asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will reconsider his decision to change the method of calculating the remote areas housing subsidy, in view of the fact that this will reduce the amount paid to Highland local authorities to an extent that they will be unable to build houses to meet the needs of families who are living in houses built over a century ago.

No,

How does it happen with this type of legislation that a change is made in payments to local authorities in regard to houses? Does the hon. Member's Answer mean that illegal payments have been made for the past ten years? Is that the reason why they cannot be continued?

The object of the additional subsidy, as I think the hon. Member knows, is to compensate for remoteness. It was in order to bring the subsidy arrangements into accord with that purpose that the present changes have been made.

Is the hon. Member aware that severe housing difficulties exist in the Highland counties and that things are becoming increasingly difficult for county housing authorities in these areas by reason of this grant not being available? Will not he consider the position anew and agree to receive representations from the Highland local authorities about the difficulties which exist there?

I have consulted various hon. Members who represent Highland areas and the impression that I have obtained from them is that although, naturally, local authorities preferred the old arrangements, they recognise that the new ones are fair and provide extra money for remoteness

The hon. Member has not answered my specific question whether the previous payments were illegal, and whether that was the reason for their not being continued. That is a vital question, to which I must insist upon having an answer.

The previous payments were not illegal, but my right hon. Friend, after looking into the matter, did not feel that the subsidy was as clearly in line with the statutory provisions as it ought to be.

In view of the thoroughly unsatisfactory nature of that answer, I beg to give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment, at the first opportunity.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland why there is no electro-cardiograph equipment in the County of Sutherland, thus causing many patients to make unnecessary journeys to Inverness, Edinburgh and Glasgow at considerable expense to the National Health Service and to themselves; and if he will take immediate steps to have suitable equipment installed at the Law-son Memorial Hospital in Golspie.

Portable equipment is carried by specialists visiting the area, and my right hon. Friend has no evidence that many patients have to travel as the hon. Member suggests. The board of management has, however, decided to purchase an electro-cardiograph for use at this hospital.

When will this cardiograph be installed?

I cannot say exactly when it will be installed, but we do not expect that there will be any undue-delay.

Is it not incredible that in a county of almost 1 million acres there is not a single cardiograph machine—either in the county town or in any of the large villages? Irrespective of what the Minister says, it is a fact that the statements made in my Question were made to me by doctors in the county, and I am quite sure that they are correct. It is sheer neglect.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the latest position with regard to starting building operation on the new general hospital at Dundee.

The estimated starting date for building operations on the new teaching hospital at Dundee is February, 1963.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that this is a quite disgraceful delay? Is he aware that the Government initially committed themselves to this hospital in February, 1955? Is he further aware that the Government's excuse for their present attack on many aspects of the Health Service is that they are giving priority to hospital building? Does not this show up the utter falsity of the Government's claims?

The last time the hon. Gentleman asked me this Question he asked me a very similar supplementary question and I can only direct him to the reply that I then gave.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware that there was a reduction of over 80,000 cwt. of wet fish landed on Scottish coasts by British fishing vessels in November, 1960, as compared with November, 1959; if he will state the cause of this diminution; and what steps he has taken and is taking in this connection.

The reduction in question was accounted for mainly by smaller landings of herring. These were due partly to bad weather and scarcity of herring on certan grounds; and partly to the poor quality of the herring available, which limited demand for human consumption and, together with the limitation on the quantity of surplus herring which may be purchased by the Herring Industry Board at subsidised prices, caused fishermen to restrict their catches. I am sorry that catches had to be restricted, but I do not think it would be proper to encourage the unlimited catching of herring for which there is no market.

Does not this indicate that there has been a disastrous diminution in one of Britain's large industries? Does not this provide evidence of the need for the immediate implementation of the relevant parts of the Fleck Report? Will the Secretary of State take steps to do that without further delay?

As I think the hon. and learned Members knows, it is not too wise to draw final conclusion from the result of any one season's fishing for any kind of fish. I agree that the Fleck Report requires immediate study, and I can assure the hon. and learned Gentleman that we are getting on with that with a view to its implementation, or the implementation of those parts of it which we decide to implement, in due course.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many persons are still awaiting admission to mental homes and institutions in Edinburgh and Midlothian.

On 1st February there were thirty-eight persons awaiting admission to mental hospitals in Edinburgh and Midlothian. There were 117 persons from Edinburgh and Midlothian on the regional waiting list for admission to mental deficiency hospitals; of these twenty-four were classified as urgent.

Is not it rather shocking that, after ten years of Tory rule, we still have these long waiting dists? When will there be an appreciable change for the better in the situation?

I think the hon. Gentleman knows that there is a new ward which was opened at Gogarburn Hospital where thirty extra beds became available last week. The remaining beds will be brought into use as soon as possible, and a further sixty supplied during this summer.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when it is estimated that the new maternity hospital at Bells-hill is likely to be completed.

The Western Regional Hospital Board expects that the hospital will be completed in the autumn of this year

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that in 1953 a decision was taken to go ahead with this hospital? Is he aware that it has taken a considerable time to get it completed, and can he give any reason for the delay?

I cannot admit that there has been any avoidable delay since building began.

There have been eight years.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what instructions he has sent to local authorities on the subject of the redevelopment of town centres, arising from the issue of Circular No. 33/1960.

My right hon. Friend's Department is in regular contact on this matter with the local authorities concerned, and if it appears that general guidance can usefully be offered this will certainly be done.

Is not the Secretary of State aware that this is rather a surprising reply? On 23rd May last year the Circular quoted in my Question was sent out to Scottish housing authorities asking for an estimate of their needs. Is it the case that the Secretary of State now decides the priorities? If he is not to give some reply to the housing authorities, after they have made their reports to him, but is merely waiting hopefully for something to turn up, is not the right hon. Gentleman misleading the whole of Scotland? Is not the supposed reason he sent out the Circular to create some better conditions in town centres?

Because most town centres are different from each other, the best way to handle the matter is by direct contact between my right hon. Friend's officers and the interested local authorities.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will impose a speed limit of 50 miles-per-hour on vehicles using the A.8 road, from Edinburgh to Glasgow, for an experimental period.

On existing evidence my right hon. Friend does not think it practicable to impose a 50 miles-per-hour speed limit on the whole road, but he is considering the possibility of imposing a 40 miles-per-hour speed limit on certain specific lengths.

Can my hon. Friend say what is the total length of the road on which it is proposed to impose a 40 m.p.h. limit? Is he aware of the great success which attended the introduction of the 50 m.p.h. limit on long stretches of road in England and Wales last Whitsun? Will he explain why he is not willing to try this as an experiment for a short period only on a road which is famed for accidents?

I would rather not go into details about the specific lengths of road where there will be a 40 m.p.h. limit until my right hon Friend's officers have had an opportunity to discuss the matter with the local authorities concerned. Regarding the more general question, it is felt that drivers would not think a 50 m.p.h. limit on considerable stretches of this road was reasonable, and consequently it would be extremely difficult to enforce

Is the Minister aware that some of us who use this road regularly think that it would be very reasonable to have a 50 m.p.h. limit on the whole of it? Is he aware that there is no part of this road where it is safe to drive at more than 50 m.p.h.? Is he also aware that if there is a restriction on speed for only short stretches the tendency will be for motorists to make the best speed they can? Is he aware that on this road, which is a three-lane highway, accidents are. unfortunately, frequently fatal, and will he have another look at this matter?

We are constantly considering the whole question of this road. It must be remembered that the accident rate on this road is not significantly greater than that on comparable stretches of other trunk roads in Scotland which bear a similar volume of traffic.

Is the Minister aware that the number of accidents recently has alarmed the public? As he has repeatedly said that the accidents are not due to speed but to the junctions in the roads, is he proposing to do anything to deal with those junctions, or is he going to wait until a proper analysis is made of the causes of accidents, if they are not due to speed?

We are doing a considerable amount of work on the junctions, as the right hon. Gentleman knows.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many lay-bys there will be on the A.8 road from Edinburgh to Glasgow when the four under construction are completed; and when he expects to be in a position to assess the effect of these on reducing accidents.

Thirty-six, to which a further nine will be added in the course of the major reconstruction at Bathgate and between Newhouse and Baillieston. These extra lay-bys should have an immediate effect in reducing the number of accidents, and my right hon. Friend will call for reports in about three months.

Is my hon. Friend aware that, while all motorists will welcome the provision of these lay-bys, they will not by themselves allay the very genuine anxiety felt by experienced motorists who use this road and find it a dangerous road? Is he aware that, despite the provision of lay-bys, people will continue to park by the roadside until they are forbidden to do so? As this road has all the characteristics of a motorway will he not forbid parking altogether?

The number of lay-bys now being constructed will represent about one per mile. They will be clearly signposted. I think we should see the effect of that before we take further decisions.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is his estimate of the number of municipal houses to be built this year.

My right hon. Friend does not expect the number to be any less than last year, when almost 18,000 houses were completed.

Is not this a rather shocking reply? Have not the Government repeatedly said that they are going to have a great surge forward to eliminate the hundreds of thousands of decaying houses which are cluttering up most of our cities and which are breeding grounds for disease? Is he further aware that there is also the problem of the special needs category; that there are grossly overcrowded homes and thousands of people in sub-tenancies? Will not he get on with the job, and inject some life into the occupants of St. Andrew's House and into this housing question?

The hon. Gentleman's Question related particularly to municipal houses. He will appreciate that there are other agencies engaged in building, such as the S.S.H.A., the new towns and private house builders. Taking those into consideration, there were 1,300 more houses finished last year than the year before.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what decision he has taken regarding an inquiry in to the proposed Glen Nevis hydro-electric scheme.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement about the future development of hydro-electric schemes in Scotland.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the nature of the representations he has received about an inquiry into the North of Scotland Hydro-Electric Board; and what replies he has given.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware of the increasing concern in the north of Scotland about criticisms which are being made of the North of Scotland Hydro-Electric Board; and if he will make a statement about hydro-electric development.

I am considering various representations which have been made to me in connection with the proposed Glen Nevis hydro-electric scheme and I hope to make a statement shortly.

Will not the Secretary of State tell the House plainly that the work done by the North of Scotland Hydro-Electric Board over a number of years shows the value of such work to the Highlands of Scotland, and that he will firmly set his face against any attempt to hold up hydro-electric development?

The hon. Member knows that on many occasions in this House I have paid high tribute to the work of the North of Scotland Hydro-Electric Board. But the Question on the Order Paper related to a specific scheme, and I have given an answer to that.

On the more general point, is the Minister aware that there has been considerable controversy over this matter, and that representations have been made by the National Trust? Is he aware that I have discovered that there is considerable misunderstanding about the purpose of these hydro-electric schemes?

There is no misunderstanding here.

Is he aware that it has been thought that they were in competition with coal, instead of being complementary to coal production? Will not the right hon. Gentleman have some kind of inquiry in order to make clear what are the proposals about the future development of hydro-electric schemes from the point of view of the development of power in Scotland as a whole?

I have noted what the right hon. Member has said. If he reads my original Answer he will see that the whole matter is under review in relation to this scheme.

While we appreciate the tributes paid by the Secretary of State in the past, may I ask if he realises that we would appreciate it much more if he stood by what he claims is his feeling for the Board and supported it and did not give way to the underground pressures

They are not underground, they are on the surface.

—pressing against it, who have no interest and have never shown any interest in the Highlands of Scotland?

As the hon. Member knows, every scheme which comes forward is examined with the greatest care, and objections are examined with the greatest care and appropriate action is taken at the right moment.

Will the right hon. Gentleman tell us that he will resist the blandishments of outside sources that are putting pressure on him because of their personal interest? Will he inform the Aims of Industry that it is wide of the mark and that it would be serving Scotland much better if it brought some industry to Scotland, where there are 80,000 unemployed, and allowed the Board to get on with its own job?

It would not be appropriate for me to get drawn into discussion at Question Time of various matters of that kind.

Will not my right hon. Friend agree that the North of Scotland Hydro-Electric Board has now been operating for eighteen years and has vested a sum approaching £200 million in capital schemes? Having regard to the fact that there has never been any sort of independent inquiry into the operations of this Board, as for example the Herbert Committee inquiry into the electricity supply industry, or the Fleck Committee inquiry into the National Coal Board, is not the time propitious for an independent inquiry to be established into the North of Scotland Hydro-Electric Board at an early date, to end the controversy?

I do not think that my hon. Friend would expect me to add to my original reply in which I said that I was considering various representations.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland which local authorities have made representations to him against the proposed Glen Nevis hydroelectric scheme; and what has been the nature of his replies.

I have received objections from Inverness County Council and Lochaber District Council. These objections have been communicated to the North of Scotland Hydro-Electric Board, and will be considered with the scheme in accordance with the requirements of the Hydro-Electric Development (Scotland) Act, 1943.

I appreciate that there may be some inquiry into the question of the Glen Nevis hydro-electric scheme itself—that is in accordance with the Act—but would the Secretary of State give an assurance that he is not considering any form of general inquiry into the North of Scotland Hydro-Electric Board because, in effect, a Select Committee of this House actually did this operation and came to very favourable conclusions?

I am not prepared to go further than I did in answer to an earlier Question.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what progress has been made in the last six months towards the solution of the housing shortage in the Burgh of Culross; what has been the nature of the correspondence between the Scottish Office and the burgh council on the subject; and what were the terms of the Department's reply.

Consideration of the burgh's housing needs and the question of further assistance by the Scottish Special Housing Association, which was deferred at the council's request, is again active following on a letter from the clerk dated 24th December, 1960. After discussion with the cleck, my right hon. Friend's Department wrote on 6th February inviting the council to submit specific proposals and certain financial information. I am sending the hon. Member a copy of the Department's letter.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that if there had been a house built for each letter sent, the problem would now have been solved? Is he aware that this has been a festering sore for a very long time now and there has been no progress whatever? Will he stop this procrastination and get on with the building of houses?

The hon. Member must recognise that the matter was deferred at the council's request.

That is the trouble.

It is now active again, and the best thing to do is to await the answers to the letter sent to the council.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware of restrictions in the conditions of service of some hospital nurses; and whether he will improve the consultative machinery in the hospital service.

I am not clear what the hon. Member has in mind in the first part of the Question. As regards the second part, it is for staff and management at each hospital to consider how consultation can best be carried out. Either side can take the initiative in seeking the establishment of a formal committee.

Is the Minister aware that while there are excellent staff relations in the majority of Scottish hospitals and it is recognised that discipline is necessary, nevertheless in many hospitals of Scotland discipline is overbearing or petty and sometimes that affects patients' recovery? Therefore, will he do something to remedy this situation in order to stop staff wastage and to help nurse recruiting?

I think most of these matters are suitable for examination on a local basis and are not appropriate to be brought to the notice of my right hon. Friend.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware that Fife Education Authority is at present employing 280 uncertificated teachers, and that one large secondary school has no certificated teacher in English; and whether, in view of this staffing position, he will take immediate steps to effect an improvement.

My right hon. Friend is aware of the serious shortages of teachers in Fife and in some other areas in Scotland, and he is doing, and will continue to do, all he can to improve the supply of teachers.

Is the Minister aware that the position in Fife at the moment is extremely bad, and that it is getting steadily worse and that there are still too many disincentives in the teaching profession? Will he treat the matter as one of extreme urgency and put into effect many of the recommendations he is bound to receive from various quarters in Scotland?

We shall certainly do all we can to improve the situation.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many new smallholdings have been created by the Department of Agriculture in the crofting counties during the past five years.

Five new smallholdings have been created by the Department of Agriculture in the crofting counties during the past five years.

Is not that a deplorable record in an area in which for many years people have been clamouring for a programme of land resettlement? Will the right hon. Gentleman show some urgency about this matter?

I should point out that there are about 20,000 crofts in the crofting counties. The Government's policy, which I am certain is right, is directed towards securing in every possible way the effective use of the various areas they cover.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he is taking to draw to the attention of the public, particularly young people, the connection between smoking and the incidence of lungcancer.

Local health authorities have been helping for some time to make generally known, particularly among young people, the possible consequence of smoking. I take this opportunity of supporting their appeal to parents and others to make sure that young people are aware of the facts.

Is the Minister aware that deaths from lung cancer are tending to increase and that the local health authorities have to combat very expensive advertising by the tobacco companies, much of which is directed to young people? Will the Department of Health take the initiative in this matter and let us have a far more vigorous campaign than we have had so far?

I do not think that there is any doubt that people do know. The recent survey carried out in Edinburgh showed that 98 per cent. of the people knew of the possible connection. Therefore, I think it is a matter for individual choice and responsibility.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what further Civil Defence plans he has for the protection of the inhabitants living in the neighbourhood of the Holy Loch as a result of the establishment of the Polaris submarine base there.

The responsibility for detailed planning of Civil Defence rests with the local authorities, but their basic problems have not been changed by the provision of these facilities

Is the Minister aware that a Clyde safety plan has been outlined in the Scotsman newspaper? That states that there are provisions for restrictions on food, milk and other food, in the area and that in certain circumstances two villages might be evacuated. Could he say whether there will be any provision for the compensation of farmers or people likely to be affected?

I think the hon. Member is confusing the Civil Defence plans and the normal precautions taken in relation to nuclear installations in this country.

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the average length of time between the receipt of an application for a grant under the farm improvement scheme and its final approval or rejection.

Usually about two months, but at present it is taking longer in some areas because the investigation of applications has been held up by foot-and-mouth disease restrictions.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that it is quite a common thing for farmers to say that they are going to get on with the work themselves because it takes so long for the grants to be approved? Can something be done to speed up the procedure?

Certainly, everything possible will be done to make the procedure as quick as we can make it. If my hon. Friend will send me any details, I shall certainly look into them.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is satisfied that the money to be sanctioned for expenditure by Kirkintilloch Burgh Council on a swimming pool to cost £100,000 has been properly spent in accordance with the terms of his sanction; if he is aware that the lowest tender for this project was £152,000 plus fees, and had to be modified to bring the cost down to £119,000 plus fees; and if he will inquire into the circumstances necessitating increased loan sanction.

The loan sanction applied for and approved in this case was on the basis of the modified costs of £119,000 plus fees; no question of increased sanction arises.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that there is concern in the Burgh of Kirkintilloch over the fact that an architect, a friend of the provost, put forward the proposition that, free of charge, he would prepare a model and make the preparatory plans for a swimming-pool, suitable for children as well as adults, costing not more than £100,000; that, on that statement, the councillors accepted the proposition and appointed him the architect, but that, when the scheme is submitted for tender the cost turns out to be £152,000? It is up 52 per cent. If he had worked for the company that I worked for he would have got the sack. Will the hon. Gentleman look into this, as it is quite unprofessional conduct for any friend of the provost to suggest that he will do that sort of work for nothing if he gets the job?

The appointment of the architect is entirely for the council. If there is any question of breach of professional etiquette, I imagine that it would be a matter for the appropriate professional association to deal with, not for the Government.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that there is a general tendency to provide increasingly bright illumination at petrol filling stations, to the detriment of road safety; and what advice he has given to planning authorities about the type and intensity of lighting at existing filling stations, and the conditions, regarding the brightness of the lighting systems, to be attached to the granting of planning permission for the erection of new stations.

My right hon. Friend has had no representation along the lines suggested by my hon. Friend, but he is looking into the matter to see whether guidance to local authorities is necessary.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the nature of the representations he has received from local authorities in Scotland about the continued development of hydro-electricity in Scotland.

None, Sir, although last autumn two local authorities wrote to me urging that there should be no amalgamation of the two Scottish Electricity Boards.

Does not the Secretary of State appreciate that many members of local authorities are very concerned about the number of private organisations, such as Aims of Industry, that are continually attacking the work of the Hydro-Electric Board?

I am very well aware of many of the things which are written in the Press, which I read very carefully.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he is taking to improve the repair service for invalid tricycles in Glasgow, in order to eliminate such delays as the one of six weeks about which he and the hon. Member for Craigton have been in correspondence.

The stock of spare parts held centrally in Glasgow is being increased, and more spare tricycles of various types are being held in stock to be lent for use while repairs are being carried out.

Is the Under-Secretary aware that the case about which I have written to him is not an isolated one, and that there are continued complaints about the servicing of these vehicles in Glasgow? If the Government will not do the sensible thing and get rid of these vehicles altogether, can they not show a little more sense of urgency in improving the supply of spares, for example, and the supply of spare machines?

We are improving the spares position, and are increasing the number of spare machines from 21 to 56.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that the movement of industrial traffic in Scotland is hampered by the presence of many weak bridges; and what action he contemplates to overcome this handicap to industrial transport.

The strengthening of bridges of all sizes is a most important part of our road programme. Since 1st April, 1956, well over 300 have been strengthened, rebuilt or reprovided on a different road line. Of these over 50 have been substantial structures of span greater than 65 ft.

I am greateful for that reply, but is the Minister aware of the considerable inconvenience caused to users of heavy industrial transport by the existence of many load-restricted bridges? Would he give an assurance to the House that the remedial measures being taken will be continued, when his funds are being concentrated on the reconstruction of major trunk roads?

We are very conscious of the problem. That is why a substantial proportion of our funds has been used on these smaller schemes of which these bridges form part.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will consider amending the Regulations prescribing the forms in which the abstracts of accounts are to be made up by burghs and counties in Scotland so as to provide for the inclusion, clearly and separately, of accounts of all transactions, including inter-departmental transactions, arising out of the execution of capital works by direct labour

The Abstract of Accounts Regulations made in 1952 are, to some extent, rendered out of date by subsequent legislation, and their revision is under consideration. In considering any revision, the suggestion made by the hon. Member will be kept in view.

I am very grateful to my hon. Friend for his reply. If he cannot fully accede to the request in the Question on the Order Paper, can I have an assurance that he and the Department will devise some means whereby the labour departments of boroughs and counties show the actual costs of the work carried out in those circumstances?

I think that the best thing is to see what happens as a result of the consideration of this matter. It is at present under review.

Rather than do what his hon. Friend asks, will not the hon. Member take steps to ensure more timely publication of the Departments Annual Statistical Returns to this House, because I have had to complain of these Returns being six and seven years late?

I know that this is a very difficult matter, but it is partly the fault of the local authorities.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received from the local authorities in Orkney about Hatston aerodrome; and how the situation now stands.

The local authorities in Orkney are interested in, and have communicated with me about the possibility of acquiring the built-up area of Hatston aerodrome, which is in part used for housing and in part for commercial purposes. Ownership of the aerodrome is vested in the Admiralty, and I am in consultation with my right hon. and noble Friend the First Lord on the matter.

The Secretary of State may be in consultation with the Admiralty but, at the same time, would it not be worth considering whether there should not now be some sort of conference or "gt-together" of the authorities involved, in order to try to settle the matter? Everyone seems anxious to make progress, but no progress seems to be made.

I think that the hon. Gentleman realises as well as anyone that this matter is highly complex. We are making progress, and we hope that decisions will be come to fairly soon.

asked the Lord Advocate what progress he has made in drafting legislation designed to protect consumers from unfair trading practices, details of which have been brought to his notice.

I have been asked to reply. I am considering, in consultation with my right hon. and learned Friend the Lord Advocate, who greatly regrets that owing to ill health he is unable to be here today, and my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade, the representations which have been made, but I am not yet ready to make a statement.

I am sure we all hope that the Lord Advocate is not overworking trying to draft a solution to this problem. Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that it is now several months since the Lord Advocate promised us that he would try to introduce legislation to deal with this firm of N. G. Napier, which is a bare-faced robber? Is he aware that only this morning I received a letter from one of my constituents telling me that he was called to the house of his guarantor, and that, as a result of that guarantor's wages having been arrested, my constituent suffered two broken ribs and two bruised ribs at the hands of the guarantor? We shall have a "Congo" in Scotland if we are not careful. Will the Secretary of State set about this job, and get rid of these despicable people?

The hon. Gentleman will not expect me to comment without notice on that very interesting statement that he has just made, for which, I assume, he must accept responsibility. I assure him that no time is being wasted, but the problem is a very difficult one.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware that the present high Bank Rate is handicapping British industry in competing with foreign firms, diminishing British exports, causing unemployment in Great Britain, and depriving Great Britain of foreign currency; and if he will state his plans for assisting Great Britain and British industry and employment in these difficulties.

I do nof accept the hon. and learned Member's analysis of the effects of the present level of Bank Rate. With regard to the second part of the Question, these matters were fully debated by the House on 6th and 7th February.

If the Chancellor does lot accept the implications in the first part of my Question, is he aware that the country's great newspapers do, and that his financial and fiscal policies have caused industrial chaos and much unemployment? If he is unable to deal with the problems himself, will he take expert advice on the subject—from this side of the House?

The hon. and learned Gentleman will be aware that in January of this year there were 42,000 fewer unemployed than there were in January of last year. As to the other part of his Question, I adhere to Bank Rate as one of the ways of regulating the economy.

Even if the right hon. and learned Gentleman does not accept these propositions—most of which are self-evident—does he accept the proposition that higher Bank Rate has increased our National Debt charge by £56 million this year as compared with last—about the level of the additional health charges and economies? Secondly, does he not accept the Treasury's estimate that we are paying an additional £15 million or £20 million for foreign exchange as a result of high Bank Rate?

I would not accept the right hon. Gentleman's figures without notice, but I quite agree that a high-level Bank Rate does cost money. That is one of its disadvantages. But if it cures excessive demand at home it is beneficial to the economy.

The right hon. and learned Gentleman referred to our economic debate on 6th and 7th February, but is he aware that he did not then refer at all to this problem, and that neither he nor his immediate predecessor has ever answered the very powerful argument on monetary policy put forward by the very authoritative Radcliffe Committee?

Whether or not matters dealing with the consequences of the Bank Rate were referred to in that debate, it will not have escaped the right hon. Gentleman's notice, I am sure, that since I have been Chancellor of the Exchequer, Bank Rate has been reduced on two occasions.

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. In view of the very unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I will raise the subject on the Adjournment at the very earliest opportunity.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the cost falling in the financial year 1960–61 of awards announced on 11th January, 1961, including retrospection to August, 1958. to civil servants in respect of salary increases of £95 to £230 per annum, and including back payments of £200 to £500 per civil servant; and what will be the increased annual cost of the higher scales in future years.

About £2½ million, and just under £1 million, respectively.

In view of the continuous exhortations which have fallen on private industry and commerce to increase their efficiency and output, could not my right hon. and learned Friend do something to impress upon the bureaucracy, of which he is the titular head, the need similarly to increase its efficiency, and what serious encouragement is he giving to doing so, in view of the rising cost of the Civil Service?

My hon. Friend's Question relates to certain awards, and those awards were given by the Civil Service Arbitration Tribunal after the Treasury and the Institution of Professional Civil Servants had failed to agree.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, in view of the inadequate level of exports this year and the adverse balance of payments' results, what further consideration, and with what result, he has given to incentive tax concessions to British exporters.

I am satisfied that it would not be desirable to introduce special tax concessions confined to exporters. I am considering the other aspects of this matter.

The Question does not ask for special tax concessions unique only to exporters. Would not my right hon. and learned Friend agree that there is now established a very definite connection between our penal level of direct taxation and the inadequacies of our export efforts? What is he doing in this context to apply himself to that particular problem?

That is obviously an aspect of the matter which I must consider in connection with the coming Budget.

Does the Chancellor believe that taxation has a major influence on exports, one way or the other?

Of course, it has.

I think that a high level of taxation is a disincentive to individual effort.

Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that the German Government offers to German exporters certain tax advantages in their exports? Can he confirm whether this is so or not, and can he say whether he thinks that the present arrangements among different countries are fair and consistent with their obligations under G.A.T.T.?

This is a matter which I have had closely under attention. So far as the German Government are concerned, the only other concession is a drawback or withdrawal of turnover tax. In our case, there is a rebate of the Purchase Tax paid. I do not know of any direct incentives.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will clarify and simplify the tax structure of the nation by introducing a corporation tax for companies in place of Income Tax and Profits Tax and a graduated Income Tax for individuals in place of Income Tax and Surtax.

I have noted my hon. Friend's suggestions, but I cannot anticipate my Budget statement.

Would my right hon. and learned Friend keep in mind the fact that the present taxation system is completely illogical, because Income Tax is levied on the income of individuals, but is levied only on the profits of companies? Would it not be better to separate the two systems so that adjustment can be made for individual taxation apart from companies or for companies apart from individuals?

I will, of course, consider carefully what my hon. Friend has said.

While the Chancellor cannot anticipate his Budget statement, whatever the President of the Board of Trade may do, is he aware that, while we dissociate ourselves from the latter part of the Question on the Order Paper, there is a case to consider the corporation Profits Tax and Income Tax, so that any future Chancellor making remissions of personal taxation does not automatically give a big hand-out to big business in consequence?

I will certainly bear in mind what the right hon. Gentleman has said.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many estates of those born out of wedlock are handled by the Crown Nominee Accoun' on the average each year.

The average number of estates handled in 1959 and 1966 was 130.

In the 130 cases which my right hon. and learned Friend has mentioned, has he noticed one of a constituent of mine, whose aunt died leaving £3,000, which he and his brother expected to get, but, because at a late stage it was discovered that the aunt was born out of wedlock, the estate was escheated to the Crown and he and his brother got only a small proportion of their aunt's estate? Is that fair?

I have not noticed that case, but if my hon. Friend will speak to me about it, I will willingly discuss it.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the consultations with the various churches about Income Tax relief for the clergy, promised by his predecessor on 6th July, 1960, have been completed.

Discussions with representatives of the Churches' Main Committee have taken place at Somerset House.

While thanking my right hon. and learned Friend for that reply, may I ask him if he will answer the Question? Are the consultations complete, and if they are not complete, does he expect them to be completed in time for the forthcoming Budget?

So far as I know, the Churches' Main Committee has made all the representations it wishes to make.

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) what are the amendments he proposes to make to the list of countries contained in the Second Schedule to the Strategic Goods (Control) Order, 1959;

The Export of Goods (Control) Order, 1960, is made under the Provisions of the Import, Export and Customs Powers (Defence) Act, 1939. There is no power under that Act to amend the Order on the lines suggested. My right hon. Friend is not proposing to amend the Second Schedule to the Strategic Goods (Control) Order. 1959.

If this embargo is to be effective, would not my hon. Friend agree that it is necessary to amend it from time to time to include such countries as Cuba and Guinea?

That is a matter which I shall pass on to my right hon. Friend for consideration.

Since this list of embargoed goods is still based on the principle, if not the detail, of forbidding ships which go at more than 12 knots, and since we have now seen a satellite dispatch a rocket towards Venus, would not the hon. Gentleman agree that it is time that the whole question of this embargo list should be looked at again? In order to help the House, which is now more widely in favour of more Anglo-Soviet trade, will he publish a White Paper showing the present list of embargoed goods, so that we have a complete and consolidated list?

I shall ask my right hon. Friend to consider the right hon. Gentleman's suggestion.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will consider the institution of national certificates, or awards, to be granted annually to the company or firm which attains the most meritorious export achievement, to the company or firm which achieves the largest proportionate increase in its export trade, and to the company or firm which is most successful in a new market in a foreign country.

My right hon. Friend is considering various suggestions of this kind.

Will my hon. Friend ask his right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade, in his consideration of this proposal, to take account of a wartime precedent by which the excellence of performance of industrial firms was officially recognised?

Yes. My right hon. Friend will consider that, but my hon. Friend will bear in mind that the war came to an end, whereas it might be difficult to bring any such schemes which might be initiated now to an end.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will introduce legislation to ensure that proposed company mergers, or amalgamations, shall require to be approved as in the public interest either by the Monopolies Commission or a monopolies court with terms similar to those of the Restrictive Practices Court.

No, Sir.

Are the Government content to watch competition being further and further curtailed in British industry and do nothing about it at all?

It is not clear that all mergers will work against the public interest in the same way, for example, as restrictive trade practices are considered to work against the public interest unless the contrary is proved.

Is not the hon. Gentleman aware that the ré gime of the Restrictive Practices Court is to judge which practices are against the public interest? Why should not the same apply to mergers?

One very clear reason is that before a conclusion could be reached by the appropriate body a long time would necessarily elapse, and during that time the position might have changed entirely.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will ask the Jenkins Committee on company law to make an interim report on legislation concerning take-over bids.

No, Sir. Takeover bids are only one aspect of the relationship between directors and shareholders which the Committee has under review.

Does not the Minister realise that they are a very important aspect and one which is causing very great public concern today? Does he not consider that it would be very useful, therefore, if the Jenkins Committee were asked to make an interim report on the subject as a matter of urgency?

No, Sir. There are very many questions of urgency being considered by the Jenkins Committee, and my right hon. Friend does not wish to interrupt its consideration of these problems by giving it the task of making a particular interim report.