asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance how many persons, male and female, over the age of 70, are receiving retirement pensions at home and abroad, respectively.

Of the male retirement pensioners over age 70, it is estimated that about 1·3 million are at home and some 12,500 are abroad. Similar information is available only for women over age 65 of whom about 3¼ million live at home and some 34,000 are abroad.

asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance if he is aware of the disparities in the pensions of limbless ex-Service men in England and Scotland, respectively, and that these disparities inflict hardship on those in Scotland; and if he will take steps to remove these disparities.

No. Disablement is assessed by comparing the condition of the man when he is disabled by service with the condition of a normal healthy man of the same age. This basis of assessment is the same wherever he lives.

asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance if he will authorise banks to pay, through bankers' orders signed by self-employed persons, National Insurance contributions in advance as a facility for such persons who do not maintain accountancy staff.

Any system of payment in advance would have to provide for adjustments for later changes of circumstances. For this and other reasons my right hon. Friend thinks that such a system, which would be more expensive to administer than payment by weekly insurance stamps, would also be more troublesome to all concerned.

asked the Minister of Health if Her Majesty's Government will extend the provision of vehicles for the physically disabled to include the provision of hand-propelled tricycles for disabled persons who have lost the use of one leg and are unable in consequence to ride a bicycle.

A patient who has lost the use of one leg can already qualify for a hand-propelled tricycle if his walking ability is seriously restricted and the consultant considers that a machine is necessary.

asked the Minister of Health how many general practitioners practise in the Middlesex Executive Council area; how many have sought approval for deputising arrangements; and how many have obtained approval.

1,736. 545 doctors have asked for approval and so far all but 6 have obtained it.

asked the Minister of Health how many trainee cytologists have enrolled in the special training centres provided by the one regional board and four boards of governors he invited to provide these centres.

None at present because a date for the first courses has not yet been fixed.

asked the Minister of Health (1) in view of the increase in teenage drinamyl addiction, what steps he is taking to make preventive measures effective and to make treatment facilities widely and freely available; and whether, in particular, he will make short-tern treatment readily available in general hospitals;(2) whether he will ask the Medical Research Council to conduct an inquiry into the long-term toxic effects and the treatment of addiction resulting from the illicit use by young people of drinamyl and other amphetamine derivatives and compounds.

On preventive measures, I have nothing to add to the reply given on 30th January to the hon. Member and the hon. Member for St. Pancras, North (Mr. K. Robinson) by my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary. I am advised that the toxic effects of these drugs are well known to the medical profession and a special inquiry would not be justified. As regards treatment, my right hon. Friend has commended to hospital authorities the advice received from the Inter-department Committee on Drug Addiction which reported in 1961.

asked the Minister of Health what financial contributions his department has made, for each of the last three years, to research into the incidence of chronic bronchitis amongst workers employed in steel manufacture.

None.

asked the Minister of Health to what extent proprietary tranquillising drugs are sold over the counter without a doctor's prescription.

All the commonly used tranquillisers are restricted to sale on prescription only and new products are quickly brought to the notice of the Poisons Board.

asked the Minister of Health what he estimates is the percentage of doctors' prescriptions filled by the dispensing of proprietary preparations, and the percentage of prescriptions actually compounded by the retail pharmacist.

It is estimated that during the year ended 30th September, 1963, proprietary drugs represented about 70 per cent. by number and about 93 per cent. by value of all prescriptions for drugs dispensed by chemists. I regret that the other information asked for is not available.

asked the Minister of Health if he will state the present position regarding the pay claim of clinical psychologists in the National Health Service, and in particular his response to the invitation that he should make proposals to resolve the deadlock and obviate a further reference to the Industrial Court.

No agreement has been reached by the Whitley Council on this claim. I am considering the position which has been reached.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the concern of the public and of public bodies in the area and the need to have maternity and general hospital services available in a reasonably accessible and convenient place, he will now reconsider the decision to close the War Memorial Hospital at Llanidloes, Montgomeryshire.

There has been no such decision.

asked the Minister of Health what increase in the capital allocation made to the Sheffield Regional Hospital Board in Command Paper No. 1604 in respect of the 10-year hospital plan has been made in the light of the recent revised population projections for the area covered by the board.

None.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what advice he has received about the danger of dumping stocks of fluoroacetamide in the sea; and what consideration he has given to the need to build a special impervious container for the purpose;(2) what consultation his Department had with water undertakings before advising gardeners to empty Tritox down drains with plenty of water.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he has taken to contain the outbreak of fluoroacetamide poisoning in Kent; and if he will make a statement.

I would refer the hon. Member and my hon. Friend to the statement which I made at the end of Questions today.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was the total sum distributed during the last 12 months in grants for farm improvements; what are the total administrative costs of this service; how many staff are employed on this work; and what consideration he has given to effecting economies by simplifying the procedure.

In the year 1963 £9,893,000 was paid in grants under the Farm Improvement Scheme in the United Kingdom. The total administrative costs, based on the most recent figures available, are estimated at about £1,300,000. This work represents only a part of the full duties of many of the staff involved but it has been estimated that the equivalent of 700 full-time staff are employed on this work.The procedures used in administering the Scheme are constantly under review and changes are made to simplify them whenever possible within the limits imposed by the requirements of the Agriculture Act, 1957, and by the need to ensure that the large amount of public money involved is wisely and correctly spent.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will take steps to widen the scope of the bacon agreement to include pig products; and if he will make a statement on the effect of pig product imports on the stability of the United Kingdom bacon producers' market.

The bacon understanding already provides that participating countries will not market other forms of pigmeat in such a way as to imperil its aims. As these countries send most of the British market's supplies of other pigmeat products, there is no immediate need to consider extending the scope of the understanding. There is no evidence at present that imports of other pigmeat products are affecting the stability of the bacon market.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when the Advisory Committee on Poisonous Substances Used in Agriculture and Food Storage is likely to complete its review of the use of these chemicals.

The Committee expects to complete its review of the principal chlorinated hydrocarbon pesticides this month and its report will be published as soon as possible after that.

asked the Minister of Labour what are the average weekly earnings of men classified by his Department as light labourers in the Motherwell area of Lanarkshire.

It has been estimated from local knowledge that the average weekly earnings of light labourers in the Motherwell area are from £9 10s. 0d. to £10.

asked the Minister of Labour what is his estimate of the number of jobs that have been lost since 1951 in the Dumbarton and Vale of Leven area as a result of closures.

The only comprehensive figures available are those derived from changes in the number of employees in employment. Between mid-1951 and mid-1962—the latest date for which figures are available—there was an overall increase of 500 despite a decrease of 1,000 in the shipbuilding and marine engineering industries.

asked the Minister of Labour what were the weekly earnings gained by men over 21 years of age in London, the Midlands and Scotland in 1963; and how these figures compare with 1958 and 1961.

Regional figures of average weekly earnings are not available before April, 1960. In April, 1960, average weekly earnings of men manual workers 21 years and over were 291s. 1d. in London and South Eastern Region, 297s. 4d. in Midlands Region and 258s. 9d. in Scoland. The corresponding figures for April, 1961, were 313s. 1d., 314s. 9d. and 277s. 1d. respectively. Those for April, 1963, were 342s. 9d., 334s. 9d. and 297s. 4d. respectively.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will now set up a court of inquiry into all aspects of the dispute at the Steel Company of Wales.

As my hon. Friend will be aware, work has now been resumed and the company and the Amalgamated Engineering Union have agreed to set up a working party to examine the work of the company's craftsmen.

asked the Minister of Labour if he will give the figures of unemployed men, women, boys and girls separately, who had signed the register in the St. Helens employment exchange area at the latest convenient date; and what action he is taking to deal with the unemployment problem there.

820 men, 890 women, 49 boys and 63 girls on 13th January. Our local officers are continuing in their efforts to find suitable employment for these people.

asked the Minister of Labour how many railwaymen will be affected by the Railway Board's closure proposals if the passenger service between Liverpool Lime Street and Wigan North-West is closed.

I understand that the Railways Board estimates that if this closure takes place 62 workers will be affected, but that it hopes to offer them alternative employment.

asked the Minister of Education whether he will inquire from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation what action has been taken on the report made to it of the burning by Polish Communist authorities of religious books and pictures presented by the World Union of Catholic Women's Organisations in connection with the approaching millenium of Christianity in Poland; and whether he will make a statement.

I understand that the Secretariat of U.N.E.S.C.O. has been informed of this matter but has not been asked to take action.

asked the Civil Lord of the Admiralty how many men, women and apprentices will be employed in the Rosyth Dockyard during the year 1964–65 as non-industrial and industrial workers, respectively.

The numbers expected to be employed in 1964–65, in the Professional Departments of the Royal Naval Dockyard, Rosyth, are:

asked the Civil Lord of the Admiralty whether he will advance the date when the final stage III of the new wages structure for unskilled, semi-skilled and skilled workers will be implemented.

No. No reason is seen to alter the timings laid down by agreement with the trade unions.

asked the Civil Lord of the Admiralty whether he will investigate disparities between the wages of skilled workmen in Her Majesty's dockyards and civilian wages for comparable work carried out by Admiralty contractors.

I would refer the hon. Member to the replies which I gave on 28th January [HANSARD cc. 39–40.] to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Portsmouth, West (Brigadier Clarke).Under the new wage structure the wage rates of Dockyard workers are now assessed every six months on the basis of alignment with the average wage rates paid in a wide range of industries. The selection of these industries was made by agreement with the trade unions and I am satisfied that this new system provides a very fair basis for comparison with outside industry as a whole.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if, following the representations made to the Minister of State at St. Andrews House by representatives of Buckhaven and Methil, he will now include the Levenmouth area in the Central Fife growth zone.

No. It is important not to draw the growth area boundaries too widely, in order to ensure a concentrated effort in the centre of Fife where it is essential. The Levenmouth area will in any case continue as a development district to be eligible for all the forms of assistance available in such districts.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many certificated teachers there are now in Scotland compared with 10 years ago.

In October, 1963, 37,784 certificated teachers were in whole-time employment in public and grant-aided schools in Scotland, compared with 33,984 in October, 1953.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the present intake of teacher training colleges.

In October, 1963, 3,674 students began courses in the colleges of education.

asked the Secretary of State for Industry, Trade and Regional Development if he will take steps to bring about closer official co-operation between his Department and the Federation of Industrial Development Associations.

My Department has had a number of discussions with the Federation of Industrial Development Associations in the last few years, and I am satisfied that adequate arrangements for co-operation already exist. Local authorities have access to the Board of Trade headquarters and regional offices at any time.

asked the Secretary of State for Industry, Trade and Regional Development if he will state the number of inquiries by industrialists about the Buckhaven and Methil area since it was scheduled as a development district; and what action he proposes to take to bring industry to the Levenmouth area which is not included in the central Fife growth area.

The answer to the first part of the question is six. With regard to the second part, I shall continue to use my full powers under the Local Employment Acts to encourage industrial development in the Levenmouth area.

asked the Secretary of State for Air what was the total value of rail travel warrants issued at Catterick Royal Air Force station from 1st January to 31st December, 1963.

£5,472, representing 617 single and 1,145 return warrants.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will approach the Government of Barbados and ask whether they wish the enlarged Admiralty jurisdiction conferred upon the High Court of the United Kingdom by the Administration of Justice Act, 1956, to be extended to the Barbados by an Order in Council.

I am consulting the Governor of Barbados on the subject and will write to the hon. and learned Member as soon as I receive his reply.

asked the Minister of Defence what percentage of the population is at present under arms.

The percentage of the male working population of Great Britain serving in Her Majesty's Forces is 2·5.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer when the overpayment of Income Tax of £1,284 11s. 9d. made in 1960 will be refunded to the taxpayer about whom he has received a communication from the hon. Member for Ilford, North.

I have written to my hon. Friend explaining why the Inland Revenue do not agree that there has been an overpayment in this case.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will state the percentage by which agricultural income went up between 1938 and 1948, 1938 and 1958, and 1938 to the last convenient 12-months period; and if he will give the corresponding figure for self-employed persons other than farmers.

The table below shows the percentage increase between the dates mentioned in farmers' income and in the income of other self-employed persons. The percentages are based on the figures shown in Table 2 of the Blue Book National Income and Expenditure 1963, and relate to total gross trading profits before provision for depreciation and stock appreciation.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what progress has been made in his promised plan for devising a better scheme for adjusting public service pensions reduced in value by inflation.

My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister announced certain changes in both public service and National Insurance pensions in reply to the hon. Member for Tyne-mouth (Dame Irene Ward) on 10th December last. The Government have no further proposals to make at present.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what evidence has been submitted by the Government to the National Incomes Commission in connection with the Commission's examination of the recent settlements in the engineering and shipbuilding industries.

A memorandum describing the Government's incomes policy and setting out some of the facts relating to the two cases under examination has been submitted to the Commission. Copies of the memorandum have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses for the information of Members.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what is the estimated current annual expenditure of the National Economic Development Council office; and if he is satisfied that this level of expenditure adequately fulfils the needs of the Council;(2) what representations he has received suggesting that the expenditure and staff of the National Economic Development Council should be increased; what action he has taken; and if he will make a statement.

Provision was made in the Estimates for an expenditure of £200,000 in 1963–64. This is about the current rate although the expenditure for the year as a whole is likely to be less. I have recently been considering with the Director-General of the National Economic Development Office, what amount should be included in the Estimates for 1964–65. The figures will be published in March.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many staff were employed full and part time by the National Economic Development Council on 1st February in 1962, 1963 and 1964, respectively.

The information is as follows:

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will take steps to ban the use of fluoroacetates for any purpose, and to recover supplies already distributed.

I have decided, on the recommendation of the Poisons Board, to bring fluoroacetamide and fluoroacetanilide under Rule 16(2) of the Poisons Rules, and I shall within the next day or two lay before the House amending Rules which will come into effect on 7th February. The effect will be that any derivatives of fluoroacetic acid at present in use can lawfully be sold or supplied by retail only to a person producing a certificate by a medical officer of health or an official of one of the agricultural Departments. Such certificates can be given only for the use of a substance as a rodenticide in ships, aircraft, hangars or sewers in such places, or in such industrial premises or warehouses, as are identified in the certificate. I understand that the principal manufacturer has taken steps to recover supplies in the hands of the wholesalers.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has received the report of the working party on the prison medical service; and when it will be published.

I have now received the report and I am considering whether it should be published.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many vehicles belonging to Commonwealth High Commissions and Foreign Missions in London have been authorised to carry corps diplomatique plates; what privileges such plates convey, especially in connection with street parking; and in how many instances since 1959, or other convenient year, such vehicles have been involved in accidents and other incidents as a result of which, had it not been for such privileges, their drivers whould have been prosecuted or fined.

Corps diplomatique plates have no official sanction in this country and convey no privileges in respect of a vehicle to which they are attached. I understand from the Commissioner of Police that unless the Metropolitan police know that the person in charge of such a vehicle is entitled to diplomatic privilege the vehicle is reported or otherwise dealt with for traffic offences in the same way as any other vehicle.Details are not available of the number of vehicles bearing C.D. plates involved in accidents and other incidents. I am obtaining figures of cases brought to notice by the police in which a person claiming diplomatic immunity is alleged to have committed a traffic offence, and will write to the hon. and gallant Member.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will set up a committee to inquire into all aspects of the illicit manufacture and distribution of amphetamine derivatives and compounds, to consider together with the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry the desirability of the manufacturers of drinamyl marketing the product as a less recognisable tablet, so as to make it less easily saleable when supplies obtained illicitly are repacked in small envelopes, and to make recommendations.

The question of changing the distinctive shape and colour of drinamyl tablets has been discussed with the manufacturers both by the Home Office and by the Pharmaceutical Society, but no conclusion has yet been reached.

asked the Postmaster-General if he will give further consideration to the proposal to close the post office in Kirkdale Road, South Wigston, in view of the representation he has received.

We have looked into this matter very carefully. We must have a post office on the new Fairfield Estate in South Wigston; and, as we cannot justify opening an office there as well as keeping open offices in both Kirk-dale Road and Canal Street, we think the right course is to close the Kirk-dale Road sub-office. I am sorry therefore that we cannot do as my hon. Friend wishes; I am writing to him.

asked the Minister of Transport when he will send an answer to the letter sent to him by the hon. Member for Pontefract on 27th November, 1963, about the provision of traffic signals at the junction of Station Road, Featherstone, with the Snaith-Crofton county road.

A reply was sent to the hon. Member last week.

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works whether he will make a statement on the progress of his plans for improvements in the living accommodation of apprentices at Rosyth.

Tenders are to be invited later this month for six new accommodation blocks for apprentices and it is hoped that a contract will be placed in April.

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works what further consideration he proposes to give to the use in this country of the French Agrément System for testing and approving building materials and methods.

I have appointed a Committee to inquire into the French Agrément System and the possibility of introducing comparable arrangements in the United Kingdom. Its full terms of reference are:

"To examine the origins, purpose and operations of the French Agrément System to consider whether there is a need in the United Kingdom for arrangements for testing and proving materials, components and methods of building of a more formal nature than those which already exist, and, if so, to examine questions of organisation and finance; to obtain the views of interested organisations, particularly those in the building industry and the associated professions; and to make recommendations."

General of Research and Development, Ministry of Public Building and Works. The members of the Committee are: