asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what progress has been made so far with the Great Ouse flood protection scheme.

As stated in reply to the hon. Member on 16th February, 1960, Part I of the scheme is completed and it is expected that Part II will be finished by the autumn of this year. Work on Part III, the Cut-off-Channel, started in August last and, in spite of the recent very wet weather, good progress has been made.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will order an inquiry into the high prices that have been charged to United States personnel at the base at Holy Loch, with a view to introducing legislation to prevent profiteering at the expense of the sailors and the general public.

No.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that Imperial Chemical Industries is proposing to spend £100 million in Holland in order to overcome the Common Market difficulties; if he will therefore consider the desirability of the United Kingdom joining the European Common Market at the earliest opportunity so that such sums may be spent in the United Kingdom thus producing more jobs here, and more funds from profits to maintain the welfare state; and if he will make a statement.

I am aware of the recent announcement by Imperial Chemical Industries of its plans to establish plants on a site in Holland.The existence of the Common Market was not the determining factor in the company's decision. The Government have, however, made clear their view that the division of Europe into two economic groups is most undesirable, and they will continue their efforts to find some way of bringing the groups together.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has considered the letter dated 20th March from the hon. Member for West Ham, North, concerning trade with Eastern Germany; and whether he will make a statement.

Yes. Like other countries in the N.A.T.O. Alliance, including the Federal German Government, Her Majesty's Government do not recognise the authorities in East Germany as a Government and, therefore, have no official relations with those authorities on trade matters.

asked the President of the Board of Trade why his Department refuses to encourage industrial development at Humbleton or Westwick Camps, near Barnard Castle, in view of their military redundancy.

Industrial development on these sites cannot take place unless they are scheduled for such development. I understand that the planning authority is considering whether this should be done.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will increase the amount of duty-free cigarettes and alcoholic liquors which may be carried on British airliners for sale to passengers, in view of the fact that the present amounts permitted only allow a ration to each passenger considerably less than is normally sold on foreign airliners and considerably less than Her Majesty's Customs normally allow to enter duty-free with each passenger.

An application for an increase in the allowances has been made and is at present under consideration. I will write to the hon. Member when a decision has been reached.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer since the relative strength of the German Deutschmark and the relative weakness of sterling is due largely to the Germans personally consuming only 58.5 per cent. of their gross national product against 66 per cent. in the United Kingdom, and fixed investment getting 23 per cent. against only 15.5 per cent. in the United Kingdom, what new steps he proposes to take to convince public opinion in this country that lower consumption and greater savings are necessary for economic survival; and if he will make a statement.

I do not accept my hon. Friend's figures for the United Kingdom without qualification, but in any event I cannot anticipate the assessment of our economic position which my right hon. and learned friend will be making in his Budget speech and his proposals to deal with it.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will state the purchasing power of the £1 in October, 1945, October, 1951, October, 1955, October, 1960, and at the latest convenient date, taking the £1 of October, 1939, as the basis of comparison.

The purchasing power of the £, taken as 20s. in 1939, was 12s. 7d. in 1945, 8s. 11d. in October, 1951, 8s. in October, 1955, 7s. 3d. in October, 1960, and 7s. 2d. in February, 1961. Monthly figures are not available for 1939 and 1945.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will tabulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT full details of the National Debt.

No. Full details of the National Debt are published every year in the National Debt Return presented to Parliament as a Command Paper. Much information about the National Debt is also included in the annual Finance Accounts and in the Financial Statement, both of which are Parliamentary publications.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the proposed increase in the Arts Council grant for 1961–62 is allocated for any specified purposes.

No.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the packages, containers, bottles and aerosols in which toilet preparations are packed, are subject to 50 per cent. Purchase Tax; and as export trade in toilet preparations is subject to strong competition, and as in this field the maintenance of a high standard of presentation and packaging is indispensable, if he will eliminate Purchase Tax on packages altogether.

The export trade is, of course, free of Purchase Tax. What the consumer buys is the product in an appropriate container and the costs incurred in providing the container and in packing the goods in it are normally reflected in the open market value of the goods. The tax must be based on this value.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will state the extent to which the annual vote for the National Health Service would be reduced by the elimination of Purchase Tax on medicines and drugs prescribed within the National Health Service; and why Purchase Tax is charged on goods provided by a Government service extensively financed by Parliamentary Vote.

The ultimate destination of the goods is not usually ascertainable when the tax becomes chargeable on them. As to the rest of the Question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given by my right hon. and learned Friend the Member for Hertfordshire, East (Sir D. Walker-Smith) on 7th March, 1960.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what would be the estimated cost in the current year to the Revenue in remitting the whole of the Profits Tax of 12½ per cent. on that part of companies' profits which arise solely from their direct export of goods and services.

I regret this figure is not available.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the estimated amount spent on expense accounts per annum.

There is not enough information on which to base an estimate.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the current amount of the Exchequer grant toward the police services in Bristol; and what proportion falls upon the local authority.

The cost of the Bristol police force in 1960–61 is estimated at just over £1,200,000, of which half falls on the rates and half on the Exchequer.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department to what extent the police force in Bristol is below the establishment; what improvements have been made in numbers

I am informed that on 14th March the force was 49 men and 2 women below the authorised establishment of 852 men and 36 women. Since the pay increase for constables was announced about three months ago there has been a net increase of seven in the strength of the force. I am advised that the force is efficient.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will reconsider the need for revising and strengthening present laws regarding the sale and purchase of firearms, in view of the recent increase of crime.

The sale and purchase of firearms other than airguns and shotguns are already strictly controlled under the Firearms Act, 1937, and, although I watch the situation, on my present information I have no reason to think that further safeguards are required in respect of these weapons. As regards airguns and shotguns, I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the statement made by my hon. and learned Friend the Joint Under-Secretary of State during the Second Reading of the Game Licences and Gun Licences (Miscellaneous Provisions) etc. Bill on 10th March.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will give the numbers of immigrants into the United Kingdom during the last five years from the West Indies, India, Pakistan, Cyprus, Nigeria, and Ghana.

The following is the information requested:

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what was the number of immigrants from the West Indies for the two months ended 28th February, 1961, as compared with the corresponding period of 1960;(2) what was the number of immigrants from India and Pakistan, respectively, for the two months ended 28th February, 1961, as compared with the corresponding period of 1960.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what consideration he has given to the proposal of the Prison Officers' Association that sexual offenders should be segregated in a single prison; and if he will make a statement.

I have not yet completed my consideration of this proposal, about which I see considerable difficulty, and I will write to the hon. Member as soon as I reach a conclusion

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what progress he has now been able to make in ensuring that excessive fees are not charged for the signing of cremation form "C"; and whether he will make a statement.

I regret that I am not able to add anything at present to

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many immigrants came to the United Kingdom from Commonwealth countries during the first two months of 1961; from which countries they came; and what were the corresponding figures for the same period for each of the last 10 years.

The following are the figures:the Answer given to the hon. Member's Question on 24th November.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has now given consideration to the correspondence sent to him by the hon. Member for Cardiff, West, concerning the fee charged in the West London Hospital for the completion of cremation form "C"; and what steps he intends taking to end this practice.

I have considered the correspondence which the hon. Member sent me but I am not able to add anything at present to the Answer given to his Question on 24th November.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has considered the articles on civil defence sent to him by the hon. Member for Derby, South; and whether he will lay a White Paper before the House giving the detailed arrangements made by Her Majesty's Government for civil defence in case of a nuclear attack on this country.

I have read these articles. The recent White Paper on Defence drew attention to the many-sidedness of civil defence and to the improved progress we now intend to make. I do not think that there is need at this stage for a further White Paper giving more details.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will give further consideration to widening the scope for service on juries, in view of the increasing responsibilities of married women who are not themselves ratepayers.

I cannot hold out any prospect of early legislation dealing with the qualifications for jury service, but I shall bear the hon. Member's suggestion in mind.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will now announce plans to relieve unemployment in Northern Ireland, following the meetings which have recently taken place in London between members of the Northern Ireland Government and himself.

Her Majesty's Ministers reaffirmed at this meeting their policy of giving all possible support to the efforts of the Northern Ireland Government to deal with unemployment and undertook to pursue vigorously all existing measures to combat it. On the suggestion of the Northern Ireland Government a further study is to be undertaken by the two Governments of ways and means of securing permanent improvement.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department why he refused to see a deputation of trade unionists from Northern Ireland who came to London to see him on Friday, 17th March, in connection with his talks with the Northern Ireland Government, to discuss the unemployment situation there, and the further increase in unemployment which will arise from the decision of Messrs. Harland and Wolff to lay off several thousand men during the next two months.

I did not find it possible to interrupt my engagements to see this deputation at very short notice. While taking into account the limits within which they have responsibility in these matters I should like to make it clear that Her Majesty's Ministers are of course always glad to receive, through the normal channels, the views of oraganised labour on unemployment problems.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is aware of the practice of a number of employers of issuing to works security officers uniforms closely resembling those of members of police forces; and if, with a view to introducing amending legislation, he will consult with local police authorities regarding the effectiveness of Section 10 of the Police Act, 1919, in preventing the wearing of such uniforms.

While I am aware that some works security officers have uniforms which bear a general resemblance to those of members of the regular police, I have no information to lead me to believe that any general inquiry into the effectiveness of Section 10 of the Police Act, 1919, is called for. But I shall be glad to consider any particulars that the hon. Member may care to send to me.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will consider some form of recognition for long and efficient service by members of the Women's Voluntary Service.

Her Majesty has approved Regulations, of which copies are being placed in the Library, for the award of a medal by Women's Voluntary Service for long and efficient service by members of the organisation.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations whether, after South Africa has left the Commonwealth, a High Commissioner will be appointed with sole responsibility for the three High Commission Territories of Bechuanaland, Basutoland, and Swaziland.

This is one of the matters which are being reviewed as a result of South Africa's decision to withdraw from the Commonwealth.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations (1) whether he has completed his study of the Morse Report on the Economic Development of Basutoland, Bechuanaland, and Swaziland, which was presented to the High Commissioner on 1st March, 1960; and if he will make a statement;(2) what applications have been made for loans or grants to the International Bank for Reconstruction, the International Development Association, the United Nations Special Fund, and to any other international or foreign agency for the purposes of economic development in Basutoland, Swaziland, and Bechuanaland, respectively.

The study of the Morse Report on the Economic Development of Basutoland, Bechuanaland Protectorate and Swaziland has been completed and, as the House was informed in reply to a Question by the right hon. Gentleman on 2nd February, we are now examining the ways in which the necessary finance might be obtained.Applications have been submitted to

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations what reports he has received of damage to the property of United Kingdom citizens in Lagos during disturbances following the death of Mr. Lumumba.

The United Kingdom High Commissioner has reported to me that twenty six British subjects and British firms have notified him that they suffered injury or damage to their property. He has approached the Nigerian Government who have asked that details of damage should be reported to the Nigerian Police authorities. He understands that the Nigerian Government have the matter of compensation under examination.

asked the Minister of Education if he will conduct an inquiry into the teaching of biology in primary and secondary schools.

This is best done through the constant attention Her Majesty's Inspectors give to ways in which the teaching of biology can be improved. Their most recent advice is to be found in the pamphlet "Science in Secondary Schools" published last year. Later this year my Department will be publishing a pamphlet on the teaching of science in primary schools.

asked the Minister of Education what consultations he has had with schools and universities concerning science specialisation in school sixth forms.

As I informed the hon. Member for Lanark (Mrs. Hart) in my reply of 23rd February this is a complex problem which we are tackling with the many different interests. No neat and quick solutions can be expected.

asked the Minister of Education if, in view of the scientific importance of preserving rare species of fauna, such as the rhinoceros, which are in danger of extinction, he will seek to promote, through the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, an educational campaign and an international agreement for this purpose.

The importance of the preservation of certain species of wild life is already well understood by U.N.E.S.C.O. which assists the work of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources to that end.

asked the Minister of Education what was the response to his recent appeal for fifty-five United Kingdom teachers to staff vacation courses for local teachers at centres in Nigeria this summer, following the recommendation contained in the Report of the Ashby Commission.

The response was most encouraging. Over 2,000 applications were received within a fortnight of the appearance of the advertisement. The final selection will be made on the basis of interviews which are being conducted this week in London and in Edinburgh.

asked the Minister of Education what information he has from local authorities about the result of the campaign advertising for teachers; and what conclusion he has come to in the light of these inquiries.

I have asked all authorities to let me know by the middle of next month what success the campaign has achieved in their areas, and I will make a statement as soon as the replies have been analysed.

asked the Minister of Aviation on what authority British European Airways announced that services were being transferred to Hurn from Southampton, Eastleigh, on 19th March; and if he will make a statement.

British European Airways are licensed to use Hurn as from 30th March. The Corporation did not ask me to approve its anticipating this date by transferring its Dakota services from Eastleigh to Hurn ten days earlier, but after discussion with the Chairman I accept that disproportionate inconvenience would be caused to the public if the services were transferred back to Eastleigh for the few intervening days.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will state, for each of the last ten years, how many persons, and of which sexes, have been and are now unemployed in Malta, indicating their relevant trades; and what steps he has taken and is taking to reduce unemployment there.

Details of men and women registered for employment in Malta are given below.On the last part of the Question, the aim of the Five Year Development Plan, towards which Her Majesty's Government have undertaken to contribute up to £29¼ million, is to strengthen and diversify the Maltese economy and help to sustain a high level of employment.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland on how many occasions the National Joint Council met on teachers' salaries in the last two years.

During 1959 and 1960 the National Joint Council to deal with the salaries of teachers in Scotland met eleven times in all; in addition there were eighteen meetings of committees of the Council.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will make a statement on the grant of recognition for long service to civil defence.

Yes. Her Majesty has approved proposals for the institution of a Civil Defence long-service medal. A short Command Paper on the subject is available in the Vote Office.

asked the Prime Minister if he will bring up to date the list of Royal Commissions and Committees of Inquiry published in the OFFICIAL REPORT of 3rd March, 1960.

Since my reply of 3rd March, 1960, the Royal Commission on the Police has presented an interim Report. The Royal Commission on the Press has been set up under the chairmanship of Lord Shawcross. It has a total of five members, none of whom are Members of Parliament.I have again consulted my right hon. Friends about Committees of Inquiry that fall broadly within the terms of the Question of 3rd March, 1960. The following table includes up-to-date particulars of those Committees that had not reported by 3rd March, 1960, and particulars of Committees appointed since that date:

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies when he intends to discuss with Sir Mwanawina Lewanika, Paramount Chief of Barotseland, or his representatives the future of Barotseland in relation to Northern Rhodesia and the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland.

There should be an opportunity during the Paramount Chief's expected visit to the United Kingdom next month.