asked the Minister of Transport whether, in the public interest, he will give a general direction to the Railways Board to open a competition for suggestions for the conversions of disused rural railway stations to dwelling houses.

No. This is not an appropriate subject for the issue of a general direction, but I am sure the Railways Board will take note of the hon. Member's suggestion.

asked the Minister of Transport if, in relation to his future consideration of applications to close considerable sections of line under the railway plan and to enable the economic factors to be assessed, he will state the cost of wages and salaries in British Railways for 1951 and 1962, respectively, and the proportions of the total operating costs for labour, and the average wage for each year.

As is shown in the Annual Reports of the British Transport Commissions, the average earnings of the adult male railwaymen for the sample week in 1951 were £7 18s. 6d. and in 1961 £14 14s. 0d. The comparable figure for 1962 has not yet been published. I have asked the British Railways Board if it can provide my hon. Friend with the 1962 figure and also, as the responsible undertaking with the other information he is seeking.

asked the Minister of Transport what has been the consultation he has had with the Secretary of State for Scotland regarding the additional road expenditure which will be necessary in Scotland arising from the proposed rail closures.

As my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland told the House on 1st May, until the statutory closure procedures are followed in individual cases, it is impossible to anticipate what additional highway expenditure may be necessary. Our two Departments are in close contact on the possible effects of the Railways Board's proposals, and I have already told the House that I will consult my right hon. Friend on any passenger closure proposal in Scotland.

asked the Minister of Transport whether the Hall Committee had access to the statistics on which the Beeching Report was based.

An analysis of the preliminary results of the Railways Board's studies of traffic and costs was taken into account in the preparation of the Hall Group's Report.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in the public interest, he will issue a general direction to the Railways Board that relevant traffic statistics in its possession be made available to local authorities and others to enable them to prepare their cases against railway closures.

No. The Railways Board has already agreed to provide area transport users consultative committees with such figures when an objection is lodged to a passenger closure proposal under Section 56(8) of the Transport Act, 1962. The Committees for its part will make this information available to objectors.

asked the Minister of Transport to what extent the Nationalised Transport Advisory Council will be considering the Beeching Report and its co-ordination with other forms of transport.

The Nationalised Transport Advisory Council, which will meet for the first time before Whitsun will provide a valuable forum for discussing the Report generally and particularly those aspects which raise questions about the co-ordination of the activities of the nationalised transport undertakings.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will give a general direction, in the public interest, to the Railways Board, to introduce a flat-rate system for transport of freight.

No. Freight rates are a matter for the British Railways Board.

asked the Minister of Transport when a full report on road transport will be published, in order to provide the necessary information on which an overall transport plan for the country can be determined.

In pursuing their aim of providing an efficient and well-balanced transport system for Great Britain as a whole, the Government have already published, or have been associated with, a number of important studies and reports which affect road transport. I am sending the hon. Member a list. As I announced on 29th April, I am setting up an independent committee of inquiry to re-examine the fundamental basis and working of the licensing system for road goods transport.

asked the Minister of Transport how many applications for grants for the improvement of basic services in development districts in the North-East were received and approved in the financial year 1962–63; and what was the total amount.

I received three applications for schemes costing a total of £81,000. I issued one grant of £22,000.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will introduce legislation to make it a condition of the granting of public licences to transport services that there should be no racial discrimination in their employment policy.

I do not think that the road transport licensing machinery would be appropriate for this purpose. I would, however, expect road transport operators to avoid racial discrimination in their employment policy. The hon. Member will no doubt have seen the statement issued by the Transport Holding Company last week on its policy in this matter.

asked the Minister of Transport how many people will be employed in each area on the survey of rural transport needs; and when he expects the whole survey to be completed.

The firm which carried out the main fieldwork,11 our behalf inform us that they employed roughly 20 to 30 people in each area. They are now compiling the results and expect to finish the task next month.

asked the Minister of Transport why surface repairs in Park Lane are permitted to take place in daytime, thus imposing an inordinate hold-up for thousands of vehicles.

I understand that the Commissioner of Police agreed to the work being done by the London County Council and the Westminster City Council because he considered that the stipulations he made would still permit a reasonable flow of traffic.

asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware that many children have to cross the A.34 road in Newcastle-under-Lyme at its junction with St. Michael's Road en route to Hempstalls Lane School; and if he will provide an additional subway at this point.

We are not as yet convinced that a subway here, in addition to those which are already being provided, is justified. Moreover. to provide one as part of the works on this road which have now started would be difficult. But we are willing to consider the matter further if the borough council will submit full details in justification.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will make a statement on the present position of the Leicestershire portion of the Leicester-Yorkshire motorway; and when arrangements for providing all the necessary roads leading into that portion will be completed.

Twenty-six miles of this motorway are now under construction. Work is about to start on the bridgeworks at the River Trent crossing. Tenders are being considered for the remaining 12½ miles of roadworks in Leicestershire.Necessary improvements to feeder roads are under way or in course of preparation. Except for the improvement of a section of Norborough Road South. these should be completed by the time the motorway is.

asked the Minister of Transport what consideration has been given to a by-pass at the village of Longnewton. on trunk road A.67.

The line of a by-pass has been established by an Order, but so far it has not been possible to include a scheme for its construction in my right hon. Friend's trunk roads programme

asked the Minister of Transport how many representations he has received in favour of a 40 miles per hour speed limit on the London—Great Yarmouth trunk road, A.12, between Ipswich and Martlesham; whether he will reconsider his decision not to impose such a speed limit; and whether he has now decided to institute physical improvements and the regulation of traffic entering and emerging from the side roads in order to make a contribution to safety.

In the last two years my right hon. Friend has received representations from six sources. He has reviewed the matter, but still considers that it would he inappropriate to impose a 40 m.p.h. speed limit on this length of road. We are proposing to carry out improvements to a number of junctions to reduce the dangers to traffic turning into and out of the side roads.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, with a view to reducing the risk of road accidents caused by vehicles halted on the highway, he will examine the effect of requiring drivers to place a red triangle at a specified distance behind their vehicles when these are parked or broken down upon the road.

My right hon. Friend proposes shortly to make regulations authorising the use of such warning signs in certain circumstances. The powers in Section 33 of the Road Traffic Act, 1962, do not enable him to require drivers to use such signs.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will issue a circular to highway authorities informing them that he is prepared to consider proposals for carriageway markings with the words "School Entrance".

Yes.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will make a statement about the proposed second crossing of the River Mersey at Liverpool.

The need for and the location of a second crossing of the River Mersey are being studied by the committee of local authorities which is drawing up proposals for a comprehensive programme of road improvements for the Merseyside conurbation area. I expect to receive a report from the committee later this year.

asked the Minister of Transport by what means his Department exercises control over the siting of private car parks.

There is no control by my Department because this is essentially a local matter, subject to local planning controls. My Department may be consulted if a trunk road is affected or if there is an appeal against refusal of planning permission.

asked the Minister of Transport how long it will take to complete the major reconstruction of Talke Road in North Staffordshire to carry it over the new link with M.6; and when the present road works on Jamage Road will be finished so that it can be used as a diversionary route for buses in the meantime.

The work at Talke Road will not be completed until towards the end of this year. The new road will run underneath it in a cutting and Talke Road must be reinstated on a bridge. Repairs to Jamage Road will be completed this week-end.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will now announce a decision on requests for the imposition of a 30 miles per hour speed limit on Salhouse Road, Norwich.

My right hon. Friend has not yet received an application for consent from either of the local authorities involved.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will extend the system of prohibiting right-hand turns so that wherever possible, at busy intersections, vehicles travelling in opposite directions will be prevented from turning right at the same cross-roads, thus eliminating congestion caused by the two streams of turning vehicles blocking one another.

We have this very much in mind in London and have already announced proposals for several traffic schemes which include the prohibition of right-hand turns. More are under consideration. Our one-way schemes themselves make a big contribution to the elimination of this difficulty.Outside the London Traffic Area this is a matter for local authorities.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has yet received proposals from the City of London Corporation for sites for lay-bys on the Epping New Road; and what is the result of his consultations with local authorities about the provision of public lavatories.

Sites for lay-bys have been agreed with the Corporation of the City of London on the understanding that public lavatories are provided. Consultations with the local authorities about their provision are still proceeding.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is satisfied that the Merchant Shipping Acts enable those in authority to deal immediately with abuses of discipline; and if he will take the necessary steps to ensure that they do.

I am satisfied that those in authority are in a position to deal immediately with abuses of discipline in merchant ships at sea. The second part of the Question does not therefore arise.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the continued problems of British shipbuilding in competing against foreign subsidised shipbuilding, he will call a conference of British shipbuilding interests to ascertain to what extent they would welcome subsidies as a method of protection against unfair competition.

I am in constant touch with the Shipbuilding Conference and individual shipbuilders on how best to help them to compete in the world market.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, pending satisfactory international agreement on the ending of the payment of shipbuilding subsidies by many other countries, he will take steps to ensure that British shipbuilders do not lose orders for this reason to foreign yards.

The Government may help the financing of export orders in several ways but the securing of each order is a commercial matter for the shipyard concerned.

asked the Minister of Transport how many British shipyards are not now building ships because of the lack of orders.

Of the 80 or so yards which can build ships of 100 gross tons and over, there were 9 at the end of March which had no work on ships of this range of size. But all except one were small yards which may have repair work and orders for vessels under 100 gross tons, of which no official record is kept.

asked the Minister of Transport what negotiations Her Majesty's Government are now conducting with other major maritime powers, besides the nine European countries which had associated themselves with Britain, in condemning restrictive maritime practices on this subject; and what progress has been made.

Apart from these nine countries, we are keeping in touch with the other countries on the Maritime Transport Committee of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, such as Canada, Portugal, Spain, Turkey and the U.S.A., and with Japan.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what is the total cost of administering the inheritance of the Duchy; what was the total net value of the inheritance in each of the last 10 years; and for what purposes it is used.

The information is available in the Annual Accounts of the Duchy of Lancaster which are presented to Parliament by the Treasury. I am sending the hon. Member a copy of the most recent annual account. The following are the figures which he requests for earlier years.

asked the Minister of Labour if he will send a circular to the managements of industrial establishments on the Slough trading estate and in other parts of the borough urging the extension of apprenticeship facilities and giving them notice of the proposals of the Government as provided in the Bill now before Parliament.

Our Department has written to all firms in Slough with more than five employees drawing their attention to the need for more apprenticeships. My right hon. Friend has given notice of the Government's proposals on industrial training in Command Paper 1892 which has received wide publicity in Slough and elsewhere.

asked the Minister of Labour how many applications for assistance towards the removal and resettlement of key workers have been received from development districts in the North-East for the year ended 31st March, 1963; and how many were approved.

Five; all were approved.

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that building trade workers in Glenrothes and in other parts of Scotland have been given notice following the closure of a large building firm; and whether, with a view to finding them employment. he will make an inquiry into the circumstances of this closure and the consequent redundancies.

The firm withdrew the notices two days after they had been issued, and our local officers are doing all they can to help them re-engage the men. I do not think an inquiry would serve any useful purpose.

asked the Minister of Labour what are his proposals for dealing with the increasing number of school leavers in the west of Durham who cannot be placed in employment.

Much of West Durham is scheduled as a development district, and school leavers in the area should benefit from this and from the other measures which the Government have taken to increase employment opportunities in the North East. The Youth Employment Service will continue to make every effort to find suitable jobs for school leavers.

asked the Minister of Labour if he will extend to

WEEKLY RATES OF TRAINING ALLOWANCES
Payable from first pay-week commencing on or after 16th May, 1963
Age and domestic responsibilities	Living at home (see Note 1)						Living a way from home in accommodation Provided by the Ministry (see Note 1 and 2)
	Men			Women			Men			Women
1. Aged 21 and over:—	£	s.	d.	£	s.	d.	£	s.	d.	£	s.	d.
1. Without wife or dependants	7	10	0	6	0	0	5	0	0	4	0	0
2. With wife (or maintaining adult dependant)	8	10	0	7	0	0	7	5	0	6	5	0
3. With one or more dependant children under 16	8	10	0	7	0	0	7	5	0	6	5	0
4. With wife (or maintaining adult dependant) AND with one or more dependant children under 16	9	0	0	7	10	0	8	5	0	7	0	0
II. Under age 21:—
1. Without wife or dependants
Aged 20	6	0	0	5	0	0	4	0	0	3	5	0
Aged 19	6	0	0	4	5	0	4	0	0	3	15	0
Aged 18	5	0	0	3	15	0	3	5	0	2	10	0
Aged 17	4	0	0	3	5	0	2	15	0	2	5	0
Aged 16	3	5	0	3	0	0	2	5	0	2	0	0
Aged 15	2	15	0	2	10	0	2	0	0	1	15	0
2. With wife or dependants	Married men under 21 years of age (and other persons aged 19 or 20 who maintain dependants) receive rates as in Part 1. Those under 19 (other than married men who have dependants receive the standard rate for their age and sex, together with the differentials for dependants payable to persons aged 21 and over.

Note 1

Where mid-day meals are provided free of charge, 2s. a day is deducted from the rates shown above.

Note 2

(1) At residential establishments, lodging and full board is provided free of charge, but 12s. a week for mid-day meals is deducted from the allowances set out above.

(2) Persons placed in lodgings by the Ministry receive an additional allowance to meet the cost of lodging and of all meals (except mid-day meals from Monday to Saturday).

Yes. The allowances paid to male trainees sponsored by our Department at the residential colleges will be increased, from the beginning of the next pay week, to the same rates as are now paid to trainees at Government Training Centres. This will also extend to trainees sponsored by the Ministry in technical and commercial colleges and similar educational establishments and in sheltered workshops and employers' establishments. At the same time my right hon. Friend will be increasing the rates of allowances paid to women trainees sponsored by our Department in all these centres and establishments. Below is a table showing the detailed rates that will be payable in the future.

asked the Minister of Labour how many boys and girls who left school at Christmas are still unemployed in the Staveley, Eckington and Frechville districts.

Out of 345 boys and girls who left school at Christmas, one boy but no girls were registered on 8th April.

asked the Minister of Labour how many school leavers are still without suitable employment in the Merseyside area; and what proportion this represents of the whole.

On 8th April, 1963, 22, or 0–2 per cent., out of 11,716 summer terms leavers and 170, or 3–8 per cent., out of 4,482 Christmas term leavers. Figures are not yet available for Easter.

asked the Lord Privy Seal if he will make a statement on the European Free Trade Association Ministerial meeting at Lisbon.

The Ministerial Council of the European Free Trade Association met at Lisbon on 9th, 10th and 11th May.The principal task before Ministers at this meeting was to determine the timetable for the final dismantling of tariffs on industrial products. They agreed that these tariffs should be eliminated by 31st December, 1966. This represents an acceleration of three years on the timetable laid down in the Stockholm Convention. Acceptance of this major advance reflected a co-operative effort on the part of all the Governments concerned. It has demonstrated that within the Association there is both the ability and the will to make swift progress towards the establishment of a very far-reaching extent of free trade.There are certain members of the Association for whom agricultural exports are of particular importance and certain special arrangements were concluded in respect of these commodities. The United Kingdom concluded an agreement with Denmark providing for the suspension of the tariff on butter so long as quota restrictions operate against Denmark and other major suppliers. The Agreement also provides for the reciprocal abolition of tariffs on certain other minor agricultural products of interest to Denmark and the United Kingdom. It provides for further examination and discussion with a view to reaching agreement on the stabilisation of the bacon market and establishes an Anglo-Danish Liaison Committee to keep under review matters affecting trade between the two countries. The full text of the Agreement will be laid before the House as soon as possible.Certain European Free Trade Association Governments face special problems in the field of economic development and, with a view to facilitating co-operation in this matter, it was decided that an Economic Development Committee should be established. We have also informed the other European Free Trade Association countries that it is our intention to allow access to the London longterm capital market to all European Free Trade Association member Governments.Ministers discussed the problem of trade in fish and fish products within the European Free Trade Association and certain bilateral arrangements were made among members in this field. The United Kingdom has agreed to advance to the 31st of December, 1964, the date for final elimination of tariffs on certain industrial fish products. Ministers agreed upon the importance of the British proposal to call a West European fisheries conference and agreed to consult together in preparation for it. They expressed the hope that all the countries which had been invited would co-operate in ensuring its success.There was a brief discussion of the forthcoming trade negotiations in the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade. Ministers expressed their intention to participate fully in these negotiations and will continue their discussions during the present week in Geneva.The outcome of this Lisbon meeting offers improved access to valuable markets for our exports. It demonstrates that, given the will, barriers to trade within Europe can be dismantled in such a way as to provide a fair balance of advantage to all concerned.

asked the Lord Privy Seal why Katanga has not been receiving its monthly payments of foreign currency of about 300 million francs, as provided in the Thant Plan; and what progress has been made with the fulfilment of its financial, constitutional and other provisions.

I understand that 300 million francs was in fact allocated to South Katanga during the first quarter of 1963 for import licences, while a further 200 million francs of foreign exchange was allocated to cover transport costs and invisible transfers. In addition, a proportion of customs receipts is paid into the Katangan account. Discussions on the other provisions of the Plan have been proceeding between the Katanga authorities and the Central Government representative in Elisabethville.

asked the Lord Privy Seal what information he has from the United Nations about the present and contemplated strength of the Armée Nationale Congolaise, and how this compares with the Force Publique before the independence of the Belgian Congo; what progress has been made with assisting the Congolese Government to provide national security forces able to meet fully their tasks, in accordance with the United Nations Security Council's resolution; and what is being done to furnish technical assistance through French-speaking officers.

The present strength of the Armée Nationale Congolaise is about 25,000. This is similar to the total of the Force Publique at the time independence was attained. Various projects for training the Congolese forces are under discussion with the United Nations, but it is not possible to say at this stage what final strength is contemplated. Meanwhile, a number of Belgian officers are already co-operating with the Congolese Army.

asked the Lord Privy Seal how many Governments have announced pledges to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees for extra-budgetary funds; and what is the total amount so far pledged to the High Commissioner's programmes.

To date 34 Governments have announced pledges for 1963 to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees for extra-budgetary funds. The total amount so far paid, pledged or promised is £1,170,670, which includes £57,228 from non-governmental sources.

asked the Lord Privy Seal what consideration is being given by Her Majesty's Government to pledging a contribution to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees for extra-budgetary funds; and when it is expected an announcement will be made.

As I informed the hon. Gentleman on 24th April, Her Majesty's Government propose to make a voluntary contribution of £200,000 to the 1963 programmes of the High Commissioner for Refugees, subject to certain matching arrangements and to Parliamentary approval.This was announced by the United Kingdom Delegate at the Ninth Session of the Executive Committee of the High Commissioner's programme on 18th April.

asked the Lord Privy Seal how many men, women and children of British nationality are known to be in Haiti; and what arrangements have been made to ensure that evacuation can be effected at short notice.

Her Majesty's Chargé d'Affaires at Port au Prince recently estimated the number of British subjects in Haiti as some 240 people, of whom about 70 were from the United Kingdom. Separate figures for men, women and children are not known. A small number have already left.Her Majesty's Chargé d'Affaires has advised British subjects to send their wives and children away if possible. Besides the regular air services, charter flights to Miami which have been arranged by the United States authorities have been available also to British subjects. A Royal Naval ship has been held in the vicinity in readiness to evacuate British subjects to Jamaica if the need should arise.

asked the Lord Privy Seal what was the purpose and result of the official meeting with delegates from Scandinavian Governments which he held at Lancaster House recently

The only meeting which answers the hon. and learned Gentleman's description is that concerning the Faroese Fisheries held with delegates of the Danish and Faroese Governments on 18th and 19th February.These meetings were adjourned in order that both Governments might give further consideration to the points of view put forward in discussion.On 5th April the Danish Government informed us that they would announce on 8th April that a 12-mile fishery limit at the Faroe Islands would take effect as regards British vessels in March, 1964. In a reply dated 9th April Her Majesty's Government expressed their surprise and deep regret at the Danish proposal and fully reserved their position.

Hughes asked the Lord Privy Seal if he will state the nature and result of his discussions with the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation Council of Ministers relating to protection of fishing grounds used by British fishing fleets from the poisonous effects on fish caused by substances dropped in the course of nuclear tests.

This subject has not been discussed by the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation Council of Ministers.

asked the Lord Privy Seal if he will make a statement about the incident in the North Sea in which the Aberdeen trawler "Milwood", the Icelandic gunboat "Odinn" and the Royal Navy fishery protection vessel H.M.S. "Palliser" were involved on or about Saturday 27th April.

The facts appear to be that early on 27th April the "Milwood" having been challenged by the Icelandic gunboat "Odinn" for allegedly fishing illegally within the Icelandic fishery limit, did not stop and was pursued out to sea. H.M.S. "Palliser" was sent to investigate and a rendezvous between the three vessels took place early on 28th April. The Icelandic gunboat subsequently took possession of the "Milwood", and her skipper embarked upon another Aberdeen trawler and later transferred to H.M.S. "Palliser". The "Milwood" was taken to Reykjavik and H.M.S. "Palliser" with the "Milwood's" skipper, Mr. Smith, returned to the United Kingdom on 1st May.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the total cost of the fatstock subsidy for the months of December, January, February and March; and what was the figure for the same months in 1961–62.

Fatstock guarantee payments in 1962–63 were £5·82 million in December, £6·33 million in January, £5·86 million in February, and £8·17 million in March, a total over the period of £26·18 million. The corresponding figures the year before were £7·83 million, £7·15 million, £5·84 million, and £6·88 million, totalling £27·70 million.

asked the Minister of Defence what has caused the disagreement in the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation over the new radar and communication system which is jeopardising the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation fighter defence organisation; why United States equipment is now being considered as an alternative to British and French equipment at about double their costs; since British equipment to see through jamming has been accepted as satisfactory both by Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers in Europe and his own Department, what steps he is taking to ensure that it is immediately installed; and if he will make a statement.

The United States Government expressed reservations about certain aspects of the plan for a N.A.T.O. Air Defence Ground Environment (N.A.D.G.E.) in 1961 and continued to feel some doubts about the effectiveness of the system in relation to its cost. At the request of the United States Government the North Atlantic Council agreed last December that the Supreme Allied Commander, Europe, should re-examine the basis of the plan. When, in the near future, the re-examination is concluded, the North Atlantic Council will decide whether to implement the N.A.D.G.E. plan as previously conceived or to change it. What particular equipment will be required depends upon the extent of any changes that may be agreed.

asked the Minister of Defence why the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation Air Defence Ground Environment which was approved by Supreme Headquarters, Allied Powers in Europe about two years ago to consolidate European air defence at an estimated cost of N.A.T.O. £100 million is now expected to cost £300 million; if he is aware that British industry can supply the equipment needed for £150 million; what steps has he taken to assist it to obtain such orders; what success he has had; why it is taking so long to get a final decision; and if he will make a statement

As the requirement for the N.A.T.O. Air Defence Ground Environment has not yet been finally agreed, it is not possible to say what it will cost. The N.A.D.G.E. plan will, as an internationally funded N.A.T.O. project, be the subject of international competitive bidding. However, Britain's experience with its own integrated air defence system will undoubtedly enable our industry to make a special contribution to the scheme. The opportunities for British companies should be very considerable, and the Government is ensuring that the competition is open to them on fair and equal terms.

asked the Civil Lord of the Admiralty if he will make a statement about the suspected sabotage aboard H.M.S. "Diamond" while in Chatham Dockyard.

The main gearing on H.M.S. "Diamond" has been damaged, apparently by pieces of metal inside the casing. A board of inquiry has been set up and investigations into the cause are still proceeding.

asked the Civil Lord of the Admiralty on how many occasions during the last five years ships of the Royal Navy have been damaged by sabotage; what has been the total cost of repairing such damage; and on how many occasions offenders have been convicted

Over the past five years, there have been 44 cases of damage suspected to be deliberate, but hardly any of these could properly be described as sabotage, involving deliberate damage from political or subversive motives. The number of offenders convicted was 22.I regret that the total cost of repairs is not recorded separately from other work. The damage in the great majority of cases was minor and easily repairable.

asked the Civil Lord of the Admiralty if he will make a statement on the negotiations for the sale of warships to Spain.

A Spanish Naval Mission which visited the United Kingdom in February was given advice and information in connection with the Spanish Navy's proposed redevelopment programme. Its report is understood to be currently under consideration by the Spanish Government.

asked the Secretary of State for War why a map of the Greater German Reich, showing Austria, Silesia and East Prussia as parts of the Reich, and Bohemia and Moravia as Protectorates, is exhibited in a prominent position in the office of the British Commandant in Berlin.

This map is intended to show changes in political conditions from the 1st January. 1938, through to the post-war period.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many Polish ex-Service men have applied for assistance from the £50,000 set aside to help those in need.

1,823 by 8th May.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether arrangements have now been completed for bringing back the body of Private Jones from Nairobi to Tipton, Staffordshire, for burial at the public expense.

So far as repatriation at public expense is concerned, I have nothing to add to the statement I made in the House on 14th March. I understand, however, that in the case of Private Jones arrangements for repatriation have been made by the British Legion.

asked the Secretary of State for War the average wage of research and development craftsmen at Fort Halstead; and on what date an increase was last awarded.

279s. 7d. a week; 9th July, 1962. Merit pay for these craftsmen, which is additional to the basic rate, was last increased on 1st September, 1962, by an average of 1s. 10d. a week. A new basic rate and new rates of merit pay are at present being negotiated with the trade unions.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether a maintenance grant and travel allowances will be paid to teachers resident outside Glasgow who wish to take part in the intensive course in Russian at the Scottish College of Commerce, starting next September.

I have asked employing bodies to do everything possible to second teachers without financial loss to those seconded. I trust that these teachers will not only continue to receive full salary, but will also be given, where necessary, maintenance and travel expenses. I have arranged that no fees will be charged by the College of Commerce for the course.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he is taking to improve the roads from the village of Croy, Dunbartonshire, to Glasgow.

The Glasgow-Stirling trunk road for which I am responsible has dual carriageways from Glasgow to the junction with the classified road leading to Croy. The improvement of classified roads from Croy to this junction, or to Glasgow via other routes, is the responsibility of the local highway authorities.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he accepts the assessment of the Mackenzie Committee Report that about 400 MW of hydroelectric capacity will be economically acceptable for authorisation up to 1975.

The Mackenzie Committee made it clear that its assessment was based on preliminary estimates of the cost of projects which the North of Scotland Hydro-Electric Board had not examined in detail. Every hydro-electric scheme that is submitted will be considered on merits, in comparison with alternative methods of generation.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) whether he has accepted the method laid down in the Mackenzie Committee Report for the assessment of the comparative costs of different forms of electricity generation; and if he will make a statement;(2) when he submitted that part of the Mackenzie Committee Report which deals with the comparative costs of different forms of electricity generation to the North of Scotland Hydro-Electric Board and the South of Scotland Electricity Board for their comments; and whether he will publish these comments or summarise them in the OFFICIAL REPORT;(3) if he has studied the evidence sent to him by the hon. Member for Craigton regarding the accuracy of the methods used by the Mackenzie Committee to determine the comparative costs of different forms of electricity generation; and whether he will make a further study of these costs.

The Mackenzie Committee sought to establish principles on which cost comparisons of proposed forms of generation could be based. I did not formally refer any part of the Report to the Scottish Electricity Boards, but both have told me that they are prepared to apply these principles. I am aware that this part of the Report has been criticised in the article in a technical journal which the hon. Member sent me, but I am assured that the point raised in the article was not overlooked by the Committee.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many of the members he appointed to the Mackenzie Committee on Electricity in Scotland were qualified electrical engineers; and how many were otherwise experienced in the economics of electricity generation.

The members of this Committee were selected as covering a wide range of knowledge and experience. They included an eminent electrical engineer with a lifetime's experience in electricity generation, and also a professional economist.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) if he will publish the written evidence given by the Scottish Development Department to the Mackenzie Committee on Electricity in Scotland;(2) what were the subjects on which the Scottish Development Department gave evidence to the Mackenzie Committee on Electricity in Scotland.

The Scottish Home Department, whose functions in this field passed to the Scottish Development Department while the Committee was sitting, submitted factual evidence in reply to questions which the Committee had addressed to the Department. This evidence did not express opinions on the wider questions raised by the Committee's terms of reference. As the Committee decided against the publication of evidence, I do not think it would be appropriate now to publish the Department's memorandum.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many qualified electrical, mechanical and constructional engineers are employed in the Scottish Development Department.

The Scottish Development Department employs 42 engineers with various qualifications, mostly on work relating to roads, water supplies, and sewerage. The technical aspects of electricity generating projects are, however, the responsibility of the Electricity Boards, advised by their own engineers and consultants, and are not reviewed by professional staff in my Department.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has investigated the variation of interest rates on moneys advanced as loans for the purchase of fishing vessels with a view to arriving at a uniform scale at the present lowest rate; and whether he will make a statement.

The rate of interest on money advanced by the Herring Industry Board and the White Fish Authority is based on the rate at which these bodies borrow from the Exchequer. It would not be desirable to alter this arrangement.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will now make a statement on the question of a coal-fired electricity generating station to be constructed in Fife.

The consultations to which I referred in my reply to the hon. Member for Midlothian (Mr. J. Hill) on 10th April are still proceeding.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has yet considered the views of Scottish pig producers and consumers disclosed by the detailed memoranda by the Association of Scottish Bacon Curers and the British Bacon Curers' Federation sent to him early in January, 1963, by the hon. and learned Member for Aberdeen, North; and if he will now make a statement of his plans to remove those grievances.

I have considered the memorandum. The measures taken at the recent Annual Review to make the flexible guarantee arrangements more effective should help the pig industry to achieve the objective of a more stable level of production.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he intends to set up an inquiry into the operation of the Tribunals of Enquiry (Evidence) Act; and what form the inquiry will take.

I am not yet in a position to make a statement.

asked the Attorney-General if he has now received reports from the Football Association and the Football League regarding the bribing of football players; whether these reports have been made available to the police; and whether further action is contemplated by his Department.

I understand that the Football Association has made a report to the police, who are now carrying out inquiries. When those inquiries are complete a report will be made to the Director of Public Prosecutions.

asked the Minister of Aviation if, in consultation with the Minister of Defence, he has now decided upon the development of the Hobart Radio Plan; whether he intends to develop it; and if he is now asking for tenders.

Authority has been given for a number of project studies of the Hobart system as the first phase of the development programme. Contracts to this end are being placed. When the results of these studies have been assessed, my right hon. Friend the Minister of Defence and I will be in a position to take appropriate decisions about development contracts for the many equipments making up this complex system.

asked the Minister of Aviation if he will list the companies which have taken an interest to date in contract sharing of the development of the Hobart Radio Plan; and if he will make a statement on his future intentions on this matter.

A large number of companies have so far provided, after invitation, private venture appreciations or been given study contracts relating to the different parts of the Hobart Plan. The companies include:

• General Electric Co. (Electronics) Ltd
• Associated Electrical Industries Ltd.
• Standard Telephones & Cables Ltd.
• Ferranti Ltd.
• Elliott Bros. (London) Ltd.
• Automatic Telephone & Cable Co. Ltd.. (who designated their subsidiary—British Telecommunications Research Ltd.)
• English Electric Aviation Ltd.
• British Communications Corporation Ltd.
• Redifon Ltd.
• Ultra Electronics Ltd.
• Rank-Bush-Murphy Ltd.
• Pye Telecommunications Ltd.
• Plessey (U.K.) Ltd.
• Racal Electronics Ltd.
• Mullard Equipment Ltd.
• Marconi Wireless Telegraph Co. Ltd.

Our intention is to tap the resources of our industry as efficiently and equitably as possible.

asked the Minister of Education how many teachers fail to qualify for the good honours allowance because they obtained only third class honours in Part I of the Cambridge Modern Language Tripos.

About one third of modern language teachers at present in service are not qualified to receive the good honours addition, but I cannot ascertain without excessive expenditure of time how many of them have the qualification named by my hon. Friend.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what would be the cost to the Exchequer in a full year of raising the Income Tax allowance for single persons from£200 to £235, for married persons from £320 to £390, and for wife's earned income from £200 to £235.

About £315 million.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will announce the composition and membership of the Consumer Council.

I am pleased to be able to tell the House that the following have accepted my invitation to become members of the Consumer Council:

• Mr. Leonard Cohen.
• Mr. R. Craig Wood.
• Mr. T. Cynog Jones.
• Mrs. Winifred Jenkins.
• Mr. Grigor McClelland.
• The Rt. Hon. Lord Peddie.
• Mrs. Philippa Perks.

I propose to appoint three further members and will announce their names as soon as possible. All the members will be appointed, as recommended by the Molony Committee, for their personal qualities and not as representative of any particular organisation or set of interests.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will make a statement about further references to the Monopolies Commission.

Yes. I am today referring to the Monopolies Commission for investigation and report the supply of household detergents and the supply and processing of colour film. The full terms of the references are as follows:

Household Detergents

1. Whereas it appears to the Board of Trade that it is or may be the fact that conditions to which the Monopolies and Restrictive Practices (inquiry and Control) Act, 1948, as amended by the Restrictive Trade Practices Act, 1956, applies prevail as respects the supply of household detergents.

2. Now, therefore, the Board of Trade in pursuance of Section 2(1) of the said Act of 1948, as amended as aforesaid, hereby refer to the Monopolies Commission the matter of such supply.

3. The Commission shall as respect such supply investigate and report on—

(1) whether conditions to which the said Act of 1948, as amended as aforesaid, applies in fact prevail and if so in what manner and to what extent;

(2) the things which are done by the parties concerned as a result of or for the purpose of preserving those conditions; and

(3) whether the conditions in question or all or any of the things done as aforesaid operate or may be expected to operate against the public interest.

In this reference the expression "household detergents" means powders, liquids and flakes made up for sale by retail for use in the home in the washing of clothes, crockery and cooking utensils, but does not include borax, sodium carbonate, ammonia solutions, bleaching solutions and sodium hexametaphosphate.