asked the Minister of Power if he is aware that British steel works pay £7 a ton for coking coal whereas the European steelmakers are buying equivalent fuel from the United States of America below £5 10s. per ton; and if he will, in consultation with the National Coal Board, take steps to remove this handicap to British exports of steel.

I am anxious to do all I can to encourage exports, but the figures quoted apply only to some British coking coal and a small proportion of the coking coal used in Europe. Exact comparison is difficult, but I do not believe that there is much difference between coking coal prices generally in Europe and in this country.

asked the Minister of Power whether he will give an assurance that adequate supplies of suitable fuel will be available in the KenningtonsAveley district of Thurrock when it is declared a smokeless zone next October.

The Regional Advisory Committee on Smokeless Fuels has advised my right hon. Friend that adequate supplies will be available; the local authority has been informed.

asked the Minister of Power what information he has received from the National Coal Board regarding the number of coal mines or pits closed in Scotland and Lanarkshire, respectively, in the last 10 years, and the number of workers involved, and regarding the number which will be closed in the next 10 years and the number of workers who will be affected.

The Board has closed 97 pits in Scotland—including 29 in Lanarkshire—since 1st January, 1951. These closures affected 18,300 and 4,500 men respectively. Closures in the next ten years will depend on the circumstances of individual pits and the demand for coal.

asked the Minster of Power, in view of the fact that arrangements have been made to transport natural gas to all the main French industrial areas by underground pipeline, why it is not intended to carry the natural gas, which is to be obtained from the Sahara, to this country by pipeline; and whether he will make a statement.

At this stage of development it is considered more practicable and economic to ship the gas by tanker.

asked the Minister of Power what financial protection is afforded by his Department to third parties and employees, respectively, on account of damage and injuries resulting from nuclear accidents in power stations; how much compensation has been paid to date; and how many claims are being considered.

The construction and operation of nuclear power stations by the Central Electricity Generating Board are subject to licence under the Nuclear Installations (Licensing and Insurance) Act, 1959. The Act imposes on the Board an absolute liability for damage or injury caused by ionising radiations and requires sufficient funds to be made available to meet established claims up to an aggregate amount of £5 million in respect of each station. Under arrangements approved by me, with the consent of the Treasury, the Board is taking out insurance policies to cover this liability at each station from the time when fuel is loaded into a reactor. These policies cover damage or injury to any person, whether he is an employee or not, and whether he or the property damaged is on the licensed site or elsewhere. No compensation has been paid to date, and no claims are at present under consideration.

asked the Minister of Health what plans Her Majesty's Government have for co-operating with the European Blood Bank.

We are always ready to help in major emergency.

asked the Minister of Health whether he can now state when he intends to make a general release of oral poliomyelitis vaccine to local health authorities; and if he will make a statement.

This will be as soon as the necessary arrangements can be made.

asked the Minister of Health why there is a large pay differential between medical laboratory technicians in the Civil Service and those employed in the National Health Service; how long negotiations have been going on through the National Whitley Council for comparity; and why there has been a delay in coming to a decision.

The appropriate Whitley Council reached agreement on 22nd November on new salaries reflecting agreed comparisons with the scientific Civil Service. There has been no undue delay. The date of implementation is still to be fixed.

asked the Minister of Health when Mr. Banks of 11, Lime Grove, Birdwood, Lichfield, will receive his officially issued invalid vehicle, an application for which has been supported by his medical adviser and about which the full facts are known by the Lichfield Employment Exchange.

The provision of a vehicle may be considered only on the recommendation of a hospital consultant. I understand that Mr. Bank's family doctor is arranging for him to he seen by a consultant in the near future.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will give an assurance that the property "Moorhill", recently acquired by the Sunderland Council, will be used for female patients only.

I understand this is the intention, but my right hon. Friend has no power to give or seek an assurance.

asked the Minister of Health how many hearing aid technicians were employed in the National Health Service on 31st October, 1951. and 31st October, 1961, respectively; and what were the minimum and maximum salary scales fixed for these technicians when their salaries were last reviewed.

I have figures only for 31st December. For England and Wales these were 123 whole-time equivalents in 1951 and 221 in 1960. The salary scale operative since 1st September, 1960, rises from £270 at age 18 to £590 maximum, with responsibility allowances in certain cases.

asked the Minister of Health what factors are taken into account by a regional appeals committee when deciding the grading of a post and to what extent such a decision is made on the basis of duties to be performed, and on the ability of each incumbent to perform those duties, respectively.

Grading is based on the duties actually performed and is normally decided by reference to definitions laid down by the Whitley Councils. Ability is not an issue for the Committee.

asked the Minister of Health what quantities of welfare foods were dispensed in England and Wales during the period 27th August to 28th October in 1960 and in 1961, respectively.

I regret that this information is not available.

asked the Minister of Health how much cod liver oil and orange juice was distributed by the health department in Thurrock during the 12 weeks starting 4th July, 1960, and during the 12 weeks starting 3rd July, 1961, respectively.

asked the Minister of Health what were the quantities of cod liver oil and orange juice distributed by the health department in St. Helens, Lancashire, for the 12 weeks starting 4th July, 1960, and a similar period starting 3rd July, 1961; and what was the percentage decrease in each welfare food.

—		Bottles		Percentage decrease
		12 weeks from 4th July, 1960	12 weeks from 3rd July, 1961
South Essex Health Area which includes Thurrock.	Cod liver oil	3,592	1,080	—
	Orange juice	42,853	15,194	—
St. Helens, Lancashire	Cod liver oil	1,397	459	67·14
	Orange juice	12,912	3,496	72·92
Bilston Borough	Cod liver oil	310	92	70·32
	Orange juice	3,783	905	76·08
Coseley Urban District Council	Cod liver oil	359	114	68·25
	Orange juice	3,504	1,044	70·21
Burnley	Cod liver oil	1,099	289	73·70
	Orange juice	9,040	2,649	70·70
Sedgley Urban District Council	Cod liver oil	341	84	75·37
	Orange juice	2,401	644	73·18

asked the Minister of Health what was the purpose of the investigations made into the practice of Mr. P. E. Grundy, a dental surgeon of Leyland, by the Dental Estimates Board.

I understand that these investigations are being made by the police.

asked the Minister of Health whether the field examination on perinatal mortality in Wales, being conducted by medical officers of the Welsh Board of Health, has yet been com-

asked the Minister of Health what amounts of orange juice and cod liver oil were distributed by the health department in the Borough of Bilston and the urban district councils of Coseley and Sedgley for the 12 weeks starting 4th July, 1960, and a similar period starting 3rd July, 1961; and what was the percentage decrease in each welfare food.

asked the Minister of Health what amounts of cod liver oil and orange juice were distributed in Burnley for the 12 months starting 4th July, 1960, and a similar period starting 3rd July, 1961; and what was the percentage decrease in each welfare food.

Following are the figures:completed; and when the report will be published.

The survey has not yet been completed.

asked the Minister of Health what borrowings have been made by British hospital authorities of special medical equipment under the Council of Europe Convention of 29th April, 1960; and what British equipment has been loaned to fellow signatories of the convention.

None.

asked the Minister of Health if he will give the number of patients in the Chepstow Plastic Surgery Hospital at the nearest convenient date, and the number of these who live in Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire, Glamorganshire, Cardiganshire and Breconshire, respectively.

156, 3, 6, 54, 1 and 3.

asked the Minister of Health if he will give the number of people awaiting admission to the Chepstow Plastic Surgery Hospital, and the number who have been waiting six months or longer.

316 and 190.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is satisfied with the staffing position in Manchester's hospital maternity services; and if he will make a statement.

There is some deficiency of midwives. Hospital authorities will be reporting shortly on action taken on recommendations made earlier this year with a view to improving the position.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that there is a shortage of nursing staff at the Manchester Royal Eye Hospital; and what curtailment of the hospital's services has occurred in consequence.

Yes. 35 beds have been unoccupied, but 10 of these were recently brought back into use.

asked the Minister of Health, if he is now able to give details of the machinery he is establishing to conduct the review of hospital medical staffing.

I cannot yet add to the reply I gave on 13th November. I will send the hon. Member details as soon as they have been settled with the profession.

asked the Minister of Labour when he proposes to appoint a day from which the payment of wages by cheque shall be lawful in accordance with section 1 (3, d) of the Payment of Wages Act, 1960.

The provisions covering payment into a bank account or by postal order or money order will have been in effect for one year on 1st December. I propose shortly to consult with interested organisations about the working of these provisions. I shall then consider the question of bringing into force those provisions relating to the payment of wages by cheque.

asked the Minister of Labour what consideration he is giving to the continuing problem of unemployment among unskilled workers in the Gateshead and district employment area.

As the hon. Gentleman knows, I am well aware of this problem. My local officers will continue to do all they can to find these workers suitable employment.

asked the Minister of Labour if he has noted that the average basic weekly wage of disabled persons employed by Remploy Ltd. was only £7 13s. 6d. in 1960–61; and whether he will increase the cash advances to Remploy Ltd. so that better wages can be paid.

The wages paid by Remploy are negotiated in the normal way between the company and the trade unions. The basic rates were increased as from 5th April last by 2d. an hour for men and Id. for women. The Government's annual grant towards the company's running expenses will increase from £2,750,000 in the current financial year to £2,950,000 in 1965–66.

asked the Minister of Labour what were the numbers and percentages of school leavers between 1st July, 1961, and 31st October, 1961, who entered employment in each of the following categories, namely, apprenticeships to skilled occupations, employment leading to professional qualifications, clerical employment, employment with

—		Boys		Girls
		Number	Percentage	Number	Percentage
1.	Apprenticeship to skilled occupations	64,245	41·1	10,349	7·2
2.	Employment leading to professional qualifications	3,175	2·0	2,409	1·7
3.	Clerical employment	18,187	11 ·7	62,175	43·1
4.	Employment with training not covered in (1) to (3) above	20,060	12·9	13,336	9·2
5.	Other employment	50,499	32·3	56,112	38·8
		156,166		144,381

For the year ended 30th September, 1961, the percentage of boys getting apprenticeships was 38·0 compared with 35·0 for the year ended 30th September, 1960.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is aware that the White Fish Authority has changed its rate of interest on advance trade as from 14th October, 1961; and if he will make a detailed statement indicating the reason for this change and the manner in which it will operate.

The Authority varies interest rates from time to time in relation to changes made in the Government credit rate. The rates on advances made before the dates of such changes remain unaltered.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will seek to amend the Diseases of Animals (Ascertainment of Compensation) Order, 1959, in such a way as to ensure that the Press shall at all times be admitted to tribunals sitting in connection with fowl pest compensation cases.

Proceedings under this Order are like any other proceedings under the Arbitration Act. The admission of the Press and the public to these hearings is at the discretion of the arbitrator. The accepted practice is that the public may be excluded if their presence is objected to by either party or the arbitrator. I can see no reason why the procedure for hearing cases concerned with fowl pest compensation should diverge from the accepted practice.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs, in view of the worsening situation for gypsies and other travellers, in what way his Department will co-operate with the local authorities in an effort to provide suitable camping sites where the children can be assured of the statutory educational services.

The Caravan Sites and Control of Development Act, 1960, empowers local authorities to provide sites for this purpose, where the need arises. We are ready to give any further help we can, if it should be needed. It is to be expected that there will be consultation between the local authority providing the site and the education authority.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs in what way the Caravan Sites Act, 1960, has improved the situation for gypsies and other travellers; and what are the future prospects in this respect.

Various provisions of the Act may be of assistance to gypsies. I would mention in particular the exemptions from licensing for Caravan Sites used by seasonal workers in Agriculture or forestry, the provision requiring all licensed sites to be registered, and the power given to local authorities, including county councils, to provide caravan sites to meet the needs of their areas.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs how many prosecutions of individuals and how many of corporate bodies, respectively, have been instituted since the passing of the Litter Act; and whether he is satisfied with the operation of the Act.

The statistics of prosecutions under the Act kept by my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary show that up to the end of 1960 there had been 5,317 prosecutions in England and Wales. The records kept make no distinction between individuals and corporate bodies. My right hon. Friend is satisfied that the Act is making a useful contribution to the anti-litter campaign.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware of the difficulties arising under existing arrangements in Scottish courts in providing defence in cases of persons without means; whether he has completed his consideration of the Guthrie Committee's Report and his consultations with the Law Society of Scotland; and what steps he now proposes to take to ensure legal representation in all courts.

I am not yet in a position to add to the reply that my hon. Friend the Joint Under-Secretary of State gave to a Question by the hon. Member for Glasgow, Craigton (Mr. Millan) on 15th November.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will introduce legislation to stop the playing of transistor radios in all buses, trains and coaches.

No, sir. British Railways' byelaws and my regulations for the conduct of passengers on buses and coaches already forbid the use of radios when they annoy other persons. A complete ban would be unfair, for there may be times when all passengers in a compartment or coach would like to listen to a radio.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware of the dangerous conditions on the A.38 trunk road between Shenstone and Shenstone Wood End, where accidents have occurred involving loss of life and severe damage to property; and what action he proposes to take in this matter.

I am making inquiries and will write to the hon. Member as soon as possible.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that some individuals and voluntary groups who have collected parcels of clothing and food for relatives and friends in British Honduras, following the hurricane, find the air mail rates prohibitive; and whether, as a temporary measure to help relieve this distress, he will reduce the rates substantially for such parcels.

While my right hon. Friend has the greatest sympathy with the people of British Honduras in their present plight, he is sorry that he cannot do as the hon. Member asks without being prepared to make similar concessions over a much wider field.

asked the Minister of Education (I) whether he will make a statement about the agenda of the forthcoming Commonwealth Education Conference at Delhi;(2) if he will now announce the composition of the British delegation to the forthcoming Commonwealth Education Conference in Delhi.

The delegation will be led by myself and I shall be accompanied by my right hon. Friend the Secretary for Technical Co-operation. The other delegates from the United Kingdom, besides officials from the Government Departments concerned and the British Council, will be:

Dr. J. W. Cook, Vice-Chancellor, University of Exeter.

Dr. J. F. Foster, Secretary, Association of Universities of the British Commonwealth.

Mr. A. Hill, Managing Director, Heinemann Educational Books, Limited, London.

Dr. W. B. Inglis, Principal, Moray House, College of Education, Edinburgh.

Professor L. J. Lewis, Professor of Education, Institute of Education, University of London.

Sir Douglas Logan, Principal, University of London.

Mr. R. M. Marsh. County Education Officer, Hampshire.

Miss M. Miles, Headmistress. Mayfield Comprehensive School, London.

Mr. E. E. Temple, Assistant Secretary, Association of Universities of the British Commonwealth.

Dr. G. E. Watts, Principal, Brighton Technical College.

The Dependent Territories of the Commonwealth will be represented in the delegation by Ministers of Education from Aden, British Guiana, The Gambia, Kenya, Mauritius, Uganda and Zanzibar and by officials from the Bahamas, Fiji, Hong Kong, North Borneo, Sarawak, Singapore, the West Indies and Basutoland, the Bechuanaland Protectorate and Swaziland.The agenda for the conference, which has been drawn up by the Commonwealth Education Liaison Committee and the Governments concerned, is as follows:

asked the Minister of Education what grants are at present being paid to trainee teachers; what improvement is contemplated in the immediate future; and whether he will make a statement.

The present grants for teachers in training are set out in my Department's Circulars 5/61 and 7/61, of which I am sending copies to the hon. Member. On future improvements, as I explained to the House on 13th November, the Standing Advisory Committee on Grants to Students has been asked to review the maintenance rates and I hope to be able to consider its recommendations early in the New Year.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what were the quantities of malt whisky and grain whisky, respectively, distilled in Scotland during the year to 30th September, 1961; and what were the quantities of both distilled in the whole of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

The quantities of malt spirit and of grain spirit distilled in Scotland and in the United Kingdom as a whole in the year ended 30th September, 1961, were as follows:

—	Proof Gallons
	United Kingdom	Scotland
Production by distilleries using malt only (malt spirit)	26,497,655	26,439,994
Production by distilleries using malt and other material (grain spirit)	49,364,588	46,301,376

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many electronic computers are at present in use by Government Departments; what is their distribution between Government Departments; and what plans Her Majesty's Government have made for increasing their use of such computers.

Twenty-one electronic computers are at present in use for clerical purposes by Government Departments and six more are on order. They vary considerably in size and their distribution is shown below. More computer systems are at various stages of planning.

ELECTRONIC COMPUTERS FOR CLERICAL WORK
Department	Number in use	Number on order
Admiralty	6	1
Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food	3	—
Department of Agriculture and Fisheries for Scotland	1	—
Air Ministry	1	1
Ministry of Aviation	1	—
Board of Inland Revenue	1	—
Ministry of Labour	1	—
Ministry of Pensions and National Insurance	1	1
Post Office	3	—
H.M. Stationery Office	1	—
Board of Trade	1	—
War Office	1	2
Ministry of Works	—	1
Total	21	6

asked the Secretary to the Treasury why a claim for salary increases made by the Association of University Teachers in October, 1960, has been brought within the pay pause policy of July, 1961.

The present salary scales for university teachers were effective from 1st January, 1960. At the time the Memorandum was received from the University Grants Committee setting out the case for a further increase, the need for the measures which the Government announced towards the end of July was already clear and no prior commitment in respect of an increase had been entered into. It is therefore at present under consideration, but implementation of any decision on it is subject to the general pause on wage and salary increases which forms an essential part of the policy to which I have referred.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many persons born in Southern Ireland are at present serving in the Metropolitan Police Force.

One hundred and thirty-four.

asked the Secetary of State for War what estimates he has formed, based on present recruiting trends, of the size of the regular element in the Army at 1st April, 1962.

The strengths published in the Report on Defence, 1961 (Comd. 1288) remain a reliable estimate of the Regular strength of the Army on 1st April, 1962.

asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance how many working days were lost in 1960 on account of absence due to bronchitis in the United Kingdom as a whole and in the County Borough of Derby in particular.

The latest available figures showing the causes of incapacity for work recorded for sickness benefit are for the year to 30th May, 1959. A sample analysis suggests that approximately 31 million days of such recorded absence from work in Great Britain during this period were due to bronchitis. I am afraid that separate figures are not available for the United Kingdom or for Derby. I would add that when the results of the inquiry now being undertaken into the incidence of incapacity for work are available, information about sickness from bronchitis in the current period will be given separately in respect of all towns with a population exceeding 100,000 as well as for Great Britain as a whole.