to return to threaten law and order. The plans to which the hon. and learned Member refers were described in the Governor's speech in November, 1956, and have been widely endorsed, notably by those hon. Members who visited Kenya together in January, 1957. I see no need to take the exceptional step of consulting the House before legislation is enacted.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has considered the information conveyed to him by Mr. Tom Mboya regarding the evidence given at the trial of Jomo Kenyatta and others by Rawson Macharia; whether he has also considered a statement, particulars of which have been supplied to him, made by Rawson Macharia at Nairobi on 22nd November, 1958, to the hon. and learned Member for Ipswich, which was substantially to the same effect; and whether he will cause an inquiry to be held into the allegations contained in these statements.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what comments he has now received from the Governor of Kenya in respect of alleged perjured evidence given at the trial of Jomo Kenyatta.

I have not yet had the Governor's comments on Mr. Rawson Macaria's statement. When I have received and considered these, I will circulate a further reply in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will arrange for an independent impartial inquiry into the complaints of the prisoners at Lokitaung Prison, Northern Frontier Province, Kenya, and allow the elected members of the Legislative Council to visit the prison; and whether he has considered the further complaints made in a letter, dated 3rd September, 1958, to the hon. Member for Wednesbury, a copy of which has been forwarded to him.

With regard to the first two parts of the Question, I have nothing to add to my hon. Friend's reply to the hon. Member for Eton and Slough (Mr. Brockway) on 3rd July. 1 have now seen the prisoner's letter dated 3rd September, which, apart from misquoting some of my replies, largely confirms what I have already told the House. There are, however, one or two points on which I am consulting the Governor, and I will write to the hon. Member when I have his reply.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many applications have been made since the introduction of the most recent regulation controlling public meetings in Kenya, by European, Asian, and African bodies or individuals for permission to hold a public meeting; how many in each category were granted unconditionally; how many were granted subject to conditions; and how many were refused.

I am asking the Governor for this information and will circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Minister of Works whether he will consider an extension of the annunciator in some spot in the Public galleries so as to enable visitors, unable to see the speaker of the moment, to know who is speaking.

This was considered in 1956 by the Select Committee on House of Commons Accommodation, etc., but was not recommended. At least two machines would be required and even if soundproofing devices were fitted they would still make a certain amount of noise.

asked the Minister of Works to what extent car parking space on Horse Guards Parade is used to capacity.

For various reasons, including considerations of amenity, parking on the Horse Guards Parade is restricted, and a limited amount of parking space is made available to occupants of surrounding buildings. The available places are nearly always occupied on weekdays.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has yet ascertained how many tenants of houses in Aberdeen are affected by the Rent Act, 1957, and its amending Act; how many have been evicted from their homes; and how many are likely to be evicted.

About 400 let houses in Aberdeen rated at over £40 were decontrolled by the Rent Act, 1957. Most of the tenants of these houses will no doubt have entered into new leases with their landlords or made other arrangements for their accommodation. Any tenant who has been unable to obtain a renewal of his tenancy and who remains in the house after the expiry of a notice to quit cannot be evicted without a court order and, under the Landlord and Tenant (Temporary Provisions) Act, 1958, the sheriff can in certain circumstances postpone the execution of such an order.Up to 4th December, two applications had been made to the court for orders for possession in respect of houses in Aberdeen to which the Act of 1958 applies. In one case, with consent of the tenant, an order for possession was granted and, in the other, proof was fixed for 15th January.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the average cost per patient per week in the Royal Infirmary, Edinburgh, excluding the Simpson Memorial Maternity Pavilion, and in the Royal Infirmary, Glasgow, respectively.

The average weekly cost of maintaining an in-patient in Edinburgh Royal Infirmary and in Glasgow Royal Infirmary during the year ended 31st March, 1958, was £20 9s. 7d. and £26 3s. 1d., respectively.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will state the total number of nurses, trained and undergoing training, per one hundred staffed beds in the Royal Infirmary, Edinburgh, excluding the Simpson Memorial Maternity Pavilion, and in the Royal Infirmary, Glasgow, respectively.

The ratios at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary and Glasgow Royal Infirmary at 30th September, 1958, were 69·8 and 73·8, respectively.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what grants from public funds, excluding endowment funds, have been allocated to the Royal Infirmary, Edinburgh, excluding the Simpson Memorial Maternity Pavilion, and to the Royal Infirmary, Glasgow, for capital improvements during the past five years.

The following are the details of capital expenditure (including capital equipment) out of public funds incurred at the hospitals:

Year ended		Edinburgh Royal Infirmary	Glasgow Royal Infirmary
		£	£
31st March, 1954	…	23,614	13,224
31st March, 1955	…	34,470	29,184
31st March, 1956	…	46,027	43,877
31st March, 1957	…	35,812	92,971
31st March, 1958	…	35,076	81,171
TOTAL	…	174,999	260,427

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has studied the statement of the Association of Teaching Staff of Glasgow Royal College of Science and Technology, made to the committee appointed by him, declaring that the college should be raised to the status of a technological university with powers to award degrees; and what he proposes to do in the matter.

The Association's memorandum was one of a number considered by the Commissioner who held a local inquiry into the endowments administered by the Governors of the College. I cannot comment on any of the matters before him until I have received his report.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what estimate he has formed of the cost involved, at present values, in the transfer of 1,000 firms presently operating in Glasgow to those other towns in Scotland which will, or have agreed to, accept among them Glasgow's overspill population.

It is not at present possible to frame any such estimate.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if, in view of the unsatisfactory situation in remote areas and the delay in bringing in legislation, he will now create a Diligence Fund as recommended in paragraph 248 of the Report of the Committee on Diligence.

I am considering this recommendation of the Committee but, like other recommendations designed to help those who have to do diligence in remote areas, it would require legislation.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland why the Scottish Board for Industry decided recently to set up a special sub-committee to make further inquiries in connection with the proposed graving dock at Greenock; and what progress has been made locally in this matter.

I welcome support for this project from all quarters, but I cannot answer for decisions taken by the Scottish Board for Industry. I understand that the investigating company are actively engaged in the preparation of a scheme which will be submitted to the Development Areas Treasury Advisory Committee as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how much of the cost of existing marginal agricultural production grants is incurred in Caithness and Sutherland.

In 1957, the last complete year for which figures are available, the amount was £120,993.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if the Government's decision to discontinue marginal agricultural production grants will apply to crofters and small farmers with less than 20 acres arable or grass.

Under the Bill at present before the House, small marginal farmers with under 20 acres of crops and grass will continue to receive marginal assistance grants for a further three years, where the Agricultural Executive Committees concerned are satisfied that the economic position of the farms warrants it. The proposals in the Bill do not affect registered crofters, who are assisted under a separate scheme.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he is taking to encourage local education authorities to enjoy the advantages of joint planning and bulk buying provided by the consortium of local authorities known as Combined Local Authorities School Planning.

The advantages of this consortium were explained at meetings I arranged in Edinburgh and Glasgow which were attended by representatives of education authorities. As a result, three authorities have so far decided to participate.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations or advice he has received from the Highland Panel, local authorities, and other responsible bodies about MacBrayne's proposals to withdraw the "Loch Nevis" as part of their reorganisation scheme for their Western Isles steamer services; and what replies he has made.

I have received representations from Inverness County Council, Portree Village Council and the National Farmers' Union for Scotland against the proposed withdrawal of the Skye steamer service, and the Highlands Panel recommended on 26th September that Messrs. MacBrayne's should be asked to reconsider their proposals for this service during the summer months. As my hon. Friend knows, revised proposals are now being considered by the Panel and I shall await their final recommendations before replying to the representations that have been made to me.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland which local education authorities have agreed to release pupils from attending school in order to do Christmas work in the Post Office; and how many exemptions are being sought in each case.

I am circulating below a list of the education authorities which have agreed to release pupils from school for Christmas postal work and the number of pupils whose release has been asked for.

EDUCATION AUTHORITIES WHICH HAVE BEEN ASKED TO RELEASE PUPILS AND HAVE AGREED TO DO SO
Counties				Number of pupils whose services are required
Angus	…	…	…	2
Ayr	…	…	…	8
Clackmannan	…	…	…	17
Inverness	…	…	…	43
Lanark	…	…	…	12
Selkirk	…	…	…	20
Stirling	…	…	…	30
Wigtown	…	…	…	1
TOTAL	…	…	…	133

EDUCATION AUTHORITIES WHICH HAVE AGREED TO RELEASE PUPILS BUT HAVE NOT BEEN ASKED TO DO SO
Counties
Aberdeen	Kincardine
Argyll	Kirkcudbright
Banff	Orkney
Berwick	Peebles
Bute	Renfrew
Caithness	Ross and Cromarty
Dumfries	Roxburgh
Dunbarton	Zetland
East Lothian
Burghs
Aberdeen	Edinburgh
Dundee	Glasgow

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when construction of the new fire-station at the new town of East Kilbride will be finished.

I understand that the Lanarkshire Fire Brigade Joint Committee has received tenders for the construction of a new station and that it hopes to start work in February or March, 1959. The Committee is unable at present to forecast when the station will be finished.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will authorise the Cumbernauld Development Corporation to build advance factories.

Subject to final consideration on formal submission, I expect to be able to approve a proposal by the corporation to provide, in advance of specific requirements, some 33,000 sq. ft. of factory space primarily for the accommodation of smaller firms from Glasgow.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland why he has permitted the use of unapproved traps for taking foxes, and, under certain conditions, otters, under the Agriculture (Spring Traps) (Scotland) Order, 1958.

I have permitted the continued use of unapproved traps for the purpose of killing foxes or otters because no suitable alternative trap has been devised and recommended to me which I can approve for these purposes.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will state the number, size and value of new factory buildings erected in Wales during the period of twelve months up to the latest convenient date.

In the twelve months ended the 31st October, 1958, 77 new factory buildings and extensions, in area over 2–7 million square feet, were completed in Wales and Monmouthshire. Buildings not exceeding 5,000 square feet are excluded. As I told the hon. Member for Motherwell (Mr. Lawson) last week, figures of value are no longer collected.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if his attention has been drawn to a statement issued on the 3rd December, 1958, by the National Coal Board, stating the number of coal mines in the British coalfields that are expected to close down in the very near future and including in such closures Ouston E. Pit in the Birtley, County Durham, area; and what immediate action he proposes to take to bring further industry to the Birtley industrialised location.

—			Bankruptcies		Deeds of Arrangement		Compulsory Liquidations		Creditors Voluntary Liquidations
			1957	1958	1957	1958	1957	1958	1957	1958
June	…	…	162	216	18	20	22	49	59	84
July	…	…	186	202	23	22	36	40	60	95
August	…	…	145	165	16	22	1	1	71	79
September	…	…	144	186	20	21	5	2	57	76
October	…	…	161	200	28	17	52	77	72	66
November	…	…	223	185	31	23	37	35	55	80
			1,021	1,154	136	125	153	204	374	480

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many factories and trade sites in the north-east of Scotland are untenanted and available for the placing there of new industries; and if he will give details of them.

I have information about twelve untenanted factory premises and twenty-one industrial sites available in the north-east of Scotland, and I am sending the hon. and learned Member a list of these.

asked the President of the Board of Trade to how many firms he has suggested Kidsgrove, North Staffordshire, as a convenient site for new industries; and if he will give the list of factories sited there since 1945,

Yes, but I understand that all the other pits in the district will continue to be worked, and it is first necessary to know how far these pits are likely to take on the miners now employed at the Ouston East Pit. When this information is available my right hon. Friend will consider what action should be taken.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what was the number of business failures in each of the last six months for which figures are available; and how these compared with the comparable period of 1957.

The following is the reply:showing how many of these have closed down since.

In the past eighteen months the Board of Trade has suggested to twelve firms that North Staffordshire, including Kidsgrove, would be suitable for their proposed development. Nine new factory buildings, exceeding 5,000 sq. ft., are known to have been sited at Kidsgrove since 1945; one of these has since closed.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what will be the administrative arrangements for the remission of import duty in instruments and apparatus under the Import Duties Act, 1958.

I am proposing to widen the scope of the arrangements for remitting duty on instruments and apparatus. The Board of Trade will be prepared to consider applications in respect of all instruments and apparatus imported on or after 1st January next, which are covered by the definition in the Import Duties Act, 1958 (paragraph 1(c) of the Fourth Schedule), where the rate of duty is 25 per cent. or more and the amount of duty chargeable is £50 or more. The imposition of a minimum value limit has been necessary in order to make this concession possible without adding disproportionately to Civil Service staffs. Details of the arrangements will be published tomorrow.

asked the President of the Board of Trade when the Report of the Monopolies Commission on the fertiliser industry will be published.

I expect to receive it towards the middle of next year.

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what measures he has in mind for diminishing the pollution of the air by diesel fumes from vehicles.

My Department is cooperating with several scientific bodies carrying out research on this problem. I await the results of this work before considering further measures.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been drawn to the gap in the criminal law, as a result of which it is possible for a person to receive goods knowing them to be the property of someone other than the person from whom he received them but who possessed them under a hire- purchase agreement, and yet not be guilty of an offence under Section 33 (1) of the Larceny Act, 1916; and what steps he will take to see that the law is made effective against dishonest receivers of goods improperly parted with by those who do not own them.

The law of larceny is defective in a number of respects, and I am considering what steps should be taken to revise it.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is aware of the number of fires and accidents caused by electric blankets; and if he will investigate this matter with a view to introducing legislation covering the construction of these devices.

I am not persuaded that legislation for this purpose is necessary. Most electric blankets now on the market comply with a British Standards Specification, which includes reasonable standards and tests designed to secure safety.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is satisfied that the existing salaries in the probation service is not causing officers to leave the service; and if he will make a statement.

My Department does not necessarily know why a particular probation officer has resigned; but the wastage for all reasons in recent years has not been high, as I showed in reply to a Question by my hon. Friend on 29th July. On Present information, it seems likely to be less in 1958 than in 1957. A salary claim by probation officers is under consideration by the Joint Negotiating Committee for the Probation Service.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if, in view of the fact that Summer Time operates from the first Saturday in April to the first Saturday in October, he will investigate whether it would not be advantageous to British farmers if this were changed to the first Saturday in April to the last Saturday in October.

I am informed by my right hon. Friends the Secretary of State for Scotland and the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food that this suggestion is at present under consideration by the National Farmers Unions of England and Wales and of Scotland.

asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance what has been the sum allocated for the Exchequer contribution in respect of retirement pensions in each of the years 1954, 1955, 1956, and 1957.

The total Exchequer contribution for National Insurance, including retirement pensions, was £71, £86, £95 and £98 million, respectively.

Period		Employed man's share of weekly contributions:—
		National Insurance		National Insurance (Industrial Injuries)	National Health Service†		Total
		s.	d.	d.	s.	d.	s.	d.
5th July, 1948 to 30th September, 1951	…	4	7*	4	—		4	11
1st October, 1951 to 5th October, 1952	…	4	9*	4	—		5	1
6th October, 1952 to 5th June, 1955	…	5	5*	4	—		5	9
6th June, 1955 to 1st September, 1957	…	6	4*	5	—		6	9
2nd September, 1957 to 2nd February 1958	…	5	7½	5	1	4½	7	5
3rd February, 1958 to 6th July, 1958	…	7	4½	8	1	4½	9	5
From 7th July, 1958	…	7	4½	8	1	10½	9	11
* Including a payment of 8½d. towards the National Health Service.
† A separate National Health Service contribution was established by the National Health Service Contributions Act. 1957.

From 1945 to 4th July, 1948, the ordinary rates of Health and Pensions contributions and o Unemployment Insurance contributions, were:—

HEALTH AND PENSIONS

Period				Employed man's share of weekly contribution
				s.	d.
To 6th January, 1946	…	…	…	1	0
7th January, 1946 to 29th September, 1946	…	…	…	1	1
30th September, 1946 to 4th July, 1948	…	…	…	2	0

UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE

Period								Employed man's share of weekly contribution
To 4th July, 1948	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	10d.

asked the Minister of Labour, in view of the numbers who left school in July this year who have still not been found work, or who found work only after long delay, if he will review the interdepartmental co-ordination and the Ministerial arrangements for ensuring the speedy and effective placing of school leavers in employment.

asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance if he will list the changes, and the dates of those changes, in the amount of the weekly National Insurance contribution paid since 1945, by an adult male employee.

The following table shows, for the period since the introduction of the National Insurance Scheme, the ordinary rate of weekly contribution payable by an employed man:

No. The placing of school leavers in employment is a function of the Youth Employment Service. In accordance with the provisions of the Employment and Training Act, 1948, responsibility for the central administration of the Service rests with the Central Youth Employment Executive, which is staffed by officers of my Department, the Ministry of Education and the Scottish Education Department. Ministerial responsibility under the Act rests with my right hon. Friend, and the Executive is answerable to him.

asked the Minister of Labour what is the number of insured

ESTIMATED TOTAL NUMBERS OF EMPLOYEES IN EACH DEVELOPMENT AREA AT END-MAY, 1957
Development Area			Males	Females	Total
North Eastern	…	…	744,200	298,000	1,042,200
West Cumberland	…	…	42,700	16,200	58,900
South Wales and Monmouthshire	…	…	506,700	191,200	697,900
Wrexham	…	…	27,500	9,000	36,500
South Lancashire	…	…	101,500	51,100	152,600
Merseyside	…	…	394,100	222,800	616,900
North-East Lancashire	…	…	52,900	38,800	91,700
Scottish	…	…	775,200	428,100	1,203,300

asked the Minister of Labour if he will state the numbers registered as unemployed in Lanarkshire,

NUMBERS OF UNEMPLOYED PERSONS ON THE REGISTERS OF EMPLOYMENT EXCHANGES IN LANARKSHIRE (INCLUDING GLASGOW) AT THE UNDERMENTIONED DATES
Industry		12th November, 1956	11th November, 1957	17th November, 1958
Agriculture and Horticulture	…	209	265	428
Bricks and Fireclay Goods	…	160	164	404
Iron and Steel Melting, Rolling, etc.	…	280	278	2,531
Iron Foundries	…	162	155	527
Steel Sheets	…	10	13	429
Iron and Steel Tubes	…	130	91	1,326
Shipbuilding and Ship Repairing	…	650	629	1,300
Non-Electrical Engineering	…	995	1,010	2,087
Tailoring	…	315	299	496
Bread and Flour Confectionery	…	357	344	681
Biscuits	…	183	194	342
Building and Civil Engineering Contracting	…	2,050	2,531	4,629
Railways	…	283	323	493
Tramway and Omnibus Service	…	310	259	499
Goods Transport by Road	…	204	202	386
Sea Transport	…	469	659	741
Distributive Trades	…	1,959	2,013	3,915
Local Government Service	…	966	1,142	1,809
Professional Services	…	606	608	846
Entertainment, Sport, etc.	…	369	341	530
Catering, Hotels, etc.	…	1,171	1,092	1,889
Other Industries and Services	…	6,731	6,608	12,151
All Industries and Services	…	18,569	19,220	38,439

Statistics are not at present available for any date later than end-May, 1957. The following table shows the estimated total numbers of employees (employed and unemployed) in each of the Development Areas at that date:classified by industry, at mid-November, in 1956, 1957, and 1958, respectively.

The following table gives the information desired.

asked the Postmaster- General what is the value and percentage of the unclaimed prizes won by premium bonds up to the end of September last, through change of address or other causes.

The value is £4,250. It represents 0·06 per cent. of the prize funds up to September. Altogether over £7 million had by then been paid to winners.

asked the Postmaster- General, in view of the large number of unclaimed prizes, if he will allow holders of premium bonds to have any prizes paid direct to a bank, if desired, in the same way as company dividends are paid, thus saving risk of loss and also reducing the correspondence necessary for his Department.

I am afraid I could not regard the percentage I have just given as justifying the adoption of my hon. Friend's suggestion. Apart from questions of cost it would involve abandoning the check upon the identity and survival of the bondholder which the present procedure provides in accordance with the prospectus.

asked the Secretary of State for Air how much, in the last accounting year, was paid to the British Transport Commission in respect of fares for officers and other ranks of the Royal Air Force and Women's Royal Air Force travelling on free warrants in the British Isles.

In the financial year 1957–58 the cost of warrants for leave travel was about £900,000.

asked the Attorney- General how many cases have been heard or are pending in the Bow County Court in respect of threatened evictions or pleas by landlords or tenants in conection with housing.

I assume that the hon. Member is referring to actions for possession of premises to which the Landlord and Tenant (Temporary Provisions) Act, 1958, applies. I am obtaining this information and will circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT when it is received.

asked the Minister of Education what proportion of places in technical college courses of university standard has been allotted to overseas students in each of the last three years for which information is available.

No fixed proportion of places in technical colleges is allotted to overseas students. Information about the number of such students taking advanced courses in October, 1958, will be available early next year and I will send it to the hon. Member. I regret that I do not have similar information for earlier years.

asked the Minister of Education when he expects to receive the report of the Roberts Committee on the administration of the public library service.

I understand that the Committee expects to present its Report to me shortly.

asked the Minister of Health if he will state the total number of nurses, trained and undergoing training, per 100 staffed beds, in the Middlesex Hospital, St. Bartholomew's Hospital, and St. Thomas's hospital, respectively.

80, 83 and 93, respectively.

asked the Minister of Health if he will state the average cost per patient per week in the Middlesex Hospital, St. Bartholmew's Hospital, and St. Thomas's Hospital, respectively.

The average inpatient net cost per week in 1957–58 in the Middlesex Hospital, St. Bartholomew's Hospital and St. Thomas's Hospital, as shown in the recently published Costing Returns, was £31 15s. 10d., £35 1s. 9d. and £38 10s. 4d., respectively.

Year ended 31st March						St. Bartholomew's Hospital	Middlesex Hospital	St. Thomas's Hospital
						£	£	£
1954	…	…	…	…	…	9,241	20,733	84,135
1955	…	…	…	…	…	40,147	28,838	85,032
1956	…	…	…	…	…	24,815	72,924	236,834
1957	…	…	…	…	…	21,589	58,507	162,835
1958	…	…	…	…	…	39,934	44,513	38,725

asked the Minister of Health what grants from public funds, excluding endowment funds, have been allocated to the Middlesex Hospital, St. Bartholomew's Hospital, and St. Thomas's Hospital, respectively, for capital improvements during the past five years.

The following are the details of capital expenditure (including capital equipment) out of public funds incurred by the Boards of Governers of—