asked the Minister of Overseas Development how much powdered milk of British origin has been exported to under-developed countries; and if she is aware of the possibilities now open in this field.

In 1964, 5,000 of the 5,720 tons of full-cream milk powder exported went to developing countries. If the hon. Member is referring to the possibility of reconstituting full-cream milk powder, he will know from the answer given him on 24th March by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food that much more work will have to be done on this.

asked the Minister of Overseas Development what were the amounts and dates of payment in each of the last three years of the United Kingdom contribution to the United Nations Expanded Programme of Technical Assistance and Special Fund; and what will be the date of payment of the increased contribution recently announced for 1965.

The increased contributions for 1965 have now been paid. The following are the figures:

Year	E.P.T.A. $m.	Special $m.	Date of Payment
1962	3	5	5th June, 1962
1963	3·75	6·25	28th May, 1963
1964	3·75	6·25	20th April, 1964
1965	4·75	7·00	8th April, 1965

asked the Minister of Overseas Development what was the amount of the Government contribution to the Council for Educational Television Overseas in 1964–65; and what the contribution is to be in the current year.

I assume the hon. Member is referring to the Centre for Educational Television Overseas. The Government Contribution in 1964–65 was £20,000. In the current year it will be £40,000.

asked the Minister of Overseas Development if she will take steps to clarify Section 7 of the Public Officiers' Agreement entered into by the British Government with the Government of Malaya.

This matter has been taken up with the Government of Malaysia.

asked the Minister of Overseas Development whether she will make a statement about the work of the Council for Volunteers Overseas.

The Council is a wholly independent body, on which the Government is represented by an observer. Its function is to give advice to the voluntary bodies which recruit volunteers and the Lockwood Committee. The Council is, I understand, seeking to promote among employers a climate of opinion favourable to returned volunteers and to broaden the basis of volunteer service, for example, by its extension in industry.

asked the Minister for Overseas Development to what extent it is the practice of her Department to concern itself with development and investment in the private sector by British companies as against investment and development in the public sector.

Private investment abroad is not a matter for which I am directly responsible, but I am naturally concerned with the help which it can give to development.

asked the Minister of Overseas Development what are her plans for using the initial teaching alphabet in the teaching of English in countries where the indigenous tongue is not English.

Subject to the formal approval of the Nigerian Government and the University of Ibadan, my Ministry is prepared to provide financial assistance for an experiment to be mounted at the University of Ibadan into the uses of the initial teaching alphabet in teaching non-English speaking children to read.

asked the Minister of Overseas Development how many of the 30 economists to be recruited to her Department are to be assigned respectively to the geographical, world economy and statistical divisions of the planning unit which she is establishing.

Including professional statisticians, the numbers are 10, 6 and 7, respectively.

asked the Minister of Overseas Development what requests she has received for assistance for the flying doctor service in Northern Nigeria; and what action she is taking in consequence.

No requests have been received from the Federal or Regional Governments of Nigeria nor has any direct approach to my Ministry been made by the Council of the Flying Doctor Service of Africa Limited.

asked the Minister of Overseas Development what special study she is making of the economic effect on developing countries of the proposals for limiting overseas investment.

This is a subject which I am following closely in co-operation with my right hon. Friend the Chancellor and other interested Ministers. My right hon. Friend said in his Budget statement that he would be watching the effect of the Corporation Tax on private investment in developing countries with great care.

asked the Minister of Overseas Development what additional assistance has been given to members of Commonwealth countries since November 1964; and in what form it has been given.

New pledges of development and budgetary aid totalling nearly £20 million have been made to independent Commonwealth countries since 1st November 1964. I am circulating details in the OFFICIAL REPORT.My proposals for further development aid to the dependencies, in the Overseas Development and Service Bill, provide for expenditure of up to £135 million for the five years from 1965 to 1970. Our technical assistance programme in the Commonwealth, our budgetary aid to dependencies and the operations of the Commonwealth Development Corporation are of a continuing nature.

asked the Minister of Overseas Development what recent developments there have been in Anglo-American co-operation for aid to education in developing countries.

A valuable conference took place under the auspices of the Ditchley Foundation at the end of March, on the extension and modernisation of educational aid to developing countries. Representatives of my Ministry and of the U.S. Agency for International Development, together with educational experts from developing countries took part in it. This conference resulted in a number of suggestions for further action by Britain and the United States on a joint or co-ordinated basis, and these suggestions are being pursued.

asked the Minister of Overseas Development how many staff and other canteens are established and run in her Department's offices in London; what is the lowest price charged for a midday meal; what is the average price charged; whether those prices represent the economic cost of purchases, preparation, service and rentals; how much profit is made or how much loss sustained in a year; and how a loss is dealt with in the annual accounts or estimates of his Department.

There is one staff restaurant. It is operated by a management committee of users. The prices of meals are fixed by the Committee, but items are normally price separately. The minimum price for which a two course meal is available is 2s. 6d., and the average price 3s. 6d.

asked the Minister of Technology what steps he is taking with a view to the placing of civilian research and development contracts with the electronics industry.

I am making a study of civil research and development in the electronics industry in the light of which I shall draw up proposals for any additional work that may be necessary. The proposals for the computer industry which I announced to the House last month are, of course, relevant to this Question.

asked the Minister of Technology what plans he has for the establishment of a Government factory in Northern Ireland for manufacture of machine tools.

None.

asked the Minister of Technology what is the effect of fluoridation on industrial manufacturing processes in which large quantities of water are used.

There have been no reports that fluoridation has had any significant effect on such processes.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will exempt from Purchase Tax seat belts fixed by the manufacturer in new cars, in view of the fact that Purchase Tax is not charged on seat belts purchased for fitting in other cars.

No. Purchase Tax on cars must be charged on their full wholesale value as delivered. It would be impracticable to reduce the tax value to allow for the many safety devices incorporated in a car at manufacture.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what stamp duty was paid in connection with the sale of Universal Health Studios Ltd. for £1,008,000.

I cannot divulge the amount of duty paid in an individual case.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he now proposes to count unestablished service in full for pensions purposes within the Civil Service; and what reply he has sent to the letter from Mr. Hayward on this subject.

I have nothing to add to the replies given to the hon. Members for Canterbury (Sir L. Thomas) and Gateshead, West (Mr. Randall) on 30th and 23rd March.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the reduction which will result in the revenue from Customs duty on tobacco, as a result of the ban imposed on television advertising of cigarettes.

It is not possible to isolate the prospective effect of this change from the many other factors that bear on the yield of the tobacco duty.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that certain banks are charging their customers a commitment fee of 1 per cent. over and above the agreed rate of 5½ per cent. interest for advances covered by Export Credits Guarantee Department guarantee; and, in view of the fact that these extra charges, in addition to the increased fee for work involved in setting up the facility, are a handicap to intending exporters, whether he will request banks to co-operate with his department by not making these supplementary charges.

I am aware that the banks generally charge a commitment fee for business of this sort. The amount of these charges is a matter between the banks and their customers, but I am sure that the banks will understand the importance of keeping their charges as well as their interest rates for exporters to a minimum.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his estimate of the savings to be effected by the proposed disallowance of expense accounts includes expenditure necessitated under contracts of service of commercial travellers and of managers of licensed premises.

My right hon. Friend's estimate takes account of all expenditure on business entertaining apart from the entertaining of overseas buyers.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many staff and other canteens are established and run in his Department's offices in London; what is the lowest price charged for a midday meal; what is the average price charged; whether those prices represent the economic cost of purchases, preparation, service and rentals; how much profit is made or how much loss sustained in a year; and how a loss is dealt with in the annual accounts or estimates of his Department.

There is one canteen for Treasury staff. It is operated by a management committee of users. The prices of meals are fixed by the Committee, but items are normally priced separately. The minimum price for which a two course meal is available is 2s. 7d. and the average price is 3s. 9d.The prices are designed to cover cost of food, cost of labour and certain minor overheads. There is no payment for rent, rates, fixed equipment, light, heat or fuel; these are borne on the Ministry of Public Building and Works' Vote. Cleaning is provided by the Department as a part of office cleaning. Trading is operated on a no profit, no loss basis. Audited Accounts have to be submitted annually to the Establishment Officer and the Treasury Catering Adviser. If through unforeseen circumstances the staff restaurant committee incurs a loss, the Treasury Catering Adviser is required to investigate and give advice designed to ensure that measures are taken to stabilise the trading.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the percentage cash return on private capital invested overseas by British companies after double taxation relief for each of the six years ended on 31st December, 1964; and what action he proposes to take to encourage private investment overseas.

Figures in the form requested are not available as the amount of United Kingdom tax payable by each company will have varied with the circumstances.My right hon. Friend described in his Budget Statement the Government's policy on private investment abroad.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will state the approximate cost per head for 1964 of travelling expenses of persons employed by the Treasury.

The approximate cost per head paid in 1964 for home and overseas travel and for the associated subsistence was £37 10s. 0d. The total cost was £55,700 of which £32,200 was for overseas visits.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will so amend the Pay As You Earn regulations as to enable maintenance orders to be enforced through regular Pay As You Earn deductions.

I am afraid that this suggestion would be impracticable.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much of the total increase in motor vehicle duties he estimates will be raised in Scotland.

For a full year about £4½, million.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what would be the cost of exempting from all tax liability the first £50 of interest on investments.

To exempt the first £50 of taxable income from investments of individuals would cost about £90 million in a full year.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer in which year the concession was granted to exempt from tax the first £15 of income from the Post Office Savings Bank; and what that figure would now be worth, taking into account the fall in the value of money since that date.

This concession was first announced in the Budget of 1956. On the basis of the movements in the consumer price index the purchasing power of £15 at the present time is approximately equivalent to that of £12 7s. 6d. in April, 1956.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will state the nature of the pre-Budget restrictions placed upon withdrawals of wines and spirits from bond in the years 1963, 1964, and 1965, and the duration of such restrictions in each of these years.

No pre-Budget restrictions were imposed in 1963. In 1964, the Commissioners of Customs and Excise made an Order under section 261 of the Customs and Excise Act, 1952, restricting deliveries of spirits for home use in the pre-Budget period to amounts determined on the basis of normal trade. Clearances by any trader in the period 16th March to 14th April, 1964, were limited to a quota representing two-thirds of the quantity delivered to him in January and February, 1964. Similar action was taken this year to restrict deliveries of both spirits and wine from 18th March to 6th April; on this occasion the quotas for spirits and wine represented in each case 40 per cent. of deliveries in January and February, 1965.

asked the Postmaster-General what steps he will take to deal with vandalism in the Birmingham area leading to the destruction of telephone kiosks, causing inconvenience to the general public.

I would refer my hon. Friend to my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Liverpool, Kirk-dale (Mr. Dunn) on 23rd March. Similar steps have been taken in Birmingham to those taken in Liverpool and other cities.

asked the Postmaster-General what responsibility he takes for ensuring that exchange facilities are available to those subscribers who pay rent for their equipment; and whether he will make an allowance where these facilities are not available.

Faults are repaired as quickly as possible and most are cleared on the day they are reported. I cannot agree to allow rebates as a general rule, but telephone managers have discretion to make allowances in individual cases of special difficulty. I shall be glad to look into any particular case that the hon. Member may have in mind.

asked the Postmaster-General how many telephones were installed in Mid-Ulster in each of the last 10 years; and how many he expects to install in 1965, 1966 and 1967, respectively.

The figures in respect of the 24 exchange areas mainly serving Mid-Ulster for each of the last eight years are given below. I am sorry that information is not now available for the years ending March, 1956, and March, 1957.

Year ending	Number of Telephones installed
31st March, 1958	276
31st March, 1959	267
31st March, 1960	294
31st March, 1961	393
31st March, 1962	405
31st March, 1963	345
31st March, 1964	468
31st March, 1965	566

So far as 1965, 1966 and 1967 are concerned, I expect we shall meet the estimated demand.

asked the Postmaster-General how many telephone kiosks were installed in Mid-Ulster in each of the last 10 years; and how many he expects to install in the next three years.

The figures for the financial years since 1956 are as follows:

1956–57	1	1961–62	2
1957–58	3	1962–63	4
1958–59	2	1963–64	6
1959–60	NIL	1964–65	NIL
1960–61	4	1965–66	2 (up to 30th September, 1965)

My right hon. Friend cannot at present make a forecast for the next three years, as discussions about the allocation of rural kiosks after 30th September, 1965, are still in progress.

asked the Postmaster-General what progress has been made with the modernisation of telephone subscribers' equipment; and what new developments are in hand.

A number of items has already been modernised and new items, incorporating the most up-to-date techniques, are under development. Arrangements have been made for a display in the Upper Waiting Hall from the 12th to the 15th April. Hon. Members are invited to see for themselves what is being done, and my staff will be available to give demonstrations and answer questions about the exhibits.

asked the Postmaster-General what representations he has received from the Association of Pay Television Operators about the contractors' licences; what answer he has made to them; and whether he expects the pay-television experiment to commence this autumn.

A deputation from the Association of Pay-Television Operators called upon me at their own request in order to represent their views on pay television. In answer, I undertook to note what they had said as a factor for consideration in the review the Government is conducting of the proposed pay television experiment. It is a condition of the licences, as granted by the previous administration, that the experiment shall start within twelve months of the date of their issue: that is to say, by October, 1965.

asked the Postmaster-General what representations he has had from the Radio and Television Safeguards Committee about the control of cinematograph films on television; and what answer he has made to them.

The Committee has recently represented to me its views on the amount of cinematograph film shown on television. In reply, I recalled that the broadcasting authorities are answerable for the content of their programmes; and that question was therefore a matter for them. I have however conveyed the substance of the Committee's representations to the B.B.C. and the I.T.A.

asked the Postmaster-General what change has been made in the Government's policy towards the S.E.C.A.M. system of colour television, in view of the recent developments at the Vienna conference on colour television; and if he will make a statement.

The Television Advisory Committee will study the proceedings of the Vienna conference. Until I have received and considered the Committee's advice, it would be premature for me to make a statement about the colour system to be adopted.

asked the Postmaster-General what proportion of Post Office workers are engaged on non-postal services; what are their numbers; and what is the cost of their labour compared with the cost of labour of the postal services.

About 55 per cent. they number some 220,000, and cost about £228 million a year, as compared with £190 million for the postal services.

asked the Postmaster-General if he is aware that many people in rural areas of Scotland and older people in Scotland are unable to obtain newspapers other than by post, and that the increased postal charges place an additional burden on areas already suffering from depopulation; and what steps he proposes to take to alleviate this hardship.

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Westmorland (Mr. Jopling) on 5th April.

asked the Postmaster-General to what Government Departments, nationalised industries and similar bodies, including Royal Commissions, mail may be sent marked O.H.M.S.; and if he will extend this facility to correspondents to the Dental Estimates Board.

The inscription "O.H.M.S." has no postal significance and its appearance on letters does not in any way relieve senders of the general necessity to pay postage on all correspondence. Government Departments and some closely associated bodies, but not the nationalised industries, are allowed to use envelopes printed or franked with an "Official Paid" design: but they still have to pay postage on such letters. The question of bringing the Dental Estimates Board within the scope of these facilities is essentially a matter for my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what action he is taking to speed up the publication of decisions by his department on planning appeals.

I am about to issue a circular encouraging greater use of the method of deciding appeals on written statements, without an inquiry, and suggesting that with more self-discipline by the parties the average time taken by this method can be considerably reduced. I am also considering how to speed up the system of inquiries, whether that means recruiting more inspectors or persuading the parties to accept more readily dates offered to them.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government how many staff and other canteens are established and run in his department's offices in London; what is the lowest price charged for a midday meal; what is the average price charged; whether those prices represent the economic cost of purchases, preparation, service and rentals; how much profit is made or how much loss sustained in a year; and how a loss is dealt with in the annual accounts or estimates of his department.

One staff restaurant is operated in the Department's offices in London. The average cost of a lunch is 2s. 9d.; there is no fixed minimum. Prices cover the cost of food, preparation and service but, by arrangement with the Ministry of Public Building and Works, heavy equipment, heating, lighting and premises are provided free of charge. The restaurant, which is self-supporting, made a profit of £205 in 1964.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government how many staff and other canteens are established and run in his Department's offices either separately or jointly with others at Government buildings at Lawnswood, Leeds, and at Halton, Leeds; what is the lowest price charged for a midday meal; what is the average price charged; whether those prices represent the economic cost of purchases, preparation, service and rentals; how much profit is made in a year; and how a loss is dealt with in the annual accounts or estimates of his Department.

No canteens are operated by the Department in the Leeds area.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many extra posts have been established since October, 1964, in British High Commissions and Embassies in developing countries to be held either by members of the Ministry of Overseas Development or of the Diplomatic Service.

I have been asked to reply also on behalf of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations. Since October, 1964, four such posts have been created in British High Commissions and three in British Embassies. As was explained to the hon. Member in reply to a similar Question on 23rd February, all overseas development posts in our missions overseas are on the establishment of the Diplomatic Service, but arrangements exist for officers from the Ministry of Overseas Development to be seconded to the Diplomatic Service to fill these posts in appropriate cases.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many staff and other canteens are established and run in his Department's offices in London; what is the lowest price charged for a midday meal; what is the average price charged; whether those prices represent the economic cost of purchases, preparation, service and rentals; how much profit is made or how much loss sustained in a year; and how a loss is dealt with in the annual accounts or estimates of his Department.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations how many staff and other canteens are established and run in his Department's offices in London; what is the lowest price charged for a midday meal; what is the average price charged; whether those prices represent the economic cost of purchases, preparation, service and rentals; how much profit is made or how much loss sustained in a year; and how a loss is dealt with in the annual accounts or estimates of his Department.

With permission, I will answer also the Question addressed to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations as since the formation of the Diplomatic Service on the 1st January, 1965, canteen services are amongst the subjects administered jointly.

(a) There are three canteens in Diplomatic Service buildings in London.

(b) The lowest price for a meal is about 2s. 6d., but hot snacks and salads only are served at one canteen.

(c) The average price varies from 2s. 11d. to 3s. 6d. according to the canteen.

(d) The canteens are operated by management committees of users. The prices of meals are fixed by the Committees, but items are normally priced separately. The prices are designed to cover cost of food, cost of labour and certain minor overheads. There is no payment for rent, rates, fixed equipment, light, heat and fuel; these are borne on the Ministry of Public Building and Works Vote. Cleaning is provided free of cost to the canteens, which are also eligible for a small labour subsidy not exceeding £70 per annum allowed for restaurants employing less than twelve catering staff.

(e) Trading is operated on a no profit, no loss basis. Audited accounts have to be submitted annually.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will invite the Foreign Minister of Spain to the United Kingdom to discuss the problems posed by Gibraltar in accordance with the findings of the United Nations.

No. Her Majesty's Government took due note of the consensus adopted by the United Nations Committee of 24 inviting the United Kingdom and Spain to undertake conversations in order to find a negotiated solution. As was made clear in the recent White Paper, Her Majesty's Government would normally have been willing to consider proposals by the Spanish Government for conversations. But they cannot do so while the present abnormal situation on the Gibraltar frontier continues.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will take steps to help the producers of home-grown cucumbers.

The Government already help cucumber producers, like other horticulturists, by providing grant-aid and credit backing for technical improvements likely to increase the competitiveness of their businesses, especially by helping them to reduce the costs of production. Technical advice is freely available from the National Agricultural Advisory Service.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he will answer the letter from the hon. Member for North Dorset about the economic position of small milk producers.

A reply was sent to the hon. and gallant Member on 12th April.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will state the approximate cost per head for 1964 of travelling expenses of persons employed in his Department.

The approximate cost per head for 1964 of travelling expenses of persons employed in my Department was £105.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the total estimated cost in a full year to the farming industry of Great Britain as as a result of the increases in road fund duties on agricultural tractors and machinery contained in the Budget.

About £½ million.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the estimated cost in a full year to agriculture of the increase in motor vehicle duties.

In Great Britain, about £1·8 million.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will now announce his decision on the application of the Severn River Board for grant aid for the Board's £40,000 scheme of further bank revetment.

Yes. This completes the work which can be carried out under the terms of a financial arrangement entered into in 1958 between the board and the navigation authority under the auspices of my Department, and I am informing the Severn River Authority that I am prepared to implement this arrangement by approving the current application for work costing £40,000.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what arrangements he will make for the appointment of the chairman and members of the proposed Home Grown Cereals Authority.

My colleagues and I intend to invite Mr. W. D. Scott and Sir Charles Norman to be Chairman and Deputy Chairman respectively of the Authority which will be set up as soon as possible after the Cereals Marketing Bill becomes law. I am glad to say that both have indicated that they would be in a position to accept such invitations.I hope to make an early announcement about further proposed appointments to membership of the Authority.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies (1) if he will state the factors causing the delay in convening the British Guiana independence conference;(2) when he will state the date for the commencement of the British Guiana independence conference.

I am not yet able to add to my reply to the right hon. Member for Streatham (Mr. Sandys) on 1st April.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many staff and other canteens are established and run in his Department's offices in London; what is the lowest price charged for a midday meal; what is the average price charged; whether those prices represent the economic cost of purchases, preparation, service and rentals; how much profit is made or how much loss sustained in a year; and how a loss is dealt with in the annual accounts or estimates of his Department.

The Colonial Office has one staff restaurant in the Department's offices in London. It is operated by a management committee of users.Items of food are priced individually but, on the basis of the cheapest meat dish with one vegetable followed by a sweet, the lowest price charged for a mid-day meal is 2s. 3d. and the average price of a mid-day meal is 3s. 0d.These prices are designed to cover the cost of food, cost of labour and certain minor overheads. There is no payment for rent, rates, fixed equipment, light, heat and fuel; these are borne on the Ministry of Public Building and Works Vote. Cleaning services are not provided as a part of office cleaning but an equivalent cash subsidy is given in lieu. A small labour subsidy of £50 per annum is also provided.The restaurant is run on a no-profit no-loss basis. Audited accounts are submitted annually to the Establishment Officer and the Treasury Catering Adviser. If through unforeseen circumstances a loss is incurred remedial measures to stabilise the trading are taken in consultation, if necessary, with the Treasury Catering Adviser.

asked the Minister of Transport what study he has made of the amount of the tax evasion which is taking place by vehicles being parked and driven on the roads without road fund licences; and what is the estimated loss to the Treasury from this form of tax evasion during the past 12 months.

Licensing authorities are fully aware of the importance of protecting the revenue, and in conjunction with the police take various steps to secure this. Every reported case of a vehicle not displaying a vehicle excise licence is investigated. In many cases it is found that a licence has in fact been taken out. In the remainder, the authorities either impose mitigated penalties and recover the unpaid duty, or prosecute the offender. I cannot estimate the extent of loss to the revenue because, if we knew of unlicensed use, revenue would be recovered in the way I have indicated. The level of reporting is such that it seems unlikely that evasion is at all widespread.

asked the Minister of Transport when he will make a decision on the Kettering Borough Council's scheme for an A.6 relief road, described in the town map of May, 1960, to divert through traffic from the centre of Kettering.

I hope to include the scheme in a future extension of my trunk road programme. How soon funds can be allocated will depend on its priority relative to many others waiting to be done.

asked the Minister of Transport when it is proposed to commence work on the Lindale by-pass on the A.590.

The scheme has yet to secure a place in my roads programme and it is too early to say when construction can start. In the meantime I have published a draft Order to establish the route.

BOOK VALUE OF UNITED KINGDOM PRIVATE DIRECT INVESTMENTS OVERSEAS AT END 1962 (a)(excluding oil, banking and insurance)
					£million
Less developed countries	…	…	…	…	1,260
Developed countries	…	…	…	…	2,340
Total	…	…	…	…	3,600
(a) Book value of net assets, i.e. fixed assets less accumulated depreciation, plus current assets, less current liabilities. The results of a survey conducted in respect of end-1962.

EARNINGS OF PRIVATE DIRECT INVESTMENT OVERSEAS, DIVIDENDS REMITTED, AND REINVESTED PROFITS (a), 1959–1964
(excluding oil and insurance, 1959–1962; excluding oil, 1963 and 1964)
£million
	Total Earnings (b) (c)		Overseas subsidiaries and associates
			Profits of Subsidiaries (c)		Dividends Remitted		Reinvested Profits
	Less developed countries	Developed countries	Less developed countries	Developed countries	Less developed countries	Developed countries	Less developed countries	Developed countries
1959	106	132	45	104	17	39	28	65
1960	119	139	54	103	24	48	30	55
1961	113	138	47	105	28	50	19	55
1962	113	163	48	129	23	59	25	70
1963	134	200	60	155	27	70	33	85
1964(d)	136	210	60	159	28	75	32	84
(a)The distinction between profits remitted and those retained can be made only for overseas subsidiaries and associates, not for branches.
(b)Profits of branches, profits of subsidiaries and interest received.
(c)After provision for depreciation and overseas taxation.
(d)Provisional.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many staff and other canteens are established and run in his Department's offices in London;

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT the total value of investment by private companies overseas in the under-developed countries and the more developed countries at 31st December, 1964; and if he will state the total profits earned from these investments, the total remitted by way of dividend to this country and the total of retained profit ploughed back into these overseas investments in each of the six years ending 31st December, 1964.

The available information is as follows:what is the lowest price charged for a midday meal; what is the average price charged; whether those prices represent the economic cost of purchases, preparation, service and rentals; how much profit is made or how much loss sustained in a year; and how a loss is dealt with in the annual accounts or estimates of his Department.

The number is four. The minimum price for a two course meal is 2s. 7d. and the average price 3s. 8d. So far as the latter part of the Question is concerned, I would refer the hon. Member to the arrangements outlined in the Answer given to him today by the Financial Secretary.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will take steps to curb the imports of cucumbers grown in circumstances of much lower paid labour.

No. There is already tariff protection for this purpose.

asked the President of the Board of Trade why no seats are provided for the convenience of members of the public, and others, who have occasion to wait in the entrance hall of his Department's offices in Victoria Street, London; and if he will rectify this omission.

Visitors to the Department are not expected to wait in the entrance hall but are directed to the enquiry office, where seats are provided.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is the estimated cost in a full year to Scottish industry of the increase in motor vehicle duties.

The increase of duty paid for motor goods vehicles licensed in Scotland is expected to amount to about —pound2½ million in a full year.

asked the Prime Minister what progress the Government have made towards the appointment of an Ombudsman; and what are its plans for defining his powers.

I would refer my hon. and learned Friend to the answer I gave to Questions on this subject on 11th March.

asked the Prime Minister what rules he has laid down and what directions he has given to Ministers of the Crown regarding acceptance by them of offers to contribute paid articles in public periodicals or appearances in television programmes.

There has been no change in the long established policy that Ministers should not practise journalism. But this does not extend to authorship or to writings of a literary, historical, scientific, philosophical or romantic character. Nor is a Minister debarred from writing articles or letters to newspapers in order to supplement other methods of informing the public of the work of his Department. He should not, of course, accept payment for such articles. Ministers have discretion to accept payment for appearances in television programmes if it is clear that they are speaking in a private capacity.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will introduce legislation to establish a Gibraltar Development Fund and introduce a £5 surcharge on all British citizens spending holidays in Spain, the income from which would be the basis of the fund.

No.

asked the Prime Minister what steps are now being taken or contemplated to facilitate a closer association between the United Kingdom, the European Free Trade Association, and the European Economic Community; and if he will make a statement.

We are concerned to do whatever we can to reduce economic divisions within Europe; and shall keep closely in touch with our European Free Trade Association partners and with the Community to ensure that any reasonably practical proposals are considered.

asked the Prime Minister if he will make a statement on the effectiveness of the steps taken by Her Majesty's Government to reduce imports of capital and consumer goods and machinery and to encourage their production in the United Kingdom.

The Government are satisfied that the policies and the measures adopted since they came into office, and more recently in the Budget, will be effective in restoring the external and internal balance of the economy.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Paymaster-General, in addition to having the responsibility for answering Questions on the co-ordination of home information services, is responsible for the co-ordination of those services.

No.

asked the Prime Minister what arrangements he is making to meet the National Farmers' Union following the cancellation of his official meeting with them on 7th April.

I have now invited representatives of the farmers' unions to come to 10, Downing Street on 6th May to discuss the Farm Price Review.

asked the Prime Minister on what assumptions he based his estimate that membership of the Common Market at the present time would add £250 million to the cost of food imports; if he will name the foodstuffs concerned; and if he will divide the total sum of £250 million among these affected foodstuffs.

I have nothing to add to the Answer I gave on 1st April to a Question by the hon. Member for Louth (Sir C. Osborne).

asked the Prime Minister whether he will make a statement regarding the division of responsibility for colonial development and welfare funds between the Ministry of Overseas Development and the Colonial Office.

The Ministry of Overseas Development is responsible for making allocations of aid under the Colonial Development and Welfare Act and for the approval, with the concurrence of the Treasury, of individual schemes and of Exchequer loans; but in these matters acts with the agreement of the Colonial Office, in view of the Colonial Secretary's responsibility for the dependent territories, including their general financial and economic position. The Ministry of Overseas Development also accounts for expenditure under the Colonial Development and Welfare Act.

asked the Prime Minister how many Ministers resigned trade union appointments on becoming Ministers last October; and how many there are still holding such appointments.

Seven and two, respectively.

asked the Minister of Aviation how many staff and other canteens are established and run in his Department's offices in London; what is the lowest price charged for a midday meal; what is the average price charged; whether those prices represent the economic cost of purchases, preparation, service and rentals; how much profit is made or how much loss sustained in a year; and how a loss is dealt with in the annual accounts or estimates of his Department.

There are four staff canteens in inner London. The minimum price of a two-course meal is 1s. 11d. and the average price 2s. 8d. These prices cover the cost of purchases, preparation and service. Rentals are not included as the premises are provided free of charge as authorised by the Treasury. All payments are included in the appropriate expenditure votes (Supplies, Wages, Salaries etc.) and all takings in Appropriations in Aid. Trading is operated on a no profit no loss basis and a Consolidated Trading Account for all directly managed canteens is produced annually. For the last three years the average operating surplus has been approximately £2,100 on an annual turn-over of approximately £530,000.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence (1) how many air force staff and other canteens are established and run in his department's offices in London; what is the lowest price charged for a midday meal; what is the average price charged; whether those prices represent the economic cost of purchases, preparation, service and rentals; how much profit is made or how much loss sustained in a year; and how a loss is dealt with in the annual accounts or estimates of his Department;(2) how many naval staff and other canteens are established and run in his Department's offices in London; what is the lowest price charged for a midday meal; what is the average price charged; whether those prices represent the economic cost of purchases, preparation, service and rentals; how much profit is made or how much loss sustained in a year; and how a loss is dealt with in the annual accounts or estimates of his Department;(3) how many Army staff and other canteens are established and run in his Department's offices in London; what is the lowest price charged for a midday meal; what is the average price charged; whether those prices represent the economic cost of purchases, preparation, service and rentals; how much profit is made or how much loss is sustained in a year; and how a loss is dealt with in the annual accounts or estimates of his Department.

There are seven staff restaurants—or canteens—in my Department's offices in inner London. All except one are operated by management committees of users. The prices of meals are fixed by the committees, but the items are normally separately priced. The minimum price for which a two course meal is available is about 2s. and the average price is about 3s. 6d.The prices are designed to cover cost of food, cost of labour and certain minor overheads. There is no payment for rent, rates, fixed equipment, light, heat and fuel; these are borne on the Ministry of Public Building and Works Vote. Cleaning is provided by the Department as a part of office cleaning or an equivalent cash subsidy in lieu. Trading is operated on a no profit, no loss basis. Audited accounts have to be submitted annually to the establishment officers and the Treasury catering adviser. If a staff restaurant committee through unforeseen circumstances incurs a loss, the Treasury catering adviser is required to investigate and give advice designed to ensure that measures are taken to stabilise the trading.One canteen is directly managed. Prices similarly cover cost of food, cost of labour and overheads etc., as for canteens which are operated by a management committee, but all payments are in the appropriate expenditure Vote (Navy Vote 8), and all takings in Appropriations in Aid. Any profit or loss for this canteen is brought into one consolidated trading account which has a surplus to date and action on loss does not arise.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence how many staff and other canteens are established and run at the Barnbow, Leeds, ordnance factory; what is the lowest price charged for a midday meal and the average price paid per meal; whether those prices represent the economic cost of purchases, preparation, service and rentals; how much profit or how much loss is sustained in a year; and how a loss is dealt with in the annual accounts or estimates of his Department.

One. The lowest price charged and the average price paid are respectively ls. 2d. and 2s. for a one course meal, 1s. 7d. and 2s. 5d. for a two course meal, and 2s. ld. and 2s. 11d. for a three course meal. The prices charged arc designed to cover the cost of food, labour and certain minor overheads, but not of rent, rates, fixed equipment, light, heat and fuel, for which the canteen is not charged.It is estimated that last year's account will show a small profit, but since prices are designed to achieve that the Department's canteens break even overall, a loss in this canteen would not call for specific action. All payments are included in the expenditure Votes and takings are included in Appropriations in Aid.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence how many psychiatrists are employed by the three Services.

Forty-three full-time, and several civilian consultants part-time.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether the derelict hulk of a submarine lying in Portchester Creek is still his property; if he is aware that it has been lying there for many years; and if he will take steps to ensure that it will not finally be allowed to sink in its present position.

This hulk was an American submarine which was bought by shipbreakers. It is not for me to have it removed.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many staff and other canteens are established and run in his Department's offices in London; what is the lowest price charged for a midday meal; what is the average price charged; whether those prices represent the economic cost of purchases, preparation, service and rentals; how much profit is made or how much loss sustained in a year; and how a loss is dealt with in the annual accounts or estimates of his Department.

The numbers are as follows:Curzon Street House 1, Canons Park (Teachers Salaries and Pensions Branches) 1, Victoria and Albert Museum 1. Science Museum 1.All are operated by management committees of users. The prices of meals are fixed by the Committees, but at Curzon Street House and Canons Park items are normally priced separately. The minimum price for which a two course meal is available at these two restaurants is 2s. 3d. and the average price 3s. ld. At the Victoria and Albert Museum prices are fixed at 1s. 5d. or ls. 9d. and at the Science Museum 2s. 3d.At Curzon Street House and Canons Park the prices are designed to cover cost of food, cost of labour and certain minor overheads. The same applies to the canteens at the Museums except that a small labour subsidy of £70 per annum is allowed at the Science Museum and the cost of labour is met from the Museum's vote at the canteen provided for industrial grades at the V. and A. At all canteens there is no payment for rent, rates, fixed equipment, light, heat and fuel; these are borne on the Ministry of Public Building and Works Vote. Cleaning is provided by the Department as a part of office cleaning or an equivalent cash subsidy given in lieu. Trading is operated on a no profit, no loss basis. Audited Accounts have to be submitted annually to the Director of Establishments and the Treasury Catering Adviser. If a staff restaurant committee through unforeseen circumstances incurs a loss the Treasury Catering Adviser is required to investigate and give advice designed to ensure that measures are taken to stabilise the trading.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is the type of the computer purchased by the College of Aeronautics; when it was bought; what it cost; and what advice was given by his Department to the College with regard to the purchase of a computer.

The College of Aeronautics, Cranfield, owns a Ferranti Pegasus 1 digital computer with punched tape input and output, which was brought into commission on 3rd October, 1960. The machine was bought at a total cost of £51,323 with the approval of my Department, who consulted H.M. Inspectorate.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is the average percentage of pupils of primary schools passing into grammar schools in England over the past five years.

The information is not available in the form requested. The best approximation is the percentage in grant-aided grammar schools of 13-yearold pupils, for whom local education authorities in England are financially responsible. The number of such pupils is roughly the same as the number of 10-year-old pupils in primary schools three years earlier. The percentage of them in grant-aided grammar schools was, in the average of the years 1960–64, 19·2 per cent.

asked the Minister of Health how many staff and other canteens are established and run in his Department's offices in London; what is the lowest price charged for a midday meal; what is the average price charged; whether those prices represent the economic cost of purchases, preparation, service and rentals; how much profit is made or how much loss sustained in a year; and how a loss is dealt with in the annual accounts or estimates of his Department.

Two. The minimum price for which a two-course meal is available is 2s. 7d. and the average price 3s. 4d.The prices are designed to cover cost of food, cost of labour and certain minor overheads. There is no payment for rent, rates, fixed equipment, light, heat and fuel; these are borne on the Ministry of Public Building and Works Vote. Cleaning is provided by the Department as a part of office cleaning. Trading is operated on a no profit, no loss basis. Audited accounts have to be submitted annually to the Establishment Officer and the Treasury Catering Adviser. If through unforeseen circumstances the staff restaurant committee incurs a loss, the Treasury Catering Adviser is required to investigate and give advice designed to ensure that measures are taken to stabilise the trading.

asked the Minister of Health (1) if he is aware that the addition of sodium flouride to water supplies results in its consumption in haphazard doses; and what is the safe optimum of consumption;(2) what is the effect of sodium fluoride on jaw development;(3) if the long-term effects of ingesting small quantities of sodium fluoride continuously are known; and if he will make a statement;(4) what is the effect of sodium fluoride on persons suffering from kidney complaints;(5) what study he has made of the value of fluoridation as a combatant of dental decay; and if he will make a statement.

The report to which I referred the hon. Member in my reply on 22nd March explains that long-term studies here and abroad have confirmed that the optimum amount of fluoride in water, for consumption in the quantities to which individuals are accustomed, is about one part per million; and that at this level there is substantial protection against dental decay with no ill effects. This applies whether the fluoride is derived from sodium fluoride or other sources.

asked the Minister of Health what reasons were given him by Andover and Kilmarnock local authorities for ceasing to partake in the fluoridation experiment.

No reasons were given.

asked the Minister of Health how many local authorities were invited to take part in the original experiments on fluoridation; how many replied; and what was the nature of these replies.

Six; all; four accepted and two did not.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department why no reply has yet been received by the hon. Member for Tonbridge to his letter dated 24th March, 1965, concerning the institution of certain criminal proceedings; and whether he will make a reply at once in view of the urgency of the matter.

I have written to the hon. Member.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether, in view of the potentially dangerous character of some traditionally non-domesticated animals, he will impose restrictions on their importation into the United Kingdom where it is intended to employ them as domestic pets.

I have been asked to reply. I have seen reports of a recent tragic incident. This fortunately appears to have been an isolated one and I am not at present convinced that legislation, which to be effective would have to control possession as well as importation of wild animals, is desirable.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many staff and other canteens are established and run in his Department's offices in London; what is the lowest price charged for a midday meal; what is the average price charged; whether those prices represent the economic cost of purchases, preparation, service and rentals; how much profit is made or how much loss sustained in a year; and how a loss is dealt with in the annual accounts or estimates of his Department.

The Home Office has two Staff restaurants and one small snack bar which operate on a cafeteria basis. Each is operated by a small committee of users which determines the price of the items on the menu. The minimum price for a simple two course meal is 2s. 5d. and the average price of meals served is 3s. 3d. The prices are designed to cover cost of food, cost of labour and certain minor overheads. There is no payment for rent, rates, fixed equipment, light, heat and fuel; these are borne on the Ministry of Public Building and Works Vote. Cleaning is provided by the Department as a part of office cleaning or an equivalent cash subsidy given in lieu. There is a small labour subsidy not exceeding £70 per annum allowed for restaurants employing less than 12 catering staff. Trading is operated on a no profit, no loss basis. Audited Accounts have to be submitted annually to the principal establishment officer and the Treasury catering adviser. If a staff restaurant committee through unforeseen circumstances incurs a loss, the Treasury catering adviser is required to investigate and give advice designed to ensure that measures are taken to stabilise the trading.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the hon. Member for Croydon, South, may expect a detailed reply to the representations he made on 21st December, 1964, and in subsequent correspondence in the case of Earl Eden Hanslow, at present serving sentence in Her Majesty's Prison, Wormwood Scrubs.

Very shortly. As my hon. Friend the Minister of State explained in her letter of 5th April to the hon. Member, detailed investigations have been necessary in this case.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will now appoint welfare officers and interpreters at the main air and sea ports at which immigrants arrive, in particular to deal with those arriving from India and Pakistan.

Most immigration officers have a good knowledge of at least one foreign language, but, where necessary, interpreters, including those in Indian languages, are already employed on either a full-time or part-time basis at the main air and sea ports. Arrangements already exist at the ports for securing welfare facilities for immigrants in case of need, and I do not think it necessary for full-time welfare officers to be appointed.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much money accrued to public funds in 1964 from fines imposed by metropolitan magistrates upon London prostitutes for soliciting and other offences under the general headings of prostitution and running disorderly houses.

I regret that this information is not available.

asked the Minister of Labour if he will now make a statement regarding the industries next to be covered by an industrial training board.

My right hon. Friend has already given notice of his intention to establish in the near future training boards for the electricity, gas and water supply industries. After considering the advice of the Central Training Council he proposes within the next few months to establish a board for the construction materials, pottery and glass industries, and also boards for timber and furniture manufacturing, for further sections of the textile industry and for road transport and the motor vehicle repair trade. He intends to open discussions later this year with the hotel and catering industry and with the distributive trades.

asked the Minister of Labour how many staff and other canteens are established and run in his Department's offices in London; what is the lowest price charged for a midday meal; what is the average price charged; whether those prices represent the economic cost of purchases, preparation, service and rentals; how much profit is made or how much loss sustained in a year; and how a loss is dealt with in the annual accounts or estimates of his Department.

Nineteen; the lowest price is 2s. 7½d. and the average price 3s. 3½d.The canteens are operated in accordance with the rules applying to staff restaurants in the Civil Service generally, as summarised in the reply given to the hon. Member by my hon. Friend the Financial Secretary to the Treasury.

asked the Minister of Labour how many staff and other canteens are established and run in his Department's offices either separately or jointly with others at Government buildings at Lawnswood, Leeds, and at Halton, Leeds; what is the lowest price charged for a midday meal; what is the average price charged; whether those prices represent the economic cost of purchases, preparation, service and rentals; how much profit or loss is made in a year; and how a loss is dealt with in the annual accounts or estimates of his Department.

There are no offices of my Department at Lawnswood, Leeds or at Halton, Leeds.

asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance what was the total sum paid out in National Assistance to strikers, both official and unofficial, during 1964.

£602 was paid to 131 strikers without dependants. In addition £49,414 was paid to meet the needs of dependants in 4,484 families of men on strike.

asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance how many staff and other canteens are established and run in her Department's offices in London; what is the lowest price charged for a midday meal; what is the average price charged; whether those prices represent the economic cost of purchases, preparation, service and rentals; how much profit is made or how much loss sustained in a year; and how a loss is dealt with in the annual accounts or estimates of her Department.

There are 8, each controlled by a committee of users which fixes the prices of meals. Items are normally priced separately. The average minimum price for which a two course meal is available is 2s. 5d. and the average price charged is 3s.The basic financial arrangements are the same as those of the staff canteens for which the Treasury are responsible.

asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance where and under what circumstances war disability pensions are payable in Commonwealth and in foreign countries; and what prior notice has to be given by the pensioner.

Subject to the normal exchange control procedure for remittances during temporary visits to countries outside the sterling area, war pensions are payable anywhere in the world. No prior notice has to be given when a pensioner goes abroad, but it is helpful if the Ministry can be told as soon as possible so that continuity of payment may be maintained.

asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance under what circumstances commutation of war disability pensions is allowed.

The practice of allowing commutation of war disablement pensions ceased in 1939. I share the view of my predecessors that it would not be to the advantage of pensioners to revive it.

asked the Minister of Power how many staff and other canteens are established and run in his Department's offices in London; what is the lowest price charged for a midday meal; what is the average price charged; whether those prices represent the economic cost of purchases, preparation, service and rentals; how much profit is made, or how much loss sustained in a year; and how a loss is dealt with in the annual accounts or estimates of his Department.

My right hon. Friend's Ministry has one luncheon club in London operated by a management committee of users. The prices of the meals are fixed by the Committee and there is a special three-course meal at 1s. 11d. The average price charged is 2s. 9d.The prices are designed to cover the costs of food, labour and certain minor overheads. No payment is made for rent, rates, fixed equipment, light, heat and fuel, which are borne on the Vote of the Ministry of Public Building and Works. The Ministry is responsible for the cleaning, but this responsibility is discharged by means of an equivalent cash subsidy.Trading is operated on a no profit, no loss, basis taking one year with another. The profit made in the year ended 31st December, 1964, was £447. The question of dealing with a net loss has not arisen in the thirteen years of operation of the canteen.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the estimated cost in a full year to the farming industry in Scotland as a result of the increase in road fund duties on agricultural tractors and machinery contained in the Budget.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the estimated cost in a full year to Scottish agriculture of the increase in motor vehicle duties.

The estimated cost to Scottish agriculture in a full year of the increase in motor vehicle duties is about £225,000. This includes estimated increases of £75,000 for agricultural tractors and machinery, £100,000 for lorries and vans owned by farmers and £50,000 for the farm business share of private cars.

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works (1) how many staff and other canteens are established and run in his Department's offices in London; what is the lowest price charged for a midday meal; what is the average price charged; whether those prices represent the economic cost of purchases, preparation, service and rentals; how much profit is made in a year or how much loss sustained; and how a loss is dealt with in the annual accounts or estimates of his Department;(2) how many staff and other canteens are established and run in his Department's offices either separately or jointly with others at Government buildings at Lawnswood, Leeds, and at Halton, Leeds; what is the lowest price charged for a midday meal; what is the average price charged; whether those prices represent the economic cost of purchases, preparation, service and rentals; how much profit is made in a year; and how a loss is dealt with in the annual accounts or estimates of his Department.

As the Answer is rather long, I am writing to the hon. Member.