asked the Minister of Works to state the nature of the work proposed to be done at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden next year, and the estimated cost of the work; and whether the whole cost will be borne by his Department.

The nature of the work recommended by my Department to be carried out by the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, next year is repair and maintenance. The estimated cost is £14,000, none of which will be borne by my Department.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs if he will now give an estimate of the total cost of the autumn floods; and what proportions of this cost were borne by Her Majesty's Government, by local authorities, by river boards, by private charity, and otherwise.

In general I would refer the hon. Member to what I said in the debate on Thursday last.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs what proposals he has for amending Section 76 of the Local Government Act, 1933, in order to ensure that the maximum penalty therein provided shall bear a realistic relationship to the financial advantages currently capable of accruing from the grant of planning permission as well as from contracts with local authorities.

Up to the present I have seen no evidence to suggest that the maximum penalty provided under the 1933 Act is inadequate.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs what official report he has received on the working of the new plant at a factory in Staffordshire, referred to in his letter to the hon. Member for Kingston-upon-Hull, North, dated 18th May, 1960; and what conclusions he has drawn as to the effectiveness of such type of plant in reducing air pollution in the Hull area.

The performance of the new waste gas plant at the Staffordshire works is being improved, but it is not yet operating to the Chief Alkali Inspector's satisfaction. It is therefore too early to judge how effective it might be if installed at works in Hull.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs if he is aware of the number of streets in built-up areas which have been neither drained nor made up; if he will take powers to direct local authorities to make up such streets; and if he will make grants for this purpose.

This exact information is not available but a recent survey gave the total number of private streets as about 54,000. Private street works have in the past been limited by capital investment restrictions, but much more is now being done and my right hon. Friend sees no need for a power of direction in this very local matter. The answer to the last part of the Question is "No".

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs what progress he has made in his study of bad conditions in multi-occupied houses; and when he intends to introduce legislation on this subject.

I have reached the conclusion that the existing powers of local authorities in this matter need to be strengthened. I am now considering what would be the most effective means for the purpose.

asked the Prime Minister when he intends to invite the representatives of employers and trades unions to consider afresh with Her Majesty's Government the human and industrial problems that the next five years will bring.

We are already taking action to consider these problems with representatives of employers and trade unions. My right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour is discussing a number of them with representatives of the British Employers' Confederation, the Trades Union Congress and the nationalised industries on his National Joint Advisory Council. In addition, at his suggestion, representatives of the British Employers' Confederation and the Trades Union Congress are having informal discussions on the problem of strikes.

asked the Prime Minister whether now that Dr. Adenauer has returned to his duties after his recent illness, he will seek a meeting with him to discuss problems confronting Germany and Great Britain.

As I have already told the House, we very much hope that it may be possible to arrange another visit by Dr. Adenauer to this country in the new year. We are, of course, in touch with the Federal Government, but no date has yet been arranged.

asked the Prime Minister to what extent the heads of Governments of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation Powers are consulted about the appointment of high-ranking officers at North Atlantic Treaty Organisation headquarters.

The appointment of Supreme Allied Commanders requires the approval of the Governments represented on the North Atlantic Council. Appointments of major N.A.T.O. Commanders are made by the Supreme Allied Commanders in consultation with the Governments concerned.

asked the Prime Minister what protests he has received about the appointment of General Heusinger to a senior appointment, necessitating control over British troops, on the ground that he served under Hitler; and what action Her Majesty's Government have taken, or intend to take, to oppose his appointment.

The hon. Member is under a misapprehension. As Chairman of the N.A.T.O. Military Committee in Permanent Session, General Heusinger has no control over British troops. His appointment to this post was unanimous and Her Majesty's Government would not wish to challenge it.I have received one letter which referred to this among other matters.

asked the Prime Minister whether, before taking any decision on the international and defence aspects of the reorganisation of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, he will personally consult with the American President on the desirability of avoiding an increase in tension between the Soviet and Western blocs.

It is naturally our policy to avoid increasing tension. I do not believe that the studies which it is now proposed to make in the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation info the whole efficacy and quality of the N.A.T.O. deterrent forces will have this effect. There is no question of immediate decisions.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will give an assurance that he will not come to a decision on the reorganisation of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, which concerns Her Majesty's Government's foreign and defence policy, until the House of Commons has expressed its views.

As I have told the right hon. Gentleman in another Answer today, there is no question of immediate decisions in this matter.

asked the Prime Minister whether, when he meets the President-elect of the United States of America, he will include in their discussions the subject of joint control over the use of all strategic nuclear weapons in the possession of either country.

As I said in my reply on 15th November to a Question by the hon. Members for Dunfermline Burghs (Dr. A. Thompson) and Barking (Mr. Driberg), if and when a meeting is arranged, I look forward to discussing with the President-elect all the various international problems which confront us.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether consideration has been given to altering the system of land tenure in Nyasaland with a view to preventing the fragmentation of land, which is inimical to good husbandry and efficient farming.

The need to which the hon. Member has drawn attention is, of course, well understood. The question of land reform has been under consideration with the Governor for some time and my right hon. Friend hopes that the new Legislative Council may give early attention to this important matter.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware of the growing concern of liberally-minded Africans and Europeans in Nyasaland at the widespread methods of intimidation employed by the Malawi Party; and, since these are inconsistent with ordered government, the preservation of law and order, and the protection of minorities, if he will now issue fresh instructions to ensure that the progress of Nyasaland towards independence is no longer prejudiced in these ways.

My right hon. Friend is satisfied that the Government of Nyasaland are taking all possible measures to maintain law and order and to discourage intimidation.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps he is taking, in view of renewed Malawi intimidation of Africans in Nyasaland, to reinforce the police in the territory.

The reinforcement of police in Nyasaland is proceeding under the approved programme for the expansion of the force by an additional 40 gazetted officers, 62 inspectors and 1,037 other ranks over the establishment at 31st March, 1959, of 54 gazetted officers, 103 inspectors and 1,609 other ranks. Her Majesty's Government are providing financial assistance towards this programme, and 39 officers were seconded from the United Kingdom in August this year to fill vacancies temporarily while normal recruitment was being carried out.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make provision for recent copies of Malawi and other African nationalist or party newspapers or leaflets to be placed in the Library from time to time.

No. I do not think it falls to me to provide copies of non-Government publications in this way.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies when he expects to complete registration of voters in Nyasaland; what is his estimate of the number of voters qualified under the franchises regulations; and when the elections will take place.

This is a considerable task in a country where there is no previous experience, but the registration of the approximately 100,000 voters whom I estimate will be qualified should be completed by early March. I hope that this will make it possible for elections to be held about the end of May. The fulfilment of this time-table depends upon the co-operation of all concerned.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that conflicting interpretations are being put on the various proposals of the Kenya Government for supporting land and property values and guaranteeing land titles, and on its attitude to related proposals made by the new Kenya Party and the Kenya Coalition in their election manifestos; and, in view of the importance of these questions to all in Kenya and the present anxieties there, if he will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT a detailed restatement of all official schemes directed towards these ends, foreshadow any further measures, and thus avoid further misunderstandings.

My right hon. Friend will, with permission, make a statement on land titles in Kenya at the end of Question Time today. On the other points, my right hon. Friend will shortly receive from the Governor of Kenya a detailed and up-to-date report and will communicate with the hon. Member.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies to state each of the administrative posts of the Kenya Government above district officer level and over, and the number of Africans currently holding such positions and training for them, respectively.

There are 313 posts in the Kenya Government Administration of district officer level and above. Eight are filled by Africans and 56 Africans are in training for them as district assistants in the field. With permission, I will circulate the detailed analysis of these figures in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he can now state the date on which the report of the Blood Commission on Malta will be submitted to the House.

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply of my right hon. Friend on 15th December to the hon. Member for Eton and Slough (Mr. Brockway).

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies, in view of the fact that the Blood Commission were not empowered to deal with the question of self government for Malta, and in view of increasing tension in the island, if he will now consult with the representatives of the Maltese Labour Party to ascertain their views on this subject.

No. Our immediate task is to consider the Commission's recommendations, and this, as my right hon. Friend has assured the House, is being done urgently.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies, if he can now state what steps Her Majesty's Government have taken to ensure that the implications of the choices of the plebiscite in the South Cameroons have been made clear to the voters; what information he has requested for this purpose from the Government of the Kamerun Republic, similar to that provided by the Government of the Nigerian Federation, regarding the terms on which the South Cameroons would be accepted as a self-governing region within the Republic; and what details regarding the proposed functions of the executive, legislature and judiciary have been provided by the Kamerun Republic.

The implications of the Southern Cameroons joining Nigeria were in essence made clear by the talks in London in May of this year with Nigerian Governments. We have also kept in touch with the progress of talks between the Premier of the Southern Cameroons and the President of the Cameroun Republic. We are now engaged in drawing up statements, for clearance with the Governments of Nigeria and the Camer-oun Republic which will give as much information as possible including the details referred to in the Question.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how much money is paid out weekly to the destitute, elderly, sick, and unemployed in St. Helena.

, pursuant to his reply [OFFICIAL REPORT, 8th December, 1960; Vol. 631, c. 159], supplied the following information:The average weekly rate of poor relief is 10s. 3d. per head, and of unemployment pay £1 5s. 7d. Total expenditure weekly is £50 on poor relief and £170 on unemployment pay.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies to make a further statement about the references to the case of the Bahraini prisoners, now detained in St. Helena, that appeared in the Official Gazette of St. Helena.

The St. Helena Gazette issued on 22nd December, 1956, did two things. First, it published the text of the Prisoners Removal (Bahrain and St. Helena) Order in Council. Secondly, it added a note of explanation solely to inform public opinion as to the possible scope of the Order.The terms of this note were ambiguous and have been taken to imply that the prisoners had already been convicted. This was not in fact the case.But this explanation of general purport was concerned not with the issue of guilt of which the Governor was naturally unaware but with informing the islanders that a number of detainees not exceeding five might be arriving in their country.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will now make a statement on the loss of life and personal injury, and loss of and injury to livestock, and other material damage, in Aberdeen and district caused by the recent heavy storms there.

I regret that as a result of the storms in the Aberdeen area last month one man was drowned and one other person was injured.My information is that there was some slight damage to roads and telephone communications, and that, while there were some cases of losses of crops, no cases of loss of livestock were reported, and the damage to agricultural land and fixed equipment was not serious.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of hospitals in each regional hospital board area, and the number of joint consultative staff committees which were functioning in the respective board areas at the latest convenient date.

Following is the information:

Region	Number of hospitals	Number of committees	Number of hospitals covered by committees
North	26	2	2
North-East	57	14	19
East	40	14	15
South-East	83	24	30
West	180	55	61

As the table shows, some committees cover more than one hospital. In hospitals not covered by committees, many of which are small hospitals consultation is carried out informally.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he is taking to draw to the attention of education authorities the advantages of appointing teachers in their employment to the education committee.

The law does not allow the appointment of teachers to the education committee of the authority that employs them.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will make special arrangements for Scottish farmers to deal with their sugar beet crop so that it will not be wasted as a result of bad weather during this campaign season.

My information as to the progress of harvesting does not, at present, suggest any need for special arrangements.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland why he has refused to grant a permit for the extension of premises by the National Fish Curing Company Limited, of Poynernook Road and North Esplanade, East Aberdeen, in view of his repeated promises to assist in the extension of the trade, industry, and employment of Aberdeen.

I have not refused any permit for this firm and I have no knowledge of any difficulties impeding the extension of its premises in Aberdeen.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland why no attempt was made to draw an anti-bacterial and anti-septic line from the Solway to the Tweed to prevent the transport of animals from the south in order to stop the extension of the present outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease to Scotland.

I would refer the hon. Member to the Answer I gave to my hon. Friend, the Member for Aberdeen, West (Mr. Hendry) on 22nd November.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he proposes to implement the recommendations of the Anderson Report on student grants.

I would refer the hon. Member to the Answer given yesterday to a Question by my hon. Friend the Member for South Angus (Sir J. Duncan).

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is satisfied that all nurses in hospitals are receiving adequate training; what proportion of entrants normally complete their training; and whether the rate of loss of married personnel is increasing.

The training of nurses is supervised by the General Nursing Council for Scotland, which has not called my attention to any failure by hospitals to maintain adequate standards. The available information suggests that about one-third of student nurses do not complete training. There are no separate figures on which the rate of loss of married personnel could be calculated.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether the proportion of fully-trained nurses is increasing or decreasing; whether there are enough fully trained nurses to fill posts of responsibility; and to what extent there has been a dilution of nursing standards by the employment of nurses not fully trained.

While the total number of fully-trained nurses in Scottish hospitals increased from 10,914 to 11,725 in the last three years, the proportion of total nursing staff this represents has fallen from 41·8 per cent. to 40·6 per cent. There is no general difficulty in filling posts of responsibility. As nursing auxiliaries do only those simpler forms of nursing work which do not require full training, there has been no dilution of nursing standards.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) the number of children attending the school at Tolsta, Isle of Lewis, in 1920, 1930, 1939, 1950, and 1959, respectively;(2) the number of children attending the school at Bernera, Isle of Lewis, in 1920, 1930, 1939, 1950, and 1959, respectively;(3) the number of children attending the school at Carloway, Isle of Lewis, in the years 1920, 1930, 1950, and 1959, respectively;(4) the number of children attending the school at Balallan, Isle of Lewis, in the years 1920, 1930, 1939, 1950, and 1959, respectively;(5) the number of children attending the school at Shawbost in the years 1920, 1930, 1939, 1950, and 1959, respectively.

The following table gives the numbers asked for:

School	Average numbers of pupils on the registers in
	1920	1930	1939	1950	1959
Tolsta	234	185	185	165	145
Bernera	96	92	90	43	45
Carloway	173	97	108	63	64
Balallan	99	67	36	42	45
Shawbost	226	150	124	181	137

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) the population of Eriskay in 1930, 1939, 1951, and 1959, respectively;(2) the population in the island of Scarp, Harris, in 1930, 1939, 1951, and 1959 respectively;(3) the population of the Isle of Scalpay, Harris, in 1930, 1939, 1951, and 1959, respectively;(4) the population in the Isle of Bernera, Lewis, in 1930, 1939, 1951, and 1959, respectively;(5) the population of the Isle of Berneray, Harris, in 1930, 1939, 1951, and 1959 respectively;(6) the population of the Isle of Vatersay in the years 1930, 1939, 1951, and 1959, respectively;(7) the average loss of population, stated as a percentage, of the islands of Eriskay, Scarp, Scalpay, Bernera (Lewis), Vatersay, and Berneray (Harris), between 1930 and 1959, and the total loss for all those islands in the same period.

Figures are available only for the census years 1931 and 1951, and are as follows:

Island	Population
	1931	1951
Eriskay	420	330
Scarp (Harris)	95	74
Scalpay (Harris)	636	541
Bernera (Lewis)	514	384
Berneray (Harris)	331	246
Vatersay	240	151

The population of the six islands was 2,236 in 1931, and fell by 510 to 1,726 in 1951. The average loss of population over this period was 23 per cent.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of children of school age in

School			Average numbers of pupils on the registers in sessions
			1919–20	1929–30	1938–39	1950–51	1958–59
Amhuinnsuidh	…	…	—	6	11	8	9
Ardvourlie	…	…	—	12	18	7	11
Bernera	…	…	98	40	55	35	30
Bunavoneddar	…	…	—	18	21	23	19
Cliasmol	…	…	—	11	7	11	3
Drinishader	…	…	49	45	46	31	26
Eilean Anabuich	…	…	—	8	12	4	—
Finsbay	…	…	58	39	24	32	24
Kyles Scalpay	…	…	68	49	43	22	6
Kyles Stockinish	…	…	125	78	50	34	28
Leverhulme Memorial	…	…	—	80	83	65	80
Luskentyre	…	…	—	—	—	13	7
Manish	…	…	78	50	56	31	14
Northton	…	…	47	48	32	11	18
Obbe	…	…	51	—	—	—	—
Rhenigidale	…	…	—	—	—	6	3
Rodel	…	…	—	16	21	8	6
Scalpay	…	…	103	112	141	81	82
Scarista	…	…	—	11	25	10	—
Scarp	…	…	32	12	9	12	7
Shelibost	…	…	—	—	—	18	13
Tarbert, Sir E. Scott	…	…	110	106	127	196	185
TOTALS	…	…	819	741	781	658	571
NOTE: The figures for 1950–51 and 1958–59 include respectively 15 and 20 pupils over school leaving age.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many schools in the Isle of Harris have been closed in each year since 1945; what was the reason for closing in each case; when each school roll was at its highest number; and what each roll was at the date of closing.

Four schools in the Isle of Harris have been closed since 1945 because the number of pupils on the rolls was too small to enable satisfactory education to be provided. The details are as follows:

Name of School	Year closed	Highest roll	Roll at date of closure
Eilean Anabuich Primary School	1951	18 in 1923 and 1927	2
Scarista Primary School	1954	40 in 1907	3
Cliasmol Primary School	1960	22 in 1927	2
Kyles Scalpay Primary School	1960	87 in 1909	4

The numbers of pupils for each school were as follows:

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland where he intends carrying out the pathological services for the new maternity hospital at Bellshill.

Provision for routine laboratory services will be made by converting existing accommodation at the hospital. More specialised laboratory examinations will continue to be undertaken at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if, for the purposes of comparison, he will state for the latest convenient date the annual charges debited to the housing revenue account of a local authority in respect of a four-apartment house built with money borrowed from the Public Works Loan Board for sixty years, and similar loan charges in respect of a similar house at December, 1954.

The total annual charges based on the average cost of construction, including land services and fees, of a four-apartment house as at December, 1954, and December, 1960, are £76 5s. and £117 8s. 6d.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement about the recent acquisition by the National Library of Scotland of the Iona Psalter.

The Trustees of the National Library of Scotland learned in September that the Dyson-Perrins Manuscripts to be auctioned at Sotheby's on 29th November included the Iona Psalter. This early 13th century manuscript, was almost certainly written for Beatrix, daughter of Somerled, Lord of the Isles, and first Prioress of the Augustinian Nunnery on Iona. Medieval liturgical manuscripts connected with Scotland are exceedingly rare, and the sale of the Iona Psalter provided an exceptional opportunity to acquire for the nation a 13th century manuscript of the highest class that had definite links with medieval Scotland.The Psalter was bought by the Trustees of the National Library of Scotland for £6,000. My right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer has agreed, subject to the approval of Parliament, to make an Exchequer grant of £3,200; the balance is being provided by the Trustees from their own resources, assisted by generous contributions from the Pilgrim Trust, the Friends of the National Libraries, and certain other benefactors. The Exchequer contribution will take the form of an increase in the purchase grant to the National Library of Scotland for 1961–62, the Estimate for which will in due course be laid before the House.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) whether in view of the popularity of the Old Vic Theatre and its traditions, he will give an assurance that any grant of public money he may authorise for a national theatre will not jeopardise the continued functioning of the Old Vic as a repertory theatre with an adequate annual subsidy;(2) if he will give an assurance that no grant paid by the Treasury towards the building or operating expenses of a national theatre shall be at the expense of the needs of the provincial repertory theatres.

Both raise issues which must be taken into account by the Government in reaching their decision on the national theatre project. My right hon. and learned Friend hopes to make a statement on the whole subject before very long. Meanwhile I do not think I ought to give assurances on particular aspects of it.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer in view of the fact that industrial profits for 1961 are likely to be smaller than those for 1960, and taxes paid to be proportionately smaller, what steps he is taking to reduce national expenditure, or what new sources of revenue he has in mind; and if he will make a statement.

Estimates of Government expenditure and revenue in the next financial year will be brought before the House at the usual time and I cannot anticipate them.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what progress he has made in his consideration of the possibility of paying post-war credits to persons suffering from disseminated sclerosis.

My right hon. and learned Friend is keeping this proposal in mind, but it would raise serious practical difficulties.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, yin view of the fact that exports for the first 11 months of 1960 increased only 6 per cent. on 1959 whereas imports increased by 15 per cent., and since exports are tending to slow down, what steps he is taking to reduce imports and in what classes; and, since the nation cannot permanently live beyond its means, if he will use every agency of government publicity to give warning of these economic dangers.

The Government have already introduced a number of steps to check excessive home demand, which should affect the quantity of imports. But the best way to correct the trade imbalance is to expand exports. I can certainly assure my hon. Friend that my right hon. and learned Friend will continue to warn the country that our economic progress depends on our ability to maintain a satisfactory balance of payments.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, since the balance of payments for the third quarter of 1960 shows a deficit of £101 million against a surplus of £43 million for 1959, and since Great Britain has a deficit of £66 million on its current payments for the first three quarters of this year, if he will take every opportunity to warn the nation of its dangerous economic plight and the dangers of widespread unemployment unless exports are greatly increased.

It is necessary to take a balanced view of the situation. It has many favourable aspects, notably the high levels of business activity and of investment. Fluctuations in the balance of payments are bound to occur from time to time, especially when stocks are being built up or run down, and our reserve position is considerably stronger than it was a few years ago. I do not agree, therefore, that the United Kingdom is in a dangerous economic plight, though there are undoubtedly aspects which must cause concern. It is of paramount importance that we should maintain stable prices at home, strengthen our competitiveness in the world economy and expand our exports. The Prime Minister has already drawn the attention of the country to the urgent need for increased export effort.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury what transactions have recently taken place involving the use of the National Land Fund.

The Commissioners of Inland Revenue have recently accepted in settlement of Estate Duty two properties offered to them by the executors of the deceased, and in both cases the Treasury have directed that the property should be transferred to the National Trust.(1) Tatton Park in Cheshire, formerly belonging to Lord Egerton, is historically interesting as being unspoilt parkland laid out by world-famous 18th century landscape architects. It is also of the utmost amenity importance, since it forms a stretch of untouched rural countryside sandwiched between the industrialised Black Country and the urban-industrialised areas of Lancashire to the north. Tatton Hall and gardens are already owned by the Trust having been bequeathed to the Trust by Lord Egerton. The cost of Tatton Park to the National Land Fund is £125,610. The whole property is being let on a 99-year lease to Cheshire County Council, who have accepted full financial responsibility for its upkeep.The transaction is therefore an excellent example of co-operation between a local authority, the National Trust and the Government to preserve a great house and estate for the nation. Some essential repair and maintenance work still needs to be done, but public access will be allowed as soon as it is completed.(2) A 270-acre property at Good-a-meavy, Devon, which has been transferred to the National Trust at a cost of £1,150 to the National Land Fund, consists of Dewerstone and Cadworthy Woods, which rise steeply from the rivers Meavy and Plym to a headland commanding extensive views south-westwards over the Bickleigh Valley and over the tract of rolling moorland forming Wigford Down (also included in the transfer). This land is the nearest part of the Dartmoor National Park to Plymouth, and besides being of great natural beauty it includes an Iron Age hill fort. Necessary work in connection with arrangements for public access, and some repair and maintenance work, remain to be done. Public access will be allowed as soon as this is completed.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many new industries have been established in the areas in Wales which are scheduled under the Local Employment Act; and what are the prospects of new industries being established in these areas in 1961.

In the period since 1st April, 1960, when the Local Employment Act came into operation, until the end of November, the new industrial buildings and extensions approved in development districts in Wales have totalled 867,000 sq. ft. In addition, the Holyhead Advance Factory, of approximately 25,000 sq. ft., was let during this period. Some 9,000 new jobs are estimated as likely to accrue in development districts in Wales from these and other projects and expansions, though most of them will not be provided until after 1961. Progress achieved in some of these districts has been such that my right hon. Friend hopes to be able shortly to remove them from the list; he will continue to do all he can to attract new industry to the remaining districts.

asked the President of the Board of Trade, in view of the fact that the Local Employment Act has not brought about any marked reduction in unemployment in the north-east of England, what further measures he now proposes to take to bring new industries into the area and to stimulate an expansion of production in existing industries.

While the rate of unemployment in development districts in the North-Fast has fallen from 5·3 per cent. in March, 1960, to 4·4 per cent. last month, it is too early for the effects of the Local Employment Act, which only came into force on 1st April, 1960, to be gauged by the reduction in unemployment so far achieved. There are about 9,000 additional jobs in prospect in these districts alone.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will consider bringing forward new proposals to assist industrial concerns in areas of the United Kingdom where a high rate of unemployment exists, when, because of financial difficulties, such firms are unable to expand their export trade, particularly with the eastern countries.

No. Powers already exist under the Local Employment Act to offer financial assistance, including loans for working capital, to firms in development districts if they put forward projects likely to provide employment appropriate to the needs of the district.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in the light of the latest census of production and distribution, he will state the percentage cost of a motor car that goes in Purchase Tax, manufacturer's profits, distributor's commissions, labour costs, etc.

No. An analysis in the form requested cannot be provided from the information collected at censuses of production and distribution.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will make a statement regarding re-equipment grants for the finishing section of the cotton industry under the Cotton Industry Act, 1959.

Re-equipment grants will be available provided that the elimination of capacity under the re-organisation schemes reaches the minimum figures laid down in the schemes for the sections and sub-sections concerned. Applications under the reorganisation schemes must be submitted by 31st January, 1961, at the latest.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what regulations, other than the Foreign Assets Control Regulations, are imposed by the United States of America on companies manufacturing in Great Britain with British labour.

If the hon. Lady has in mind the Comprehensive Export Schedule issued under the United States Export Control Act, 1949, this includes provisions relating to the export from the United Kingdom by any persons of goods and technical data of United States origin.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that over 40 of the principal firms in England are entirely United States-owned, and that these factories do no export trade except by taking advantage of Commonwealth preferences and are forbidden by contract or agreement from exporting to the United States of America and other United States areas; and whether he will give details of the extent to which British exports are being limited by these methods.

I am not aware of the basis for the assertions in my hon. and gallant Friend's Question. Some United Kingdom companies under United States control have a long and distinguished record as exporters to the United States and elsewhere. I do not regard it as undesirable that United Kingdom firms which happen to be under foreign control should export to the Commonwealth.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will publish a list of companies manufacturing in Great Britain which are designated as United States Controlled Businesses under the Trade with the Enemy Act 1917 (United States), and the Foreign Assets Control Regulations established there-under.

This information is not available.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that the Bristol Corporation invited tenders for the supply of cement, and that every tender was exactly the same price; and, in view of this evidence of the operation of a price ring, if he will refer this matter to the Monopolies Commission.

No. The Registrar of Restrictive Trading Agreements has referred an Agreement relating to cement prices to the Restrictive Practices Court. In these circumstances if a reference were now made to the Monopolies Commission, it would not be able to take account of matters due to go before the Court.

asked the Lord Privy Seal, in view of the unanimous decision of the House on 15th December, what action he now proposes to take at the United Nations to secure the withdrawal of the mandate from the Union of South Africa.

None.

asked the Lord Privy Seal to make a statement on the meeting of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation Council.

I would refer the hon. Gentleman to my statement on this subject this afternoon.

asked the Minister of Defence what consideration Her Majesty's Government have given to the comment of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation annual review on Great Britain's contribution to the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation's conventional shield; and whether he will make a statement.

Her Majesty's Government will as always give full consideration to the comments of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation on the United Kingdom's contribution to the alliance.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the total cost of the ewe subsidy for the returns made on 4th December, 1959.

There is still a small percentage of claims outstanding, but it is estimated that the total cost of the hill sheep subsidy for the United Kingdom will be £730,500.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he is yet in a position to say what further steps are to be taken shortly towards the eradication of animal diseases.

Following on the successful campaign against bovine tuberculosis, the Government have decided in principle to introduce a compulsory slaughter policy with compensation against swine fever and to offer free vaccination of female calves against contagious abortion. A further announcement will be made after details have been discussed with the interested organisations.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations in what circumstances Her Majesty's Government recently waived a debt of over £1 million owed by the Nigerian Government; and what financial assistance has been given to Nigeria since her independence.

Her Majesty's Government are given the following financial help and technical help to Nigeria.

(a) The Commonwealth Assistance Loan of £12 million which has already been negotiated;

(b) A carry over of nearly £2 million of Colonial Development and Welfare Fund money for approved schemes not finished at the time of Independence;

(c) An increasing volume of technical assistance under the technical assistance arrangements;

(d) The waiving of payment of War Department Stocks to the value of £1·2 million, handed over to the Nigerian Armed Forces in April, 1958;

(e) Assistance in the training in the United Kingdom of all members of the Nigerian Armed Forces for whom vacancies can be found, subject to a maximum expenditure of £71,000 in any one year.

Parliamentary approval will be sought in due course for the expenditure on the items described in (

asked the Minister of Education, as representing the Minister for Science, whether his Department has considered paragraph 32 of the Report of the Advisory Council on Scientific Policy, relating to development contracts; and whether he will make a statement.

The Department of Scientific and Industrial Research is examining various proposals and applications for support of civil development work in industry; in particular the possibility of aiding the development in industry of advanced machine tool designs. Several such projects are under discussion with industry.

asked the Minister of Health to what extent the waiting lists for each type of operation have been reduced at the Beckett and St. Helen hospitals in Barnsley over the past year.

The waiting lists at 30th September, 1959, and 30th September, 1960 (the latest date for which information is available) were as follows:

Type of Operation	30th September, 1959	30th September, 1960
General Surgery	651	483
Gynaecology	445	391
Ear, Nose and Throat (Tonsils and Adenoids)	513	464
Ear, Nose and Throat (Other)	280	300
Orthopaedics	290	168
Ophthalmology	118	173
	2,297	1,979

asked the Minister of Health whether all the recommendations made by his Department to reduce the operations waiting lists in Barnsley and district were put into practice by the hospital management committee; and whether he is satisfied that they are having the desired effect.

Yes.

asked the Minister of Health what progress is being made to acquire the site for the new St. Helen hospital, Barnsley; and when he expects building to commence.

The purchase of the remaining six acres required is under negotiation at present. Planning has begun but it is too soon to say when building will start.

asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware of the urgent need for a by-pass at East Ilsley; and when he expects work to start on this project.

I hope to publish draft Orders for a revised line for this by-pass and the side roads early next year. It is too early for me to say when work will start.In the meantime a one-way traffic system for East ILsley will be instituted soon.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what progress has been made in the plans to encourage sales of British newspapers and periodicals in overseas markets.

A pilot scheme for the promotion of sales of newspapers and periodicals has been agreed with the Periodical Proprietors Association and is now being put into operation, as a first step, in Chile, Ethiopia, Thailand and Uruguay. The first supplies are now being sent to these countries and will be on sale there in January, 1961. The extension of the scheme to other countries is being considered.The 128 titles, included in the pilot scheme represent a wide range of general, trade, technical and specialist publications. Agents in the countries concerned are being invited to order from the list of these publications. Publishers will provide copies free of charge for periods of 6 weeks for daily newspapers, 3 months for weekly air mail editions, and 6 months for all other periodicals. Newspapers and the weekly journals published in air mail editions will be supplied by air. The cost of air carriage will be shared in agreed proportions by Her Majesty's Government and the publishers. The remainder of the publications will be sent by surface mail at the expense of Her Majesty's Government. All the publications will be sold by the Agents at agreed prices. After the initial promotion periods the agents will obtain their supplies by normal commercial arrangements. The agents will also be encouraged to obtain subscription orders, particularly for periodicals of a more technical or specialised nature.The Official Information Services will assist in publicising the scheme. In addition, agents will receive supplies of a promotion folder which lists the titles immediately available under the scheme and which is intended for general distribution to potential buyers.

asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance, in view of the rise in the cost-of-living index in the last month, if he will introduce legislation to effect an increase in old-age pensions immediately.

No.

asked the Postmaster-General to state the reasons for sending mail to Edinburgh via the slow midland railway route from Euston.

Mail from London to Edinburgh is forwarded generally by the east coast route from King's Cross. The one exception to this is the special post office mail train leaving Euston at 8.30 p.m. which is used in preference to the 8.20 p.m. passenger train from King's Cross, on which the facilities for post office work are limited. Between 14th November and 16th December mail forwarded by the 8.30 p.m. Euston train connected with the first delivery in Edinburgh on 25 occasions out of a possible 29, whereas if forwarded by the 8.20 p.m. King's Cross train it would only have connected on 22 occasions.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the desirability of increasing the strength of the Regular Army, and since the Government have decided against the formation of a British Foreign Legion, he will now consider the formation of a Commonwealth Legion, to be used mainly, but not exclusively, for service overseas.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Stroud (Mr. Kershaw) on 14th December. The present need is not for more units, but for more men to fill those which already exist. Any contribution to a Commonwealth Legion in money or in men would only be at the expense of our own forces. But I shall always welcome more Commonwealth recruits to the British Army.

asked the Minister of Transport if he has now received the Report on the research and development requirements of the shipbuilding and marine engineering industries; and what steps he proposes taking to carry out the recommendations.

The Report, which was prepared by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, was published on 15th December. Its recommendations call for action by the shipbuilding industry, D.S.I.R. and my Ministry. Steps are already being taken to implement them.