asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, in view of the great difficulty in attracting entrants to the Procurator Fiscal Service, he will take steps to increase the remuneration payable for both full-time and part-time service.

I have nothing to add to the Reply my right hon. Friend gave the hon. Member on 17th February.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will take steps to encourage pharmacists to operate a rota system for opening on early closing days and holidays where this is not done at present.

Executive Councils are required to satisfy themselves that adequate arrangements are available in their areas for dispensing prescriptions on early closing days and holidays, and my right hon. Friend is not aware that difficulties are being experienced.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps are being taken to provide health centres, hospital and maternity services in the new town of Cumbernauld.

In addition to the existing health centre in the Kildrum area, Health Centre accommodation to meet the needs of the Seafar and Carbrain areas is now being planned. The Regional Hospital Board's long term plan is to provide a general hospital, including a maternity unit, at Cumbernauld, and it is hoped in due course to build a further health centre in association with these. Consultative ante-natal clinic sessions are already being held regularly at Kildrum.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is represented on the Advisory Committee on Juvenile Delinquency; and how often this Committee holds meetings.

I have succeeded the noble Lady on this Committee. No meeting is being called until we have had an opportunity to consider the views of its members about the best method of making progress in the difficult field which lies within its remit.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many local authority houses were completed in 1964 in Dundee and Perth, respectively.

The figures were 1,072 in Dundee, 64 in Perth, which, taking the population ratio into account, means that Dundee built almost four times as many houses in 1964 than Perth.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will introduce legislation to alter the Court Rules relevant to Scottish negligence cases, particularly running-down cases, so as to separate the question of liability from the question of the granting of damages for the loss, damage and injury caused by the negligence.

My right hon. and learned Friend the Lord Advocate intends to consider in consultation with the Lord President of the Court of Session what steps might suitably be taken to examine the various aspects of this matter.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the most recent information he has received from the agricultural colleges as to profitability per dairy cow; and how this compares with similar figures in 1956.

Sample surveys conducted by the three agricultural colleges suggest that for Scotland as a whole the average profitability per cow, before allowing for the manual work of the farmer and his wife, was about £25 14s. in the year to September, 1964 as compared with £33 12s. in 1955–56.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what progress is being made to implement the plans to provide water from Loch Lomond to the East of Scotland; and whether he will give an estimate of the dates for starting and completing the scheme.

I understand that a draft of the empowering Order is now being considered by the individual authoritities concerned. A start will be made on constructing the scheme as soon as the necessary powers have been obtained. It is estimated that the works will take 2½ to three years to construct.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has to extend the growth area to include Dalkeith and the Esk Valley.

As part of its work of preparing a plan for Scotland the Scottish Economic Planning Board is reviewing the previous Government's proposals for Central Scotland and, while this is proceeding piecemeal decisions about particular areas would be premature.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the average gross annual income of general practitioners within the National Health Service; how much of this sum is regarded as expenses; whether the latter sum is paid to each doctor irrespective of whether his expenses amount to that figure; and whether he will state the highest and lowest gross incomes paid to general practitioners on the latest date for which figures are available.

The available figures of income and expenses relate to Great Britain as a whole. The average gross income from all public sources of doctors remunerated from the central pool is currently about £4,265, including £1,500 for expenses. Doctors may also receive additional payments for private work. Expenses are at present mainly reimbursed through fees, and the sum a doctor receives thus depends largely on the size of his list.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland why the Balnacoil Bridge has been delayed until 1968–69, in view of the local and tourist demand for this project.

I understand that Sutherland County Council has programmed a Balnacoil Bridge scheme for 1967–68. If the Council tells my right hon. Friend that this scheme has top priority among its proposals for improving the classified roads in that year, he will do his best to find grant for the scheme.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he is now taking to support the Scottish Tourist Board, in view of the fact that several local tourist associations will be unable to continue unless more money is available.

I would refer the hon. Member to the Written Answer which my right hon. Friend gave to the hon. Member for Inverness (Mr. Russell Johnston) on 15th February.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the extent of the housing waiting list in Glasgow; and how many houses Glasgow expects to complete this year.

I understand that at the end of 1964 there were about 84,000 families on Glasgow's waiting list and that the Corporation expects to complete about 5,000 houses this year.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has for speeding up slum clearance.

The rate of slum clearance is determined by the output of new houses constructed by public authorities and my right hon. Friend is encouraging an increase in that output. My right hon. Friend has asked local authorities for their slum clearance proposals for 1965 to 1967, and for their estimates of the remaining problem. With this information we will discuss with them how best the rate of slum clearance can be increased.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland to what extent the housing shortage would be relieved if all houses currently standing empty for longer than one month were to be immediately occupied.

I regret that the information on which such an assessment might be made is not available.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many houses have been empty in Glasgow for more than one month; and what steps he intends to take to facilitate speedy acquisition of such houses by the local authority.

I regret that this information is not available. Local Authorities already have wide powers to acquire houses, either by agreement or compulsorily, in order to meet the housing needs of their areas.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what proposals he has for dealing with empty houses.

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given today by my hon. Friend the Joint Parliamentary Under Secretary of State to my hon. Friends the Members for Glasgow, Kelvingrove (Dr. Miller) and Pollok (Mr. Garrow).

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when he will appoint the members of the Highland Development Board.

When Parliament has made statutory provision for this purpose.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will now make a further statement on the setting up of the Highland Development Board; and what will be its terms of reference.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will now announce the terms of reference for the Highland Development Board.

The Highland Development (Scotland) Bill now before the House provides for the establishment of a Highland Development Board with the general function of preparing, concerting, promoting, assisting and undertaking measures for the economic and social development of the Highlands and Islands.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has for expediting the road building programme in the Highlands.

A substantial programme of road building and road improvement is now in progress in the Highlands. The future requirements of the area will be considered in the light of current studies.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will introduce legislation to exempt pharmaceutical chemists in Scotland from jury service.

I shall consider the general question of exemptions from jury service in Scotland in the light of the proposals that have recently been submitted to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Home Department.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many local authorities in Scotland do not provide home help service to elderly people at week-ends.

I regret that this information is not available, but inquiries are beginning about this and other aspects of the home help service and I shall write to the hon. Member thereafter.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many local authorities in Scotland employ health visitors specially trained to deal with the problems of elderly people.

The standard course of training for all health visitors includes instruction in dealing with the problems of the elderly. Over 92 per cent. of those engaged whole-time in health visiting have this training; and all health visitors are fully trained nurses.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many consultants were employed in the Western Regional Hospital Board area at the end of December 1963, and 1964, respectively, including consultants employed in teaching hospitals.

The numbers of consultants employed in the Western Regional Hospital Board area, including consultants in teaching hospitals, are as follows:

• 31st December, 1963–577.
• 31st December, 1964–657.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many new students were enrolled at the central institutions in Scotland for the sessions 1963–64 and 1964–65, respectively.

The number of full-time students enrolled for the first time in session 1963–64 was 2,191. Detailed statistics for 1964–65 are not yet available, but the corresponding figure is estimated to be about 2,400. Both figures exclude students at the Royal College of Science and Technology and the Scottish College of Commerce, which have now merged to form the University of Strathclyde.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will arrange that in ambulance emergency calls where immediate medical attention can save life a qualified medical doctor should be part of the ambulance team.

Ambulance crews are trained to give first-aid on the spot and convey the patient as quickly and as safely as possible to hospital. To include a doctor in the team would inevitably involve a great deal of medical time, but if the ambulance crew find that immediate medical treatment is required they call a doctor by radio. There are special arrangements for teams including doctors to go to the scene of a major accident.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has for the provision of adequate pure water supplies throughout Scotland.

Under Section 8(1) of the Water (Scotland) Act, 1946, it is the duty of local authorities to provide a supply of wholesome water to every part of their districts where a supply is required for domestic purposes and can be provided at a reasonable cost. I am able to assist in appropriate cases by grants under the Rural Water Supplies and Sewerage Act. In Central Scotland I have already announced that it is the Government's intention to promote the reorganisation of the water service broadly on the lines recommended by the Scottish Water Advisory Committee, which will help to ensure that supplies are adequate to meet the growing demand for water.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether arrangements have yet been made by the Boundary Commission for Scotland to review existing constituency boundaries; and at what date the review is likely to commence throughout Scotland.

I would refer to my Answer to the hon. Member for Midlothian on 18th February, in which I said that the Boundary Commission for Scotland had given notice of its intention to commence forthwith a general review of constituencies in Scotland.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how much it would cost to extend double-manning of ambulances belonging to the Scottish Ambulance Service to all large burghs.

The additional annual cost of extending double-manning of ambulances to depôts serving the six large burghs which do not yet have this system is estimated to be about £16,500.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will consider as a matter of urgency the establishing of another new town in Scotland.

My right hon. Friend hopes to receive before the end of May the interim report of the planning consultant who is preparing a plan for major expansion in the Irvine area. A decision will then be taken as to whether to designate a new town there. The scope for further new towns will be considered by the Scottish Economic Planning Council and Board.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the acreage of sugar beet contracted for with the Cupar factory for the 1965 crop at the latest convenient date.

Up to the 22nd February the Cupar factory had received contracts for 7,530 acres for the 1965 crop. Contracts are still coming in to the factory

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will now make a statement on his plans for the development of the north-east of Scotland.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the Answer given today by the Joint Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State to the hon. Member for Aberdeenshire, East (Mr. Wolrige-Gordon).

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what has been the average return to producers in Scotland for potatoes sold during the current season, to the latest convenient date.

The provisional estimated average growers' price in Scotland from 1st August, 1964, to 13th February, 1965, is about £12 12s. per ton.

asked the Minister of Transport (1) if he is aware of the satisfaction caused by the decision to plant 60,000 trees along the M.2 motorway now under construction in Kent; if he is aware of the concern arising from the absence of any information about the provision of public conveniences; and if he will make a statement, giving details of what is to be done in this respect;(2) in view of the regrettable state of affairs to be found during the summer months in recent years at lay-bys on the A.2 trunk road between London and the Channel ports, because of the absence of public conveniences, what action he is taking to ensure that this state of affairs ends as soon as possible.

I am glad to know of the satisfaction about the tree planting along the M.2.I am aware of the concern about the state of many lay-bys on the A.2 and other trunk roads in the summer months. As I told my hon. Friend on 20th January, I am in touch with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Housing and Local Government about this difficult problem. I have asked my trunk road agent authorities to make a special drive to provide, in time for the summer holiday traffic this year, better sign-posting of existing public conveniences within reach of trunk roads. This should help.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will state the progress of the statutory processes in each section of the Midland link between the M.1 and M.6; when these processes will be completed in each section; and when he expects construction work to be completed in each section.

The line for the whole link between Dunston (Staffs) and Catthorpe (Northants) has been established and the length from Dunston to Darlaston is under construction for completion next year.Comprehensive side road proposals have been published as far south as Ray Hall and it is aimed to complete construction up to this point at the same time as the works on M.5 between Ray Hall and Quinton are completed.Statutory work on the remaining lengths between Ray Hall and Catthorpe is expected to be finished in time to enable construction of the whole link to be completed by the early 1970's.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will now include in his rolling programme the Inner Ring proposed in connection with the plan for the development of the central area of Ilford.

The proposed Ilford Inner Ring Road, which is estimated to cost £6·2 million is one among many candidates for the 1969–70 extension of the classified road programme. I am not yet able to say which schemes it will be possible to accept. I hope to announce them during the summer.

asked the Minister of Transport why the tender for the Tinsley Viaduct, Yorkshire, submitted by the Cleveland Bridge Company Limited, is the most acceptable on engineering grounds; and if he will give the technical details.

The Cleveland design provides, without significant modification and at lowest cost, the requisite standard of performance; the technical details were given in the Press notice issued by my Department on 9th February. It would not be appropriate for me to disclose details of the other tenders.

asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware that the present routeing of heavy through traffic along residential streets of the Borough of Leyton causes inconvenience and hardship to residents, and that the need for a new route is urgent; and when work is programmed to start on the Eastern Avenue extension through the Borough of Leyton, the route for which was fixed by his Department in 1962.

There is a real need for a new route to relieve congestion in Leyton. But it has not yet been possible to find space in the programme for the Eastern Avenue extension. However, I hope that in the meantime two schemes due for completion this year—a new roundabout at the Green Man junction and a new link road between Whipps Cross Road and Popplewell Road—will bring considerable relief to local congestion in the borough.

asked the Minister of Transport if the work on the Darlington by-pass is up to schedule; and on what date it is expected to be in use.

Yes. Unless work is held up by bad weather I expect the by-pass to be open to traffic just before Easter.

asked the Minister of Transport what action he proposes to take on a letter sent to him on 3rd February, 1965, by Ilford and District Manufacturers Transport Group about delays in the London docks.

The Port of London Authority have set up a working party to devise measures to avoid a recurrence of the recent delays at the London docks. At my request the Authority have invited the Transport Group to discuss their letter with them.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has yet received notice from the Railways Board to close the Luton-Harpenden-Moorgate line, and whether he is satisfied that the co-ordination of commuter services into London from the north is adequate.

The Board have recently announced that their plans for closures now include the withdrawal of these services, but I have not yet received details of their proposals.Co-ordination of services in London is a statutory responsibility of the Railways and London Boards. They have in fact set up a Passenger Transport Committee for London to advise, among other things, on matters of common concern to both in relation to the provision of passenger transport services in the London area. I have no reason to suppose that these arrangements are not fully adequate.

asked the Minister of Transport by how much he plans that the working deficit on British Rail in 1964 shall be reduced in 1965 and each of the three next following years.

The British Railways Board estimate that their working deficit in 1965 will be about £10 million less than in 1964. As regards the future, I am awaiting the results of a review which the Board are making of their prospects over a five year period.

asked the Minister of Transport why the deficit accruing on British Rail in the first eight weeks of 1965 is £3 million higher than the original Estimate.

The increase in the Vote Estimate figure for British Railways' deficit for the first eight weeks of 1965 is attributable to wage increases which took effect from 21st December, 1964, the cost of which is partly offset by additional revenues derived from increased fares and charges which have already been publicly announced and put into effect.

asked the Minister of Transport why the Railways Board have not yet submitted proposals regarding the future of the Richmond-Broad Street line as promised.

The time when the Board decide to submit a proposal involving the closure of a passenger service is entirely a matter for them.I understand, however, that the Board have found that their conclusions about this line are taking a little longer than expected some two months ago and that they are making an announcement today to this effect.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will introduce legislation to empower himself to issue specific directions to the Railways Board regarding services on particular lines.

No.

asked the Minister of Transport what documentary evidence exists which entitled the Swansgrove Estates Ltd. to claim ownership of the soil and bed of the River Severn; and on what date compensation was paid for the acquisition of those areas along the site of the new Severn Bridge.

The Company's documentary evidence is a conveyance from the tenth Duke of Beaufort in 1960 supported by a series of conveyances and other instruments accepting that the eighth, ninth and tenth Dukes of Beaufort, as Lords of the Lordship Marcher of Striguil, are owners of the soil and bed at this point.An advance payment of compensation was made on the 31st January, 1963 and the balance on completion of the conveyance on the 14th October, 1964.

asked the Minister of Transport what payment was made to Swans-grove Estates Ltd. by way of compensation in respect of rights claimed in relation to the soil and bed of the River Severn; and when such a payment was negotiated and paid.

It would not be in the public interest for me to disclose for publication the amounts of compensation negotiated and paid to individuals in connection with road schemes. The land was acquired following a notice to treat and a notice to enter served on 15th March, 1961, and provisional agreement on the amount of compensation statutorily payable was reported by the District Valuer on 6th December, 1962 and afterwards confirmed.An advance payment was made on 31st January, 1963, and the balance on completion of the conveyance on 14th October, 1964.

asked the Minister of Transport what duties have been given to the Transport Advisory Council for means of transport in Scotland; what recommendations they have made in regard to roads, rail and air in the last five years; and how many of these recommendations have been acted upon.

The Transport Advisory Council has been given no duties specifically for transport services in Scotland. It is a new body whose function will be to assist me on transport policy matters generally.

asked the Minister of Transport what is the Government's policy towards the amendment of the Road Traffic Acts so as to require passengers in motor vehicles to be covered by insurance in respect of their liability to compensate other road users for damage resulting from such passengers' use or management of such motor vehicles or any part thereof.

I have not seen evidence to suggest that the extent of accidents caused by passengers' negligence would justify this change.

asked the Minister of Transport what is the Government's policy towards the amendment of the Road Traffic Acts so as to require insurance policies in respect of third party risks to cover liability for damage to passengers in or upon motor vehicles.

I am considering this matter. The complexities of the hon. Member's proposal are illustrated by the proceedings on the Bill introduced in 1961 by my hon. Friend the Member for Loughborough (Mr. Cronin).

asked the Minister of Transport what estimate he has made, in respect of the latest year for which road casualty figures are available, of the number of vehicle passengers injured by the negligence of drivers who are not by law required to be insured in respect of their liability to compensate such injured passengers.

The national road accident statistics do not attribute negligence and it is not possible to produce an estimate such as that for which the hon. Member asks.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will make a statement concerning the operation of the Agreement between himself and the Motor Insurers' Bureau, specifying, in respect of each of the last five years, the number of claims made against the Bureau, the number of claims in respect of which payment has been made to the claimant, and the total amount paid to claimants by the Bureau, respectively.

The Agreement provides a source of compensation for third parties, as defined in the Road Traffic Act 1960, injured through the negligence of motorists using their vehicles outside the terms of their insurance policies or with no insurance at all. No claim which falls within the terms of the Agreement is refused. If payment becomes due because the vehicle is used outside the terms of the policy the insurer who issued the policy handles the case under a domestic agreement between the Bureau and the insurer. Records of such cases are not available. The Bureau itself handles cases where no policy exists. The following list contains figures relating to these latter cases, but I must emphasise that they do not indicate the full effect of the Agreement.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will make a statement concerning the fulfilment by the Motor Insurers' Bureau of its obligations in accordance with Note 6 of the Agreement between himself and the Bureau, specifying, in respect of each of the last five years, the number of claims made against the Bureau in respect of personal damage resulting from the use on a road of a vehicle the owner or driver of which cannot be traced, the number of such claims in respect of which payment has been made, the total amount paid in respect of such claims, and the highest amount paid in respect of any single such claim, respectively.

Note 6 to the Agreement indicates that the Bureau will consider ex gratia requests for compensation where there is a reasonable certainty that a claim for damages would lie against a driver if he had been traced. Experience shows that all such requests are most carefully considered; there are, however, certain points which I am now examining with the Bureau.

asked the Minister of Aviation what proposals he has for improving the air transport services in Scotland.

In principle the provision of air services is a matter for the airline operators themselves. As I indicated, however, to the hon. Member for Aberdeen, South (Lady Tweedsmuir), I hope to discuss these matters very shortly with the Scottish Council.

asked the Minister of Aviation whether the Toothill Committee's recommendations on the necessity for increased air services for Scotland will now be put into effect.

The recommendations in the Toothill Committee report formed the background to the proposals made to the last Government by the Scottish Council (Development and Industry) for improved services within and from Scotland. As presented the proposals were found unacceptable by that Government on financial grounds. I await further consideration of internal services by the Highland Transport Board and I look forward to discussing the whole matter with the Scottish Council whom I expect to meet in Edinburgh early next month.

asked the Minister of Aviation what is the establishment of the Flight Operations Inspectorate; and what are the numbers of the personnel at present employed therein.

22 of whom 17 are at present in post.

asked the Minister of Aviation what is the charge per day for car parking at Renfrew Airport; and if he will give charges made for comparable facilities by other airports in the United Kingdom for which he is responsible.

The charge per day for car parking at Renfrew airport is seven shillings and sixpence.Charges at other State-owned airports are as follows:

asked the Minister of Aviation how many airports in his control lease car parks to concessionaires.

The car parks are wholly let to concessionaires at six airports, and partly let at one.

asked the Minister of Aviation (1) if he will state Her Majesty's Government's policy towards proposals for the introduction and expansion of independent airline services between Liverpool Airport and the airports of Nice and Palma;(2) if he will state Her Majesty's Government's policy towards proposals for the expansion of independent airline services between Liverpool Airport and the airports of Dublin, Glasgow, and London.

It is for the airlines concerned to secure from the Air Transport Licensing Board the necessary licences to conduct any new or additional services not already licensed. Except on domestic routes the necessary traffic rights have then to be obtained on acceptable terms. I am at present seeking such rights for a service from Liverpool to Palma and expect to take up again the question of a service from Liverpool to Dublin. The Board has not licensed a service between Liverpool and Nice.

asked the Minister of Aviation what new appointment he has made to the membership of the Plowden Committee.

Following the resignation from the Plowden Committee of my hon. Friend the Member for Edmonton (Mr. Albu) on his appointment as Minister of State for Economic Affairs, I have reviewed the membership of the Committee and decided to appoint two new members. My hon. Friend the Member for Loughborough (Mr. Cronin) and Mr. St. J. de H. Elstub, the Chairman of Imperial Metal Industries, have both accepted my invitation to serve. In addition I have decided to appoint a Technical Assessor to the Committee who, though not a member, will be available to provide objective advice and assistance on technical matters. Mr. Walter Tye of the Air Registration Board has accepted my invitation to serve in this capacity.

asked the Minister of Aviation (1) what estimate he has made of the likely effect upon the rate of increase in passengers using Hawarden and Liverpool Airports of the recent changes in Government policy;(2) whether he is aware of the importance to North Wales and Merseyside of existing and projected scheduled air services to and from Hawarden and Liverpool Airports; and what steps he is taking to ensure that the maintenance and expansion of such services will not be jeopardised by the maintenance of British European Airways' services to and from Manchester Airport;(3) if he will make a statement about the probable effect on each of the existing scheduled services between Hawarden and Liverpool Airports, respectively, and other airports within the United Kingdom of the changes in Government policy; and what plans Her Majesty's Government has for securing the future of these services.

I see no reason why the civil aviation policy which I announced on 17th February need have any effect upon the services out of Hawarden and Liverpool, neither of which is at present served by British European Airways. The cutting back of services from Manchester is not an acceptable method of helping Hawarden and Liverpool.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether, before finally approving any changes in the Artificial Sweeteners in Food Order, 1953, to permit the wider use of chemical sweetening substances such as cyclamates in foodstuffs generally, he will arrange for detailed re-examination of any scientific objections which have been put forward to the effect that widespread consumption of such chemical substances may produce disease or other serious consequences so far as public health is concerned.

The proposal to amend the Artificial Sweeteners Order so as to permit the use of cyclamates has been made in the light of advice given by the Food Standards Committee and the Committee on the Medical and Nutritional Aspects of Food Policy after thorough consideration of the possibility of hazard to health. I have received no fresh evidence which would justify a re-examination of the proposal.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food by how much the price of artificial fertilisers has risen over the past 12 months; to what factors this increase is due; and whether he will increase the subsidy to compensate farmers.

Overall the increases in manufacturers' prices for fertilisers over the past twelve months have bent of the order of one half of one per cent. as a result of an increase of 10s. a ton in the price of imported potash and a slight reduction in manufacturers rebates for early delivery. As regards the last part of the Question, the hon. Member must not expect me to anticipate the outcome of the current Annual Review.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what has been the annual cost in the last five years of his Department's experiments in the use of narcotic baits.

The following table gives the estimated cost of bait. Separate records of staff and incidental costs are not kept., but the table shows the numbers of staff who have taken part, for a small proportion of their time only, in the experiments.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if his Department is still experimenting with the use of narcotic baits; and on what scale and in what areas of the country experiments are being undertaken.

Yes. Twenty-three experiments were planned for this winter in the East Midlands and Eastern regions. Twelve are in progress or completed.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what conclusions he has come to on the use of narcotic baits in the control of wood-pigeons.

None so far, but the signs are that the use of narcotic baits would be unlikely to be cheap or easy.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will now make a statement regarding the 1960 potato deficiency payments to farmers in Northern Ireland.

As my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for the Home Department told the House on 22nd February new proposals for the disposal of the Northern Ireland share in the 1960 potato deficiency payment have been agreed and the Ministry of Agriculture, Northern Ireland, is being authorised to re-open discussions with the Ulster Farmers' Union with a view to obtaining their agreement to these proposals. It would not be right to describe the proposals in detail at present but we are intent on solving this outstanding problem on a realistic basis allowing for the distribution to the growers of a substantial part of the money.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what proportion of the 1964 potato crop now remains on farms; and how this compares with the position at a similar date in each of the last two years.

The results of the Potato Marketing Board's stock census show that at 31st January, 1965, stocks over a 1½ inch riddle were estimated to represent 31 per cent. of the total Great Britain crop. In 1963 and 1964 the corresponding figure was 27 per cent. in each case. In comparing these figures, regard should be had to the higher riddle in force this year and to the effect of the buying programmes undertaken by the Board.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what steps he is taking to encourage the expansion of the motor industry in Scotland.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is the policy of Her Majesty's Government towards the establishment of a new motor factory in Scotland.

We would welcome the establishment by the motor industry of a new plant in Scotland. We take every opportunity of drawing the attention of this industry to the facilities which exist there, as well as in other development districts.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is the nature of the consultations he is now engaged in concerning the siting of an additional big motor car manufacturing unit in Scotland.

My Department has already held several meetings with the Ford Motor Company about their expansion plans and I have discussed this matter personally with the Managing Director. I cannot disclose the details of these discussions which are confidential. But we have helped the company to examine suitable sites in development districts, including some in Scotland.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is satisfied with the growth prospects of existing manufacturing industries in the central belt of Scotland; and if he will make a statement.

Some of the existing manufacturing industries in central Scotland have excellent prospects for growth. But the area still needs new industry.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what progress is being made in the introduction of industry in the Inverailort area.

The position and resources of this area limit the possibilities of industrial development but I understand that the establishment of a commercial fish farm at Lochailort is under consideration.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement about the import arrangements for butter for the year beginning 1st April.

The Government have decided to continue the quota system for imports of butter for a further 12 months, beginning 1st April, 1965. Stocks in this country are considerably higher than a year ago, and, given normal weather, European butter production is expected to show some improvement. Basic quotas will remain at 420,000 tons, divided amongst supplying countries in the same proportions as this year. In addition 39,000 tons are being authorised for delivery in the period April-November from countries with basic quotas who have estimated that they may have such additional butter. Consideration will be given to the issue of further authorisations in the course of the year in the light of the supply situation and the price of butter. New Zealand and Australia, whose heaviest shipments come in the period December-March, will retain their right to send their proportionate share of total permitted imports. The intention of these arrangements is to encourage a reduction in butter prices.

asked the Postmaster-General if he is aware of the lack of radar and other communications between ships at sea in northern waters and the relevant protection vessels and shore stations; and if he will state his plans to improve these communications.

So far as communication between the ships and protection vessels and the shore stations is concerned I would ask my hon. Friend to refer to the Answer which I gave him yesterday. Radar is not a means of communication and involves only the equipping of the ship. I am advised that whether a ship is or is not so equipped is entirely a matter for the owner.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the establishment of valuers on the staff of the Inland Revenue; and how many vacancies for valuers there were at the last convenient date.

The staff in post on 1st January was 2,280. There is at present no fixed complement of valuers, but the Inland Revenue would like to increase the present numbers.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will now state Her Majesty's Government's policy and plans concerning the British provision of and/or participation in a space satellite system to meet the expanding needs of world-wide communication for commercial, defence, and private purposes.

A committee under Professor Bondi is at present reviewing general United Kingdom defence interests in space. No long term policy has yet been formulated in respect of communications satellites for defence purposes, although a number of alternatives are being studied. So far as civil communications are concerned, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which my right hon. Friend the Postmaster-General gave to the hon. Member for Bournemouth, West (Sir J. Eden) on 2nd February.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science on what date discussions began between Her Majesty's Government and the University Grants Committee on the possibility of special grants being made to Oxford and Cambridge colleges through the University Grants Committee in lieu of rates.

The attention of the University Grants Committee was drawn towards the end of last year to the problems that would arise if the present law concerning the rating of Oxford and Cambridge colleges was altered.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether the minor works programme for the next year to be announced for the County of Kent will include works under the value of £2,500; and whether the total minor works programme, inclusive of these smaller sums, will be greater in the coming year than it has been in past years.

Yes. Kent's allocation for 1965–66 is £400,000. Their allocation for 1964–65 is £370,000 and in addition to this the Authority estimate that by the end of the current financial year they will have spent £230,000 on projects costing up to £2,000. It is, however, misleading to compare 1965–66 figures with those for the previous years because from 1st April, 1965, the Authority's area is reduced in size as a result of the London Government Act 1963.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what are the numbers of teaching staff at each of the four older Scottish universities; and how many of these in each university are professors.

My information is that in 1963–64 there were 2,243 teaching staff, of whom 246 were professors, at the four older Scottish universities. The following are the figures:

asked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs if he will take steps to ensure that members of the Regional Economic Council for the North-West visit areas like those in the constituency of Heywood and Royton which are suited, by their close proximity to Manchester and of housing potential, to helping to stop the drift to the South.

I am sure that we can leave the chairman and members of the Council to deal with this very important consideration.

asked the Minister of Health what recent official inquiry has been made into medical and nursing training; and with what result.

There have been no recent official inquiries but the Government are considering whether there should be some form of inquiry into medical education. A sub-committee of the Standing Nursing Advisory Committee of the Central Health Services Council is considering post-certificate education of nurses and other studies are in progress.

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works if he will make a statement on the shortage of building materials in Fife and in Scotland generally; and what short-term steps he is taking to overcome these deficiencies.

The present shortages of some building materials constitute a national problem. I am in touch with the suppliers of the principal materials concerned who are already taking action to increase their manufacturing capacity.

asked the Minister of Overseas Development whether she will state the total assistance provided to all the less developed countries from Great Britain in 1963 and 1964, in the form of bilateral grants and loans, contributions to international organisations, and multilateral aid and private capital, respectively.

The following table shows the total value of bilateral economic aid disbursed by Her Majesty's Government to the developing countries in 1963 and 1964. It excludes military aid and aid disbursed by various international aid-giving institutions to whose funds Britain makes substantial contributions.The total amount of aid extended by private charitable organisations is not on record, and the only figures of private investment available at present suggests that in 1963 the total was about £65 million. I will write to the hon. Member in about four weeks' time when an estimate of the 1964 total of private investment should be available.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many meetings have been held of the Departmental Committee inquiring into the working of the Cruelty to Animals Act 1876; when the last meeting was held; and when he expects to receive its Report.

The Committee on Experiments on Animals has held 27 meetings. It last met on 19th February. I have received its Report today and I am arranging for it to be published as soon as possible.I should like to take this opportunity of expressing my gratitude to Sir Sydney Littlewood and his colleagues for the very valuable public service they have rendered in reviewing the working of the Act.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is aware of the amount of arms used by schools and youth organisations and cadet forces; if he is satisfied that adequate methods for the safe-keeping of these weapons are general; and to what extent police forces have the necessary authority to ensure that proper measures are taken at all times to protect such arms from theft.

Shooting clubs run by schools and youth organisations normally seek my approval under the Firearms Act, 1937. Before giving my approval I ask the police to satisfy themselves that they are responsibly run. One of the standard conditions for the issue of firearm certificates to full bore rifle and pistol clubs is that when not in actual use the firearms and ammunition to which they relate must be kept in a secure place. I am satisfied that these arrangements work well in practice.The question of arms and ammunition used by cadet forces is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence.