asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what is the largest single enterprise recently attracted to Malta, apart from Messrs. Baileys; and what further steps he is taking to encourage United Kingdom firms to establish large factories in Malta.

In terms of capital cost and numbers employed, Messrs. Rigg-Welts, a textile concern, and American Motors Assembly Limited, which assembles the Rambler car, are the largest commercial concerns operating in Malta, apart from Messrs. Bailey.In answer to the second part of the Question, the existing inducements include substantial grants, loans and fiscal concessions. No additional measures of this kind are at present contemplated.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what information he has as to the forces likely to be available to maintain law and order in the South Cameroons when British troops leave in September of this year.

I sympathise with the hon. Member's anxiety on this subject but regret I cannot yet give him any information on it.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will renew the permit of Professor Mohammed Hussein Malik to continue his work in Mauritius.

Professor Malik arrived in Mauritius in 1958 for a period of one year. His residence permit was renewed in July, 1959, for twelve months and again in 1960 until 10th June, 1961, on the understanding that no further extension would be granted.

asked the Prime Minister if he is aware that the social services could be made more efficient if the rewards and conditions of social welfare workers were improved; and whether he will therefore advise the appointment of a Royal Commission to deal with this problem.

These are matters which, in my view, are best settled through the existing negotiating machinery.

asked the Prime Minister whether he agreed, in his talks with President Kennedy on 5th April, 1961, that he would press for Great Britain's entry into the Common Market.

I have nothing to add to what I told the House in reply to Questions on 13th and 25th April.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland why the improvement at Barloan Junction, Dumbarton, is not to be proceeded with this year, despite the urgent need for this work to be carried out in the interests of road safety.

The Barloan Junction improvement is now in the list of schemes to start this year and I hope to authorise it as soon as the contract details are ready.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he has taken since 1st May, 1961, and what further steps he now proposes to take, to resolve the problems relating to the disabilities, working conditions, status and remuneration of Scottish school teachers.

As regards remuneration I have nothing to add to my Answer to the hon. Member for Dundee, East (Mr. G. M. Thomson) on 30th May. The other matters cover a wide variety of issues and involve the local authorities no less than the Government and the teachers. As I indicated in the debate on 11th May, I am ready to discuss all these issues with the other parties concerned.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland, in view of the fact that the average amount of pension paid to teachers who retired before 1948 to £253 per annum, what steps he intends to take to increase these pensions.

I have no power to increase the pensions of retired teachers.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what proposals for the future of the Forth and Clyde Canal he is considering with the Minister of Transport.

After careful consideration of the factors involved, including the urgent need for a decision on the design of an important and costly bridge over this canal, the Government have decided that the balance of advantage lies in its closure to navigation. Industrial water supplies will not be affected.In consultation with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport I am considering the preparation of a Bill to extinguish the obligation on the British Transport Commission to keep the canal open for navigation. I am not, able to say, however, when it may be possible to introduce such legislation.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware that between 1954 and 1959 industrial production in Scotland rose by only 2 per cent. as compared with a 12 per cent. increase in England and Wales; and, in view of the continuing disparity in production rates, whether he will engage in urgent consultations with both sides of industry with a view to solving this problem.

Yes, but it is encouraging that between 1959 and 1960 production rose in Scotland by 6 per cent., the same increase as in the United Kingdom as a whole. Scotland's slower rate of growth is mainly due to the comparatively greater share of output attributable to the traditional heavier types of industry where there has been less room for expansion. But the Government's policy of encouraging new firms and products is helping to redress the balance.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware of the financial hardship which is arising in the case of many local authorities, which will lose substantial sums this years, as a result of the redistribution of Exchequer equalisation grant caused by the revaluation in Scotland; and whether he will undertake an immediate review of the Exchequer equalisation grant.

It was to be expected that the revaluation would alter the distribution of the Exchequer equalisation grant. Broadly speaking, the local authorities whose entitlement to grant has been reduced are those whose rating resources have been increased more than the average. I propose to review the grant arrangements, in consultation with the local authority Associations, as soon as full information about the effects of the revaluation is available.

asked the Secretary of of State for Scotland if, in view of the increasing hardship caused to people living in remote areas by the withdrawal, and often complete lack, of rural bus services, he will, as a matter of urgency, consult with education authorities in Scotland with a view to the negotiation by them of new contracts with omnibus operators on the basis of fare-paying adult passengers being carried on school omnibuses where appropriate.

The carrying of fare-paying passengers by school bus operators is already possible with the approval of the education authority, provided the operator obtains a road service licence.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, to encourage holiday caravanning in those parts of the Highlands outwith the crofting counties, he will exercise his powers to relax in those parts of other counties which are Highland in character, particularly West Aberdeenshire, certain of the requirements of the Caravan Sites and Control of Development Act.

I think holiday caravanning in the area which my hon. Friend has in mind can best be encouraged by the provision of suitable caravan sites.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland which hospitals at present provide psychiatric treatment for inpatients and outpatients, respectively; and to what extent it is proposed to increase the number providing such treatment.

I am sending the hon. Lady a list of the hospitals which provide psychiatric treatment for inpatients, most of which have associated out-patient clinics. There is no general shortage of beds for in-patient treatment, but some provision is included in certain plans for new general hospitals, primarily for teaching purposes or where existing mental hospitals are not conveniently placed. Out-patient facilities are steadily being extended as specialist staff become available.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the basis upon which the figure for the net annual immigration for Scotland is calculated.

Estimates of migration to and from other parts of the United Kingdom are based upon the number of medical cards transferred between executive councils when migrants change their doctor. Estimates of migration to and from overseas are based upon returns from shipping companies, with an arbitrary addition to cover air travel.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what roads he intends to add to the list of trunk roads in Scotland; and when the trunk road system is to be reviewed.

I do not intend to make any major addition to the list of trunk roads in Scotland in advance of a review covering the whole of Great Britain. No such review is in prospect in the foreseeable future as both my right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport and I feel that a time when we are devoting our energies to the improvement of existing trunk roads is inappropriate for a re-examination of the system.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what proposals he has for building a maternity hospital in Paisley.

The Western Regional Board recognise that there is a need for additional beds in the eastern portion of Renfrewshire, and is now considering how best these may be provided.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many students have been accepted for the three dental schools of Scotland during the last five years.

The average annual intake to the three schools during the last five years has been 134.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a further statement on the negotiations for the improvement of the North Isles of Orkney shipping services.

I am at present considering tenders for new vessels and I hope to place a contract at an early date. I am also having discussions with a view to the setting up of a new company to operate the services and I will make a further statement as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received in favour of the establishment of a university at Inverness.

I have received representations on this subject from my hon. Friend the Member for Ross and Cromarty (Mr. John MacLeod), the hon. Member for Caithness and Sutherland (Sir D. Robertson), the Royal Burgh of Inverness, the Burgh of Dingwall, the Presbytery of Dingwall Free Church of Scotland and the Scottish Union of Students.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will state each proposal for new hospital buildings, extensions and improvements which has been agreed in principle but not yet authorised by the Department of Health or by the regional hospital boards, in each of the regions in Scotland.

Where my Department gives approval in principle, there is normally a reasonably firm indication of the permissible starting date. In relation to the smaller schemes wholly under the control of regional hospital boards, a board may approve schemes in principle before it is in a position to include them in a building programme for a specific year, but no list of such schemes is maintained centrally.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many deaths from smallpox were registered in 1960; and what were the ages of those concerned.

No death from smallpox was registed in Scotland during 1960.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many death from vaccinia, post vaccinal encephalitis, and other results of vaccination were registered in 1960; and what were the ages of the victims.

No death from vaccinia, post vaccinal encephalitis or other result of vaccination was registered in Scotland during 1960.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the work of the recent conference of Commonwealth officials, and in particular on the outcome of the part of the conference relating to the participation by the United Kingdom in the European Common Market.

The discussions of Commonwealth economic officials are purely informal and consultative; no decisions are taken. It has not been the practice to make public the details of the matters discussed. Naturally, opportunity was taken at the recent meeting for an exchange of views on the economic effects on the Commonwealth of possible arrangements for closer association between the United Kingdom and the Common Market.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the total amount of loans to local authorities by the Public Works Loan Boards in 1960; and what was the amount of loans this year at the latest convenient date.

During 1960 the Public Works Loan Board lent £43·5 million to local authorities. In the first five months of 1961 it has lent £18·5 million.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the total amount of Premium Bonds sold, and the amount withdrawn, at the latest convenient date; and what has been the value of the prizes distributed since the scheme started.

Up to the end of May, 1961, total sales since the scheme started were £383 million, withdrawals £65 million, and prizes distributed £32 million.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he has considered the estate agent's advertisement in a British magazine, a copy of which has been sent to him, inviting persons in Great Britain to acquire the leases of flats in Nassau for sums up to £16,000 because these are exempt from United Kingdom Estate Duty, guaranteeing a net 6 per cent. return for two years, and offering to pay prospective purchasers' expenses for visiting Nassau; and if he will estimate, approximately, the annual loss to the Exchequer attributable to such avoidance of Estate Duty.

Yes. But I cannot make any estimate of the possible loss of duty.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if, in view of the fact that the project for a fifth Scottish university is not permanently abandoned, he will appoint a committee to consider the matter and the alternative proposals for increasing university places in Scotland.

No.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what proposals were made during his recent visit to Russia by Mr. Mikoyan about importing Russian fuel oil into the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement.

I have no doubt that my right hon. Friend will take an early opportunity of making a statement about his recent visit to the Soviet Union.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many persons, men and women, respectively, were employed in Government-financed factories in Sunderland on the latest available date.

At April, 1961, 2,113 males and 3,304 females were employed in these factories.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many cinemas have closed this year at the latest convenient date; and what was the comparative figure for the same period in 1960.

According to my present information ninety-six cinemas closed during the first five months of this year. At the beginning of June, 1960, the Board of Trade had been informed of the closing of 127 cinemas during the period January-May, but later information increased this figure to 175.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what action has been taken in the last twelve months under the Local Employment Act, 1960, with regard to Sunderland.

The attention of a large number of firms has been drawn to the facilities offered by the Sunderland area, and sites in the area have been shown by the Board of Trade's regional office to representatives of many of these firms. Assistance under the Local Employment Act has been approved for ten projects in the area and a further seven are under consideration. Altogether about 4,000 new jobs are in prospect.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary for Science why the offices of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research were sited in the centre of London; and what were the arguments against siting them in a less congested area.

Central London was considered the most suitable site from which the Council and headquarters staff could best maintain contact with other Government Departments, the D.S.I.R. stations, research associations and other industrial organisations, universities and other learned institutions, the Press and other publicity media.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary for Science if he will state the expenditure on hydrological research at the Hydraulic Research Station of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research for 1959 and 1960, and the estimated expenditure for 1961, 1962, 1963, and 1964.

The expenditure on hydrological research at the Hydraulics Research Station of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research is, of course, only a part of the Government's total expenditure on this subject. The amounts expended in the financial years 1959–60 and 1960–61 from the Vote of D.S.I.R. were respectively £12,300 and £14,500. The estimated expenditure for future years is as follows:

	£
1961–62	11,000
1962–63	17,000
1963–64	21,000
1964–65	23,000

There is a reduction in the estimated expenditure in 1961–62 since a senior hydrologist is temporarily absent from the research station.The Committee on Hydrological Research, which meets under D.S.I.R. chairmanship, is at present considering what further research is required in this field. Its recommendations may affect these estimated figures.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary for Science what is the estimated sum spent annually on research on multiple and disseminated sclerosis; and if he will make a statement.

The Medical Research Council will spend about £12,000 on research on multiple—or disseminated—sclerosis in the current financial year. Support from private sources includes approximately £16,000 allocated to research on this disease during 1960 by the Multiple Sclerosis Society, and grants of about £30,000 by the Nuffield Foundation to be used over a period of 5 years. I can assure my hon. Friend that any promising lines of study will receive adequate financial support.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary for Science if he is satisfied that the present regulations dealing with ionising substances are adequate in application to safeguard the health of all workers using ionising substances, particularly those who work in research establishments, laboratories and hospitals; and if he will make a statement.

These matters engage the responsibilities of my right hon. Friends the Minister of Labour, the Minister of Health and the Secretary of State for Scotland.The Minister of Labour published earlier this year the statutory draft of the Ionising Radiation (Sealed Sources) Regulations, 1961, and a preliminary draft of the "Unsealed Radioactive Substances Regulations" which will apply to premises covered by the Factories Acts. It is expected that the former will be made within the next few months. My right hon. Friend is considering separately, with the help of an advisory panel of the Radioactive Substances Advisory Committee, under the Chairmanship of Sir Brian Windeyer, the preparation of a code of practice for the protection of persons employed in research establishments and laboratories, but specific proposals are not yet available.A Code of Practice for the Protection of Persons Exposed to Ionising Radiations—primarily for use in National Health Service Hospitals—was issued by the Health Department in 1957. It is now being revised in the light of later knowledge by a panel of the Advisory Committee set up under the Radioactive Substances Act, 1948.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary for Science when Her Majesty's Government intend to introduce a national code of symbols identifying radioactive material containers so that police and firemen may quickly assess the degree of radiation danger in the event of accidents or fire.

I have nothing to add to the reply I gave the hon. Member on 21st February last.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary for Science if he will state in full the benefits that have been obtained by Her Majesty's Government and the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority since the signing of the United Kingdom-Euratom Technical Collaboration Agreement.

Co-operation under the Agreement has covered a wide range of subjects, including basic reactor physics, reactor planning and programming, reactor economics and the costing of nuclear power, fast reactors and gas cooled reactors, thermonuclear fusion, nuclear measurements, mass spectrometry, work-shop organisation, health and safety, corrosion, the construction of "hot" laboratories, the industrial applications of radioisotopes, juridical problems arising from nuclear ship propulsion, radiation protection and third party liability. Co-operation has been carried out by exchange of reports, visits of experts, conferences and cymposia, and attachments of staffs to specific projects and establishments. The United Kingdom also collaborates with Euratom and the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission in the translation pool "Transatom", which concentrates specially on translations from such languages as Russian and Japanese.

asked the Lord Privy Seal if he will give an assurance that Her Majesty's Government will not support any approach to Spain to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation so long as the present régime exists there.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether he will give an assurance that Her Majesty's Government will not support the entry of Spain into the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation and will oppose any such proposal by another member of the alliance.

I have nothing to add to what my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister said on this subject on 30th May.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is aware that fishing trawlers built under the White Fish Authority Grant and Loan Scheme for near and middle water fishing are normally allowed, by the White Fish Authority, to make to Icelandic fishing grounds only two trips each year between April and August, and that this year, owing to shortage of fish, it is proposed to allow such trawlers to make a third trip there; and if, in the special circumstances now existing, he will make a definitive statement as to what such trawlers may and may not do in this way.

The White Fish Authority has informed the industry that the third voyage to Icelandic grounds provided for in the Scheme may now be made within the prescribed period by these vessels. It has asked the industry to make a report at the end of the period on the number of vessels taking advantage of the concession.

asked the Minister of Health when the building work on the maternity unit of Hope Hospital, Salford, is likely to commence.

asked the Minister of Health when the new maternity unit will be commenced at Hope Hospital, Salford.

The working drawings are being made but I cannot yet say when building will start.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs whether he will now give his decision on the applications for advertising signs on the Great North Road at Catterick following his inquiry held on 18th April, 1961.

My right hon. Friend's decision on these applications was issued on 2nd June and a copy of the letter conveying the decision has been sent to my hon. Friend.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs how many of the planners and research officers of his Department hold qualifications in the social sciences.

Including geography as a social science, the answer is 39 out of 101. The others are for the most part architects, engineers or surveyors with the additional qualification of the Town Planning Institute.