asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science, what provision exists in the East Riding of Yorkshire for the education of mentally-handicapped children under the age of seven.

There is one boarding special school for 120 educationally subnormal children in the East Riding of Yorkshire, and a few such children attend day special schools in the County Boroughs of York and Hull. It is the policy of the local education authority not to send children under the age of seven to special schools, but to give them special educational treatment in ordinary schools or, exceptionally, at home.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science, whether he will publish an assessment of the relative merits of different types of scheme for the comprehensive organisation of secondary education.

In the circular about reorganisation which I propose to issue to local education authorities I shall give guidance on the various forms of comprehensive organisation which have been devised.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he will give financial assistance to the Roman Catholic authorities where additional expenditure on school building is incurred by conforming to a comprehensive pattern in secondary education.

I have received representations about this, and am giving them careful consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will give an assurance that he will not alter the conditions of grant to Bishop Vesey's Grammar School, Sutton Coldfield, in view of the fact that this would affect its academic standards.

My Department have recently confirmed to the Governors that their building project for this school will qualify for Exchequer Grant in the normal way.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science, what changes he proposes to make in the school building programme in the Greater London area.

At the present time, none.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science, if he will consider the possibility of offering some form of financial inducement to educational authorities who are prepared to make some of their facilities available for use by local authorities or voluntary bodies.

My right hon, Friend hopes that authorities and governing bodies will do all they can to make facilities available for outside use, but he does not think it would be appropriate to seek powers to influence the use of their discretion by special financial arrangements.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what steps he has taken to seek the opinion of the teaching profession as to the extent to which the high standards in grammar schools are inseparable from the present arrangements for selective entry; and what has been the result of his inquiries.

It is unrealistic to speak of the opinion of the teaching profession as if there were a single point of view held by all teachers. Teachers hold a wide variety of differing views on many aspects of educational policy, including the organisation of secondary schools. I propose to consult the various teachers' associations about the circular on secondary reorganisation which I intend to issue.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will make a detailed statement about his intention to integrate the public schools within the state system of education.

Not yet.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science, if he is aware that the nine grammar schools in East Sussex are highly valued and have served the county well; and if he will give an assurance that he will not bring pressure on the East Sussex County Council to revise their long-term plans for secondary education to take account of comprehensive principles, in view of the fact that this would cause public resentment.

I have already explained in reply to earlier Questions this afternoon that I shall be asking all local education authorities to submit plans for secondary reorganisation on comprehensive lines.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he will inquire into the decision, regarding extension of comprehensive education, taken at the Joint Education Board, Peterborough, on 4th December, when the views of the 84 teachers, whose names have been sent to him, constituting all but two of Peterborough's grammar school teaching staff, were not submitted to the Joint Committee by the teachers' representative, contrary to the National Union of Teachers Point Four Document accepted by his Department, which laid upon the representative the duty of ensuring that teachers' views are put before the committee.

I consider it important that local education authorities should consult closely with teachers in working out plans for secondary school reorganisation. I am therefore glad to note that the Peterborough Joint Education Board, when approving the principle of reorganisation on comprehensive lines on 4th December, instructed the Chief Education Officer to maintain close consultation with the teaching profession in working out plans. The line taken at meetings of the education committee by teachers' representatives is not my concern.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he is aware that infection of seine net fishing boats with wood rot may be caused by the transmission of spores on wooden fishing boxes; and if he will make more money available for research into methods of countering this.

I am advised that there is no evidence that rot in wooden fishing boats is caused by the transmission of fungus spores on wooden fish boxes. Rot may occasionally occur in fish boxes if they are stored on a boat for long periods, but no instance is known in which such rot has spread to the structure of the boat.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science, what consideration he has given to an upward revision of the quantities and types of food recommended for school dinners, set out in the Ministry of Education Circular No. 290, drawn up in 1955, but now considered to be no longer in keeping with current standards of eating for those adolescent boys and girls who are well developed in stature and engage in considerable physical activities.

My right hon. Friend is at present considering whether any change is necessary in the quantities and types of food recommended in Circular 290 for the school dinner, together with the financial implications of any such change.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science, whether, in view of the existing financial strain on the education committees in large rural areas providing school transport, he will consider awarding specific grants for this purpose to supplement funds already available.

The whole question of education expenditure will be considered as part of the Government's current re-view of local authority finance. Sparsity of population is, however, one of the factors already allowed for in the calculation of the general grant, while the financial circumstances of individual authorities are taken into account in the rate deficiency grant.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science, if he proposes to approve the plans for rebuilding and redevelopment of Swanage Grammar School.

This proposal was excluded from the school building programmes for 1965–68 settled by the previous Government and it is not at present before my right hon. Friend.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science, if he will grant permanent membership of the Institute of Education to the Wolverhampton Day Training College for Teachers.

Membership of the Institute of Education is a matter for the University of Birmingham. I understand that the Wolverhampton Teachers' College for Day Students has already been granted constituent membership of the Institue without limitation of time with effect from 1st September last.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science, what plans he has for the preservation and expansion of the grammar schools of Wales.

The Government's plans for the development of secondary education in Wales will be made clear in the course of debate later today.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science, what are his present plans for increasing financial aid necessary to increase the amount of science teaching in maintained schools and to provide better equipment for that purpose.

Expenditure on science teaching in maintained schools is a matter for the local education authorities. Exchequer assistance is given by means of the general grant, which is not allocated to individual parts of the relevant services.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science, whether he is satisfied that the target of 20,000 graduates a year in pure or applied science by about 1970, as set by the Barlow Committee and the Scientific Manpower Committee, will now be met; what is the present annual number of boys and girls leaving schools with two or more A levels in science subjects; and what steps are being taken to increase this number.

I expect that the target of 20,000 qualified scientists and technologists a year by 1970 referred to in the Question will be achieved during 1965. The number of boys and girls to leave school in the school year 1962–63 who had two or more A levels at least one of which, and mostly all of which, were in science subjects was rather more than 25,000.For the last part of the Question I would refer the hon. Member to the Answer I have given to the hon. Member for Wanstead and Woodford (Mr. Patrick Jenkin).

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science, how many postgraduate awards for bioengineering courses were made by the Medical Research Council in the years 1962–63 and 1963–64 respectively.

The Council made one postgraduate award in 1962–63 for a bio-engineering course at the Imperial College of Science and Technology, London, and two similar awards for the same course in 1963–64. No applications from eligible candidates for this course, which is the only one of its kind in the United Kingdom at present, have been declined by the Council.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will allow the traffic lights to work in Parliament Square, whether Parliament is in session or not, for an experimental period of three months, and see what complaints are received from Members of delay in access to the Houses of Parliament.

Before any such experiment was undertaken, my right hon. Friend would require evidence of a substantial demand for a change in the present arrangements.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many local authorities have set up family advice centres as suggested in Home Office Circular No. 204/1963.

At 30th June last year 69 local authorities had set up family advice centres and another 30 were using the central and area offices of their children's departments for this purpose. Another 27 had plans in hand.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware of the concern arising from recent shooting incidents in north and north-east London; and what steps have been taken to inquire into the source of acquisition of firearms in these cases.

Yes. The police have reported 15 such incidents in the last three months, involving six shotguns, five pistols, one small-bore rifle and two air pistols. Arrests have been made in all cases. The firearms used in eight cases are known or believed to be stolen; inquiries are continuing into the sources of the firearms used in other incidents.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will seek to remove the exemptions under the Firearms Act, 1937, from holding a firearms certificate in certain cases.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, in view of the impending end of the death penalty, whether he will introduce legislation to increase substantially the penalty for illegal possession of firearms.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will seek powers to tighten the restrictions on the sale of shotguns and other firearms which are at present sold without licence.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will take steps to require all present and future owners of shotguns to apply for firearm certificates.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will take steps to restrict the sale and possession of firearms.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will institute legislation for the stricter control of the methods of sale and transfer of shotguns.

I am examining as a matter of urgency, in consultation with chief officers of police, the adequacy of the present legislation affecting firearms, and I hope to make a further statement at an early date.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is aware of the case with which smooth-bore firearms are available to the public; and whether, in view of the number of crimes committed with the aid of these weapons, he will take steps to bring their supply and possession under stricter control.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will take steps to extend licensing to cover all firearms including shotguns.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he intends to take to strengthen control over the sale of firearms to the public.

I am examining as a matter of urgency, in consultation with chief officers of police, the adequacy of the present legislation affecting firearms, and I hope to make a further statement at an early date.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will take steps to see that private persons in possession of any firearms, whether as trophies or otherwise, hold them only under the authority of a firearms certificate or a requirement that they be kept in safe custody.

Trophies of war are already subject to firearms certificate procedure. Under Section 2 of the 1937 Act a chief officer of police, when granting a firearms certificate, may attach conditions to it; and under the Firearms Rules, 1937, where a certificate is granted or renewed it must specify that the firearms and ammunition to which it applies shall at all times when not in actual use be kept in a secure place.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what was the number of thefts or attempted thefts made from the premises of dealers of firearms in the past year;(2) whether he will take steps to see that special security measures are taken with regard to the premises of dealers in firearms to prevent thefts or attempted thefts;(3) whether he will take steps to see there is a duty upon dealers in firearms to report any loss and that steps are taken thereafter to inquire into each loss.

The Commissioner of Police informs me that 28 cases of larceny or attempted larceny of firearms from firearm dealers, involving 812 weapons, were reported to the police during 1964 in the Metropolitan Police District and that 12 persons were arrested. I regret that no similar information is available for the rest of the country.Under existing legislation chief officers of police have no power to impose conditions as to physical security in dealers' premises. But there is generally close co-operation between dealers and the police, and I understand that, after discussion with the Metropolitan Police, the Gun Trade Association are about to issue to their members a leaflet giving advice as to the steps that might be taken to ensure the maximum security of their premises.The Firearms Act, 1937, requires a firearms dealer to keep a register of transactions in a prescribed form, which, together with the dealer's stock in hand, may be inspected without prior notice by a duly authorised police officer. All reported losses and discrepancies are thoroughly investigated.A chief officer of police may refuse to register a person as a firearms dealer if he is satisfied that the applicant cannot be permitted to carry on business as a firearms dealer without danger to the public safety or the peace.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will declare a firearms amnesty to recover weapons illegally held.

I am considering this matter in conjunction with the review that I am at present conducting of the operation of the Firearms Act, 1937.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, in view of the case of Frederick Alfred Smith, he will now arrange for longterm prisoners to be photographed at regular intervals.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether a regulation exists for a longterm prisoner to be photographed periodically for the purpose of subsequent identification should he escape from custody.

Fresh instructions have been issued to ensure that a recognisable photograph is available when needed.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether the tabulated information with regard to invalidated ballot papers given by him recently was recorded at the time of the declaration of the poll; and if he will seek powers to direct returning officers in their respective constituencies to announce such information immediately after the declaration of the poll.

The answer to the first part of the Question is "Yes". As regards the second part, existing law permits a candidate or counting agent to copy the information at the time and it is thereafter open to public inspection. No further provision seems necessary.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what were the total numbers of crimes known to the police in 1964 and 1954, respectively; what proportions were estimated to be due to alcohol; and what new action he is taking to reduce the rate of crimes committed.

434,327 indictable offences were known to the police in England and Wales in 1954. The statistics for 1964 are not yet available, but for 1963 the corresponding figure was 978,076. It is not possible to say what proportions of these offences were due to alcohol. To reduce crime I am doing everything in my power to build up the strength and increase the efficiency of the police.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will give wide publicity to existing provisions for compensation to members, of the public injured in tackling armed criminals or otherwise assisting the police in this respect.

Extensive publicity has already been given to the scheme administered by the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board for the compensation of persons injured by crimes of violence or while helping the police to deal with violent crime, and such steps as may be necessary will be taken from time to time to keep the public informed as to the working of the scheme.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department why Niven Craig is allowed out on licence from Wormwood Scrubs when he still has eight years more to serve.

This prisoner, who has been almost continually in prison since 1952, has been transferred to a prison hostel from which he goes out to work under strict conditions. My right hon. Friend considered that this course was the appropriate one in the exceptional circumstances of his case.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department in what circumstances and with what valid travel documents General Delgado entered the United Kingdom; and whether he will make a statement.

There is reason to believe that General Delgado, using an apparently valid passport in another name, arrived here on 29th December and left on 1st January.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what consideration he has given to the Report of the Departmental Committee on Proceedings before Examining Justices concerning the restriction of reporting of committal proceedings, and to the Report of the Departmental Committee on Depositions; and if he will make a statement.

The Government have decided that reports of proceedings before examining justices should be restricted in the manner recommended by the Tucker Committee. They have also decided that the use of statutory declarations instead of oral testimony and of draft depositions as evidence-in-chief should be allowed in committal proceedings in accordance with the recommendations of the Byrne Committee. Before reaching these decisions careful consideration was given to the views which judges, magistrates, and others, concerned in the administration of criminal justice, expressed in answers to a questionnaire about the nature and purpose of these proceedings. The legislation necessary to give effect to these decisions will be introduced in due course.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, in view of the large increase in crime, particularly crimes of violence, whether he will put in hand immediately a police recruiting drive aimed at bringing all forces up to strength and then increasing them by 25 per cent.

I am reviewing this matter at the present time, but police needs and deficiencies vary considerably in different parts of the country, and I could not accept that a uniform percentage increase in establishments would be appropriate.As part of the measures taken to improve police recruitment, to which I attach high priority, special attention is being paid to the needs of areas where there is the greatest shortage of manpower, and I am at present reviewing recruitment plans for the next financial year.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he proposes to make a statement on the return of the remains of Sir Roger Casement, and the papers that belonged to him, to the Irish Republic.

Very soon, I hope.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many cases of offences against boys attending the Schoolboys' Exhibition this year were brought to the notice of the police; and whether the police arranged to have extra men on duty to counter the attempts of paederasts.

Three. As in previous years, C.I.D. officers were on duty at this Exhibition.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will make a statement about the recent terrorist attacks in Aden, which caused the deaths of a British school-girl and an Aden police inspector.

On 23rd December, a grenade was thrown into the house of a British officer where a party was being held. A girl was killed, two boys and an Arab servant received injuries which required hospital treatment, and a British officer was also injured. On 25th December an Arab inspector of police was killed, while sitting in his car, by an automatic weapon fired from a passing car, and an Arab boy standing by received wounds from which he later died.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he intends to appoint a deputy governor for British Guiana; and if he will consider the appointment of a Guianese.

The proposal is being studied and I hope to discuss it when I visit British Guiana.

asked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs whether he is aware of the continued rise in prices of a number of tinned and fresh vegetables, fruits, etc., and various other foodstuffs and household necessities; and if he will take steps to control and reduce the prices of household necessities.

Yes: and I am doing my best to reduce them.

asked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs whether he will give an assurance that the North Devon area will be specifically represented on the Regional Council for the South-West, in view of its special problems of unemployment, depopulation and low wages.

As my right hon. Friend told the House on 10th December, the members of the economic planning councils will be appointed as individuals and not as delegates or representatives of particular interests. But in selecting members we shall make sure that the Council for the South-West will be fully representative of the region.

asked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs what were the economic reasons which made it impossible to accept the proposals put forward for an early payment of an increase in retirement pensions.

A full explanation was given by my right hon. Friend, the Minister of Pensions and National insurance on 4th December during the Committee stage of the National Insurance Bill.

asked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs if he will make a statement on the progress made by the Electronics Industrial Council in contributing to the improvement of industrial productivity.

Yes. The Council is doing great work.

asked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs what special plans he has for regional arrangements for places like Cheltenham, which have special links with the West Midland and with the Cotswolds, as well as with the South-West.

As my right hon. Friend explained to the House on 10th December, neighbouring Economic Planning Councils and Boards will cooperate on problems which cut across regional boundaries.

asked the Attorney-General if he will make a statement on the present situation of Mr. William Caleb Lusty who has been in prison for 2½ years; and what are his future prospects in this respect.

Mr. Lusty was released from prison on 15th January by order of the Judge of the Blackburn County Court sitting in bankruptcy and is now at liberty.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what evidence he has received of discrimination by firms overseas against British products on account of the 15 per cent. import surcharge.

Very little firm evidence.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will publish a list of the overseas importers in European Free Trade Association countries who have informed him of their intention to reduce or abandon imports from the United Kingdom until the 15 per cent. surcharge is removed.

No.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many representations he has now received from firms or trade associations on the loss of export orders through European customers retaliating against Great Britain's 15 per cent. import surcharge; what specific extra help he will give to such exporters; and if he will make a statement.

Very few. No action seems called for.

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) whether he is aware of the adverse trade figures for the month of November; and whether he will make a statement on them;(2) whether he will make a statement on the December, 1964. trade figures; to what extent the Government's various measures to assist the United Kingdom balance of payments problem have succeeded; and whether he will review the trade position for the calendar year ended December. 1964.

Detailed figures are not yet available for December but the provisional figures show a marked increase in exports and a fall in imports as compared with November. Figures for the fourth quarter taken as a whole indicate that there has been an encouraging recovery in exports and that imports have levelled off. As there have been detailed figures for only one month's trade since the Government first took steps to improve the balance of trade, it is too early to judge their effects. In 1964 as a whole, imports increased by 14 per cent. as compared with 1963 while exports increased by 4 per cent. The trade deficit was greatest in the third quarter of the year but improved in the fourth quarter.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will consider plans for increasing British exports by the use of exhibition ships, along the lines successfully employed by the Japanese and German Governments.

No. Having regard to the heavy cost and other disadvantages of exhibition ships, I see no reason to question the preference which British industry has shown for conventional trade fairs.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that large shipbuilding orders from this country are going to Japan, because Japanese costs are 20 per cent. to 30 per cent. below United Kingdom prices; if he will hold an inquiry into the reasons why British prices are not sufficiently competitive and to suggest remedies; and if he will make a statement.

I am aware that some orders for ships have been placed in Japan by British shipping companies because of lower Japanese prices. The question of the competitiveness of British shipbuilding and the action which needs to be taken will be studied by the Committee of Inquiry into the Shipbuilding Industry which we are in course of setting up.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will list the sites of the advance factories in the North-East, the dates when decisions were taken on them, and the names of firms undertaking new works or expansions, which have been agreed in 1964, together with the dates of the commence. ment of negotiations.

As the answer contains details which can be presented most conveniently in tabular form, I am circulating the information in the OFFICIAL REPORT.The following is the information:

asked the President of the Board of Trade, what licences for the export of surplus arms to Saudi Arabia have been issued during the last 12 months; and what conditions were attached concerning the subsequent destination or use of those arms.

It is not the practice to disclose details of export licences issued for the supply of arms.

asked the President of the Board of Trade, whether Her Majesty's Government have completed their consideration of the new Part IV of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade; what consultations they have held thereon with other Commonwealth Governments; and whether he will make a statement.

Subject to examination of any textual changes which may be proposed as a result of consideration by the Governments of other Contracting Parties, Her Majesty's Government intend to accept the new Part IV of the General Agreement. The Contracting Parties will sign the Final Act authenticating the texts of Part IV and related documents at a meeting in Geneva on 8th February. Thereafter the authenticated texts will be set forth in a White Paper to be presented to the House. The new chapter will come into effect when the Protocol of Amendment has been accepted by two-thirds of the Contracting Parties. Meanwhile it is intended that all Contracting Parties concerned should apply it de facto so far as they can.Throughout the negotiations on the new Part IV there has been close consultation with the Governments of other Commonwealth countries.These new provisions to help the trade and development of the less developed countries will forward the work already being done in the G.A.T.T. to assist these countries to overcome their trade problems. The United Kingdom Government, in co-operation with the Governments of other Commonwealth countries, will continue to play their full part in this work.

asked the President of the Board of Trade, if he will state the percentage increase in the imports of rubber manufactures between 1959 and 1963 and between 1953 and 1963, respectively; and which items were mainly responsible for the increase in this category of imports.

The percentage increases were 83 and 522 respectively. The items mainly responsible for the increases were tyres and tubes, and rubber footwear.

asked the President of the Board of Trade, if he will state the percentage increase in the imports of electrical machinery between 1959 and 1963 and between 1953 and 1963, respectively; and which industries were mainly responsible for the increase in this category of imports.

The percentage in- creases were 91 and 575 respectively. The items mainly responsible for the increases were electric power machinery and switchgear, telecommunications apparatus and domestic electric equipment.

asked the President of the Board of Trade, if he has now completed his inquiries concerning the registration of the Whitney Bridge Trust under the terms of the Registration of Business Names Act, 1916; and if he will make a statement.

The business name "Whitney-on-Wye Toll Bridge Trust" was registered in August, 1964.

asked the President of the Board of Trade, whether he has concluded his investigations into the activities of Universal Health Studios Limited: and if he will make a statement.

I have nothing to add at present to the answer which I gave to the Questions by my hon. Friend the Member for Erith and Crayford (Mr. Dodds) and by other hon. Members on 17th and 22nd December, 1964.

asked the President of the Board of Trade, whether he is aware that during the past year West Germany's trade with the Communist countries has increased by 25 per cent.; and whether he will publish in Hansard details giving the relative increase or decrease in British trade with the Communist countries during the past year.

My information is that the value of West Germany's total trade in both directions with the Communist countries and with Eastern Germany was 17 per cent. greater in January-October, 1964, than in the corresponding period of 1963. There was virtually no change between those periods in the corresponding total of the United Kingdom's trade. The value of trade between the United Kingdom and individual countries can be obtained from Account IV of the Trade and Navigation Accounts.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what countries in addition to Sweden, Japan, Siam and the United States of America, the Minister of State for Trade has visited since his appointment; what was the cost of these visits; who accompanied him officially; what was the purpose of these visits; and whether he will give a detailed statement showing the number of new export orders achieved as the result of these visits.

I have recently visited Sweden and Japan to see their shipbuilding industries for myself and I was accompanied by three officials on each occasion. The Japanese visit provided opportunities for short stops at Bangkok, San Francisco and New York for discussions with British shipping interests and with local business communities about export possibilities, and for inspection of the British stands at the New York Boat Show and the offices of the British Travel Association. The final cost is not known but the main item—air fares—came to £3,374. The negotiation of export orders is for individual companies but I believe that my visits will have helped to provide a more favourable atmosphere for United Kingdom exporters.

asked the President of the Board of Trade, what action he proposes to take to deal with the continuing increases in the prices of manufactured goods.

My right hon. Friend has written to a number of manufacturers and trade associations about some recent price increases and he and other Board of Trade Ministers will shortly be holding meetings with them. As regards future policy, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given on 19th January to my hon. Friend the Member for Wolverhampton, North-East (Mrs. Renee Short) by my right hon. Friend the First Secretary.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will introduce legislation to control the advertisements and activities of foreign airline or travel companies which are not government sponsored but which use titles implying status and resources which they do not possess.

My right hon. Friend will bear my hon. Friend's suggestion in mind in the preparation of revised merchandise marks legislation and of any other legislation which may affect travel companies.

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) whether he will state

asked the Minister of Transport if he will give a general direction, in the public interest, to the Railways Board that facilities for meals should be available at all times, at all ports for which they are responsible, for those who disembark from overseas.

No.

Following is the information:

asked the Minister of Transport if he will state the total mileage of new classified roads proposed for 1968–69 under the road programme.

This information is not readily available. I would refer the hon. Member to the Answer I gave to a similar Question from the hon. Member for Cheltenham (Mr. Dodds-Parker) on 23rd December.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will now give an estimate of the date when construction will start on the motorway between Quinton and Great Barr.

The exact date depends mainly on the time needed for completion of the statutory procedures and for land acquisition. I hope to arrange for construction to begin during the latter half of 1966.

asked the Minister of Power what reduction in the output of the National Coal Board below 200 million tons of coal a year he intends to require.

There is no question of my requiring an arbitrary reduction in coal output which will over the years have to be related to the demand for coal. The objective of a coal market of about 200 million tons will be sympathetically considered in the formulation of our long-term national fuel policy which will have regard to all relevant considerations.

asked the Minister of Power whether he will inquire into the reasons why certain area boards have decided to raise electricity charges by 7½ per cent. from 1st February; and ii he will take steps to ensure that nationalised industries generally do not raise their charges, thereby increasing the cost of manufacture and production throughout British industry.

I have been informed of the reasons why the board concerned has decided to raise its prices. I am satisfied that the price increases by the nationalised boards for which I am responsible have been fully justified by the increase in the costs they have to face after taking account of the economies they have been able to make by improving their productivity.

asked the Minister of Power if he is aware that the price of electricity from the North Eastern Electricity Board is likely to go up soon; if he will seek the reasons for this rise; and if he will make a statement.

It is the general practice of the nationalised industries for which I am responsible to consult me and explain their reasons for any price increases they are considering. I am therefore aware that there is a possibility of a price increase in this case and of the reasons which may make it necessary.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations where Dr. Victor Allen is imprisoned in Nigeria; what are his conditions; and what is the state of his health.

Dr. Allen was transferred from Lagos to the Federal prison at Jos in Northern Nigeria on 2nd December. I understand that the climate there is one of the best in the country. According to reports received from officers of the British High Commission in Nigeria who have visited him there on three occasions, Dr. Allen's material conditions are very satisfactory and his health seems to have improved. He has nevertheless been excused work for the bulk of the time since his imprisonment. He is allowed to receive newspapers and books freely.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations what progress Dr. Victor Allen is making in his appeal to the Nigerian High Court.

The appeal is in fact to the High Court of Western Nigeria. Notice of the grounds of Dr. Allen's appeal have already been filed and the necessary fees paid. Certain procedural formalities still remain to be carried out however. When these have been completed by Dr. Allen's counsel, I see no reason to expect any delay in the hearing of the appeal.

asked the Minister of Aviation how the official figure of £750 million as the escalated cost of 140 TSR2 aircraft was arrived at; and what is the comparable escalated cost of 140 T.F.X. Mark II aircraft offered to the Royal Air Force in their place.

As soon as the Government's current review of the aircraft programme is completed, we shall announce our decisions and give the House the financial and other reasons for them, so far as can be done within the normal security rules. Meanwhile, I cannot comment on the figure which the hon. Member has quoted.

asked the Prime Minister if he will seek to meet the President of the Republic of the Congo.

I have no plans for such a meeting.

asked the Prime Minister if he will list the parts of other Ministries and Government Departments which have now been incorporated in he Ministry of Technology; how many staff are involved; and what will be the estimated cost of the new Ministry.

The answer to the first part of the Question is the branch of the Department of Education and Science concerned with policy in regard to atomic energy and a small section of the Ministry of Aviation responsible for sponsorship of the electronics industry. The greater part of the existing Headquarters of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, together with most of its stations, and the branch of the Board of Trade concerned with policy in regard to the National Research Development Corporation will, however, be transferred to the Ministry of Technology when the necessary legislation and Statutory Instrument take effect.In all, the staff involved will number rather more than 5,000, including industrial workers.

asked the Prime Minister what instructions have been sent to the United Kingdom delegate at the United Nations with regard to the appeal of Malaysia for United Nations aid in the struggle with Indonesia.

The Malaysian representative, in a letter dated 7th January addressed to the President of the Security Council, stated that in the event of intensive Indonesian attacks being launched against Malaysia his Government would immediately seek United Nations assistance. As far as I am aware the Malaysian Government have not yet taken any further action at the United Nations.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the confusion of Ministerial responsibilities in this area, he will now abolish the Ministry of Land and Natural Resources.

No. There is no confusion of ministerial responsibilities in these matters. I have given full particulars of my right hon. Friend's responsibilities in answer to Questions in the House.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will propose to the Prime Minister of Southern Rhodesia that an all-party Parliamentary delegation should visit Rhodesia and report to Parliament.

As it had not proved possible to arrange for Ministerial talks, I had already proposed a Parliamentary Delegation to the Prime Minister of Southern Rhodesia as an alternative method of finding a way forward. I suggested that a small all-party Mission consisting of senior and experienced members of the British Parliament might visit Rhodesia to acquaint themselves with the situation at first hand. Unfortunately, Mr. Smith does not feel that this would serve a useful purpose.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what arrangements he proposes to make for securing advice on the scientific aspects of questions arising within the field of his Department.

I have gone into this question following the retirement of Sir Harold Sanders from the post of Chief Scientific Adviser (Agriculture).My predecessors have greatly benefited from the advice of the distinguished scientists who have held this post and I should like to add my own tribute to the value of the work which they have done. At the same time it seemed to me that there would be advantage in my having available independent advice on all the multifarious problems with scientific implications with which my Department is concerned—and not only in the field of agriculture. These fields could not in any event be covered by any single individual, however eminent.I also felt that there would be positive advantage in securing this advice from persons still associated with the universities.I have, therefore, decided to establish a Scientific Advisory Panel under the Chairmanship of Professor A. C. Frazer of Birmingham University. This Panel will be available to advise me on the scientific aspects of any questions affecting the activities of my Department which I may refer to them. The Panel will also be free to offer me their advice on any problems in this field whenever in their view this is desirable.The responsibilities of the heads of the scientific branches in my Ministry will not be affected in any way by these new arrangements. On the other hand I hope that the establishment of the Panel will lead to closer links between the Universities and the Ministry.The Panel will consist of:

asked the Minister of Labour if he will make a statement on the redundancy caused at Winfrith among men working on the steam generating heavy water reactor.

I am advised that there has been no redundancy among men engaged on the heavy water reactor at Winfrith Heath. On 8th January the main contractor dismissed 100 workers who were unwilling to lift a ban on overtime. Within a week the majority of these workers were re-engaged.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what arrangements have been made for informing next of kin of the progress of men who are patients in Royal naval hospitals, and for the introduction of standard drill to inform next of kin of transfer of patients from one hospital to another, both in the United Kingdom and overseas, as referred to in his correspondence with the hon. Member for Stockport, North.

If a patient in a Royal naval hospital is seriously ill, or if his illness prevents him from sending messages home, or if he is under 18, then a report is sent to his next of kin. Further reports are sent at frequent intervals for men who are seriously ill, or who are under 18, until their condition is satisfactory. As a result of a case brought to my attention by the hon. Member, I have also arranged that the next of kin should be informed when a patient is admitted to a Royal naval hospital on transfer from another hospital, at home or overseas.

asked the Minister of Health how many computers are in use under the Health Service for processing patients' medical records for prognosis.

None.

asked the Minister of Health what proportion of the increased pension rates will be retained by local authorities for pensioners resident in welfare homes and establishments; and whether provision has been made for relatively higher pocket-money allowances to be paid to such pensioners after the 29th March, 1965.

Regulations will shortly be laid increasing the pocket money allowances for residents in welfare homes from 13s. 6d. to 16s. from 29th March, 1965. At the same time, the minimum charge to be made by the authorities to residents will increase from 54s. to 64s.

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works if he is now in a position to state the result of the discussions between his Ministry and the Ministry of Transport on the problem of facilities for pedestrians crossing the roadways of St. James's Park.

A census recently taken by the Ministry of Transport shows that, apart from points where they are already assisted, pedestrians also need assistance in crossing the Mall by the Duke of York's steps. I will provide a patrol here at peak periods as soon as a suitable recruit can be enlisted. If, on further examination, a case is established for providing assistance to pedestrians at other points, I will provide further patrols as soon as men can be obtained.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether under his regulations additional tax is payable on a van where additional windows are fitted; and whether, in the interests of road safety, he will do away with this imposition.

Ordinary vans are not chargeable with Purchase Tax, but under the law tax is payable on a van fitted with side windows, whether by the original manufacturer or subsequently. These provisions are necessary for the effective protection of the tax on passenger vehicles; and full account was taken of the road safety aspect at the time they were settled after consultation with the motor industry.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what action is being taken to remedy the concern of Government typists with regard to their status and remuneration.

Negotiations between the Treasury and the Civil Service Alliance on the basis of the pay research survey for Civil Service typists and shorthand typists have now reached an advanced stage, and I hope that new scales of pay and new grading arrangements will be agreed very shortly.