asked the Minister of Aviation whether he can now state the outcome of his discussions with other Governments over the launching of a point space research programme;

asked the Minister of Aviation when he anticipates that he will be in a position to make a further statement regarding the progress he is making towards a British research programme into outer space.

My right hon. Friend is in Paris for discussions with the French Government about a satellite launcher based on Blue Streak, and at present I am unable to add to the answer he gave to the hon. Members for Bosworth (Mr. Wyatt) and Stockton-on-Tees (Mr. Chetwynd) on 7th November.

I am glad to inform the House, however, on behalf of my noble Friend the Minister for Science that recent negotiations in Geneva led to the signature, by ten countries including the United Kingdom, of an agreement setting up a Preparatory Commission to study the possibility of establishing a European organisation for co-operation in space research. The Geneva Conference expressed the hope that the Preparatory Commission would consider the closest possible co-operation between any organisation which might later be formed for space research in Europe, and any collaborative organisation between European States for the development of a launcher.

Can the Minister tell us why there is this further delay before a decision is reached in regard to a launcher? Is he aware that consideration of this problem by the Government has been going on for eighteen months and that in November this year the Minister said:

"I certainly think we ought to make up our minds before the end of the year what the answer should be". [OFFICIAL REPORT, 7th December, 1960; Vol 501, c. 649.]

He appears to be in a stage of further discussion.

Further, is it a fact that the European Space Research Agency has rejected the proposal for using Blue Streak as a launcher?

There is no further delay. It is the same delay. This is very much a long-term project. We are looking very far, into the second half of the century, and it is best not to be impatient. As I have indicated, the Geneva Conference has asked for the closest possible co-operation between any organisation which may later be set up and any European countries which might collaborate in developing a launcher.

The hon. Gentleman has spoken of plans for a European organisation. What about the Commonwealth? Why not also a Commonwealth space agency?

As has been made clear from the outset, we shall keep in close touch with the Commonwealth. We shall keep in particularly close touch with the Australians, who have been our partners throughout. They certainly have a direct interest.

asked the Minister of Aviation when he now expects delivery of Skybolt.

The weapon is still in the development stage, but delivery to the R.A.F. is planned for the mid-sixties.

When will the Government admit that Skybolt is a dead duck and should be scrapped forthwith? Even if the Minister has not, has the Parliamentary Secretary asked to see a copy of the Report which the President-elect of the United States, Mr. Kennedy, had from the committee of experts in which very grave doubts were expressed on whether it was worth while to pursue this development at all?

I intend to make no such admission. The project is going according to plan.

asked the Minister of Aviation whether he is aware of the concern amongst the aircraft industry in the United Kingdom at the recent loss of an important Indian contract for helicopter and heavy transport aircraft which was awarded to Russia: and, in view of the difficult situation in which the aircraft industry is placed, what assistance he is giving to it in the development and promotion of its export drive.

I am aware of concern over this matter.

It is my right hon. Friend's constant endeavour to assist the industry's export drive by all the means at his disposal.

Does my hon. Friend realise that we have lost this contract and a certain amount of good will through inefficiency and failure to seize opportunity? Will he take steps, in consultation with the industry, to see that the failure is not repeated?

All these negotiations have not yet been concluded, but I would not expect the purchase from Soviet Russia of a number of aircraft to set a pattern. I hope that we shall continue to be the main supplier of aircraft to India.

Is it not a fact that we lost this contract because we could not deliver on the date requested by the Indian Government and also because of cost?

I do not accept that. I imagine that the decision of the Indian Government was dictated by a number of factors, including, for example, the suitability of the aircraft for the particular purposes they had in mind.

asked the Minister of Aviation what progress has been made in the negotiations with Southampton Corporation regarding its re-purchase of Southampton Airport, Eastleigh; and whether he will make a statement.

The Southampton Corporation told us on 24th November that it wished to re-purchase the land it formerly owned at Eastleigh, and negotiations with the corporation are about to start.

Will my hon. Friend expedite the transfer of the airfield to any new prospective owner? In view of the importance of maintaining confidence in Southampton Airport, why did his right hon. Friend not land at Southampton on 2nd December as scheduled? What was the source of his information to the effect that the airfield was unfit, because Southampton Airport has been fit for flying on every day this year?

The last part of the hon. Gentleman's supplementary does not appear to arise out of the Answer. The first part was in order.

We shall certainly press ahead with the negotiations as quickly as possible. As for the suitability of Eastleigh, there is no doubt that it is used for scheduled services throughout the year, although it is a grass airfield. There were particular circumstances on this occasion which led the Minister's pilot to decide to land at Hum.

As a private individual is acquiring this airport, which for financial reasons the Ministry and the local authorities are not prepared to go on with, will the Parliamentary Secretary do everything he can to see that this public-spirited citizen gets all the support of his Department?

I have no knowledge of any negotiations which may subsequently take place between Southampton Corporation and anyone else interested in using the airfield.

asked the Minister of Aviation how much has been expended to date on the expansion programme at Hurn Airport; and how much more needs to be spent.

Some £42,000 has been spent already, mainly on a new fire station. Approximately £560,000 needs to be spent, mostly on a new terminal building and apron.

Will my hon. Friend consider the money yet to be spent in relation to the intention of Southampton Corporation to arrange for the airport to be continued after the Ministry has relinquished it?

I do not think that there should be any conflict of interest in regard to the development of the two airfields.

asked the Minister of Aviation when the Britannic Freighter Aircraft contract was signed; how many aircraft have been ordered; when they are likely to be in service; and what further orders are to be placed.

asked the Minister of Aviation when he expects Her Majesty's Government to agree the final details of the Britannic order; and whether he is prepared to increase the number of aircraft to be made available to Her Majesty's armed services by this order.

asked the Minister of Aviation whether the contract negotiations for the Short Britannic freighter aeroplane have yet been completed; and when he expects to announce the placing of the final order.

I have nothing to add to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Belfast, East (Mr. McMaster) on 25th October.

Is my hon. Friend aware that negotiations on the Britannic contract have been going on since at least February, 1959? Is it not time, for the sake of the Army, which badly needs transport aircraft, as well as of the company, that a decision was arrived at?

The negotiations for a fixed-price contract have necessarily been complicated, but my right hon. Friend hopes to make an announcement before the Christmas Recess. As for the work itself, an interim contract was placed and the firm is pressing ahead with the essential work.

Will my hon. Friend consider the desirability of expediting the order, so that the firm can keep to a timetable of delivery fixed almost two years ago? Will he further consider whether some of these planes should be provided to the Army so that it will be truly mobile by the mid-1960s?

We are certainly aware of the necessity of keeping to the timetable for the production of the aircraft. Further orders for the Services are matters for my right hon. Friend the Minister of Defence.

Does the hon. Gentleman recall that in his Answer on 25th October he said that negotiations were then in their final stage? Can he give some more information about this? When will there be a real sense of urgency? Is he further aware that unemployment in Northern Ireland rose by more than 5,000 between mid-October and mid-November? Does he not think that any Government which could do anything to expedite the provision of new work in the area should show a sense of urgency?

What I have tried to explain to the House is that there is no direct connection between the work being done on the plane and the settlement of the details of a very complicated contract.

Can we have an assurance that the holding up of the signing of the contract has had no effect on the work being done by the firm and is in no way delaying any further work which is in contemplation?

It is clear that the firm has been able to proceed with the essential work under the interim contract, which was signed earlier this year.

asked the Minister of Aviation what protests he has received against the proposal to introduce a new form on 1st January, 1961 requiring detailed information from arriving and departing passengers by air.

The Airline Operators' Committee has expressed its dislike of the proposal. In addition, two letters of protest have been received from individuals.

Have not the Air Corporations expressed themselves in much more forcible language than that about the introduction of this exceedingly stupid form, which may have a deterrent effect on people travelling to this country in British planes? What on earth is its use? Can the hon. Gentleman give one useful reason why we should have this form at this stage?

It has been recognised that the airline operators, including the Corporations, have objected in principle. As for the necessity of the scheme, that is not a matter for my Department. As to its value, I refer the hon. Gentleman to the Answer given by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade on 15th November.

Has the Minister protested to the Board of Trade on behalf of the aviation interests? Will my hon. Friend bear in mind that, if he tries to get the scheme through the House, he will meet a great deal of opposition, even from one or two Members on this side?

As my right hon. Friend told my hon. Friend last week, he has passed on these observations to the Board of Trade.

Will legislation be necessary before the form can be introduced?

As my right hon. Friend told the House last week, the scheme is only under consideration. As the Order in Council has not been introduced yet, objectors are still tilting at windmills.

asked the Minister of Aviation if he is satisfied with the present security arrangements at London Airport; and if he will make a statement.

asked the Minister of Aviation how many security police are employed by his Department at London Airport; and how many work in each shift.

asked the Minister of Aviation what is the number of security police in each shift at London Airport; and what is the total number employed there by his Department.

My right hon. Friend is satisfied with the security arrangements for which he is responsible, but there is, as elsewhere, a recruitment problem. The present strength of the London Airport police is 141. The number available for a shift is usually about 30.

Is the hon. Gentleman satisfied that there are sufficient security police at London Airport, bearing in mind not only the robbery which took place a week or so ago, but also the recent disturbance? Will he endeavour to strengthen the security police at London Airport, in view of the large area they cover?

There is a shortage due to recruitment difficulties. The authorised complement is 161. We are certainly anxious to secure additional recruits. I should not think that that in itself creates an insuperable difficulty as regards security.

The Parliamentary Secretary said that there were about 30 security police on duty per shift. What is the number of hours worked per shift? If it is an eight-hour shift, 30 seems to be a small number per shift, because there would be only three eight-hour shifts per 24 hours. Is too much office work and administration being done and not enough security work?

It is an eight-hour shift. The difference between the available strength and the number of men on each shift is accounted for by the fact that the police officers concerned have to have three days' rest in each fortnight. There also has to be provision for leave and and an allowance for sickness, and so on.

asked the Minister of Aviation what were the reasons for the strike by porters and members of the apron services at London Airport on Monday, 5th December; and what action has been taken as a result.

The unofficial strike at London Airport on 5th December arose from oral allegations by a baggage loader about the way he had been questioned by a detective constable followed by a demand by certain employees for the immediate suspension of the police officer. As soon as the complainant had made a written statement, an inquiry by a senior officer into the allegations was started in accordance with normal police procedure.

Does my hon. Friend not agree that this strike caused great dislocation of B.E.A. services and consequent inconvenience to many travellers from Europe? Whatever may be the rights and wrongs of the dispute—however they may be revealed at the inquiry—and whatever may be the rights of the employees, will not my hon. Friend agree that the parallel responsibilities of the employees to the public were not being observed?

Happily, the airport continued to function with the co-operation of the airlines and few, if any, aircraft were delayed. The strike was unofficial, and I agree with my hon. Friend that it is usually in everyone's interest to use the established machinery to raise and settle disputes.

asked the Minister of Aviation what action he is taking to obtain lower trans-Atlantic air fares; and if he will make a statement.

This winter trans-Atlantic fares on schedule services have been reduced to the lowest point ever by the introduction of excursion fares which are 29 per cent. below standard fares. British operators have been the first to press for fare reductions, and I am satisfied that they are doing all that is possible to maintain this trend.

Does my hon. Friend realise that, even with these reductions, in comparison with a comparable route, with the same aircraft, over a comparable distance from Boston to Los Angeles, the fares are 2¾ times less? Does not the Parliamentary Secretary realise that because of the effectiveness clause of the I.A.T.A. constitution, the Government are ultimately responsible for this pricing system, and will he do something about it?

Direct comparisons between these international routes and United States domestic routes are difficult, since international services are nesessarily more difficult to operate and because of special allowances for the crews abroad, proportionately higher overhead costs, and so forth.

asked the Minister of Aviation what progress has been made in eliminating smell and smoke from jet aircraft when taking off from London Airport.

The emission of smoke on take-off is chiefly confined to the Boeing 707 Type 120, which uses water injection. Few aircraft of this type now operate at London Airport. Smell is a more difficult problem. It is being closely studied by airport authorities throughout the world, but no practical solution has yet been found.

Will the Parliamentary Secretary bear in mind that smell and smoke constitute a real annoyance to residents around the airport, especially housewives? Will he continue, by research, to try to eliminate this nuisance altogether?

We will continue to do our best. I think we are dealing with smoke by the progressive elimination of the particular aircraft concerned. As far as smell is concerned, what we need is a sort of "Air Wick", but it has been difficult to devise this.

asked the Minister of Aviation what was the estimated cost of a supersonic aircraft for military and civil use, respectively, in 1957; and what are the estimated costs at the present time.

In 1957 the estimated cost of developing a projected supersonic bomber was about £70 million. No estimate was given at that time of the cost of a supersonic airliner and it is still too early to make a reliable estimate.

In view of the suggestion made in various quarters, in this House and elsewhere, that this project should be proceeded with, can the Parliamentary Secretary say where the Government will get the money from? Is there any truth in the reports that there is in contemplation now a joint arrangement with the United States on this project?

One of the objects of the design study which has been set in hand is to consider the feasibility of this project and to get some idea of its cost. It is certainly possible that there may be international co-operation on a project of this kind.

Can the hon. Gentleman reply to the second part of my right hon. Friend's Question and say what are the estimated costs today?

It would be premature to estimate the full cost of development until we have had the advantage of the design study. Work on that is expected to take about a year. The cost, as has been announced, is about £350,000.

asked the Minister of Aviation when he will complete his plans for the development of a supersonic airliner.

I have nothing to add to the reply given to the hon. Member on 28th November, 1960.

Does the hon. Gentleman recollect that a few moments ago he said that a design study was under way? Will that study not depend on the speed at which we want this aircraft to fly? Is it not the case that the metal of the airframe will depend on the speed we have in mind, and can he say what conclusions his right hon. Friend has reached on these two matters?

The purpose of the design study is to determine just that sort of question.

May I ask a further question on this important matter? We have been told that co-operation has been sought with the United States in the development of this aircraft. According to the Press today, three major aviation agencies in the United States are contemplating agreeing on the development of a Mach 3 supersonic airliner. In view of the fact that the idea here appears to be a Mach 2, can the hon. Gentleman tell us how co-operation between this country and United States authorities on the development of this aircraft is feasible, or what the Government have in mind about it?

I have seen Press reports, but I do not think any of them need divert us from considering our own project. Of course, international co-operation depends on agreement on a particular type of aircraft to be produced. So far as the Mach 2·2 is concerned—that is, a speed of about 1,500 miles an hour—we can still use the light alloy, and many people believe that is a more feasible proposition and that it can be developed more quickly. For the Mach 3—that is, a 2,000 miles per hour plane—we need something in the nature of all-steel construction. We will be considering these matters very carefully in the design study, and they also will be considered during the consultations which will take place with the United States.

asked the Minister of Aviation when he expects to announce a decision on the application by Overseas Aviation Limited for internal route rights from Prestwick Airport.

My right hon. Friend is considering the advice of the Air Transport Advisory Council upon this application and hopes to announce his decision shortly.

Could the Parliamentary Secretary indicate whether it is to be announced this week; if not, when will it be announced? The hon. Gentleman will be aware of the interest and concern of the Ayr County Council, with a population of 320,000 people and without feeder services. Over and above that, there is the whole potential of south-west Scotland, which is quite untapped so far as internal air services are concerned.

I hope a decision will be announced within the next fortnight. I am aware of the support that exists for the increased internal services from Prestwick.

asked the Minister of Aviation in what circumstances a jet aircraft intended for London Airport landed at Northolt on 25th October.

The Boeing 707 was making a radar-sequenced approach to London Airport in conditions of good visibility for a landing. Eleven miles from the airport the pilot reported to the Radar Director that he had the runway in sight and was cleared to make a visual approach. This is the usual practice. The pilot apparently made a mistake in identifying his aerodrome and landed at Northolt.

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that everyone is glad that no harm resulted from this incident, but there is considerable perturbation among not only residents but the local authorities that such an accident should take place? Is it a fact that on this occasion the pilot mistook one of the numerous gasholders, and, if that is so, is it not time that these arrangements were revised so that a tragic event does not occur at some time?

I think it will be found that this was quite an exceptional case, but as an experiment it has been decided that in future radar will give guidance to aircraft to a point nearer the airport.

asked the Minister of Aviation what action is being taken to expand aircraft production in Northern Ireland.

I understand that on the basis of contracts already placed or to be placed, Short Brothers and Harland Ltd. hope to maintain approximately their present level of employment for some time. Any expansion must depend on the future demand for the aircraft which they produce.

Is the hon. Gentleman not aware that there is great anxiety in Northern Ireland where unemployment is growing and has reached almost 8 per cent.? Is he doing anything through his Department to increase the production of aircraft in what are exceptionally good circumstances in that part of the United Kingdom?

The Government are well aware of the general problem of employment in Northern Ireland. There are, indeed, some questions down to my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary later in the week. As to the expansion of aircraft production, we have in hand the order for the Britannic.

asked the Minister of Health whether, when giving his approval to schemes submitted to him under Section 28 of the National Health Service Act, 1946, by local authorities for chiropody services in their areas, he will make it a condition of his approval that existing chiropodists' private surgeries shall not be excluded from such schemes, in so far as these relate to service to persons over 65 years of age and to expectant mothers, both of which services are free.

No, Sir; but most of the schemes approved provide for using the services of chiropodists in their own surgeries. There is power to charge in all cases.

Does my hon. Friend agree that the present system is inconvenient to beneficiaries who are not allowed free choice of practitioner and unjust to chiropodists who have to pay rates to the very authorities which are competing with them?

No, Sir, because there is still free choice for the patient and since, in the case of clinics provided by the local authorities, the local authorities meet the cost of the services, I think it right that they should have discretion in how they provide the services.

But is my hon. Friend aware that some local authorities base their chiropody services on their clinics to the exclusion of private practice and voluntary services, which is a cause of considerable concern to the Institute of Chiropodists? Will she consider issuing model schemes for the use of local authorities?

As I explained, it is for the local authorities to decide how they will operate the services. There is nothing to prevent their using chiropodists in their own clinics as distinct from using the chiropodists' own premises.

Does the hon. Lady agree that it is in the interests not only of this category of patients but in the interests of the Exchequer that this work should be conducted in the way that her Department thinks best?

I think it is appropriate that local authorities should decide how to look after the cases we have indicated as being in the priority classes, because they know the priorities—expectant mothers and old people.

asked the Minister of Health what steps he has taken to ensure that all aircraft are properly disinfected and cleared of flies and other insects before or on arrival at United Kingdom airports.

All civil aircraft coming from countries outside Western European Union and the Republic of Ireland must declare on landing when and where they were last disinfected and cleared of insects. The health authority then decides what further action to require on grounds of health.

Can the hon. Lady give a categorical assurance that the World Health Organisation recommendations about aircraft disinfestation are being rigidly applied at all British airports? Further, is she satisfied with the procedure laid down by the W.H.O., and are we in fact taking advantage of the most up-to-date and effective insecticides which are available for this work?

Past experience has shown that the risk of introducing infectious diseases into this country by aircraft is very small. If the House will forgive this rather long answer, I will explain the position. Disinfecting or disinsecting on arrival in the United Kingdom is not normally necessary since in some circumstances, for example, in the case of yellow fever infected areas, the international sanitary regulations require, among other sanitary measures, the disinfection or disinsecting of the aircraft before departure, and in any case no vector-borne quarantinable disease exists in this country and public health measures would prevent its spread were it introduced.

asked the Minister of Health what consideration has been given by his Department to the dangers which arise from the wide disparity in the size of teaspoons which are used for taking medicines, especially by children; and what advice and guidance is given to the public in this respect.

My right hon. Friend is not aware of any need for him to give advice and guidance to the public in this respect.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a wide disparity in the size of teaspoons and the way they are used? While the National Health Service provides so much medicine, is it not important that there should be some standardisation in this respect? Is it not a fact that certain people can have four, five or six times the quantity taken by others? May this not be harmful in some cases and, in others, where antibiotics are used, if too little is taken, is not the result of little value? Should not something be done about it now?

I am sure that my right hon. Friend is aware that there is a wide variety in teaspoons, but there is a wide margin of safety between the therapeutic dose and the dangerous dose, even for children. It is, I think, for parents to take the necessary steps not to exceed this.

asked the Minister of Health, in view of the increasing practice of local authorities demanding payment for the provision of home helps to those in receipt of National Assistance, what progress has been made in discussions with associations representing local health authorities to stop this practice; and what action he has taken to assist such people meanwhile.

The Association of Municipal Corporations has now advised its members that it considers this practice unjustifiable; discussions with the County Councils Association are continuing. Meanwhile I understand that the National Assistance Board's officers use their discretionary powers where necessary to ensure that the payment of such a charge does not leave a recipient of assistance with less income than the National Assistance standard.

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that I congratulate her on that type of reply and I hope that some satisfaction will be reached before very long with the associations?

asked the Minister of Health if he accepts the recommendation contained in paragraph 117 of the Younghusband Report concerning financial assistance from central government funds for the training of social workers; and when he intends to introduce the necessary legislation.

I consider that the present arrangements for financial assistance to trainees should be given a fair trial before further steps are contemplated.

Is not the Minister aware that the Younghusband Working Party, which gave a good deal of thought to this mater, came to the exactly opposite conclusion and thought that the present arrangements would not be suitable for the expansion of training? Will he not give this matter further thought before reaching a final decision?

Yes. This is not a final decision. I am sure that at present the number of trainees is not limited by the absence of any Exchequer grant, and so it seems reasonable to see how the present arrangements work.

asked the Minister of Health what steps he is taking to increase the number of psychiatric social workers in the National Health Service.

Facilities for training have been provided at two further universities this year, but availability of experienced supervision remains the limiting factor and this can only improve gradually.

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that that is a most unsatisfactory reply? Is she not further aware of the desperately serious shortage in so many areas, which calls for the most urgent and drastic steps in schools and universities to recruit more people, and for the greatest effort on the part of those who are qualified to give the training?

There is no shortage of applicants. As I indicated in my Answer, part of the training is actual case work—practical work—and that needs an already qualified psychiatric social worker in order to undertake the training of recruits to the service, but steps have been taken to improve the position.

asked the Minister of Health what steps he is taking to alleviate the shortage of radiographers in the National Health Service.

Steps taken include the extension of training facilities and the payment of training grants. The number of radiographers in training increased by one-third in the last two years.

Would not the hon. Lady agree that there is a very real shortage of radiographers in the National Health Service? Is it not due to low rates of pay and poor financial prospects in the National Health Service, which means that many men radiographers, in particular, are being attracted into industry? Although this is a matter for the Whitley Council, will not the Ministry state publicly that something ought to be done about these low salaries?

There is a shortage, again in part due to the competing claims for the services of girls, and this is mainly a women's profession. The Staff Side of the Whitley Council has just put in another application for an increase—the last was in February, 1959—and it is to be considered by the Whitley Council.

What is the starting salary of a radiographer?

I have not got that information, but if the right hon. Lady will put down a Question I will look into it.

asked the Minister of Health if he will consider extending the development unit to include a section to advise family doctors on design and building costs of surgeries and on organisation and methods in general practice.

I have had no request on these lines from the profession, but my Department's help and advice is available. The Group Practice Loans Fund Committee advise on the design of group practice premises.

Cannot the Minister take the initiative in this matter without waiting for the profession to make a request? Is he aware that if he could increase the amount of service given by family doctors it would save a considerable amount of expenditure caused by unnecessary hospitalisation, and that it would be possible to do just that along the lines suggested in the Question?

The profession is not unaware of the problem, but I would rather that the initiative in this matter came from it.

asked the Minister of Health what steps he is taking to counteract the increased incidence of venereal disease amongst young people.

Local health authorities, hospitals and general practitioners were reminded last year of their responsibility to co-operate in efforts to reduce the incidence of venereal disease generally, but I am not satisfied that we yet under stand sufficiently the significance or causes of the increase amongst young people, and I am considering how these can best be investigated.

While thanking my right hon. Friend for his reply, may I ask him if he does not agree that this is an extremely serious problem owing to the new drug-resistant strains of infection that are about, and, while moral objurgations in these days are unfortunately rather discounted, does he not consider it within his scope at least to emphasise the virtues of personal cleanliness, which have lapsed in so many instances at the same time as other virtues?

I am not sure that moral objurgations come within the scope of my Department, but I am sure that all those concerned understand the importance of emphasising the right rules upon all those with whom they come in contact.

What form does this propaganda take? The right hon. Gentleman will recollect that the public health propaganda on the subject of venereal disease was obvious to the ordinary citizen. Now, I could not say, and the ordinary person could not say, where these people can see the notices about clinics. Can he tell the House what is being done and why this has been relaxed prematurely?

I am not aware that there has been any relaxation of this publicity. Indeed, only this year my Department has informed local health authorities, which are the primary authorities, of further propaganda material which has been made available for their use.

asked the Minister of Health what changes he intends to make in the voluntary price regulation scheme for drugs following his review of the scheme.

This matter is still under consideration.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, in the light of the very sharp criticisms of the scheme by the Public Accounts Committee and the excessive profits of some drug manufacturers, we look forward to substantial changes in the scheme? Is he able to tell the House when he is likely to make an announcement on this matter?

Not yet, Sir.

asked the Minister of Health what recent reports he has received in respect of the increase in rheumatism, arthritis, and similar complaints; and to what extent new treatments of this class of disease are ensuring definite alleviation or cure.

I have received no evidence of increase in these diseases, though the rising average age of the population might justify a presumption. I am informed that no outstanding new treatment has become available during the last few years.

Is not the Minister aware that in some parts of the country at least rheumatism and similar diseases seem to be on the increase and that certain methods have been applied which seem to be effective in some areas but not in others? Could not the right hon. Gentleman make available to all doctors and hospitals information about these methods of treatment which seem to be effective, so that they shall know of them even if they do not apply them?

I am not clear to which areas or methods the hon. Gentleman is referring, but if he will communicate with me I will look into the matter.

asked the Minister of Health how often he requires local medical committees to undertake a periodical review of assistantships in general practice; what are the dates on which such reviews have been undertaken by the Middlesex local medical committee; and if he will make a statement.

Normally every two years; a committee of the Middlesex Executive Council, which includes members of the Local Medical Committee, reviewed consents in October, 1957, June, 1959, and October, 1960.

While welcoming the diligence of the Middlesex Committee, may I ask the Minister whether he is aware that the abuse of the system of assistant ships is the nearest thing to slave labour? Will he tighten up the general machinery for review?

As I have said, I consider that executive councils ought to carry out a review at least every two years.

asked the Minister of Health why there has been a lengthy delay in approving the High Wycombe War Memorial Hospital Scheme.

The regional hospital board was authorised on 10th November to prepare working drawings and bills of quantities for the first phase. I am considering measures to accelerate the approval of hospital schemes.

I am very glad to hear that my right hon. Friend is considering methods of accelerating these hospital schemes. Does he realise that people in High Wycombe have been waiting an interminable time for this hospital extension and present conditions in the hospital throw an intolerable strain on the loyalty of the staff? I hope that the project will be speeded up very rapidly indeed.

asked the Minister of Health what progress has been made by the ad hoc committee established by the Newcastle Regional Hospital Board to complete the originally planned 250 beds and other facilities required for the full development of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital at Gateshead.

None, Sir; the Board is reviewing hospital requirements and provision on a wider basis.

The ad hoc committee was set up some time ago. I agree that there has been some alteration in respect of beds, but does the Minister realise that facilities for out-patients need examination and that there is quite a serious situation there in that respect? I should be very grateful if he would look at the matter.

Yes, but I think that such a matter can properly be examined only in a context wider than that of a single hospital.

asked the Minister of Health what hospital accommodation and facilities were available to the citizens of Gateshead immediately prior to the appointed day of the National Health Service; what were the population figures on that day; and if he will list the hospital accommodation and facilities now available, together with the figures of population served by the Gateshead and District Hospital Management Committee.

As the Answer includes a number of figures, I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

I am sure that the right hon. Gentleman has examined the figures. Will he agree that the population has gone up by about 100 per cent. since the previous Administration and that the number of beds under the new Administration has increased by less than 50 per cent., and out-patient consultations have risen from 30,000 to 153,000? Do not these figures indicate a need for an extensive increase in the facilities at the disposal of the Gateshead and District Hospital Management Committee?

When the hon. Gentleman looks at my reply, he will see that the percentages are substantially different from those he mentioned. The most striking figure is the increase in the number of doctors and nurses, which has enabled much more effective use to be made of a given number of beds.

In view of the urgent needs of the North-East Coast in hospital services, may we look forward to a visit from my right hon. Friend at a fairly early date?

Yes, Sir; I should like to accede to my hon. Friend's request. I look forward to being in the Newcastle region next Easter and seeing for myself all branches of the National Health Service there.

asked the Minister of Health what plans he has for the future of Western Hospital, Seagrave Road, S.W.6.

There are no proposals at present before me.

Does that mean that it is intended, as originally proposed, to go on with the provision of beds for elderly people at this hospital? Also, is it the fact that, in the middle of October, the regional hospital board was told to suspend work on the plans for Western Hospital and the order was countermanded shortly afterwards?

The answer to the first part of the hon. Gentleman's supplementary question is that that is the present intention. However, it is necessary that all the post-graduate provision for London should be considered as a whole, and work on that is in progress.

In view of the somewhat persistent rumours which have been flying around, will the right hon. Gentleman at least give an assurance that when this site is developed it will be developed by his Department, through the hospital authorities, and not on his behalf by a private developer?

I am not aware of any arrangements under which I could act in accordance with the second part of the hon. Gentleman's supplementary question.

asked the Minister of Health how many additional therapeutic dieticians have been recruited to the hospital service this year, and how many vacancies still exist.

Recruitment figures are collected at the end of the year and are not yet available for 1960.

Does not the Parliamentary Secretary realise that the recent circular about therapeutic dieticians merely pasted over the cracks and that what is really needed is an increase in salaries for these officers and recruitment within the service? Will she consult her right hon. Friend the Minister of Education so as to have recruitment over a longer period to make up the deficiency?

Part of the problem here arises because there are so many opportunities available to intelligent girls with a scientific bent; in fact, salary increases were granted last October, and quite generous ones, ranging from 10 to nearly 20 per cent. The circular to which the hon. Member refers made recommendations about the better use of trained dieticians, as well as of new recruits for the service.

Can the hon. Lady tell the House what is the starting salary of a therapeutic dietician?

The starting salary is £550 a year for the new recruit.

No wonder the hon. Lady cannot get them.

asked the Minister of Health what is the amount of under-spending he anticipates in the capital programme of the hospital authorities this financial year.

Returns earlier in the year showed some under-spending, but hospital boards were authorised to undertake additional works. I cannot anticipate the final outturn.

Is it not rather deplorable that when the Government set out at last to improve the hospital service and increase the amount of hospital building they should, almost before it starts, be caught by under-spending?

I am anxious to spend, if possible, every penny of my capital estimate, and I have, for example, in the Newcastle region authorised a further £500,000 of capital work.

asked the Minister of Health if, in order to equalise the period of waiting for admittance to certain hospitals, he will now consider withdrawing the privilege that patients who consult doctors privately have in being passed to the National Health Service for investigation and treatment.

No, Sir; but if the hon. Member has evidence that a private consultation has secured earlier admission regardless of the relative urgency of the case, I shall be glad to look into it.

I am sure the right hon. Gentleman is well aware of the difficulty of producing this type of evidence. There is widespread evidence in my area that certain people, after private consultations with specialists, have been admitted to hospital earlier than they were told admission would be available to them under the National Health Service. In my area, there is the opinion that there are two classes of patients—those who can afford to pay the entrance fee to hospital and those who have to wait. Is this a satisfactory state of affairs?

If the hon. Member will give me any opportunity of examining the basis of that opinion, I will gladly do so.

I will.

asked the Minister of Health how many patients were admitted to Doncaster Royal Infirmary, following private consultations with specialists on the hospital staff; what was the nature of the treatment received; and what length of time elapsed between the consultation and their admittance to hospital.

Patients who have had private consultations are not distinguished from others in the records of admissions or on the waiting lists.

Would not the right hon. Gentleman agree that, if records of this kind were kept, they would provide him with the information which he has just asked me to provide?

I think it most undesirable that such records should be kept, because, in fact, there should be no distinction in this respect between those on the waiting list.

asked the Minister of Health what changes he is contemplating in the administration of Roehampton Hospital; and if he will make a statement.

With your permission, Mr. Speaker, and that of the House, I should like to answer this Question at the end of Question Time.

asked the Minister of Health (1) what will be the extent of the projected alteration to the present Royal Naval Hospital, Chatham, when it comes under his control; and what will be the estimated cost thereof;

(2) how many beds will be available at the present Royal Naval Hospital when it is fully equipped by the regional hospital board.

The regional hospital board's proposals are for an acute hospital of 550 to 600 beds. Major works will be needed, but it is too soon to estimate the total cost.

I thank my hon. Friend for that information. If this hospital is to be used for elderly people, will she bear in mind that there are at the moment very extensive grounds which could be important in making for the comfort and happiness of them? Will she consult her right hon. Friend to ensure that, as far as possible, these facilities remain in the hospital after it has been converted?

I understand that the main need of the Medway towns is acute beds, and that is what the regional board is-considering. Most certainly the board will take note of what my hon. Friend has said this afternoon.

Will my hon. Friend bear in mind that the future of this hospital affects an area outside the Medway towns and that there is an acute shortage of hospital beds in North-West Kent? Can she say when this hospital will come into full operation under the Health Service?

The regional board hopes to bring 100 beds into use in about two years' time.

asked the Minister of Health, as representing the Minister for Science, to what extent an increase in the presence of strontium and leukaemia has been detected in infants, children, young people, and adults, respectively, during the past two years.

The average levels of strontium 90 measured in bone during 1959 as a whole show some increase on those recorded during 1958 for still-born infants, children and young people, but there was relatively little change from the first to the second half of 1959. As the answer to the Question as regards leukaemia contains a number of figures I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Is it not true that the figures for leukaemia show a serious increase? In view of what the right hon. Gentleman has said about strontium, may I ask him whether he is taking any steps to deal with this matter and to acquire all the necessary information so that the public may know the position?

The figures for leukaemia, unfortunately, have been on the increase for the past 30 or 40 years. There is no clear reason for connecting the two matters to which this Question refers. I am not aware that the arrangements for obtaining information on the first matter are defective.

When the Minister replies to my hon. Friend, will he give, if possible, figures for each region covered by his Administration?

I will see if that can be done.

asked the Lord Privy Seal what is the policy of Her Majesty's Government with regard to the proposal submitted to the United Nations by Pakistan that there should be a full scale inquiry into the economic and social consequences of disarmament.

The main lines of the Pakistani resolution were acceptable to Her Majesty's Government. But when it came up in the Economic Committee of the General Assembly, an amendment was introduced by the Lebanese representative which in our view tended to spoil the effect of the Pakistani proposal. In these circumstances the United Kingdom representative abstained from voting.