asked the Minister of Technology what machinery he has for co-ordination with the Secretary of State for Scotland and other Ministers in pursuit of policies directed to the establishment in Aberdeen of industries for technological advance in exportable machine tools.

The Scottish Economic Planning Council of which my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland is Chairman is responsible for co-ordination of all Scottish economic development policies. The Ministry of Technology is represented on it by the head of its Scottish office.

asked the Minister of Technology if he will state the value of the exports for which his Department has sponsorship responsibilities within the strategic embargo list to countries of Eastern Europe, including the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics; and whether he is satisfied that Great Britain's share of exports compares favourably with her competitors.

I cannot give figures for exports of embargoed goods for which exceptionally licences are issued. But as regards the second part of the Question, there is no reason to doubt that British firms are getting their fair share.It is the Government's policy to reduce the list as much as possible consistent with our own and our allies' strategic interests.A review is currently in progress.

asked the Minister of Technology by what method he proposes to inform the House of action taken on price increases concerning radio and television sets, notified to him under Command Paper No. 2808.

The Command Paper does not envisage reports being made to the House about individual notifications of increases proposed in the price of any of the goods or services that come within the non-statutory early warning system.

asked the Minister of Technology if he will indicate the number and total value of projects, approved for financial assistance by the National Research Development Council during the year ended 30th June, 1965, that relate to computers and machine tools, respectively.

The Corporation agreed to give financial support totalling about £5½ million to five computer projects and one machine tool project during the year 1st July, 1964, to 30th June, 1965.

asked the Minister of Technology if he will list the goods and services in the Appendix of Command Paper No. 2808 on Prices and Incomes which will in future be notified to his Department rather than the Board of Trade.

The list is as follows:

• Electric motors.
• Primary cells and primary batteries.
• Secondary batteries.
• Precision chains.
• Ball and roller bearings.
• Contractors' plant.
• Agricultural machinery.
• Tractors.
• Commercial vehicles.
• Motor cars.
• Bicycles and motor cycles.
• Domestic refrigerators.
• Gas cookers.
• Washing machines.
• Vacuum cleaners.
• Electric fires.
• Gas fires.
• Electric storage heaters.
• Domestic boilers.
• Domestic water heaters.
• Electric lamps—coil and fluorescent.
• Cash registers.
• Typewriters.
• Domestic sewing machines.
• Industrial sewing machines.

asked the Minister of Technology what support he has given to the Flowers Report on the provision of computers in universities.

I am in close touch with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education and Science, who has this report under urgent consideration. A statement will be made as soon as possible.

asked the Minister of Technology what is the estimated number of scientists and technologists employed in the United Kingdom divided, respectively, between central government, local government, higher education and the private sector.

The latest available figures are for the triennial review undertaken in January, 1962. It is estimated that 271,100 scientists and technologists were then employed in the United Kingdom.Included in this were

Central government (including Armed Forces and U.K. A.E.A.)	26,300
Local government	7,900
Teachers in higher education	18,300
Private sector	149,000

The figures for the 1965 review should be available early next year.

asked the Minister of Technology when the results will be available of the first survey of employment of persons with technical qualifications now being conducted by a committee under the chairmanship of Sir Willis Jackson; and if these results will be published.

The results of the fourth triennial survey of scientific and technological manpower in Great Britain, incorporating for the first time information on technical supporting staff, will be published as early as possible in 1966.

asked the Minister of Technology what is the estimated number of data processing personnel in this country; what will be the estimated shortfall by the end of 1966 on present and projected computer deliveries; and what encouragement he is giving to meet any unfulfilled needs for personnel.

I assume that the hon. Member has in mind computer personnel. My information is that, at present, there are some 5,000 systems analysts and 8,000 programmers in this country. There will still be a shortage of well-experienced programmers and systems analysts by the end of 1966 athough their numbers will have increased considerably. I am discussing with my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Education and Science, the expansion of educational courses to help meet future requirements. The National Computer Centre will also make a contribution.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the total cost to public funds of the current visit to the United States of America of Her Royal Highness Princess Margaret and Lord Snowdon; and if he will give a detailed breakdown.

Not all the detailed accounts have yet been received, but the total cost to public funds is expected to be about £30,000.The cost to public funds is made up as follows:

	£
Advance planning visit	1,000
Travel and accommodation	18,000
Contribution to expenses of the Royal Household	4,500
Official Receptions	4,000
Telegraphic communications, printing etc.	2,500
	£30,000

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has for converting 3½ per cent. War Loan into a security bearing a higher nominal rate of interest, in view of the hardship being suffered by current holders of War Loan.

None.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what instructions are given to Purchase Tax officers on assisting new firms which are trying to sell in export markets.

A notice is available explaining the arrangements under which chargeable goods may be exported free of tax. Customs Officers dealing with Purchase Tax are ready to assist new firms and others on any questions that may arise.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much of the portfolio investment in the United States of America he has realised in the last six months.

I have nothing to add to my reply of 3rd August.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the value of payments made during the last 12 months in the form of pensions to persons living in Rhodesia.

About £640,000 from public sources. This includes National Insurance and war pensions, public service pensions and supplements to pensions paid out of United Kingdom funds, and certain overseas pensions paid by overseas Governments through the Crown Agents. No figures are available for pensions paid by private employers.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many Members of Parliament are now not drawing their full salary as Members.

Three.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many dogs were licensed in Great Britain for the last complete year for which figures are available.

2,863,947 in the financial year 1964–65.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will take steps to arrange for the issue of free road fund tax licences to disabled drivers if the vehicle they drive is one suited to their particular disability, whether it has been specially modified or not; and whether he will make a statement.

I regret that this would not be possible. The concession must be so defined that local taxation authorities and the police can readily distinguish eligible vehicles.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will introduce in his next Budget, provisions to vary the arrangements for Income Tax rebates for persons getting married so that the amount will not depend on the date of marriage.

I have noted my hon. Friend's suggestion but I cannot encourage him to hope that it will be acceptable.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how the total gross trading profits of companies for the second quarter of 1965 compare with the corresponding quarter for 1964 and with the seasonally adjusted figure for the first quarter of 1965.

The hon. Member will find the necessary figures in Table B of the article on National Income and Expenditure published in the October 1965 issue of Economic Trends.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what is the outcome of his discussions with the National House-Builders Registration Council on the enforcement of building standards; and what redress is proposed for purchasers of new houses which do not conform to these standards.

The National House-Builders Registration Council and the Building Societies Association are discussing how to secure a much wider application of the Council's scheme. I am awaiting the outcome of these discussions. Meanwhile where a house is built by a registered builder the Council's scheme provides—through a basic specification, inspection during construction, builder's two-year guarantee, and a 10-year guarantee against major structural defects—a means of redress against unsatisfactory building.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he will seek to allow Service men to obtain possession of their own houses in accordance with agreements signed without a court order.

The Rent Act, 1965, forbids a landlord to enforce his right to possession without a court order. It would not be right to exempt Service men from this rule.The county courts can be asked to deal quickly with urgent cases by special procedures.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if, in his review of housing subsidies, he will ensure that both Exchequer and Rate Fund subsidies shall go in future to those in need.

Paragraph 41 of the recent White Paper defined the Government's attitude to council rent policies.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if, in his review of housing subsidies, he will take into account Rate Fund contributions made by many local authorities to their housing revenue accounts, which for England and Wales total a sum in excess of £20 million per annum.

My right hon. Friend has done so.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government before overruling the recommendation of his inspector and the objections of the local authorities concerned and permitting the Huyton-with-Roby Urban District Council to build on good agricultural land on the Green Belt at Lickers Lane in the area of the Whiston Rural District Council, what consideration he gave to the alternative building sites referred co in his inspector's report; and what were the reasons for not giving further consideration to them as recommended by his inspector.

I considered all the alternative sites mentioned by the inspector.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government where the various rent assessment panels are to be based; what are the staff establishments, by grades, proposed for each; and if he will take into consideration the facts that in many cases the panels' areas will be smaller than the corresponding tribunal areas, that between 1949 and 1957 the tribunals, with staff much the same as they have now, dealt with unfurnished lettings made after the war broke out in addition to furnished lettings, that early integration of the two offices would be advantageous and effect considerable economy, and that the clerks of the tribunals are experienced personnel capable of supervising the conduct of such offices.

I hope very shortly to announce the rent assessment panel areas and where their headquarters will be. I also hope to announce several more names of persons whom I shall be nominating to act as President. I cannot announce staff establishments until these have been discussed with the Presidents. The establishment of the London area is set out below.As regards the staff of the tribunals it must be remembered that the jurisdiction of the tribunals has been substantially increased by the Act. The question of integrating the two staffs will be borne in mind.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government in drafting his intended legislation to ease the burdens of ratepayers, what date he has proposed for the changes to come into operation.

Since the hon. Member put down his Question I have introduced a Bill to help domestic occupiers in two ways, by entitling them to pay their rates by instalments and by providing rate rebates for those of limited means. This should be in operation during the next rating year (1966–67).The changes in Exchequer grants which the Government are planning will be the subject of a second Bill, to be introduced early next year and take effect in 1967–68.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what progress has now been made with the scheme for the supply of water to Vennington, Salop; and when he expects work to begin.

The West Shropshire Water Board's revised proposals have now been approved and authority given for the invitation of tenders. My right hon. Friend expects work to start in 1966.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what decision he has reached regarding the reorganisation of local government on Tyneside.

I expect to announce my conclusions next week.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he will give greater priority to the expansion of existing market towns in North Lincolnshire rather than establishing a new town; and if he has studied the views of Gains-borough Urban District Council expressed in its letter to him of 20th October.

I have noted the views of Gainsborough Urban District Council. It is not possible to settle priorities before studies of potential development on Humberside have been completed.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government when he will announce his decision on the Oxford Green Belt inquiry.

The position has not changed substantially since March when I explained that a fresh assessment of the population and growth problems of the Oxford area is necessary before I give a decision on the Oxford green belt.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government why the planning appeal in respect of Great George Street, Weymouth, is not to be held until 22nd March, 1966; when this appeal was lodged; and why there is a delay.

The appeal was lodged on 2nd October; 22nd March is the earliest date on which an inspector can be made available for the inquiry, and has been accepted by both parties. Because of the growing number of appeals and the shortage of inspectors, which my right hon. Friend is trying to remedy, there is delay in holding inquiries.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government which rent tribunals have lost their clerks since 1st September; how long each of those clerks had served their tribunals or other tribunals; whether he will give details of other impending losses of which he has information; what further losses he expects; and what experienced replacements are available.

My right hon. Friend understands that the clerks of the following tribunals have given notice since 1st September of their intention to leave:

Tribunal			Length of service of clerk years
Norwich	…	…	12
South Middlesex	…	…	19
North West London	…	…	17
West London	…	…	15
Kent	…	…	19
Lincolnshire	…	…	19
South West London	…	…	19

He is aware that clerks of three other tribunals have applied for posts elsewhere but he has no information whether further resignations will result. Where vacancies are not being filled from within the rent tribunal service the Department will assist the tribunals in finding replacements.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government (1) if he is aware of the discontent among rent tribunal staff at the failure to solve the question of their status and grading; when proposals may be expected; whether the decision or any aspects of it will be open to negotiation; and what has been the cause of the delay in settling the matter;(2) why no indication has been given to chairmen of rent tribunals of proposals for improving their staffs' conditions of service; when the decision to concede in principle Civil Service status was taken; when the proposed grading of posts was taken; when the proposed personal gradings will be announced; and why this information was not available to clerks considering whether to remain with the tribunals or seek other posts;(3) what work study was undertaken before he rejected a pay claim on behalf of rent tribunal clerks for parity with the executive officer scale on the ground that the work was not comparable; whether he is aware that in consequence of a Treasury inspection of selected tribunals since, clerks' posts are to be graded as executive officer; and whether he will now rescind the March decision and authorise the claim to be met from its original date;(4) what are his proposals for the Civil Service grading of rent tribunal clerks; and what account will be taken of the service, up to 19 years in some cases, which they have given in posts now resigned as on a par with executive officers.

In September, 1964, the Society of Civil Servants, which represents the clerks of rent tribunals set up under the Furnished Houses (Rent Control) Act 1946, submitted a claim for a new salary structure comparable to the upper part of the scale of a Civil Service executive officer. The Ministry could not accept the justification for such a scale and after negotiation the Society of Civil Servants withdrew the claim and accepted instead an improvement of the existing scale based on recent increases in Civil Service pay at comparable levels. It was, however, understood between the two sides that there would be a review of the pay of rent tribunal staff when it was known what effect the Rent Act, 1965, would have on their position.Meanwhile, as was foreshadowed in my right hon. Friend's reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Bilston (Mr. Robert Edwards) on 17th November, 1964, the status of furnished rent tribunal staff has been under review in the light of the Government's decision to make permanent the 1946 Act. On 29th July this year the Society was told that it had been decided in principle that the staff should be given Civil Service status. The staff inspection which followed was required to provide up-to-date evidence of the appropriate grading of the posts of clerk and assistant clerk. Further information on the progress of the inspection was given from time to time to the Society in order to help the staff in considering whether to remain with the tribunals or seek other posts.It is expected that it will be possible to put detailed proposals to the Society at a meeting already arranged for 10th December. As soon as the gradings of the posts have been determined, arrangement will be made in conjunction with the Civil Service Commission for the staff concerned to be considered for establishment as permanent civil servants. Since this process must be completed before the grading of individual members of the staff can be settled it is not possible as yet to advise individual officers.The past service with the rent tribunals of those who are established will count for the purposes of superannuation or gratuity as if it had been unestablished civil service throughout. The extent to which past service can be recognised for seniority purposes is a matter for negotiation with the Departmental staff side.This and any other general questions of pay and conditions of service following regrading will in the normal way be the subject of negotiations with the Society of Civil Servants. The chairman of rent tribunals will be kept in touch with developments.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government to what extent it is his policy to invite experienced and qualified chairmen and other members of rent tribunals to serve on rent assessment committees; and in what capacity.

I certainly hope that some chairmen and members of the furnished rent tribunals will serve as members of rent assessment committees and in appropriate cases as chairmen of the committees. But I have to remember that the jurisdiction of the tribunals has been extended by the recent Act; I must not denude the tribunals of all their most experienced people.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what plans he has for the creation of a new town south of the Humber; and if he will make a statement.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave on 16th November to my hon. Friend the Member for Kingston upon Hull, West (Mr. James Johnson).

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations, if he will make a statement on his talks in Zambia and other African states.

I had several meetings with President Kaunda and it was agreed that a squadron of R.A.F. Javelins with supporting aircraft and Units of the R.A.F. Regiment should fly into Zambia. The squadron is now at Ndola and I went there to welcome it. We have also offered to provide a battalion of ground troops, and discussions on this subject continue.On my return journey I had brief but valuable discussions with President Kenyatta, President Nyerere and Mr. Obote. I explained to them the economic and financial measures we were taking and emphasised our belief that if other countries were to act similarly the illegal regime would not be able to survive.

asked the Minister of Power if he will now make a statement regarding the possibility of providing a coal-fired power station on the North-East coast.

The Central Electricity Generating Board has no proposal for building a further power station in the area in the near future. The matter will, however, be kept under review.

asked the Minister of Power, in view of the fact that the price of coal is higher in the South-West of England than in other areas of the United Kingdom, what recent discussions he has had with the National Coal Board on the need for selective price reductions in this region, which includes many development areas; and if he will make a statement.

None. The cost of transporting coal long distances forms a large part of the final selling price which must reflect all relevant costs of supply.

asked the Minister of Power if he will state, for each division of the National Coal Board, the output last year of each of the categories A, B and C defined in connection with pit closures.

The figures for saleable output during the Board's last financial year 1964–65 are as follows:

		A	B	C
Division		M. tons	M. tons	M. tons
Scotland	…	8·0	2·7	3·7
Northumberland	…	16·5	6·7	6·8
Durham
North West	…	7·0	1·8	3·1
Yorkshire	…	36·5	3·9	2·5
East Midlands	…	39·2	1·9	4·4
West Midlands	…	10·8	2·4	0·3
Southwestern	…	11·7	3·4	3·0

Collieries which have closed since 28th March, 1964, have been excluded in arriving at these figures. The collieries in Kent have not been classified; their saleable output was 1·5 million ons.There are many new and expanding pits in Category A which can increase production as required to meet demand.

asked the Minister of Overseas Development whether Her Majesty's Government, in consultation with the Canadian Government, have yet selected a firm of consulting engineers to carry out a survey for a Zambia-Tanzania railway line; when she expects such work to commence; and whether she will make a statement.

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to the hon. Member for Haltemprice (Mr. Wall) on 30th November.

asked the Minister of Overseas Development if she will continue the Government's contribution of £250,000 a year to the University College of Salisbury.

BRITISH GOVERNMENT BILATERAL ECONOMIC AID TO INDEPENDENT COMMONWEALTH AFRICAN COUNTRIES SINCE THEIR INDEPENDENCE (a)
Financial Years (April to March)					£'000
—	1950–51	1951–52	1952–53	1953–54	1954–55
AFRICA
Gambia (Date of Independence 18.2.65)
Financial Aid
Grants	—	—	—	—	—
Loans	—	—	—	—	—
Technical Assistance	—	—	—	—	—
Total	—	—	—	—	—
Ghana (6.3.57)
Financial Aid
Grants	—	—	—	—	—
Loans	—	—	—	—	—
Technical Assistance	—	—	—	—	—
Total	—	—	—	—	—
Nigeria (1.10.60)
Financial Aid
Grants	—	—	—	—	—
Loans	—	—	—	—	—
Technical Assistance	—	—	—	—	—
Total	—	—	—	—	—
Sierra Leone (27.4.61)
Financial Aid
Grants	—	—	—	—	—
Loans	—	—	—	—	—
Technical Assistance	—	—	—	—	—
Total	—	—	—	—	—
East African Common Services Organisation (12.12.63)
Financial Aid
Grants	—	—	—	—	—
Loans	—	—	—	—	—
Technical Assistance	—	—	—	—	—
Total	—	—	—	—	—

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave in the House on 30th November to the hon. Member for Haltemprice (Mr. Wall).

asked the Minister of Overseas Development what is the annual cost of the financial grants and contributions made by the United Kingdom to African territories which have declared independence since 1945.

The cost in the financial year 1964–65 was £60,904,000. I will, with permission, circulate details in the OFFICIAL REPORT.