asked the First Secretary of State if he will discuss with the Southern Rhodesian Government the desirability of introducing legislation to amend the constitution of their territory so as to give greater political rights to the African community.

Under the present constitution the introduction of legislation of this kind is a matter for the Southern Rhodesia Government.

asked the First Secretary of State if Her Majesty's Government will now respond to the request of the United Nations and introduce legislation to authorise the suspension of the Constitution of Southern Rhodesia to prevent chaos and disorder in that country.

No.

asked the Minister of Education what increases are contemplated on minor works in England and in Wales, respectively, in the next year.

The current minor works allocation, which covers a period of eighteen months, is £22 million. The allocation for 1963–64 will be at the rather higher annual rate of £16 million. From this total £3 million will be held by my Department to cover training colleges, non-maintained special schools and jobs under £2,000. Of the remaining £13 million, details of which are being announced this week, Welsh local education authorities and voluntary schools will be receiving just over 6 per cent.

asked the Minister of Education what has been the increase in weekly boarding places in State secondary schools during the past 12 months.

The total number of boarding places at maintained primary and secondary schools rose slightly during 1961, from 9,604 to 9,714. I cannot give figures for weekly boarders alone.

asked the Minister of Education if he will reconsider the three-mile limit for free transport for schoolchildren in view of the increase in bus charges and in the cost of living since 1944.

No. I do not consider that the increases in bus charges and cost of living since 1944 provide sufficient reason for reconsidering the definition of walking distance contained in the 1944 Act.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs whether objections to local government reorganisation proposals in Wales may be made in the Welsh language; and whether persons conducting the local inquiries relating to local government reorganisation in Wales must be Welsh speaking.

The answer to the first part of the Question is "Yes". As regards the second part of the Question, I cannot undertake that the persons appointed to hold these inquiries will be Welsh-speaking; but if they are not arrangements will be made for the assistance of an interpreter when anybody wishes to give evidence in Welsh.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs if he will suggest to local authorities that, before giving permission for coffee bars, chip shops and licensed houses to be opened, they should take into consideration the nature of the locality concerned.

It is not necessary. Planning authorities are well aware that they should do so.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs whether he will draw the attention of the New Towns Commission to the importance of regular consultation with residents on matters affecting amenity and conditions of life in the towns for which the Commission is responsible.

I understand the Commission already has standing arrangements for liaison on these matters with the local authority and other local bodies.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs whether he

asked the President of the Board of Trade in view of the long-term trade arrangements already existing between Western Germany, Italy and other Common Market members with the Soviet bloc countries, if he will give an assurance that British

I am in consultation with the Local Authority Associations about an improvement of the terms set out in the circular, but I am not yet ready to make a statement.

asked the Minister of Transport how many fatal accidents occurred to the drivers of motor passenger vehicles, motor-cycles, motor scooters and mopeds, respectively, in the year 1961; and what proportion these numbers were of the number of persons licensed to drive such vehicles.

Since the records show only the total number of driving licences issued, it is not possible to give the information in the form requested. The figures which are available are as follows:exports to the Communist world will be no less favourably treated if the United Kingdom joins the Common Market; and if he will make a statement.

It is one of the objects of the European Economic Community to work out in due course a common commercial policy towards the countries of the Soviet bloc. If we join it, we shall be parties to that policy, and our exports will enjoy the same opportunities as those of other member countries.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he has concluded the negotiations to acquire the land for the expansion of the Port Glasgow Industrial Estate; and if he will make a statement about future plans for building on this site.

No. Negotiations are still proceeding, but it is expected that the transaction will soon be completed. We shall continue to encourage industrialists to set up factories there.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what percentage of the total of pensioned civil servants of the executive officer grade will receive additional increases under Section 2 of the Pensions (Increase) Bill owing to the fact that they are over 70 years of age; and what percentage of the total of retired officers of the Armed Forces will receive additional increases under prerogative instruments owing to the fact that they are over 70 years of age.

The figure for retired members of the Executive grades is about 45 per cent. The approximate figures for the Armed Forces is 15 per cent. of all retired officers (38 per cent. of retired officers eligible to receive pension increases).

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware of growing concern among university staff concerning the level of academic salaries; and if he will now make a statement further to that of 17th May, 1962.

I have nothing to add to the undertaking given by my right hon. Friend in the statement referred to that this matter will be reviewed.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what were the quantities of malt whisky and grain whisky, respectively, distilled in Scotland during the year ended 30th September, 1962, and the quantities of each distilled in the whole of the United Kingdom in that period.

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, 1962, were as follows:

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what has been the increase in approved school places during the past 12 months; what is his estimate of the number of places still required; and what are his plans for providing these places.

Since 1st November, 1961, 310 additional places have been provided in approved schools for boys, including 66 in two new schools. During the same period 29 additional places have been provided in girls' schools, but two schools, providing 54 places, have been closed; one of these schools is to reopen next year after being enlarged.I estimate that, if existing trends continue, about 1,600 more places will be required by the end of 1966. Plans are in train to provide all these 1,600 places, by enlarging existing schools and by building a further 18 new schools. Looking to the immediate future, between now and the end of 1963 about 600 more places are expected to be provided in existing schools, as well as at least 150 in four new schools.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many convictions there have been for living on immoral earnings since 1st July, 1962; how many of these cases involved Commonwealth and Irish immigrants, respectively; how many recommendations were made for deportation in these cases; and how many of such recommendations he has confirmed.

In the Metropolitan Police District between 1st July and 19th November 69 persons were convicted of living on immoral earnings. Twenty-eight came from Commonwealth countries, and nine from the Irish Republic. Of these 37, 29 were not liable under the Commonwealth Immigrants Act for deportation. Six were recommended for deportation; I have made one deportation order, and I have the other five cases under consideration.The detailed information called for is not available about persons convicted of this offence outside the Metropolitan Police District. I have however received one recommendation for deportation in respect of a Commonwealth citizen convicted in Liverpool, and I have made a deportation order in that case.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many convictions there have been for being in possession of dangerous drugs since 1st July, 1962; how many of these cases involved Commonwealth immigrants; how many recommendations were made for deportation in these cases; and how many of such recommendations he has confirmed.

The number of convictions reported since 1st July for unlawful possession of drugs controlled under the Dangerous Drugs Act, 1951, is 208. Of those convicted, 136 originated from other parts of the Commonwealth. Thirteen were recommended for deportation, but one recommendation was quashed on appeal. In five cases I have made a deportation order, and four cases I still have under consideration. As the hon. Member will realise, not all those convicted would have been liable under the Commonwealth Immigrants Act to be deported.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what record is kept of crimes of violence in connection with betting shops; and if he will give the number of such crimes during the most recent convenient period.

No separate record is kept of crimes of violence in connection with licensed betting shops either in England and Wales as a whole or in the Metropolitan Police District. In the latter, however, it is known that during the three months 1st August to 31st October there were at licensed betting offices three robberies, one case of malicious damage, and one case of attempted malicious damage.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the average daily prison population; how many men are confined three or more to a cell; what is the average weekly wage and hours worked; and what provision is made to find accommodation and work for short-term prisoners on their discharge.

The daily average population of prisons is calculated only in respect of calendar years. For 1961 it was, in England and Wales, 23,188 males and 760 females. On 16th October, 1962, out of 25,178 occupants of male prisons, 8,532 slept three to a cell and 4,600 in dormitories for four or more.Prisoners, except for some 150 in the prison hostel scheme, do not receive normal wages. A payment is made to all convicted prisoners according to the work they do, unless this is forfeited by a breach of discipline. The minimum rate is 3s. a week and the average about 5s.Hours of work vary greatly according to the circumstances of the particular establishment. In closed local prisons, the weekly hours in most workshops fall within the range 15 to 25; inmates employed other than in workshops may work longer hours. In open prisons, and in closed regional and central prisons, a working week of 35 hours and upwards is generally achieved.Prison welfare officers are available to assist prisoners with arrangements for discharge, in co-operation with the local Discharged Prisoners' Aid Society, the Ministry of Labour and the National Assistance Board. The organisation of after-care is being examined by a Sub-Committee of my Advisory Council on the Treatment of Offenders.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many boys and girls, respectively, under the age of 17 years, were remanded to prison in England and Wales, during the nine months ended 30th September, 1962.

Four hundred and fifty-four boys and 27 girls, including committals to await removal to an approved school.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many children under the age of 17 years were found by the courts in England and Wales, during the periods 1st January to 30th June, 1961, 1st July to 31st December, 1961, and 1st January to 30th June, 1962, to be children in need of care or protection, as defined by the Children and Young Persons Act 1933 and related Acts, or as children who are ill-treated or neglected in a manner likely to cause suffering or injury to health.

According to the returns submitted to my Department, the numbers of children and young persons dealt with by the courts as being in need of care or protection were 3,194 in the period 1st January to 30th June, 1961; 2,969 in the period 1st July to 31st December, 1961; and 3,253 in the period 1st January to 30th June, 1962. Children dealt with as being in need of care or protection include children found to be ill-treated or neglected, but no separate figures for this group are available.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many children under the ages of 15, 16, and 17 years, respectively, were remanded to Ashford Remand Centre during the period 1st July, 1961, to 30th September, 1962.

Thirty-one boys aged 14, 127 aged 15 and 359 aged 16. These figures include committals to await removal to an approved school.

asked the Minister of Labour, in view of the growing number of redundancies on the railways and the growing unemployment in Scotland, Merseyside, and the North-East, if Her Majesty's Government will give greater weight to the unemployment situation when granting permits for immigrants to come to this country; and if he will make a statement.

My right hon. Friend has made it clear on previous occasions that the employment situation is one of the factors which the Government takes into account in controlling immigration under the Commonwealth Immigrants Act.

asked the Minister of Defence what would be the cost of increasing the pensions of former members of the Armed Services and their widows, respectively, which are now paid at the rates laid down in the 1945, 1919, and earlier codes to the rates payable under the 1950, 1956, and 1960 codes, respectively.

I have assumed that the Question relates to officers on the codes referred to and to their widows. The following is the information.The cost of increasing the pensions of former members of the Armed Services which are now paid at the rates laid down in the 1945, 1919 and earlier codes to the rates payable under the 1950, 1956 and 1960 codes, would be about £2·6 million, £3·9 million and £5·9 million, respectively.The cost of similar increases for the widows of these pensioners would be about £0·4 million, £0·5 million and £0·6 million, respectively.

asked the Secretary for Technical Co-operation what measures he is taking, in the light of the Report of the Commonwealth Education Conference in Delhi, to improve introduction courses for overseas students.

I have been asked to reply.Introduction courses for overseas students are provided here each autumn by the British Council. Special courses are held in London for Commonwealth scholars and bursars. The total of attendances has doubled within the last three years. The British Council also encourage institutions of higher education to arrange their own courses. The Council will do all it can in co-operation with the educational authorities to expand this work within the limits of manpower and funds available.

asked the Secretary for Technical Co-operation whether he will take steps to increase the number of potential teachers of technical subjects from overseas studying in Great Britain.

I have been asked to reply.Britain has, under the Commonwealth Teacher Training Bursary Scheme, already offered bursaries leading to a technical teacher qualification. Ninety-seven awards have been made and fifty-four bursars have completed their courses.To meet the needs overseas for teachers of craft subjects, a new scheme was announced at the Second Commonwealth Education Conference in Delhi. Forty to fifty bursaries will be awarded annually. Students will attend a technical college for six months and go on to six months practical training in industry. The second year will be spent in a technical teacher training college. The first intake of bursars will be offered courses in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, constructional engineering and building. Governments have been asked to make nominations but it is too early to measure the response to this new scheme. If the number of suitable candidates is in excess of the bursaries available, the question of increasing the number for future years will be considered. Apart from these schemes for full-time training of technical teachers, every encouragement is given to post-graduate scholars in Science and Technology to take advantage of part-time teacher training courses.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many persons coming from the Republic of South Africa have entered, and sought permission to remain in, each of the High Commission Territories of Basutoland, Bechuanaland and Swaziland, during the present year; and whether he will give an assurance that such persons will not be required to return to the Republic.

I have asked the High Commissioner for the latest immigration figures and will ciculate the information in the OFFICIAL REPORT. I cannot give an unqualified assurance that without distinction any person who seeks to enter and remain in the Territories will be given permission to do so.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what has been the result of the discussions for the exchange of land between Swaziland and the Republic of South Africa.

There have been no such discussions.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what progress has been made with the construction of a railway in Swaziland; to what firms contracts for the construction have been given; what provision has been made for training Swazis for technical tasks during the construction; and how many deaths of Swazi employees have occurred per mile of road construction.

The work is up to schedule. By the end of October 33 miles of bush had been cleared and the equivalent of 14 miles of earthworks was 75 per cent. complete. Work has begun on four rail and two road bridges and on the access to tunnel sites. With the exception of certain specialised equipment, all plant was on the site.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if a decision has been reached regarding a constitution for Swaziland.

No.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many male prisoners, female prisoners and lunatics, respectively, were housed in the Aden prison at the most recent convenient date.

On 19th November the following were in Aden prison:

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what progress is being made in providing a new prison in Aden.

Certain siting difficulties have been overcome and it is now hoped to begin work very shortly.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will place in the Library of the House of Commons a copy of the prison regulations in Aden.

Copies of the Prison Rules 1962 have been placed in the Library. Amendments have recently been made to them and a copy of these will also be placed in the Library as soon as I receive it.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies under what conditions members of the police force of the Republic of South Africa are permitted to enter Basutoland.

Members of the South African Police who wish to seek the assistance of the Basutoland Mounted Police must report to the nearest police station; they have no power to make arrests, nor to conduct interrogations, in Basutoland.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the average floor area, including outbuildings, of local authority houses built in Scotland during 1961.

The average floor area, including out-buildings, of local authority houses for which tenders were approved during 1961 was 713 sq. ft.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the average tender price per square foot of floor space for four-apartment houses built for local authorities in Scotland during 1961.

The average tender price per square foot of floor space for four- apartment local authority houses for which tenders were approved during 1961 was 45s. 2d.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the average tender price for four-apartment houses built for local authorities in Scotland during the year 1961.

The average tender price for four-apartment local authority houses for which tenders were approved during 1961 was £1,966.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many miles of classified roads in Scotland were blocked by snow for more than 24 hours between 15th and 19th November.

Point to point routes totalling some 500 miles were impassable for more than 24 hours. The actual distances physically blocked were of course only a small fraction of this total.