asked the Parliamentary Secretary for Science, as representing the Lord President of the Council, if he will make a further statement on the use of Brancepeth Castle and camp buildings.

The question of finding a public use for this site is still being examined.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary for Science, as representing the Lord President of the Council, if, during his recent visit, the Lord President considered the problem of migration from north-west Durham as a result of the declining mining industry; and what action he will take to prevent further movement of population from the area.

My noble Friend has taken full account of the problems of North-West Durham in preparing his plan for the North-East.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary for Science what steps are taken to trace the cause of abnormalities among newly-born babies; what conclusions have been reached on how to prevent them; and what is the cost of this work.

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave him on 5th March, 1963.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary for Science what liaison has been established between the Road Research Laboratory and the Medical Research Council on the subject of eyesight defects and road safety.

As a result of the discussions to which I referred on 28th May, I have arranged for this subject to be discussed by the joint Department of Scientific and Industrial Research and Medical Research Council Committee on Road Users.

asked the Minister of Aviation if he will state the average time that elapses between the arrival of aircraft at Gatwick and the start of Customs clearance.

15½ minutes.

asked the Minister of Aviation what plans he has for financial assistance to support and extend essential Scottish air services.

My Department already supports Scottish air services by the provision of aerodromes and navigational services. I intend to continue this support in accordance with the Government White Paper on this subject.

asked the Minister of Aviation whether he will now place a firm order for TSR2 and WG681 aircraft.

An initial order for TSR2 has already been placed. Further orders will follow as needed to maintain the programme and meet R.A.F. requirements. The results of the project study of the WG681 are now under examination. I hope to be in a position to place a firm order in the near future.

asked the Minister of Aviation whether he has now received the Report of the Hamilton Committee on Pilot Training.

I have received the Committee's Report and it will be published on 4th September. The Committee has examined most thoroughly the problems on which the Government sought its advice and the Report makes a number of recommendations.

asked the Attorney-General if he is aware that a man charged and acquitted of murder is more likely than a man charged and acquitted of any other offence of twice being charged for offences alleged to have arisen out of the same facts; and if he will, in all such cases, direct that no second prosecution proceeds.

The question whether a further charge may be preferred in such circumstances arose in a recent case. The case is now under appeal to the Court of Criminal Appeal and I think we should await the judgment of the Court.

asked the Attorney-General if he will introduce legislation to restrain property developers from obliging leaseholders to sign agreements, to be handed over simultaneously with building and under lease agreements, under which they undertake that fuel oil for the heating of their premises will be obtained from one petroleum company only; if he has considered the correspondence on the matter forwarded to him by the hon. Member for Barking; and if he will make a statement.

My noble Friend the Lord Chancellor has considered the correspondence. As he has informed the hon. Member, the Government do not consider that there is any need for legislation.

asked the Attorney-General if he will introduce legislation to prevent an owner or agent increasing the selling price of a house after he has accepted a deposit from the potential purchaser.

No. Such legislation would give binding force to arrangements which the parties do not intend to be binding.

asked the Attorney-General if he will seek to amend the law relating to infants so as to enable people over 18 years of age to buy or lease a house and to enable local authorities to make them loans for this purpose.

No. Any such change would have to be considered in the general context of the capacity of infants to enter into contracts and to own property. I should be reluctant to reduce the protection which our law at present affords to infants in this respect.

asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance if he will institute an inquiry to examine the extent of large families whose income, employed or unemployed, is below the National Assistance Board scales, and to make recommendations.

No.

asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance if he will increase the present apprentices' earnings limits to those applied by the National Insurance Commissioner to enable parents with younger children qualifying for family allowance to consider apprenticeship schemes.

No. I have no evidence that an alteration in the family allowances rules would result in an increase in apprenticeships.

asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance what estimate he has made of the increased cost of unemployment benefit and National Assistance grants arising out of the Government's, present proposals for reducing the safeguards to the United Kingdom jute manufacturing industry.

As my right Friend the Minister of Labour explained in answer to the hon. Member's Question on 24th July, the effect on employment cannot be forecast.

asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance whether he will add to the list of prescribed diseases tenosynovitis of the tendons in the region of the ankle joint, where there is evidence that the condition was caused by the nature of the work.

No.

asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance if he will now appoint a body to investigate the legislation relating to pneumoconiosis and other dust diseases, in order to remove the present anomalies in the assessment of benefit.

No. I am not aware of anomalies in the assessment of benefit such as to require consideration by such a body.

asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance if he will give instructions for a statistical sample to be taken of the number of widows' applications for pneumoconiosis benefit which have been rejected in cases where the husband drew pneumoconiosis benefit in his lifetime and the cause of his death was certified as coronary thrombosis.

I take it that the hon. Member is referring to industrial death benefit. I am doubtful whether any useful purpose would be served by this kind of inquiry.

asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance whether, in the light of the general interest in the opportunities of private provision for security in old age, he will now consider redesigning the structure of State pensions so as to bring maximum aid to the minority most in need, whilst facilitating freedom of choice for the majority.

Our present system is already designed to hold a balance between basic benefits paid as of right under National Insurance and provision in case of need by way of National Assistance, while encouraging the growth of private provision. The Government keep under review the whole question of the way in which financial provision for old age should be developed.

asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance why he will not undertake research on osteoarthritis as an occupational risk, especially for workers using pneumatic picks and drills.

My powers to promote research relate to diseases against which persons are insured under the Industrial Injuries Act or which it is contemplated might be prescribed under that Act. On present evidence osteoarthritis nowhere near satisfies the tests for prescription contained in Section 55(2) of the Act.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of the inadequate hospital facilities offered in Leek and the contiguous country areas; and if he will investigate further the needs of Leek and its surrounding area for increased and better hospital accommodation.

Yes. The improved facilities required will be provided by the major hospital developments at Stoke-on-Trent now taking place and planned.

asked the Minister of Health, in view of the hardship caused to both children and parents by the shortage of beds and accommodation for severely mentally subnormal children, how many further beds have been provided for such children in the Sheffield Region since March this year; and what reduction there has been in the waiting list.

None; this information is not available.

asked the Minister of Health what communication he has sent to the regional hospital board about the utilisation of new hospital building at Lindley, Huddersfield, as soon as the first phase has been completed; and what reply has been received.

I cannot add to my replies to the hon. Member on 24th June and 1st July.

asked the Minister of Health what research is taking place into means to alleviate the pain caused by penicillin injections to patients who have undergone an operation; and when he anticipates that less painful methods will be discovered.

I am advised that painless penicillin injections are already available.

asked the Minister of Health for what purposes sugar saccharose or saccharose bacteriological are supplied to hospitals; whether any specification has to be met; what checks against specification are normally carried out by hospitals; and what is the current cost per pound of these substances.

Principally for bacteriological cultures. There are British Pharmacopoeia specifications for some types. I have no information as to checks. The price varies with type and quantity ordered.

asked the Minister of Health what developments are planned for Rampton and Moss Side Hospitals over the next five years; and what is the total capital expenditure involved in each case.

At Rampton, extensive uprgading and a programme of new building including an industrial workshop, gymnasium, chapel and staff houses at a cost of about £400,000; at Moss Side, upgrading and new building, of which details are not yet settled.

asked the Minister of Health (1) what is the average waiting time, after registration on hospital waiting lists, for admission to hospitals within the area of the Sheffield Regional Hospital Board;(2) what is the average waiting time, after registration on hospital waiting lists, for admission to hospitals within the area of the Rotherham and Mexborough Hospital Management Group.

This information is not available.

asked the Minister of. Health what is the waiting-list per 1,000 of the population in respect of general surgery within the area of the Sheffield Regional Hospital Board.

3·05.

asked the Minister of Health what is the waiting-list per 1,000 of the population in respect of general surgery within the area of the Rotherham and Mexborough Hospital Management Group.

3·67.

asked the Minister of Health what will be the increase in total bed complement within the Rotherham and Mexborough Hospital Management Group when the new Rotherham District General Hospital is completed.

The present estimate is about 400.

asked the Minister of Health to what use it is intended to put existing hospital accommodation in Rotherham after the completion of the District General Hospital proposed in the Hospital Plan.

I cannot yet say.

asked the Minister of Health to what extent bed-turnover is affected in the Rotherham and Mexborough Hospital Management Group by the availability of consultant staff.

Additional consultant staff would not increase it.

asked the Minister of Health if he is satisfied that there are no undue delays in the provision of X-ray and laboratory facilities within the area of the Rotherham and Mexborough Hospital Management Group; and if he will make a statement.

Yes; the new hospital will embody major improvements.

asked the Minister of Health how many house officers, registrars and senior registrars, respectively, in the North-West Metropolitan Region are married; and how many married quarters are available for each grade.

I regret this information is available.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will take steps to enable hospitals to make funeral and interment arrangements for a still-born child, where this is the desire of the parents.

This is already possible.

asked the Minister of Health what action he now intends taking to ensure adequate control of experiments on human beings by medical men and their co-experimenters; and if he will ensure that when patients are given new or unorthodox treatment as part of a clinical trial this is made clear to the subjects.

asked the Minister of Health what new guidance or advice is being given to the medical profession regarding human experimentation within the National Health Service, in the light of the draft code published by the World Medical Association.

I would refer the hon. Members to my reply of 5th November last to the hon. Member for St. Pancras, North (Mr. K. Robinson).

asked the Minister of Health when he expects to make a statement on the policy of Her Majesty's Government with regard to the extension of the five-years agreement with the West Indian citrus growers which expires in 1964.

I am unable to add to my reply of 22nd July to the right hon. and learned Member.

asked the Minister of Health what are his estimates of the career earnings of a general practitioner in the National Health Service, and of the career earnings of a consultant with an A merit award; and if he is satisfied that the differential reflects the value of each class of doctor to the National Health Service.

Information on which to base these estimates is not available.

asked the Minister of Health if he will introduce legislation to make it possible for a general practitioner to have the choice between payment by a capitation system and a salaried service.

No.

asked the Minister of Health what plans he now has for sponsoring anti-smoking films and for buying advertisement time on independent television for the purpose of anti-smoking propaganda; and if he will make a statement.

Two such films are now available, a third is expected in the autumn and a fourth is planned. Other media are under consideration.

asked the Minister of Health what records he has compiled of the number of children affected by the radiation of strontium during the time nuclear tests were being made and afterwards.

I am advised that it cannot be ascertained whether any children were so affected or, if so, how or how many.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that a proprietary drug based on cyclizine hydrochloride is being marketed without prescription as a remedy for travel sickness; and, in view of the fact that this drug is capable of producing teratogenic side effects among pregnant patients, what action he is taking to make the drug available only on prescription.

Yes; it is under consideration by the Poisons Board.

asked the Minister of Health what is the percentage and number increase or decrease in the male and female population, respectively, of London and the Home Counties, aged between 20 and 40 years, from 1951 to the latest convenient date.

To 1961 the decrease in London and the geographical counties of Middlesex, Surrey, Essex, Kent, Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Berkshire and East and West Sussex was 16,395 (0·9 per cent.) male and 127,440 (6·4 per cent.) female.

asked the Minister of Labour if he will introduce legislation next Session to relax the present legal requirements governing trade union amalgamations, in order to assist the Trades Union Congress in its current endeavours to improve and modernise the structure of the trade union movement; and if he will make a statement on his recent discussion on this matter with representatives of the Trades Union Congress.

I received a deputation from the Trades Union Congress on this subject on 17th July.The deputation said that the present requirements governing amalgamations, transfers of engagements and changes of name were out of date. They suggested that the law should be changed so that trade unions could amalgamate or transfer their engagements if a majority of the members of the unions concerned voted in favour. They suggested certain other provisions to safeguard the interests of the members.I have frequently emphasised the importance I attach to the present endeavours of the T.U.C. to improve and modernise the structure of the trade union movement. A review of the legislation relating to trade union mergers would, I believe, make some contribution to these developments. I therefore, welcome the T.U.C.'s approach and I shall give sympathetic consideration to their suggestions, which I am how examining in detail.As the hon. Gentleman will understand I cannot forecast future legislation.

asked the Minister of Labour what is the average length of time between the submission of a case to the Industrial Court and the notification of the Court's decision; what was the average length of time a year ago; and what steps he is taking to speed up this procedure.

The average number of days between my reference of a case to the Industrial Court and the issue of the award by the court has been 82 during the past 12 months. The corresponding average for the preceding 12months was 68 days. The hon. Member will appreciate that the interval between the reference and the publication of the award includes the period before the date of the hearing. The date of hearing is of course arranged to suit the convenience of the parties. In the past 12 months there have been a number of cases where the wishes of the parties have caused considerable delay.I am, however, making arrangements to provide the court with additional secretarial assistance.

asked the Minister of Labour what notification he has received from Cardiff Dock about redundancies resulting from the transfer of coal shipments from Cardiff to Barry.

I understand that discussions are still taking place between the British Transport Commission and the National Coal Board but that if this transfer is agreed no redundancies are expected to occur.

asked the Minister of Labour if he will state the number of registered unemployed at Dumbarton and Alexandria, respectively, at June, 1951, June, 1958, and at June during each of the following years.

Following is the information:

Date			Total Unemployed
			Dumbarton	Alexandria
June, 1951	…	…	393	316
June, 1958	…	…	643	607
June, 1959	…	…	701	568
June, 1960	…	…	579	456
June, 1961	…	…	506	535
June, 1962	…	…	728	561
June, 1963	…	…	920	732

asked the Minister of Labour, if he will state the rate of unemployment at Dumbarton and Alexandria, respectively, at June, 1951, June, 1958, and at June during each of the following years.

The Dumbarton and Alexandria Employment Exchanges form a travel-to-work group with Helensburgh. The percentage rates of unemployment for this group are:

Percentage rate of unemployment: Dumbarton Group
June, 1951	…	…	…	3·4
June, 1958	…	…	…	5·0
June, 1959	…	…	…	5·3
June, 1960	…	…	…	4·4
June, 1961	…	…	…	4·7
June, 1962	…	…	…	5·7
June, 1963	…	…	…	7·1

asked the Lord Privy Seal if he will make representations to the Government of the Republic of South Africa regarding the maltreatment, including physical torture, of members of the Basutoland cricket team by the South African police when travelling to Queenstown after receiving a permit to do so from the South African authorities.

Reports reached the British Embassy in Cape Town on 5th April of rough handling and assaults of members of the Basutoland cricket team by the South African police, who had interrogated them as to possible POQO membership on 30th March. Representations were at once made to the South African authorities and no further incidents were reported to the Basutoland authorities. Further representations have been made to the South African authorities as a result of the receipt by the Embassy of fuller details of the alleged assaults.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether, in view of the possibility that, because of lack of accommodation, the Human Rights Commission of the United Nations, for the first time since its establishment, may not be able to have an annual meeting in 1964, he will instruct the United Kingdom Delegation at the current session of the Economic and Social Council to invite the Commission to meet in the United Kingdom in 1964.

No. As my hon. Friend the Minister of State informed my hon. Friend the Member for Plymouth, Devonport (Miss Vickers) on 15th July, the Secretary-General's proposal to cancel the 1964 meetings of the Human Rights and other Commissions is part of wider proposals to avoid a breakdown in the Organisation's programme of economic and social work.To hold a meeting of the Human Rights Commission in 1964 in this or any other country would not relieve the pressure on the United Nations Secretariat, who would still have to produce the necessary conference material and supply certain staff to service the meeting.

asked the Lord Privy Seal what agreement was reached during the recent negotiations in Moscow as to the nature of the extraordinary events which would give a signatory Government the right to withdraw from the Treaty.

If the occasion ever arises, which I hope it never will, the interpretation of Article 4 must be a matter for the parties concerned.

asked the Lord Privy Seal if the talks with Ethiopia on boundary rectification between Kenya and Ethiopia have been completed; and what decision has been reached.

Agreement has been reached on certain minor adjustments to the Kenya-Ethiopia boundary which was demarcated in the years 1950–55. The demarcation of these adjustments on the ground is to be carried out by a joint commission.

asked the Lord Privy Seal when he expects to receive the report of the Plowden Committee on the organisation and working of the Overseas Service.

Lord Plowden hopes to be able to present his Committee's Report by the end of the year.

U.K. IMPORTS OF BEEF FROM THE ARGENTINE
('000 Tons)
			1958	1959	1960	1961	1962	1963* (estimated)
July	…	…	24·0	22·0	18·9	10·2	11·3	11·3
August	…	…	21·1	17·6	15·0	6·3	16·4	11·5
* Based on Shipping Schedule forecasts.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what guidance he has given to Argentina and Yugoslavia about levels of beef deliveries for the second half of this year; and what revised estimate he has made of home production compared with last year.

We have been discussing with the Argentine its programme for beef exports to us within the agreed total for the whole year, having regard to prospective market prices and the likely flow of home-killed beef on to the market.The market is at present stable with prices at about the same level as a year

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will arrange for the next annual Report of the Forestry Commission to contain accounts referring to the Commission's trading functions prepared according to the normal commercial pattern.

No. Accounts in the normal commercial form are not as yet appropriate to the Commission's activities, which are mainly directed towards developing a national asset in the form of growing timber. A trading account in a form approved by the Treasury is published annually.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the amount of Argentine beef imports for July; and what is the August forecast compared with average shipments for July and August over the previous five years.

The following table gives the information required:ago. For the fourth week of July the average price at Smithfield of Argentine chilled hinds was 2s. 5¾d., compared with 2s. 6d. last year and 2s. 3d. in 1961.Home production of beef in the second half of 1963 is expected to be higher than in the corresponding period last year.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what are his plans for modernising the older Forestry Commission cottages in the Thetford Chase area.

The Forestry Commission continually aims to bring its cottages up to modern standards whenever this is practicable and economic. If the hon. Member has any particular property in mind and will send me details, I will gladly look into the matter.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what relationship the average farm income in Wales bore to the average farm income in England over the latest convenient period; and what was the relationship in 1953;(2) if he will give the percentage change in the net farm income in Wales between 1957 and 1962, using 1957 as the base year; if he will give the figure after adjustment to take account of purchasing-power changes; and how these figures compare with the figures for England.

Our yearly estimates of aggregate net farm income in the United Kingdom are not subdivided by countries. The results of the Farm Management Survey of a sample of farm incomes are published separately for England and Wales, but it is not possible to derive from these the relationship between the average net farm income of all farmers in each of the two countries. I regret, therefore, that I cannot provide the information.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will appoint marketing officers within the National Agricultural Advisory Service so that farmers can obtain advice and information on markets and the needs of those markets.

As part of its farm management work, the N.A.A.S. is now giving more advice to the individual farmer on meeting market requirements and the staff on this work is being strengthened. The N.A.A.S. also features marketing in its general educational activities. We are not, however, proposing to appoint specialist marketing officers within the N.A.A.S.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will introduce legislation to provide increased penalties for those convicted of racehorse doping.

The doping of racehorses is usually dealt with as a conspiracy to cheat and defraud. This is a common law misdemeanour for which the court has an unlimited power to impose imprisonment or a fine or both.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what guidance he has given to the Committee selected to plan research into the impact of television on young people; if he will ask them to make an interim report on the effect of scenes of violence and to take evidence from as many parents as possible regarding their views on the reporting of criminal trials and of political problems; how many of the Committee live north of the Trent; and how many have experience in trades councils, primary schools, youth clubs, or in industrial areas.

The task of this strong Committee is to initiate and co-ordinate research. It must be free to do this in the way it thinks best; it would be inappropriate for me to offer guidance. Five members of the Committee live north of the Trent. I cannot give precise information about the members' experience in the fields mentioned in the last part of the Question, but I am satisfied that they all are well qualified for their task by their knowledge and experience.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs if he is aware of the increasing number of vacant plots of ground in many cities used for dumping unused motor cars; and if he will introduce legislation to authorise local authorities to establish centres where car owners can take their cars when they are no longer usable, and to make it a legal obligation to dispose of old cars in this way.

I am aware of this problem. I am advised that local authorities' powers, under Section 74 of the Public Health Act 1936, to dispose of refuse on request enable them to remove unwanted cars. Some authorities have additional powers in local Acts. I am quite prepared to consider any evidence which the hon. Member sends me that the present provisions are insufficient.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs if he will publish the reply he has sent to the letter from the hon. Member for Cardiff, West about the housing problem of a man who has lived at the same address since the year 1910.

I have explained to the hon. Member that the information given in his letter of 25th July is insufficient to enable me to express any opinion on the merits of the particular case and that he might think it appropriate to suggest to his constituent that he should seek legal advice.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs what further announcement he proposes to make on the powers, membership, and terms of reference of the Milner Holland Committee.

I shall make an announcement on these matters as soon as I am in a position to do so.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs if he is aware that increases in rent are being demanded improperly by landlords following the recent revaluation for rating purposes; if he will have an addendum printed to put into Her Majesty's Stationery Office's booklet, "The Rent Act and You," pointing out that the rent limit for con- trolled properties is still calculated on the 1956 valuation; and if he will have Form A overprinted in red with a warning to the same effect.

I am not aware that this is so, but I will gladly consider the hon. Member's suggestions. If he has evidence of improper rent demands, I hope he will send it to me.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs, in view of the difficulties being experienced in securing a guaranteed output of Welsh books, if, following the assistance now being extended to authors by local authorities through the Welsh Books Council, he will take steps to ensure that the annual Treasury grant to Welsh publishers shall be trebled in total amount and extended to cover the provision of children's books.

This grant has been steadily increased over the past few years. It has been my hope that through increased sales, assisted by the grant, and increased public support the publishers of Welsh books would become strong enough to carry on without assistance. I am not at present convinced that the grant needs to be increased or extended as the hon. Member suggests.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that Mr. A. Ratcliffe, of Haywoods Cross, Leigh Sinton, has been notified by the valuation officer of the Inland Revenue at Worcester that the assessment of his dwelling house for rating purposes will be reduced in gross value from £65 to £60, and in rateable value from £38 to £34, which was forthwith accepted by Mr.Ratcliffe, but that refund of rates overpaid cannot be obtained because the Inland Revenue has not confirmed the assessment reduction to the local authority, namely the Martley Rural District Council; why this delay has occurred; and whether he will instruct all valuation officers to inform local authorities immediately such reductions in assessments are agreed.

There has been no unreasonable delay by the valuation officer. Under the provisions of the Rating Acts the provisional agreement between Mr. Ratcliffe and the valuation officer for a reduction in the assessment required the agreement of the council before it became effective. The council's written agreement was given on 19th June and the valuation officer sent the council on 28th June a direction for the alteration of the valuation list. I understand that the council has now sent Mr. Ratcliffe the refund of rates which he has claimed.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, after considering the evidence which has been submitted to him by the hon. Member for Paddington, North, he will now set up an inquiry under Section 165 of the Companies Act, 1948, into the operation of certain companies.

The information so far made available by the hon. Member does not disclose evidence against any company which would enable the Board of Trade to exercise its powers under Section 165 of the Companies Act.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many firm commitments have now been made by industrialists to expand in Wales as a direct result of the Budget proposals; and if he will give details of them.

Since the Budget the Board of Trade has received applications for assistance under the Local Employment Acts, 1960 and 1963, in respect of projects in Wales from 15 firms. All but one of these applications relate to expansions by Welsh firms. I cannot say how many of these represent firm commitments by the industrialists concerned.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what estimate he has made of the number of jobs in this coun- try that depend directly or indirectly on the export trade.

No precise estimate is possible. Exports of goods and services account for about a quarter of our total output. Directly or indirectly the maintenance of full employment depends on the adequacy of our exports.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why members of the Northern Province People's Party have been restricted without trial in the northern frontier district of Kenya; and for how long they will be detained.

Four persons have been made the subject of Restriction Orders under the Kenya Public Security (Restriction) Regulations because their continued presence in the Eastern and North-Eastern Regions would have constituted a risk to security in those areas. The persons concerned are living in restricted residence outside those regions. Their Restriction Orders are for no set term but there is provision under the Regulations both for an appeal against restriction and a review.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many people have been arrested at Isiolo in the Northern District of Kenya, during the month of June for pass offences; how many have been tried; and how many have been released.

Under the Kenya Constitution this is a matter for local responsibility and outside my competence. I understand, however, that 65 people were arrested and convicted at Isiolo during the month of June, for pass offences under the Special Districts (Administration) Ordinance.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies when the Judicial Inquiry on the election day riots at Isiolo, in Kenya, will be held.

Under the Kenya Constitution, responsibility for holding a special inquiry into the incidents at Isiolo on 24th May is a matter for the Regional Assembly of the Eastern Region and is not a matter for which I have any responsibility.I understand, however, that an inquest was held in order to ascertain the causes of the death of the four people who died at Isiolo, and to allocate criminal responsibility if the evidence so warranted. The Resident Magistrate found that two persons died from gunshot wounds as a result of the police opening fire on the crowd, but he returned a verdict of justifiable homicide without, in fact, being able to identify any particular policeman as having fired the fatal shots. Of the other two people who died, one had been struck by a number of blunt instruments which could have been stones thrown by the crowd, or by police batons, but there was no evidence to decide which; the cause of death of the other could not be ascertained. The Magistrate returned open verdicts in respect of the deaths of these two persons.The Resident Magistrate praised the police for their restraint and discipline in very difficult and dangerous circumstances. The police force in question was outnumbered by at least 10 to 1 and there were between 35 and 40 police casualties out of a total force of 140.The trial of 27 Somalis accused of rioting at Isiolo on that day is proceeding.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make a statement on his talks with the Somali delegation from the Northern Frontier District of Kenya.

My noble Friend, the Minister of State for Colonial Affairs, received a delegation of Kenya Somalis on 24th July. The delegation expressed the view that the Northern Frontier District of Kenya was the responsibility of the British Government, and they sought a statement of its decision concerning the future of the area. They were informed of the British Government's desire that there should be the fullest possible consultation with all interested parties and that the British Government were proposing to the Somali Republic that there should be discussions on the future of the area.

asked the Minister of Education how many secondary schools there are in the West Riding of Yorkshire; and how many such schools possess swimming baths.

I understand from the West Riding local education authority that of the 192 secondary schools which it maintains four possess their own swimming baths. In addition, swimming baths are included in the plans of three new secondary schools now being built.

asked the Minister of Education how many secondary schools there are in England and Wales; and how many possess swimming baths.

In January 1963, according to provisional figures, there were 5,890 maintained secondary schools in England and Wales. Without making inquiries from each local education authority separately, I cannot say how many possess their own swimming baths.

asked the Minister of Education, in view of the continuous expansion of the motor car industry, why the number of successful students for the National Craftsman's Certificate for Motor Vehicle Service Mechanics has decreased each year since 1960.

This examination consists of a theoretical examination followed by practical tests. The numbers of candidates for the theoretical examination have risen as follows:

1953
Entries	…	…	…	1,857
Passes	…	…	…	886
1962
Entries	…	…	…	3,901
Passes	…	…	…	2,349

The number of candidates going forward for the practical tests has risen from 571 in 1953 (498 passes) to 1,537 in 1963 (results not yet known).Students who are successful in the theoretical examination do not necessarily choose to take the practical tests, so that the number of certificates awarded in any year is dependent on the number passing the theoretical test and the number choosing to take and passing the practical test. The figure of certificates awarded in 1960 resulted from an exceptionally high proportion of passes in the February 1959 theoretical examination, combined with the high percentage of students successfully taking the practical tests.There has been a considerable increase in the number of certificates awarded over the past 10 years.

asked the Minister of Education, in view of the growth and importance of the building industry, why the number of successful candidates for the Higher National Diploma in Building has still not reached the level of 1953.

The large majority of firms comprising the building industry are of small or medium size and find it difficult to release young men for full time and sandwich courses. For this reason the part-time higher national certificate course has proved more popular than the higher national diploma course. In 1962, 1,053 candidates obtained the higher national certificate, compared with 689 in 1953; an increase over the period of more than 50 per cent.

asked the Minister of Education (1) why the number of successful candidates for the Higher National Diploma in Electrical Engineering was less in 1962 than in 1961;(2) why the number of successful candidates for the Higher National Diploma in Mechanical Engineering in 1962 was less than in 1960 and 1961;(3) why the number of successful candidates for the Higher National Certificate in Electrical Engineering in 1962 was less than in 1961;(4) why the number of successful candidates for the Higher National Certificate in Mechanical Engineering for 1962 was less than in 1959, 1960 and 1961.

It is not practicable to isolate the factors causing a reduction in numbers in higher national certificates and diplomas in these subjects in 1962, but the figures almost certainly reflect the increasing extent to which those seeking professional qualifications are taking full-time and sandwich courses leading to such qualifications as the Diploma in Technology; for example, since 1959 the number of Dip. Tech. students in Mechanical (including Production) Engineering has increased from 802 to 1,831, and in Electrical Engineering from 867 to 1,791.

asked the Minister of Education (1) why the number of women graduates in mathematics completing professional training for teaching in 1961–62 was less than in 1960–61;(2) why the number of women graduates in science completing professional training for teaching in 1961–62 was less than in 1960–61.

The number of women graduates in mathematics and science entering upon courses of professional training for teaching in 1961–62 was slightly lower than in the previous year and a rather higher proportion of those who entered failed to complete the course successfully. The figure rose again in 1962–63.

asked the Minister of Education, in view of the relatively small number of men and women over 25 at present admitted to training colleges, if he will take further steps to increase recruitment and provide places for mature students.

In 1962–63 there were more than 4,500 students over 25 years of age following courses of initial training in the training colleges; this represents nearly 10 per cent. of the total number in initial training courses. I expect that the steps which all colleges are taking to increase their student numbers will lead to a further increase in the recruitment of older students.

asked the Minister of Education how much deficiency grant was paid to the Camborne School of Metalliferous Mining in each of the last five years, to the latest convenient date.

Grant paid to the Camborne School of Mines over the last five years is as follows:

Academic Year				Grant
1958–59	…	…	…	£21,751
1959–60	…	…	…	£27,380
1960–61	…	…	…	£35,900
1961–62	…	…	…	£37,639
1962–63	…	…	…	£41,909 (estimate)

asked the Minister of Education whether his Department will pass the sketch plans for Weybridge County Secondary School, which have been in its possession since 23rd May, and which are needed to enable the county architect to prepare the detailed plans, put them out to tender and commence building before the winter.

The Surrey local education authority has recently been asked to reconsider the sketch plans and estimated cost of the project because it seems likely to exceed my cost limits. There has been some delay in writing to the authority, partly because the project for which sketch plans were submitted differed from that included in the building programme. In order to resolve the difficulties as soon as possible, a meeting with the authority has been suggested.

pursuant to his reply [Official Report, Thursday, 25th July; Vol. 681, c. 218–9], circulated the following text of the agreed communiqué:The talks between Mr. R. A. Butler, First Secretary of State and Sir Mwanawina Lewanika III, Litunga of Barotseland, and representatives of the Barotse Native Government ended in London today. The Barotse delegates set out the nature of their anxieties in relation to expected constitutional changes in Northern Rhodesia. They explained that, in view of the imminence of self-government, and the prospect of early independence for Northern Rhodesia, they wished Barotseland to become a separate High Commission Territory, no longer administered as part of Northern Rhodesia, though co-operating with Northern Rhodesia in the provision of certain common services for the two Territories. They desired to seek a friendly, practical and realistic accommodation with their Northern Rhodesian neighbours. They maintained however their reliance on the existing treaties and assurances; and emphasised that they could not concur in any arrangement which might result in their connection with the British Crown and Government being severed against their will.The First Secretary of State gave Her Majesty's Government's views on these proposals and, in particular, drew attention to the very serious difficulties that would arise if Barotseland were to be separated from Northern Rhodesia, with which it had been intimately connected since the early days of British protection. Her Majesty's Government considered however that it would be possible for Barotseland to retain a special status, which would take proper account of Barotseland's cultural and political identity.It was agreed that, as the next step, and before final decisions were taken, there should be discussions between the Northern Rhodesia Government and the Barotse Native Government. These talks would take place under the auspices of Her Majesty's Government, and the First Secretary would appoint a personal representative who would act as chairman of the talks. The date and place of the talks would be fixed after further consultation with the Northern Rhodesia Government and the Barotse Native Government.It was also agreed that the Barotse Native Government would appoint their own legal advisors, and, further, that a special administrative adviser would be made available to them for the purpose of these negotiations. An early economic survey would also be arranged.The three governments would enter into these discussions without advance commitment and would be free to raise any matters or considerations that appeared to them to be relevant. Final decisions would fall to be taken in the light of the results of the discussions and all other factors bearing on those questions.

asked the Lord Privy Seal if he will give particulars of the diplomatic representatives of European countries in the United Kingdom who have been declared persona non grata since 1949, stating the date, name, country, diplomatic status, and reason for action in each case.

It would take a great deal of research to prepare a comprehensive list covering representatives of all European countries. The records immediately available show that 17 diplomatic representatives of the Soviet Union and Eastern European countries have been officially declared persona non grata since 1949. The fact that a diplomatic representative of a foreign country in the United Kingdom has been declared persona non grata is not always publicised. In some cases, Her Majesty's Government decided that, once security or other requirements had been met by the expulsion, they were not justified in running the additional risk of prejudice British interests in the country concerned which could result if Her Majesty's Government initiated publicity. On certain occasions, the representatives of the countries concerned were told that Her Majesty's Government would not initiate publicity. This has been the practice throughout the period in question. I regret therefore that I cannot give the full details for which my hon. and gallant Friend asks.

asked the Minister of Power if he is aware that people living in clean air zones in Bristol were short of smokeless fuel last year and thus burned ordinary coal which made them liable to prosecution; and what steps are now being taken to prevent a recurrence of this during the coming winter.

Yes. Interruption in local deliveries was caused by the exceptional weather and not by shortage of coke stocks. My right hon. Friend has discussed with the Gas Council the lessons to be learnt from the experience of last winter.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will investigate the extent to which child welfare clinics in Scotland provide the widest available range of children's welfare foods, including proprietary brands.

I know that most child welfare clinics stock some proprietary foods and vitamin preparations as well as the orange juice and cod liver oil available under the welfare foods arrangements. I think that the extent to which this is done should be left to the local health authority's discretion.

asked the Secretary of State for War what have been the findings of the Army experts who have investigated the crater at Charlton, Wiltshire; and what evidence there is as to whether this crater was made from an extra-terrestrial source.

The Army Bomb Disposal Team which excavated the crater at Charlton have found no conclusive evidence regarding its cause. The small object which was initially thought to be a meteorite appears in fact to have been a piece of local rock and was not the cause of the crater.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will issue a list of schemes in the road programme costing over £100,000 which were started in the six months ended 30th June, 1963, with the present estimated completion date and total cost of each.

The list is as follows: