Written Answers To Questions
Monday, 29th April, 1963
United Nations
Finance
6.
asked the Lord Privy Seal what further United Nations bonds Her Majesty's Government now propose to purchase as a contribution to the solution of the financial crisis which is to be discussed at the forthcoming special session of the United Nations General Assembly.
None. The Report of the Working Group of Twenty-One, which will be the basis for discussion at the Special Session, contains no recommendation that a solution to the Organisation's financial difficulties might be found it this way.
World Food Programme
7.
asked the Lord Privy Seal whether Her Majesty's Government will now make a further contribution to the World Food Fund being organised by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Campaign.
Her Majesty's Government have pledged a contribution equivalent to 5 million dollars over the three-year period beginning on 1st January, 1963, to the World Food Programme. Half of our contributions will be in money for shipping services and half in commodities. It would be premature to consider a further contribution until the money already pledged has been exhausted.
Chinese Representation
43.
asked the Lord Privy Seal what recent steps Her Majesty's Government have taken on the question of the admittance of China to the United Nations.
No action has been taken since October, 1962, when the question of Chinese representation was discussed in the United Nations General Assembly. The British delegate then voted in favour of the Soviet draft resolution that a representative of the People's Republic of China be seated in the United Nations and the Nationalist representative removed. The Soviet draft resolution was defeated by 56 votes to 42.
United Arab Republic
14.
asked the Lord Privy Seal, in view of the creation of a new Federal United Arab Republic, whether he will make a statement concerning Her Majesty's diplomatic representatives and embassies in Damascus and Bagdad.
Arrangements will have to be worked out with the Federal Government of the new United Arab Republic when it comes into being.
asked the Lord Privy Seal if he will make a statement about Her Majesty's Government's relations with the proposed United Arab Republic in the Middle East.
Her Majesty's Government welcome developments likely to contribute to the political stability and to the economic and social progress of the Arab world, and any movement towards the unity of the Arab peoples which is an expression of the free choice of those peoples. Her Majesty's Government wish their relations with the new federal State to be friendly and fruitful.
United States Air Bases, United Kingdom
35.
asked the Lord Privy Seal if he will make a statement about the recent agreement made between the two Governments regarding the American air bases in Great Britain.
No such agreement has been made.
Mr Greville Wynne
asked the Lord Privy Seal what representations have been made to the Soviet Government with regard to the detention and trial of Mr. Greville Wynne; and what reply has been received.
Since 3rd December, when I last answered a Question by the right hon. and learned Gentleman, Her Majesty's Embassy at Moscow have continued to make representations, both orally and in writing, to the Soviet Ministry of Foreign Affairs concerning Mr. Wynne.
On 8th December the Foreign Ministry informed the Embassy that when the investigation had been completed, evidence of Mr. Wynne's espionage would be submitted to the Court. Mr. Wynne was stated to be in good health and his wife was to be allowed to visit him shortly. The visit duly took place on 17th December.
Repeated requests for a meeting between Mr. Wynne and a Consular officer met only with replies, on 18th January and 1st March, that such a meeting could not take place until after the investigation and the trial. The Soviet authorities agreed to pass to Mr. Wynne comforts and fruit provided by Mrs. Wynne.
Before and after the public announcement on 17th April of the completion of the investigation, Her Majesty's Embassy have persisted in representations to the Foreign Ministry, asking in particular for information about Mr. Wynne's health and the arrangements for his trial and defence. In a Note of 22nd April they renewed their request for the Consul to be granted immediate access in order to discover whether there was any way in which the Embassy could assist in Mr. Wynne's defence.
No reply has been received to these latest representations, but the Foreign Ministry promised to pass on our inquiries.
Fisheries (International Agreements)
asked the Lord Privy Seal what progress is being made towards an agreed European Free Trade Association fisheries policy.
I would refer my hon. Friend to the statement I have made today.
Oman
asked the Lord Privy Seal whether he or Her Majesty's representative at the United Nations has received a copy of the report of the United Nations Mission to the Oman; and when he will make a statement to the House.
The Sultan of Muscat and Oman has invited U Thant to send a personal representative to the Sultanate this year to obtain first-hand information about the situation there. I understand that the visit has not yet taken place.
Egyptianised Property (Compensation)
asked the Lord Privy Seal how many British ex-residents of Egypt have now submitted claims for loss of Egyptianised property to the Foreign Compensation Commission; how many of these claims have been approved by the Commission; and how many have been paid compensation.
The Foreign Compensation Commission does not record the former residence of individual claimants. At 31st March, 1963, 890 individuals had made claims in respect of Egyptianised property. 604 were successful and 77 claims have been withdrawn or dismissed. Compensation has been paid in 573 of these cases. Others are in the course of being paid.
Agriculture, Fisheries And Food
Food (Pesticide Residues)
46.
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many prosecutions there have been under the Food and Drugs Act, 1955, with regard to pesticide residues in food offered or sold for human consumption.
I regret that it would not be possible to provide this information without undue expenditure of time and labour.
Fishing Limits (Faroes)
48.
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he is aware of the proposal of Denmark to impose a fishing limit at Faroes of initially six miles and later twelve miles; and what is the policy of Her Majesty's Government in this matter in view of the need to protect the British fishing industry.
Yes. Her Majesty's Government have fully reserved their rights and are considering the situation in close consultation with representatives of the British fishing industry.
Beef Imports
49.
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether the talks with the Argentine Government over beef imports have yet taken place; and when he expects to make an announcement about their outcome.
52.
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if arrangements have now been made to steady the beef market by the limitation of Argentine and Yugoslavian shipments to balance the increasing supplies of home-fed beef available from now on-wards; and what estimate he has made of the level of supplies from the main sources for the rest of this year compared with 1962.
57.
asked the Minister of of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he will make a statement on the future level of meat imports, following his recent discussions with the Argentine authorities.
Following our talks with the Argentine and Yugoslav Governments, I have received satisfactory assurances from them about their exports of beef to us for the remainder of 1963.The Yugoslav Government have indicated that they do not expect their exports to us in 1963 to exceed 30,000 tons, or 25 per cent. less than last year.The Argentine Government have agreed that their beef exports in 1963 will not exceed 203,500 tons. Since in the first quarter of this year they sent 76,000 tons, the rate for the rest of the year will be considerably lower. Taking into account these assurances, I estimate that beef imports in the last nine months of this year will be lower than in the corresponding period of 1962.
Silos (Farm Improvement Grants)
51.
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether grants can now be obtained under the Farm Improvement Scheme towards the cost of Harvestore silos for the storage of grain.
Grant may be paid under the Farm Improvement Scheme towards the cost of erecting a silo for the storage of dried grain. As yet we do not allow grant for the storage of undried grain as this is a technique of storage which has not yet been adequately tested and found satisfactory in this country. Experiments are being carried out and according to the results of these we shall take a decision on whether to make grant available.
Beef (Prices And Guarantee Payments)
53.
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if there has been any recovery yet in the market prices for beef cattle; and how the cost of the price guarantee for the first quarter of 1963 compares with the cost in the same period in 1962.
The steep fall in prices of a few weeks ago appears to have been checked, and the average price during the last few weeks have remained fairly steady. Guarantee payments on cattle in January-March this year were about £9 million compared to £5·4 million in 1962.
Welsh Agricultural College
54 and 55.
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) how many agricultural colleges in England and in Scotland provide diploma training; how many students are at each one; and how many come from Wales;(2) if he will consult the Minister of Science as to the siting of a Welsh agricultural college.
Five agricultural colleges in England and three in Scotland provide training leading to national diplomas. The total number of students at those colleges is 1,548 and the number of Welsh students is 60. Full details for each college are given in the table below.My right hon. Friend the Minister for Science is fully aware of the consideration which the Government is giving to the problem of a Welsh Agricultural College.
| STUDENTS AT AGRICULTURAL COLLEGES | ||
| — | All students | Welsh students |
| Harper Adams Agricultural College | 232 | 19 |
| Royal Agricultural College | 475 | 23 |
| Seale Hayne Agricultural College | 253 | 8 |
| Shuttleworth College | 138 | 3 |
| Studley College | 97 | 4 |
and of Welsh students at the three colleges of agriculture in Scotland are:
| — | Diploma students | Welsh students |
| East of Scotland College | 88 | 1 |
| North of Scotland College | 87 | Nil |
| West of Scotland College | 178 | 2 |
Artificial Fertilisers
56.
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how much subsidy was paid for artificial fertilisers in 1959, 1960, 1961, and 1962, respectively.
The following table gives the information required:
| Fertiliser Scheme Year (1st July-30th June) | Subsidy Payments made (United Kingdom) | |||
| £'000 | ||||
| 1958–59 | … | … | … | 25,365 |
| 1959–60 | … | … | … | 32,241 |
| 1960–61 | … | … | .. | 31,137 |
| 1961–62 | … | … | … | 32,394 |
Farm Effluent (Disposal)
58.
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what consideration he has given to the cost of disposal of farm effluent; and if he will make a statement.
The cost will, of course, vary from farm to farm. Professional officers of the Agricultural Land Service are ready to advise farmers on the best means of disposing of effluent, and this should be a considerable help in meeting the problem.
North-East
Road And Rail Communications
59.
asked the Parliamentary Secretary for Science, as representing the Lord President of the Council, what minimum road and rail facilities he anticipates will be required during the next decade between Teesside and Whitby to ensure satisfactory industrial development and a high level of employment in the area.
My noble Friend's investigations are not concerned with minimum but with optimum facilities. He will have the need for a good system of communications very much in mind, and is keeping in close touch with my right hon. Friend, the Minister of Transport, to whom particular inquiries regarding road and rail communications should be addressed.
Long-Term Regional Studies
60.
asked the Parliamentary Secretary for Science, as representing the Lord President of the Council, what permanent new machinery it is proposed to create for the continued administration of long-term regional studies in the North-East.
This is one of the subjects now being examined and will be dealt with when my noble Friend makes his report to the Cabinet.
Railway Services (Curtailment)
asked the Parliamentary Secretary for Science, as representing the Lord President of the Council, what consultations the Lord President has had with the Railways Board with regard to the curtailment of railway services in the North-East, in view of their effect on the recovery of this area.
My noble Friend's consultations are with his colleagues, who retain their own responsibility for relations with nationalised industries.
Ministry Of Aviation
London Airport (Passengers)
62.
asked the Minister of Aviation what steps he is proposing to take to increase the amenities in the foreign arrivals lounge of London Airport.
I am not sure what particular amenities my hon. Friend has in mind. The general rearrangement of the passenger flow in No. 1 Building will be completed next month. The arrangements for passengers arriving in No. 3 Passenger Building are working well.
63.
asked the Minister of Aviation if he is aware of the overcrowding in the passenger hall allocated to the domestic services at London Airport; and what steps are being taken to improve the conditions.
There is some overcrowding, but at present only for brief periods at peak hours. One remedy of course lies in the airlines timing their flights so that the flow of passengers is spread as evenly as possible. Further growth of traffic will be met by the new terminal building for domestic services which is being planned for completion in 1966.
Boac (Finance)
64.
asked the Minister of Aviation on what date he expects to receive the report of the financial position of British Overseas Airways Corporation; and whether he proposes to publish it in whole or in part.
I assume that the Question relates to the report Mr. Corbett is preparing. My right hon. Friend expects to receive it shortly. As he said on 25th February in reply to a supplementary question by the hon. Member, the report will be confidential to him.
Airline Operators (Cigarettes And Liquor Sales)
asked the Minister of Aviation what measures he takes to see that airline operators do not take more than the normal trade profit on the cigarettes and liquor they sell without duty.
None. The price charged for cigarettes and liquor is entirely a matter within the commercial discretion of the operators.
Law Of Libel
65.
asked the Attorney-General when he proposes to review the law of libel.
The law of libel was comprehensively reviewed by the Porter Committee on whose Report the Defamation Act, 1952, is based. I see no need for any further review at the present time.
Limitation Bill
asked the Attorney-General if, prior to the consideration of the Limitation Bill on Report, he will arrange for the transcripts of the judgments delivered in the Court of Appeal in the case of Cartledge v. Jopling, referred to on page 6 of the Report of the Committee on Limitation of Actions in Cases of Personal Injury, Command Paper 1829, to be placed in the Library.
Yes.
Pensions And National Insurance
Mr J Lewis
67.
asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance why Mr. J. Lewis 11/17/57901 of Clifton Place, Brighton, about whom the hon. Member for Brighton, Pavilion, has sent him particulars, has not been granted the allowance for a lowered standard of occupation when the Sussex War Pensions Committee recommended that his case should be reconsidered, in view of the disability he suffered in the First World War.
The allowance for lowered standard of occupation can be granted to a 1914 war pensioner if his war disablement makes him incapable of the occupation which he followed during the period between July, 1944, and July, 1945, or an occupation of equivalent standard. Further inquiries made following the recommendation of the Sussex War Pensions Committee confirmed that this condition was not fulfilled in the case of the pensioner in question, whose present occupation is of equivalent standard at least to that which he followed during the relevant period, and in the light of this further information the Committee decided that it could not pursue the case and informed the pensioner accordingly. I have written to my hon. Friend giving him full details.
Youths, Buckinghamshire (Benefits)
68.
asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance how many youths in the County of Buckinghamshire received unemployment benefit and National Assistance during 1960–61 and 1961–62, respectively; what was the total sum paid out in each of those years; and what were the respective figures for the Borough of Slough.
Figures are not available precisely as requested, but it is estimated that the number of youths under age 18 who claimed unemployment benefit or National Assistance in Buckinghamshire was about 100 in the financial year 1960–61 and 90 in 1961–62, of whom about 50 and 25 respectively claimed at the Youth Employment Office in Slough.The total sums paid to them were, for Buckinghamshire, about £260 and £490, and at Slough £25 and £170.
Retirement Pensioners, Scotland
asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance how many old-age pensioners there are in Scotland; and how many are in receipt of National Assistance.
It is estimated that at the end of 1962 there were some 509,000 retirement pensioners in Scotland. About 89,000 weekly National Assistance grants were being paid to these retirement pensioners. Some of the grants provided for the requirements of a household with more than one pensioner.
Ministry Of Health
Medicines
70.
asked the Minister of Health when he received the report of the inter-departmental working party on legislation concerning medicines; why the report has not been made public; and if he will now publish it.
This study by officials was completed last July; it is not for publication.
73.
asked the Minister of Health whether he has studied the need for new legislation relating to medicines; and if he will bring forward legislation which will provide for the control of medicines being separated from the control of other substances and vested in the Minister of Health, the Secretary of State for Scotland and the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.
I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Ayr (Sir T. Moore) on 4th April.
Ambulance Service
72.
asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that it is impossible to get an ambulance in the event of serious illness in a home without first getting a doctor, and that on a Sunday it is difficult to get a doctor to attend immediately, so resulting in a delay of several hours before an ambulance arrives; and whether he will review the arrangement of the ambulance service with a view to eliminating such delay.
No. If the hon. Member has any particular case in mind I shall be glad to look into it.
Health Service Whitley Councils
asked the Minister of Health how many agreements for general increase of salary or wages for particular categories of staff have been reached by each of the Health Service Whitley Councils in the last five years; and how many such claims have been settled by arbitration.
The figures are as follows:
| Council | Agreements without arbitration | Agreements following arbitration Awards |
| Administrative and Clerical Staffs | 16 | 5 |
| Ancillary Staffs | 22 | 3 |
| Dental (Local Authorities) | 3 | — |
| Medical and (Hospital) Dental | 3 | — |
| Nurses and Midwives | 10 | 2 |
| Optical | 1 | 1 |
| Pharmaceutical | 2 | 1 |
| Professional and Technical "A" | 26 | 6 |
| Professional and Technical "B" | 36 | 10 |
| 119 | 28 |
Drugs
asked the Minister of Health whether he will ensure that all patients give permission before new drugs are tried on them.
No.
Mentally Subnormal (Scott Report)
74.
asked the Minister of Health what steps he is taking to establish one or more pilot training schemes for teachers of the mentally subnormal, as recommended by the Central Health Services Council in the preface to the Scott Report.
I hope to announce decisions on this Report shortly.
Hospitals
Geriatric Patients, Sheffield Region (Waiting List)
asked the Minister of Health how many persons were on the waiting list to enter the geriatric hospitals in the Sheffield Regional Hospital Board's area at the latest available date.
There are no designated geriatric hospitals in the region. The waiting lists of the designated chronic sick hospitals totalled 273 at the end of 1962.
Nurses, Sheffield
asked the Minister of Health how many vacancies now exist for nurses in the Sheffield Regional Hospital Board's area.
I have no information later than that given to the hon. Member on 19th November last.
Employment
Industrial Training Centres
75.
asked the Minister of Labour what arrangements he is making to ensure that employment is likely to be available for those who have successfully completed a course of training at one of the new industrial training centres.
The measures we are taking to improve the national economy, particularly those announced in the Budget debate, are designed to lead to an expansion in industry and a consequent need for more skilled men. Lack of enough skilled men can seriously delay development plans. The full services of our employment exchanges will, of course be available to assist trainees to find suitable employment.
76.
asked the Minister of Labour what agreements have been reached with the appropriate trade unions on the recognition by these trade unions of those trainees who successfully complete their courses at the new industrial training centres.
There are existing agreements with a number of trade unions about recognition of trainees. Our Department is, and will be, in consultation both nationally and locally with the appropriate trade unions about placing of trainees from the new centres.
Industrial Training Programme (Trade Union Consultations)
77.
asked the Minister of Labour what consultations he had with the appropriate trade unions before deciding upon his enlarged industrial training policy.
78.
asked the Minister of Labour which trade unions he consulted in regard to his extended industrial training programme; and how much of this consultation was carried out in the areas affected.
My right hon. Friend has had consultations nationally with the Amalgamated Engineering Union, the National Federation of Building Trades Operatives and several of its constituent unions about expansion of training. Local consultations with these unions and consultations with other unions interested in the extended programme are proceeding.
Durham
79 and 80.
asked the Minister of Labour (1) the latest available figures of unemployment in the area covered by the Durham constituency;(2) how the latest figures of unemployment in the area covered by the Durham constituency compare with April, 1961, and April, 1962.
On 8th April, 1963, the number of registered unemployed was 2,984 compared with 1,837 on 10th April, 1961, and 2,103 on 9th April, 1962. These figures relate to Durham, Haswell, Houghton-le-Spring and Spennymoor Employment Exchanges and associated youth employment offices whose areas are wholly or partly within the Durham constituency.
Construction Industries, Fife
81.
asked the Minister of Labour how many men are presently unemployed in the construction industries in Fife; and how these figures compare with those at the same period in the years 1959, 1960, 1961 and 1962.
One thousand and ten on 8th April 1963, compared with 482, 462, 323, and 574 in the same months of 1959, 1960, 1961 and 1962.
Development Districts
asked the Minister of Labour if he will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT the percentage and total, of unemployment in each of the development districts in April, 1960, and April, 1963, and the total amount of unemployment in all areas outside the districts on the same two dates.
The following is the information required:
| Development Districts under the Local Employment Act, 1960 | ||
| Local Office or Group of Offices | Number of persons on Registers at 8th April, 1963 | Percentage rate of unemployment |
| Northern Region | ||
| Aspatria | 118 | 7·3 |
| Bishop Auckland, Crook, Shildon and Spennymoor | 3,327 | 7·3 |
| Blaydon | 807 | 6·7 |
| Blyth | 892 | 6·9 |
| Chester-le-Street | 620 | 5·3 |
| Guisborough, Loftus and Saltburn | 872 | 8·3 |
| Consett | 764 | 3·9 |
| Darlington | 1,698 | 3·4 |
| Hartlepools | 3,883 | 10·2 |
| Haswell | 169 | 5·1 |
| Horden | 866 | 5·9 |
| Houghton-le-Spring | 856 | 5·6 |
| Prudhoe | 159 | 4·5 |
| Seaham | 629 | 4·0 |
| Seaton Delaval | 361 | 11·5 |
| Stanley | 888 | 4·6 |
| Sunderland, Pallion and Southwick | 7,320 | 8·3 |
| Teeside: Middlesbrough, Billingham, Redcar, South Bank and Stockton and Thornaby | 10,753 | 6·2 |
| South East Tyneside: South Shields, East Boldon, Jarrow and Hebburn | 6,080 | 8·5 |
| Whitby | 478 | 9·5 |
| Wingate | 559 | 6·1 |
| Workington, Cocker-mouth and Maryport | 1,726 | 6·4 |
| Yorkshire and Lincolnshire | ||
| Bridlington | 544 | 6·1 |
| South Western Region | ||
| Bideford | 517 | 6·2 |
| Camelford | 118 | 6·2 |
| Falmouth | 355 | 3·7 |
| Local Office or Group of Offices | Number of persons on Registers at 8th April, 1963 | Percentage rate of unemployment |
| Gunnislake | 84 | 15·2 |
| Helston | 263 | 6·0 |
| Ilfracombe | 289 | 8·3 |
| Liskeard and Looe | 302 | 5·8 |
| Newquay and Perranporth | 445 | 5·8 |
| Penzance, St. Ives and St. Mary's | 873 | 6·5 |
| Redruth and Camborne | 809 | 5·4 |
North Western Region
| ||
| Widnes | 1,158 | 5·3 |
| Merseyside (Liverpool and Birkenhead Groups)and Prescot | 36,436 | 5·8 |
Wales
| ||
| Ammanford and Garnant | 407 | 5·2 |
| Anglesey | 1,189 | 9·6 |
| Blaenau Ffestiniog | 125 | 2·9 |
| Caernarvon, Bangor, Bethesda, and Penygroes | 1,102 | 6·3 |
| Llanelly, Burry Port, Gorseinon, Kidwelly, Pontardulais and Tumble | 2,354 | 5·7 |
| Merthyr Tydfil Group | 1,124 | 4·6 |
| Milford Haven | 672 | 12·9 |
| Pembroke Dock | 342 | 7·6 |
| Pwllheli and Portmadoc | 403 | 4·7 |
| Rhondda Group | 2,211 | 7·8 |
| Rhyl | 777 | 5·6 |
| Tonyrefail and Pontyclun | 481 | 6·5 |
| Ystalyfera and Pontardawe | 459 | 4·9 |
Scotland
| ||
| Aberdeen, Inverurie and Stonehaven | 3,735 | 3·8 |
| Anstruther | 211 | 8·7 |
| Ardrossan, Irvine, Kilwinning and Stevenston | 2,178 | 8·1 |
| Bathgate, Broxburn, East and West Calders | 1,962 | 6·9 |
| Cumnock | 1,273 | 8·7 |
| Dumbarton, Alexandria and Helensburgh | 2,096 | 8·4 |
| Dundee and Broughty Ferry | 3,560 | 3·8 |
| Dunfermline, Burntisland, Cowdenbeath and Inverkeithing | 3,065 | 6·3 |
| Girvan | 243 | 7·4 |
| Glasgow Group including Barrhead, Clydebank, Kirkintilloch and Rutherglen | 38,665 | 6·3 |
| Greenock and Port Glasgow | 4,096 | 9·2 |
| Highlands and Islands | 7,022 | 8·2 |
| Kilbirnie and Dairy | 775 | 10·4 |
| Kilsyth | 433 | 4·8 |
| Kirkcaldy, Glenrothes, Leven and Methil | 3,473 | 6·9 |
| Local Office or Group of Offices | Number of persons on Registers at 8th April, 1963 | Percentage rate of unemployment |
Scotland (cont.) | ||
| Lesmahagow | 223 | 7·3 |
| North Lanarkshire | 12,567 | 8·2 |
| Paisley, Johnstone and Renfrew | 3,312 | 4·5 |
| Peterhead, Fraserburgh, Banff and Buckie | 2,142 | 8·6 |
| Rothesay | 229 | 7·9 |
| Sanquhar | 196 | 7·6 |
| Shotts | 663 | 10·0 |
| Stranraer | 501 | 8·2 |
| Total all development districts | 190,284 | 6·4 |
| Areas other than development districts | 414,353 | 2·2 |
| Local Office or Group of Offices | Number of persons on Registers at 11th April, 1960 | Percentage rate of unemployment |
Northern Region
| ||
| Aspatria | 58 | 4·2 |
| Bishop Auckland, Crook, Shildon and Spennymoor | 1,854 | 3·9 |
| Haltwhistle | 53 | 1·7 |
| Hartlepools | 1,904 | 5·2 |
| Horden | 590 | 4·0 |
| Houghton-le-Spring | 766 | 4·8 |
| Scarborough | 1,073 | 5·4 |
| Seaham | 607 | 3·8 |
| Sunderland, Pallion and Southwick | 5,235 | 6·1 |
| South East Tyneside: South Shields, East Boldon, Jarrow and Hebburn | 3,820 | 5·7 |
| Whitby | 288 | 5·9 |
| Whitehaven and Cleator Moor | 736 | 3·4 |
| Workington, Cocker-mouth and Maryport | 984 | 3·7 |
East and West Ridings
| ||
| Bridlington | 510 | 6·0 |
| Filey | 123 | 3·9 |
North Midland Region
| ||
| Skegness and Mablethorpe | 611 | 4·7 |
Eastern and Southern Region
| ||
| Isle of Wight | 1,321 | 4·3 |
| Southwold | 163 | 5·1 |
| Local Office or Group of Offices | Number of persons on Registers at 11th April, 1960 | Percentage rate of unemployment |
London and South Eastern Region
| ||
| Margate | 749 | 5·2 |
| Ramsgate | 965 | 6·5 |
| Sheerness | 702 | 10·4 |
South Western Region
| ||
| Bodmin and Wadebridge | 198 | 3·8 |
| Camelford | 126 | 7·2 |
| Falmouth | 478 | 5·0 |
| Gunnislake | 63 | 8·1 |
| Helston | 241 | 6·3 |
| Ilfracombe | 286 | 8·9 |
| Liskeard and Looe | 312 | 6·2 |
| Newquay and Perranporth | 323 | 4·5 |
| Penzance, St. Ives and St. Mary's | 831 | 6·6 |
| Plymouth, Devonport, Saltash and Torpoint | 3,077 | 3·6 |
| Redruth and Camborne | 654 | 4·3 |
North Western Region
| ||
| Blackpool | 2,356 | 4·6 |
| Merseyside (Liverpool and Birkenhead Groups) and Prescott | 24,077 | 3·9 |
Wales
| ||
| Ammanford and Garnant | 486 | 5·8 |
| Anglesey | 1,080 | 9·8 |
| Bargoed Group | 1,233 | 4·6 |
| Blaenau Ffestiniog | 112 | 2·8 |
| Caernarvon, Bangor, Bethesda and Penygroes | 1,187 | 7·0 |
| Llanelly, Burry Port, Gorseinon, Kidwelly, Pontardulais and Tumble | 1,181 | 2·8 |
| Merthyr Tydfil Group | 955 | 4·1 |
| Milford Haven | 151 | 1·9 |
| Pembroke Dock | 123 | 3·2 |
| Pwllheli and Portmadoc | 355 | 4·5 |
| Rhondda Group | 1,566 | 5·3 |
| Rhyl | 627 | 5·0 |
| Tonyrefail and Pontyclun | 318 | 4·3 |
| Ystalyfera and Pontardawe | 369 | 4·0 |
Scotland
| ||
| Aberdeen, Inverurie and Stonehaven | 3,653 | 3·8 |
| Anstruther | 141 | 5·8 |
| Ardrossan, Irvine, Kilwinning and Stevenston | 1,633 | 6·3 |
| Bathgate, Broxburn, East and West Calders | 1,371 | 5·2 |
| Dumbarton, Alexandria, Bowling and Helens-burgh | 1,489 | 6·2 |
| Dundee and Broughty Ferry | 3,308 | 3·7 |
| Dunfermline, Burntisland, Cowdenbeath and Inverkeithing | 2,083 | 4·1 |
| Local Office or Group of Offices | Number of persons on Registers at 11th April, 1960 | Percentage rate of unemployment |
Scotland (cont.) | ||
| Girvan | 297 | 8·8 |
| Glasgow Group including Barrhead, Clydebank, Kirkintilloch and Rutherglen | 25,947 | 4·3 |
| Greenock and Port Glasgow | 3,120 | 7·2 |
| Highlands and Islands | 6,598 | 8·1 |
| Kilbirnie and Dalry | 362 | 4·7 |
| North Lanarkshire | 8,376 | 5·6 |
| Paisley, Johnstone and Renfrew | 2,974 | 4·2 |
| Peterhead, Fraserburgh, Banff and Buckie | 2,749 | 11·1 |
| Rothesay | 225 | 7·9 |
| Sanquhar | 132 | 5·3 |
| Shotts | 362 | 5·2 |
| Stranraer | 489 | 8·1 |
| Total all development districts | 131,186 | 4·7 |
| Areas other than development districts | 260,017 | 1·4 |
Construction Industries, North-East And South-West Durham
asked the Minister of Labour how many men are currently unemployed in the construction industries in the North-East and in South-West Durham, respectively; and how these figures compare with the same period in 1959.
Eleven thousand three hundred and sixty-nine and 564 at 8th April, 1963, compared with 6,405 and 503 at 13th April, 1959.
Education
Psychotic Children
82.
asked the Minister of Education which local education authorities make provision for psychotic children in nursery schools.
The London County Council has a special class for psychotic children of nursery and infant school age. It has also agreed to assist the Society for Autistic Children to meet expenditure on nursery units in London. One such unit exists at present. There are psychotic children under five in a number of hospitals where educational provision is made by the local education authorities.
asked the Minister of Education which local education authorities make provision for the education of psychotic children over 16 years of age.
Educational facilities are provided by the following local education authorities at hospital units catering for psychotic and severely maladjusted adolescents, including those of 16 and over: Cheshire, Hampshire, Kent, Lincolnshire (Kesteven), London and Surrey.
School Children (Maintenance Allowances)
83.
asked the Minister of Education how many education authorities are providing maintenance allowances for school children over the age of 15 years below those recommended by the Weaver Working Party.
An inquiry in 1961 showed that 50 authorities were then paying maintenance allowances at rates below those recommended by the Weaver Working Party but that 14 were then considering revising their arrangements. The level of these allowances is essentially a matter for the discretion of individual authorities.
Scotland
Polmont Borstal Institution, Falkirk (Punishment Procedure)
84.
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether the punishment procedure at Polmont Borstal Institution in Falkirk, under which a boy, as punishment for failure to return from home leave, is at present being kept in solitary confinement in an underground cell for 21 days, without access to exercise in the fresh air, teasing wool all day, conforms to standards laid down for such misdemeanours; and whether he will hold an inquiry into this treatment.
Under the Borstal (Scotland) Rules, 1950, temporary removal of an inmate from his house is a punishment which may be awarded for an offence against discipline. At Polmont Borstal Institution inmates removed from their houses are accommodated in cells which are on ground level (though forming part of the basement floor of the building) with windows and ventilation to the open. They normally work in an adjacent yard, except in inclement weather, and exercise daily in the gymnasium. The inmate referred to in the Question was awarded 21 days' removal from house, as from 12th April, by the Visiting Committee for failure to return from home parole. It was also found that he required continuous medical observation, and he was accordingly employed in his cell on work considered in the circumstances to be suitable for him, and was given exercise twice daily within the separate cell block. He is still under observation, but since 19th April, on medical advice, he has been working outside his cell and exercising in the gymnasium. He will be returning to his house on 1st May. I am satisfied that an inquiry into his case is not necessary.
Yell (Rehabilitation)
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what proposals for the rehabilitation of Yell are to be carried out by Her Majesty's Government; and when they will be implemented.
I am not yet able to add to my reply of 13th March but I hope
| Food | 1960 | 1962 | Percentage decrease | ||||||
| Orange juice | … | … | … | … | … | (bottles) | 84,154 | 30,949 | 63·2 |
| Dried milk | … | … | … | … | … | (tins) | 66,926 | 40,086 | 40·1 |
| Cod liver oil | … | … | … | … | … | (bottles) | 15,432 | 4,693 | 69·6 |
| Vitamin tablets | … | … | … | … | … | (packets) | 7,437 | 2,583 | 65·3 |
British Army
Fork-Lift Trucks
85.
asked the Secretary of State for War how many fork-lift trucks have been purchased since 1st January, 1962; if requirements were put out to tender with British firms; how many trucks were purchased in the United States of America; and if he will give the order and delivery dates.
177 fork-lift trucks have been bought since 1st January, 1962. 110 of these were put out to tender and purchased from British firms. 67 were of United States origin but were assembled
to be in a position to write to the right hon. Member in the near future.
Welfare Foods, Dundee
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) how many parents in the City of Dundee took up orange juice under the Welfare Foods Scheme in 1960 and in 1962, respectively; and what was the percentage decrease;(2) how many parents in the City of Dundee took up dried milk under the Welfare Foods Scheme in 1960 and in 1962, respectively; and what was the percentage decrease;(3) how many parents in the City of Dundee took up cod liver oil under the Welfare Foods Scheme in 1960 and in 1962, respectively; and what was the percentage decrease;(4) how many parents in the City of Dundee took up vitamin tablets under the Welfare Foods Scheme in 1960 and in 1962, respectively; and what was the percentage decrease.
The information is not available in the form requested. The quantities of these foods distributed by Dundee Corporation in 1960 and 1962 and the percentage decreases are as follows:and partly manufactured in Great Britain. The order for United States trucks was placed on 10th August, 1962, and deliveries began by 31st January, 1963.
86.
asked the Secretary of State for War how many British firms have been approached to supply fork-lift trucks since 1st January, 1960; and what has been the result.
Thirteen British firms have been approached to tender for the supply of fork-lift trucks since 1st January, 1960. As a result 29 contracts were placed with eight British firms for the supply of 207 fork-lift trucks.
Man Management (Committee's Report)
asked the Secretary of State for War, in view of the failures in man management at Pirbright Camp, why the Army authorities have failed to carry out the recommendations of the 1947 Report of an Expert Committee on the work of Psychologists and Psychiatrists in the Services, which advised training in man management in the post-war Army.
The most relevant recommendations were, in the words of the Report itself, that psychiatrists should make their contribution to mental hygiene and morale in the Services, and that more instruction should be given to officers of units in the psychiatric aspects of man management and the maintenance of morale. The Army has carried out both these recommendations.
Royal Navy
Dockyard, Devonport (Machinery)
asked the Civil Lord of the Admiralty whether he will provide a new bending machine for Her Majesty's Dockyard, Devonport.
A vertical plate bending rolls has been on order for Her Majesty's Dockyard, Devonport since September last and should be delivered in July this year. In addition a replacement plate bending and folding machine will be ordered this year.
Dockyards (Estimates Committee's Report)
asked the Civil Lord of the Admiralty what action he proposes to take on the recommendation by the Estimates Committee in its Ninth Report of Session 1961–62 that an inquiry should be made into the wastage of ex-apprentices from the dockyards.
This recommendation was accepted in the Fifth Special Report from the Estimates Committee in Session 1962–63 (H.C. 101). The inquiry falls into two parts. A fresh review is being carried out within the Department and an independent survey is being carried out by the National Institute of Industrial Psychology.
asked the Civil Lord of the Admiralty whether he will make a thorough investigation of the use of land in the Royal Dockyards as recommended by the Estimates Committee in its Ninth Report of Session 1961–62; and whether he intends to dispose of any land.
The use of land in the Royal Dockyards is already being investigated. If any surplus is found it will be disposed of.
asked the Civil Lord of the Admiralty what action he intends to take in regard to recommendation 12 in the Ninth Report of the Estimates Committee in Session 1961–62, and in particular on the implementation of the Patton Report.
I would refer my hon. Friend to the Admiralty's observations in the Fifth Special Report from the Estimates Committee (Session 1962–63), dated 30th January, 1963.A member of the Dockyard division has recently visited a number of continental naval dockyards and is now preparing his report which will be studied in conjunction with the Patton Report.
Ships (Disposal)
asked the Civil Lord of the Admiralty whether his Department will consider offering shipping no longer required for Admiralty purposes to the "White Fleet" which Group Captain Cheshire is setting up to combat disease in the Far East.
In response to inquiries, details of certain R.N. ships which are available for disposal have already been supplied to representatives of the "White Fleet" in the United Kingdom.
Ministry Of Defence
Nato Exercise Fallex
asked the Minister of Defence whether, in order to check public anxiety arising from the activities of the Spies for Peace groups, he will publish as a White Paper the lessons learned from last year's North Atlantic Treaty Organisation Fallex 62 Exercise, when the United Kingdom was deemed to have suffered major nuclear attack.
I have nothing to add to the Answer I gave the hon. Member for Salford, East (Mr. Frank Allaun) on 27th March.
Press And Broadcasting Committee (D Notices)
asked the Minister of Defence whether, in view of the widespread revelation and public dissemination of classified information and secret military and civil defence plans by the Spies for Peace groups, he will set up an immediate inquiry into the value of the Press and Broadcasting Committee, and its issue of D Notices, as a means of official censorship of British newspapers, radio and television services; and. in view of the fact that the operations of this Committee have broken down in present circumstances, if he will make a statement.
The operations of the Press and Broadcasting Committee through the issue of D notices have not broken down. The Press has accepted advice in this matter most loyally.
Northern Rhodesia
Talks, Lusaka
asked the First Secretary of State if he will publish as a White Paper the agreement he made at his conference in Lusaka on 29th January with the two African nationalist parties.
There was no question of any agreement at these talks, which were purely exploratory.
Southern Rhodesia
Constitution
asked the First Secretary of State if he will give details of the agreement that exists between Her Majesty's Government and the Southern Rhodesian Government regarding the steps that must be taken by the two Governments before any change in the Southern Rhodesian Constitution can be effected.
No agreement exists between Her Majesty's Government and the Southern Rhodesian Government in this matter. The Southern Rhodesia Constitution contains provision for its own amendment.
Central Africa
Federal Forces
asked the First Secretary of State what consideration he has given to the maintenance of the Central African Federal Army under a Defence Board jointly administered by the territorial Governments and Her Majesty's Government when the Federal Assembly is dissolved.
The future of the Federal Forces will be for consideration at the discussions proposed in my Statement to the House on 1st April.
Home Department
Call-Girls
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the scope of the Metropolitan Police investigations which are currently being held into the call-girl model service operating in the West End of London, initiated following information volunteered to Criminal Investigation Department officers investigating the circumstances of a similar case recently; and if he will arrange to make available to Her Majesty's Treasury details of this call-girl ring, so as to enable these prostitutes and their organisers to be assessed for Income Tax purposes.
A number of women offering their services as prostitutes operate from flats as call-girls, describing themselves as models. Usually they do this in a way which does not contravene the law. If there is reason to think that the law has been or is being contravened, police investigations are made. But it is not in the public interest to disclose information regarding such investigations.
Police Research And Planning Branch
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what decision he has reached on the recommendation of the Royal Commission on the Police that a central unit, under the general direction of the chief inspector of constabulary, should be set up with responsibility for planning and research.
In accordance with the recommendation of the Royal Commission, I am establishing at the Home Office a Police Research and Planning Branch, under the general direction of the Chief Inspector of Constabulary.The work of the Branch will be undertaken by a team of senior police officers and scientists, supported by officers of the executive and clerical grades of the civil service. Selected police officers are being invited to serve in it on secondment from their forces.The Branch will work in close touch with the police service, to which its findings will be made available. It will be available to examine any aspect of policing, but I am asking it to concentrate initially on an urgent inquiry into methods of dealing with the growing volume of serious and unsolved crime, and problems of policing raised by modern road traffic.The Branch will also collect and disseminate information about methods and equipment which have been used successfully by police forces or which may be of interest to the police. It will thus provide a centre through which police forces can pool their experience, and learn of new techniques.The Branch will contain a small unit which will study the criteria upon which the establishments of police forces should be based.The Branch will be able to call upon the help and advice of my Chief Scientific Adviser and my Statistical Adviser and Director of Research; and I shall expect it to work in close co-operation with other organisations and agencies engaged in relevant research.I believe that the creation of this Research and Planning Branch will strengthen our police system at a crucial point, and in particular will lead in time to major advances in the continuing war against crime and the criminal.
Rsg Establishment (Damage)
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the value of damage done to Government property at the R.S.G. establishment near Reading, stormed by several hundred nuclear demonstrators on 13th April, 1963.
Two pounds.
Transport
A, B And C Licences
asked the Minister of Transport if he will give the number of A, including Special A, Contract A, B and C licence holders, respectively, at December, 1962.
As at 31st December, 1962, the number of licence holders in the various categories was as follows:
| A licence holders | 15,171 |
| Special A licence holders | Nil |
| Contract A licence holders | 12,920 |
| B licence holders | 35,482 |
| C licence holders | 569,022 |
asked the Minister of Transport how many Special A licences have been issued under the provisions of Part I of the First Schedule to the Transport Act, 1953.
Twenty-two thousand, eight hundred and forty-eight Special A licences were granted. None are now in force.
Motor Vehicles
asked the Minister of Transport if he will give the total number of mechanically propelled road vehicles at the latest convenient date.
There were 10½ million motor vehicles in use on the roads of Great Britain during the third quarter of 1962.
Road Accidents, Easter
asked the Minister of Transport what percentage of road accidents during the Easter holiday weekend, of which particulars are known, occurred to or were caused by drivers in hired self-drive cars.
I regret that information about the ownership of vehicles involved in road accidents is not available.
Roads
River Adur, Shoreham (Bridge,)
asked the Minister of Transport, whether, in view of the proposal to close the passenger rail service between Brighton and Horsham, he will make a statement on the future of the toll bridge over the River Adur at Shoreham by Sea.
As my hon. Friend knows, I have plans to construct a new bridge over the River Adur at Shoreham' to carry the trunk road A.27 on a line which will bypass the town. The necessary draft Order is being prepared and will be advertised in due course.
asked the Minister of Transport what were the total cash takings during 1962 from the toll bridge over the River Adur at Shoreham-by-Sea.
The receipts from the toll bridge in question are a matter for the British Railways Board, by which the bridge is now owned.
Railways
Closure Proposals (Notification)
asked the Minister of Transport if, in view of the proposal to close down the railway stations at Steyning, Henfield and Bramber, Sussex, he will indicate in which local newspapers he has directed that the Railways Board should publish notice of its proposals, and when.
The Railways Board decides when and in which two local newspapers it will give notice of a passenger closure proposal so as to comply with Section 56 of the Transport Act, 1962. It will also post copies of the notice on the stations affected and send others to the local authorities.
South Eastern Area (Transport Users Consultative Committee)
asked the Minister of Transport, whether, in view of the pro- posal to close the railway stations at Henfield, Bramber and Steyning, Sussex, he will list the names, designations and addresses of the members of the area Transport Users Consultative Committee, with whom objections to these closures must in due course be lodged.
The Transport Users Consultative Committee for the South Eastern Area comprises:
Chairman: Mr. M. H. Pugh, Southampton.
Members:
- County Councillor Colonel the Rt. Hon. Lord Basing, T.D., Gillingham, Dorset.
- Lieut.-Colonel C. W. Brannon, M.C., T.D., D.L., J.P., Isle of Wight.
- Mr. J. E. Brown, Reading, Berks.
- Mr. W. Comben Longstaff, London, E.C.3.
- Mr. W. G. Crowhurst, Reading, Berks.
- Mr. R. J. Davie, J.P., Sheerness, Kent.
- County Councillor Mrs. D. Elvy, J.P., Sittingbourne, Kent.
- Mr. T. A. Gazzard, Isle of Wight.
- Mr. P. Kelvin-Johnson, Worthing, Sussex.
- Councillor F. Lines, Portsmouth.
- County Councillor Capt. E. H. Longsdon, R.N., Weybridge, Surrey.
- Mr. L. G. Mizen, Effingham, Surrey.
- Alderman A. V. Nicholls, Brighton, Sussex.
- Mr. G. H. Parks, Brighton, Sussex.
- Mr. G. Watkinson, Swanley, Kent.
- Lieut.-Colonel Sir Mervyn Wheatley, K.B.E., D.L., J.P., Poole, Dorset.
- Mrs. D. Young, Sittingbourne, Kent.
The office of the Committee is at 22, Palace Chambers, Bridge Street, London, S.W.1. Any objections to passenger closure proposals should be lodged with the Secretary during the statutory period provided for by section 56 (subsections (7) and (8)) of the Transport Act, 1962.