asked the Civil Lord of the Admiralty if he will make a statement on the programme of scientific research and discovery in oceanography which has just been started by the £800,000 Royal Research Ship "Discovery", which was launched on 3rd July, indicating the contribution it is expected to make to trade, industry and commerce.

The new Royal Research Ship "Discovery" will commission in 1963 and will join ships of other countries in the International Indian Ocean Expedition. One particular aim of this Expedition is to establish the crustal structure of the Arabian Sea and to determine its relation to the surrounding continental land masses. The programme includes investigations into the movements and physical components of the sea, the geology of the sea bed and the exchanges of energy between the ocean and the atmosphere. Increased knowledge of the oceans can contribute to greater productivity in fishing; increased knowledge of wave form and currents leads to improved ship design and navigation; increased knowledge of geology may lead to the development of mineral resources.

asked the Civil Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that a Royal Navy road tractor towing am articulated trailer, registration number 75.RN.08, with a tail-notice saying "Caution—Wide Load," carrying a naval aircraft, passed through Worcester towards Kidderminster on Saturday, 21st July, at a time of peak holiday traffic rush by road, causing congestion and a following line of vehicles estimated at more than a mile long; why it was necessary to move such a load at peak holiday time by road, rather than by sea or overnight; and what instructions he is now giving to prevent recurrence of such threats to road safety.

I thank my hon. Friend for bringing this to my attention. We have standing instructions, of which we have reminded establishments, to keep heavy slow-moving loads to a minimum during the summer, but in this particular case we got our priorities wrong. This aircraft could and should have been sent by sea. I offer my apologies to road users who were inconvenienced by the hold-up. We are required by the Metropolitan Police to remove half-size model aircraft from the Royal Tournament this week-end. We plan to move them to the outskirts of London startling early on Sunday morning and to complete the journey from there to Lee-on-Solent early on Monday morning.

asked the Civil Lord of the Admiralty if he will state the number of cases of lung cancer deaths in each of the last 10 years of persons in, or on pension from, the Royal Navy, and the number of such deaths in each age group.

I have already given the hon. Gentleman the figures where lung cancer was diagnosed whilst men served. I am not responsible for the medical care of pensioners and a complete record of the causes of death of pensioners is not maintained.

asked the Secretary of State for War what stage the Bower Committee has reached in regard to its investigation of the move towards larger infantry regiments; and whether, in view of the public anxiety which exists, he will give an undertaking that no irrevocable step will be taken before Parliament sits in the autumn.

The Committee has completed its work and its report will have to be very carefully considered in the War Office. This is bound to take some time, and I can certainly give my hon. Friend the assurance for which he asks, that no irrevocable steps will be taken during the Summer Recess.

asked the Secretary of State for War on what basis a selection of newspapers is made for supply to Maltese gunners serving with the British Army of the Rhine at Dortmund; and if he will include The Voice of Malta and 11 Helsien amongst these newspapers.

This unit orders from its own funds a small number of English language and Maltese newspapers. The selection is not a matter for me.

—			Non-industrial			Industrial			Annual Cost
			Established	Temporary	Total	Established	Temporary	Total
1951	…	…	15,271	32,841	48,112	*	*	135,739	£ 45,453,453
1962	…	…	28,892	37,494	66,386	23,955	107,369	131,324	122,015,000
* Separate figures not now available.
Note:
The 1962 figures include the following categories not borne on Army Votes in 1951:
(i) Staff transferred in 1960 from the Ministry of Supply, numbering approximately 20,000 in 1962.
(ii) German civilians (paid from occupation costs in 1951). There were approximately 69,000 in 1951 and 38,000 in 1962.

asked the Secretary of State for War what progress has now been made with the disposal of the site of the former Royal Ordnance factory, Swynnerton; and if it is now proposed to dispose of the whole of the site for industrial development.

Some land has already been disposed of, but as the hon. Gentleman realises, there are many uses to which this site could be put after disposal and the position is complicated by possible requirements for new towns in the Midlands. We are still considering the proper solution. My right hon. Friends and I recognise the importance of getting an early solution and I will inform the hon. Member of our decisions as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for War why a military escort was sent to Euston Station on 17th July to take Privates Edwards and Anderson into custody.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many civil servants, established or permanent, and temporary, respectively, were employed in War Office departments on 1st March, 1951, and 1st March, 1962, or on the nearest available dates; and what were the totals, respectively, of their salaries and wages paid as on those dates.

The number of civilian employees, including local staffs overseas, borne on Army Votes at 1st April, 1951, and 1st April, 1962, were:

These soldiers were reported by the Royal Military Police for causing a disturbance on a train on 15th July.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many appeals against extended National Service are still outstanding by married men with one or more children.

156 appeals by married National Servicemen with one or more children are still outstanding.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will give the number of oases of lung cancer deaths in each of the last 10 years of persons in, or on pension from, the Army, and the number of such deaths in each age group.

I would refer the hon. Gentleman to my answer to his Question on 4th July, 1962. I regret that I cannot supply the information about those on pension. Records of causes of death of Army pensioners are not maintained.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if foe is aware that the fortnightly service provided by the Highlands and Islands Film Guild to Melness, Tongue, Skerray, Bettyhill, Melvich and Halladale, will be discontinued following his decision to cut the Government grant; and how much is being saved per annum by cutting this service to these townships, which are many miles from any commercial cinema.

I understand that the Guid are reconsidering the withdrawals they had proposed. This follows revised information from the B.B.C. about television reception in the area. So far from being cut, grant has increased in recent years; but with spread of television and rising costs, the Guild are trying to con-centrate their resources on places (hat need them most.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the cause of the delay in the building of Ninewells Hospital; and if he will give the scheduled completion date.

There is no avoidable delay. The preparatory work for this very large project is progressing satisfactorily. It is expected that building will start in 1964; the construction time will probably be five to six years.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware of the damaging effect that the proposed discontinuation of the sea services between Aberdeen and England will have on the trade, industry, commerce and employment of north-east Scotland; and what plans Her Majesty's Government have to mitigate this damage.

I understand the Aberdeen—London sea service is to be discontinued because there is insufficient demand to continue it on a commercial basis. I have consulted my right hon. Friends the President of the Board of Trade and the Minister of Labour and they do not expect that in these circumstances any damage to the economy of north-east Scotland will be caused by the discontinuance of the service.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the extent of delay in the Glasgow sheriff courts in hearing cases relating to motoring offences.

In proceedings relating to motoring offences, the interval between the pleading diet and the trial is between eight and nine months where the accused is not in custody. As indicated in the Reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Hamilton (Mr. T. Fraser) on Tuesday, 24th July, it is proposed that two additional sheriffs substitute should be appointed at Glasgow.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland by whom the Department of Agriculture for Scotland will be represented at the negotiations in Brussels on the agricultural aspects of the United Kingdom's application to adhere to the Treaty of Rome.

The negotiations in Brussels acre being conducted by a delegation representing the United Kingdom as a whole. My Department collaborates with the other agricultural departments of the United Kingdom in the preparation of briefs for the delegation.

asked the Secretary of State for Air if he is aware of the discontent caused by the issue of Air Ministry Order A 159 dated 4th July, which provides for pay and marriage allowances to be paid in arrear; and whether he will consider its withdrawal.

No. This order comes into effect tomorrow and I believe that it will be welcomed. It means that warrant officers will receive their pay and marriage allowance monthly through their bank accounts. Suitable temporary arrangements have been made for the transfer from a weekly to a monthly basis.

asked the Secretary of State for Air if he will state the number of cases of lung cancer deaths in each of the last 10 years of persons in, or on pension from, the Royal Air Force, and the number of such deaths in each age group.

The figures for lung cancer deaths among serving members of the Royal Air Force were given in my predecessor's reply to a similar question on 4th July. Those for pensioners are not available and could only be obtained by a disproportionate expenditure of time and money.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will introduce legislation to prohibit cyclists riding more Chan two abreast on main roads other than dual carriageways.

The Highway Code already advises cyclists never to ride more than two abreast. I do not think that this would be a suitable subject for legislation.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will introduce legislation to ensure that persons walking on main highways at night as part of endurance tests are properly equipped with lights to warn motorists and others and thus prevent accidents.

Accidents will be prevented if people observe the Highway Code's advice about walking in the road and if they take the precaution of wearing something white at night. This would not be a suitable subject for legislation.

asked the Minister of Transport how soon he expects to be able to consider the inclusion in his road programme of a flyover to replace the level crossing in Ripple Road, Barking; and whether he has yet received the report on last autumn's traffic surveys containing the necessary information on the future pattern of roads and traffic in the Barking area.

I expect to receive a report from the local highway authority on the traffic pattern in the next three months. I will then be able to consider the priority of the flyover, but I cannot see any prospect of including it in my programme before 1966.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will amend the parking meter regulations to enable motorists who wish to use them to seek the appropriate change without risk of penalty.

No. This would make the Regulations difficult to interepret and enforce. In any case, I do not think it unreasonable to expect persons who intend to use parking meters to carry the appropriate change.

asked the Minister of Transport what proposals he now has to link Liverpool and Manchester by a motorway to replace the existing A580.

Suggestions for a possible motorway routes between Liverpool and Manchester have been made by the Lancashire County Council and a traffic survey was recently made. It is too soon to forecast what proposals may result from these preliminary studies. In the meantime a programme of junction improvements on the A.580 is being carried out.

asked the Minister of Transport what action he has taken to further the construction of pedestrian bridges or tunnels at sites of heavy road traffic and at railway level crossings; and how many of these have been constructed in the past 10 years.

I am authorising pedestrian subways and footbridges in increasing numbers as part of road improvement schemes. But these structures are very expensive and often difficult to site and people are not always willing to use them. Over the past 10 years 178 subways and 42 footbridges have been built by highway authorities in England and Wales.

asked the Minister of Transport, having regard to the proposed closure shortly of the Bewdley to Tenbury Wells railway line in West Worcestershire, and the intention to build a Bewdley bypass trunk-road, what steps he is taking to ascertain whether the route of the railway line in the direction of Bewdley, or any works, embankments, bridges or cuttings on it could usefully be employed for the bypass; and whether he will make a statement on the possibility of road-rail co-operation designed to economise in public funds.

I understand that the Bewdley-Tenbury Wells railway line is remaining open for freight traffic. Highway authorities are kept informed of proposed closures so that where land becomes available they can consider its acquisition for roads.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will authorise the Woolwich Borough Council to install a pedestrian crossing in Eynsham Drive, Abbey Wood, S.E.2.

The council submitted its proposals on 13th July, 1962. I am considering them, in consultation with the police.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will provide a pedestrian crossing at the northern end of Drayton Gardens, London, S.W.10, in view of the heavy traffic along that street and the danger and delay now caused to pedestrians and drivers.

I have received no request so far from the local authority concerned. If it makes one, I shall, of course, consider it carefully.

asked the Minister of Transport what progress has been made with schemes for dealing with right-turning traffic and providing linked traffic signals on the Great West Road.

The linking of four sets of traffic signals has bean completed. Right turns have been banned at 15 junctions and will shortly be banned at one more. In addition, U-turns have been banned at a further 12 junctions. This completes my current scheme.

asked the Minister of Transport what are his proposals for closing the gaps in the central reservation in Woodford Avenue, Ilford; whether he will meet a deputation of local residents from the borough before making a final decision in the matter; when that decision may be expected; and whether the will make a statement.

On 7th June, I advertised my proposal to prohibit the use of all remaining gaps in the central reservation in Woodford Avenue/Southend Road as far as the junction with Chigwell Road. I invited (representations and have received objections from five residents and six local firms. My traffic advisers are studying the representations carefully. I shall consider their report and the objections before I make my decision. I hope to do this next month. I do not think I need also meet a deputation: the views of the objectors are clear from their letters.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will make a statement on the traffic congestion in King's Lynn; and whether he will state the date on which he expects to start work on the trunk road section of the King's Lynn by-pass.

The traffic problem in King's Lynn has been helped considerably by the measures of traffic control which have been token this year. Moreover, two road improvements costing £185,000 are in this year's programme, and the eastern by-pass casting over half a million pounds is programmed for 1964–65. This will be of great benefit. But I cannot forecast when the southern trunk road section of the by-pass will be started. It is a costly project and there are more urgent demands upon the funds available.

asked the Minister of Transport how many road accidents there have been in the past 12 months at the junction of Preston Road and St. Augustine's Avenue, Wembley; and what plans he has for making this a safer crossing.

During the 12 months ended 30tih June, 1962, three personal injury accidents were reported. I understand the highway authority is considering an improvement, but I have not yet received its proposals.

asked the Minister of Transport what progress has been made with the London Traffic Survey; and when its results will be published.

At the end of June about hall the field work connected with Che Survey had been carried out. The process of coding and analysing the data in preparation for the computer programme had been started. It is hoped that the results of the Survey will be available during the latter half of 1963.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the importance of completing the east-west route to the east coast, he will find a place in his programme to extend M.62 from its proposed terminus on the A.1 through to Hull.

I have no plans at present for extending the proposed Lancashire-Yorkshire motorway to Hull. The existing all-purpose road system linking Hull with the A.1 is being progressively improved to a very high standard with dual carriageways. This should be adequate for the expected traffic in the foreseeable future.

asked the Minister of Transport when traffic lights are to be installed at Wantz Corner, Dagenham.

I understand the highway authority hopes to have these traffic signals installed in about six months' time.

asked the Minister of Transport when he expects to take remedial action with regard to smoking exhausts on the roads following his scheme of spot checks on vehicles.

Action already taken against smoking diesel engined vehicles seen in spot checks has included prohibiting the use of a few immediately, requiring others to be repaired and submitted for inspection by a specified date, warning letters sent to owners and follow-up visits.

asked the Minister of Transport what was the final recommendation about safety harness by the Working Party of the Economic Commission for Europe; and whether the committee reviewing the interim British standard has accepted this recommendation.

No final recommendation has yet been made by the Working Party. The British Standards committee reviewing the present B.S.I. Seat Belts Standard is being kept informed of the work being carried out by this Working Party.

asked the Minister of Transport if, in view of the fact there are over 34,000 immigrants totally unemployed, he will give a general direction to the British Transport Commission that they should cease recruiting workers from overseas until these unemployed immigrants have found work; and if he will make a statement.

No. Recruitment is a function of management in which I would not wish to interfere with the British Transport Commission's discretion.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will take steps to make the registration of small boats compulsory, in view of the increase in the number of privately-owned small craft, particularly power boats, and the consequent danger to bathers and other boatmen; and what representations he has received on the subject from the Docks and Harbours Authorities Association.

No, I should prefer that the harbour and other local authorities concerned should decide what measures of control of small craft they wish to exercise. I received representations on this matter from the Dock and Harbour Authorities' Association in June 1961, when I explained that I did not consider that a central registration scheme was called for but I was ready to consider further evidence on the matter.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will give a general direction to the British Transport Commission that the 24-hour clock is to be used wherever it will reduce confusion in its publications.

No. This is not an appropriate subject on which to give a general direction.

asked the Lord Privy Seal, in view of the fact that the United Nations estimates world income at ․1,500,000 million, of which half the population got ․120,000 million, and that half produce raw materials, which have fallen in price by 21 per cent. in the last 10 years, whilst the other half produce manufacturing goods, which have risen in price by 6·8 per cent., if Her Majesty's Government will propose to the United Nations the establishment of commodity stabilising funds provided by the wealthier nations, so as to raise commodity prices and so help the poorer nations; and if he will make a statement.

A number of international organisations, including the United Nations, are already working on the problems of trade in primary commodities, and Her Majesty's Government are taking a full part in this work.

asked the Lord Privy Seal what protests have been made by Her Majesty's Government in the United Nations concerning the build-up of United Nations forces in Katanga; and if the will make a statement.

The deployment of forces in the Congo is a matter within the competence of the United Nations Commander. As the House is aware, Her Majesty's Government have consistently stressed to the United Nations the importance which they attach to the use of peaceful methods to achieve a solution in the Congo. We have also urged upon both the United Nations and the Katangan authorities the necessity of avoiding incidents.

asked the Lord Privy Seal (1) if consideration has yet been completed of the Report of the Commission of Inquiry into the incident between the Danish gunboat "Niels Ebbesen" and the Aberdeen fishing vessel "Red Crusader"; and if he will make a statement;(2) in view of the finding by the Commission of Inquiry into the incident which occurred between 29th and 31st May, 1961, in the North Sea between the Danish gunboat "Niels Ebbesen" and the Aberdeen trawler "Red Crusader" that that gunboat exceeded the legitimate use of armed force on two counts by the firing without warning of solid gun-shot and by creating danger to human life on board the "Red Crusader", and that the cost of the repair of the damage caused by the firing at and hitting the "Red Grusader" submitted by the British Government was considered reasonable by the Danish agent, What steps have now been taken to obtain the payment of the cost of repair and compensation.

Her Majesty's Govment are in communication with the Danish Government concerning the report of the Commission of Inquiry.

asked the First Secretary of State whether he will give an assurance that moneys to be made available by Her Majesty's Government to Nyasaland will not be used for the purposes of developing a Nyasaland Government-owned newspaper and a Government-contralled broadcasting service.

There has been no decision on the purposes for which these moneys will be used. I must first consider in detail the Nyasaland Government's development programme for the coming year.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is now able to announce proposals for a more vigorous campaign to eliminate the warble fly.

No; but I am pressing on with discussions with the interests concerned.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what imports of meat come from countries Mooted by the African-type foot and mouth disease.

We have a small established trade in uncooked meat with the Republic of South Africa, Southern Rhodesia, Bechuanaland and Kenya under veterinary control arrangements which have proved effective. We do not import uncooked meat from other parts of Africa or the Middle East.

Category of Staff	Management Side's Offer	Award
1. Chiropodists employed by localhealth authorities (fees).	6s. per surgery treatment	7s. 6d.
	8s. 6d. per domiciliary visit	12s. 6d.
2. Almoners and Psychiatric Social Workers	2½ per cent	12½ to 14 per cent.
3. Hospital Pharmacists	5 per cent. for basic grade, 2½ per cent. for other grades.	5 per cent. for all grades.
Award 1 has already been implemented. Documents giving effect to Awards 2 and 3 are in preparation.

asked the Minister of Health what pay claims in the National Health Service are now awaiting arbitration; when the hearings took place or are expected to take place; and approximately

Category of Staff		Date of Hearing		Management Side's Offer
Regional Hospital Board Catering Advisers (6 posts)		26th June	…	£1,285—£1,520 or £1,235—£1,455 as appropriate (present scale £1,215—£1,425)
Domestic and Ancillary	…	8th August	…	5s. 4d. a week (men) and 4s. a week (women), representing 2½ per cent. of total wages bill.
Assistants in Dispensing	…	9th August	…	Increases ranging from nil to 21 per cent. representing 2½ per cent. of total salary bill.
Works Assistants	…	14th August	…	2½ per cent.
Administrative and Clerical	…	16th August	…	2 per cent.
Nurses and Midwives	…	20 August	…	2½ per cent.
Biochemists and Physicists	…	11th September	…	Various changes, representing an increase of 2 per cent. of total salary bill.
Chiropodists	…	Not yet fixed	…	Increases ranging from nil to 20 per cent.representing 2½ per cent. of total salary bill.
Occupational Therapists	…
Orthoptists	…
Physiotherapists	…
Radiographers	…
Remedial Gymnasts	…
Therapeutic Dietitians	…

asked the Minister of Health if he will take powers to ensure that no new drug is marketed until it has been tested for its possible effects on pregnant women.

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to the hon. Member for Coventry, North (Mr. Edelman) and other hon. Members on 23rd July.

asked the Minister of Health what National Health Service pay claims have been settled by arbitration in the last three months, and the approximate percentage increase awarded tin each case compared with the offer made by the management side of the Whitley Councils concerned; and whether the awards have been implemented.

The following is the answer:what offers were made by the management side of the Whitley Council in each case.

The following is the answer:

asked the Minister of Defence what arrangements he has made for the siting of solid-fuel ballistic missiles in underground silos with in the United Kingdom.

None.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs, in view of the state of disrepair and the lack of baths, hot water and inside toilets in many almshouses owned by certain charitable trust funds, if he will take steps to see what improvements can be made and to help councils improve them.

Almshouse trusts can and do receive improvement grants either on the same conditions as other owners or, in appropriate cases, on easier conditions available to housing associations providing accommodation for old people. Many trusts lack capital, but local authorities can lend them money for repairs and improvements and can give them extra help as housing associations out of the rates.

asked the Minister of Power if he is aware that the Chairman of the South-Eastern Electricity Consultative Council is a part-time member of the South-Eastern Electricity Board, and, in view of the desirability of ensuring the independence of consultative councils, if he will refrain from appointing as members of such councils any person who is in any way connected with electricity boards.

Section 3 (3) (b) of the Electricity Act, 1947, as amended, provides that the person for the time being holding the office of chairman of the Consultative Council shall be a member of the Area Board concerned.

asked the Minister of Power if he will amend the Electricity Acts, 1947 and 1957, in order to set up a national electricity consumers council, similar to the Electricity Commissioners before vesting day, to protect the interests of electricity consumers for the whole country.

No.

asked the Minister of Power if he will amend the Electricity Acts, 1947 and 1957, so as to require that officers of Electricity Boards shall not be appointed as secretaries of electricity consultative councils.

No.

asked the Minister of Labour how many dental technicians are employed in Great Britain; and how many persons have entered the craft in each of the last five years.

I regret that this information is not available.

asked the Minister of Labour what were the numbers at the latest convenient date of unfilled vacancies for skilled workers in each of the regions of England, Scotland and Wales; and how these compare with the totals of registered unemployed in these regions.

Following are the figures, for June, 1962, for each of the administrative Regions of England, and for Scotland and Wales.

asked the Minister of Labour how many males and females were registered as unemployed at the Bexhill, Hailsham and Rye employment

NUMBERS OF UNEMPLOYED PERSONS ON THE REGISTERS OF THE BEXHILL, HAILSHAM AND RYE EMPLOYMENT EXCHANGES AT 16TH JULY, 1962
—		Men			Women
		Aged 18 to 54	Aged 55 and over	Total	Aged 18 to 54	Aged 55 and over	Total
Bexhill	…	41	155	196	8	6	14
Hailsham	…	17	49	66	4	3	7
Rye	…	9	12	21	4	1	5
Total	…	67	216	283	16	10	26

In addition to the above, there were ten boys and three girls under 18 years of age registered as unemployed at the Bexhill Youth Employment Office, which also covers the Rye, Hailsham and Battle areas; all of these had been employed at some stage since leaving school.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary for Science (1) to what extent the United Kingdom is importing uranium in excess of current requirements; what is the cost involved; and whether compensation in lieu of purchases has had to be paid to any mining companies because of lessening demand;(2) what is the average cost of uranium now being imported into this country.

The Atomic Energy Authority informs me that it is committed to purchasing supplies of uranium which will not foe completely used up for a decade or more.The Authority have reached agreement with its suppliers for deferment of delivery of substantial quantities of uranium and for cancellation of some deliveries; in one instance only has compensation been paid in respect of outstanding amortisation of special facilities. It is not the practice to reveal confidential particulars of the Authority's commercial contracts.

The table below gives the information desired:

asked the Parliamentary Secretary for Science what stocks of monazite and thorite have been accumulated by the Atomic Energy Authority; what was their cost; to whom they have been disposed; and what receipts have accrued.

The Atomic Energy Authority informs me that it has disposed of all its stocks of monazite and thorite. The Authority considers that it is not normally desirable to publish particulars of its commercial transactions other than the information given in its annual acoounts.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary for Science (1) why the Atomic Energy Authority has concluded a contract with Italy to supply fuel elements for the Latina nuclear power station without obtaining agreement for the irradiated fuels to return to the United Kingdom for processing;(2) whether it is the intention of the Atomic Energy Authority to require in their contract the return of the irradiated fuel rods which they are to supply to the Tokai Mura nuclear power station in Japan;(3) if he is aware that as a result of supplies of fuel rods being exported for use in nuclear power stations but not being returned to the United Kingdom for processing other nations will have available fissile material which could be used for producing nuclear weapons; and if he will make it a condition of all future Atomic Energy Authority contracts for the export of fuel elements that the irradiated fuel be returned to the United Kingdom.

The Atomic Energy Authority tells me that it was for commercial reasons that the Latina contract did not provide for the return of irradiated fuel to the United Kingdom. The details of the Tokai Mura contract are now being negotiated, but the Authority expects that most of the irradiated fuel will be returned to the United Kingdom for reprocessing.It is reasonable that other countries which buy British nuclear power reactors and fuel should if they wish be able to use the fissile material obtained from them for peaceful purposes. It is, however, the policy of Her Majesty's Government to permit the export of power reactors and fuel only when there are adequate safeguards to prevent the use for a military purpose of the fissile material obtained from them. These safeguards include provisions for the maintenance of adequate operating records and their inspection at any time by representatives of Her Majesty's Government or of an international organisation.These conditions have been met in the cases of the Latina and Tokai Mura power stations.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary for Science what will be the total receipts of the Atomic Energy Authority from the sale of fuel elements to Italy and Japan for their respective nuclear power stations.

It is not the practice to reveal confidential particulars of the Authority's commercial contracts.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary for Science whether a decision has yet been reached on the provision of a new laboratory to house a 4 GeV electron synchrotron, as recommended by the National Institute for Research in Nuclear Science.

My noble Friend has now approved this project. The capital cost is expected to be about £3½ million. The new laboratory will be set up in the north of England and will be particularly associated with the Universities of Liverpool, Manchester and Glasgow. A number of sites in the Liverpool/Manchester area are being investigated. The first Director of the laboratory will be Professor A. W. Merrison, and he is to be seconded from Liverpool University for a period of five years to take up the post.

asked the President of the Board of Trade when the full results of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade Tariff Conference will be published; and when it is proposed to make changes in the British Customs tariff resulting from this Conference and from the recent decision regarding duties on imports from European Free Trade Association countries.

A White Paper summarising the results of the Tariff Conference will be laid before the House. Copies of the tariff schedules setting out the new maximum tariff rates negotiated at the Conference are due to be published in Geneva on 13 th August and will be placed in the Library.The necessary changes in the British Customs Tariff will be brought into effect on 31st October at the same time as the further reduction in the duties applied to goods of the European Free Trade Association countries which was agreed at the meeting of the E.F.T.A. Ministerial Council in Copenhagen on 22nd June. A Statutory Order providing for these changes will be laid before the House in due course.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what was the value of exports of powdered milk, cheese and butter in each of the last five years; and which were the chief receiving countries.

The following is the information: