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Written Answers

Volume 729: debated on Thursday 16 June 1966

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Written Answers To Questions

Thursday, 16th June, 1966

Education And Science

University Of The Air (Scottish Education Department)

1.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he will give an assurance that the Scottish Education Department and Scottish broadcasting authorities have been fully consulted and represented in the discussions which are now proceeding about programmes of the University of the Air.

So far as the Scottish Education Department is concerned, yes. There are no separate Scottish broadcasting authorities.

Universities (Ministerial Control)

2.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will introduce legislation to ensure greater Ministerial control over, and responsibility for, university matters.

Teachers (National Advisory Council)

11.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is his policy towards the National Advisory Council on the training and supply of teachers.

I would refer the hon. Member to what I said on this subject during the debate on the Address on 25th April.

Comprehensive Schools

3.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will make a statement on the replies made by local education authorities on the preparation of their plans for the introduction of comprehensive schools; and when he intends to introduce legislation to deal with authorities who refuse to comply with his proposals.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the Answer I gave today to my hon. Friend the Member for Croydon, South (Mr. Winnick).

23.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what action he proposes to take in view of the rejection by the Surrey County Council of comprehensive education.

The Surrey proposals reached me yesterday in a long and detailed document and I have not yet had time to study it.

Schoolchildren (Bus Passes)

13.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will seek to amend the Education Act in order to clarify the conditions under which local education authorities are required to issue bus passes to schoolchildren.

Arts Centres

17.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many projects for the establishment of regional and local arts centres have been received from local authorities during the last 12 months.

The Arts Council have since April 1965 received 64 applications for grants towards the cost of building and extending arts centres. This figure represents applications received direct from local authorities, and also other applications in many of which local authorities are involved.

Middle Schools

24.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science to what extent it is his policy to refuse to sanction the establishment of any middle school systems of education unless such systems are fully comprehensive.

I would certainly not approve the establishment of middle schools unless they were fully comprehensive.

Youth Service Building Projects (Huddersfield)

28.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will make a statement on the youth service building programme in so far as it affects Huddersfield.

Eleven Youth Service projects have been included in he Huddersfield building programme since 1960. My right hon. Friend hopes to announce the youth service building programme for 1967–68 later this year.

Higher Education Students (Financial Aid)

31.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what plans he has to change the method of giving financial aid to students in higher education.

National Reference Library Of Science And Invention

48.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what progress has been made with the new National Reference Library of Science and Invention on the South Bank; and what arrangements have been made to use this library as the nucleus for a national reference library for scientific information storage and retrieval using computers and microfilm techniques.

The Patent Office Library was transferred from the Board of Trade to the British Museum on 1st April to form, with the Museum's own collection of scientific literature, the nucleus of the National Reference Library of Science and Invention. Temporary accommodation in London has been found for that part of the total collection which cannot be housed in the existing Patent Office building and the Ministry of Public Building and Works is negotiating a site for a permanent building. The Library will offer its users in information retrieval service, but it is too early to say what part the Library will play in the mechanisation of storage end retrieval activities.

The Arts (Selective Employment Tax)

50.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science by how much Government grants to the arts will have to be increased to offset the effects of the Selective Employment Tax on institutions in receipt of such grants.

Nearly all the Arts organisations receiving Government grant are charities and I am glad to say that these will have the tax refunded.In the case of the Arts Council, the British Film Institute and the national museums and galleries, the effect of the tax will be offset in the same way as for Government Departments.

51.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what representations have been received from the Arts Council about the effect of the Selective Employment Tax on the Council's activities.

Nearly all the bodies which receive grants from the Council are charities and I am glad to say that the tax paid will be refunded under the provisions of the Bill published yesterday.I have, of course, discussed this question with the Arts Council.

Building Projects (Co-Ordination)

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he is satisfied that there is sufficient co-ordination between his Department and local education authorities in the planning of educational building projects; and if he will make a statement.

I regard the present arrangements as generally satisfactory though I am always seeking for ways of improving them. This is a matter on which I keep in close touch with the Local Authority Associations.

Medical Schools (Students)

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many women applied for places in university medical schools in 1964–65, and how many were accepted.

The total number of women admitted to pre-clinical courses in all medical schools in October, 1965 was 540. 1,674 women applied through the Universities Central Council on Admissions, but these two figures are not comparable, since a number of medical schools were not then participating in that scheme.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what proportion of male and female medical students, respectively, terminates their courses prematurely.

The latest available information, published in the U.G.C. report "University Development 1957–62", shows that of students who entered a medical course in 1954 10·7 per cent. did not complete it. The proportion of men was 9·2 per cent. and of women l5·7 per cent.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether the standard of entry to university medical schools is higher for female students than for male students.

It is not possible to generalise about standards of admission to university faculties because each settles its own in relation to a particular field of applicants. Information on the G.C.E. "A" level results of applicants, by sex, to medical schools is set out on page 23 of the Second Report of U.C.C.A. which is in the Library of the House.

Central Advisory Councils For England And Wales (Reports On Primary Education)

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science when he expects to receive the Reports of the Central Advisory Council for England and Wales on primary education.

Before the autumn from the English Council six months later from the Welsh Council.

Colleges Of Advanced Technology (Unfilled Places)

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many places in colleges of advanced technology have not been filled in the current academic year.

Separate figures for the present colleges of advanced technology are not available, but the Third Report of the Universities Central Council on Admissions showed that 49,510 students were admitted to first degree and diploma courses in universities (including colleges of advanced technology) in October, 1965, against the universities' estimate of 49,000, made in May, 1965. Only in Pure Science was there any noticeable shortfall in that 430 fewer students were admitted than were allowed for in the May estimate.

Nursery Classes

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many local education authorities have opened or propose to open nursery classes as a result of his circular empowering them to do so.

In January, 1966, 33 authorities had established a total of 53 nursery classes as an aid to teacher recruitment. These figures do not reflect the more flexible arrangements which I announced in December. The response to these new arrangements will be recorded in their January, 1967. returns.

Independent Schools (Selective Employment Tax)

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is his estimate of the effect of the Selective Employment Tax upon the numbers of staff employed in independent schools.

Most public schools and many other independent schools will benefit from the Government's decision to reimburse charities. I have made no estimate of the effect of the tax on other independent schools.

Home Department

Police Forces (Amalgamation)

56.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department in view of the proposed police amalgamation, what plans he has for mitigating the hardship caused to individual police officers, who are required to be transferred over much larger areas in the course of their employment.

Under the Police Regulations, a member of a former county borough force which has been amalgamated may not, without his consent, be assigned to duties which would require him to move his home outside the area of his original force. Chief officers have been asked to ensure that the spirit of the Regulations is also applied to members of former county police forces affected by amalgamation schemes.

General Election (Candidates' Expenses)

53.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will now say when the return of election expenses incurred by candidates in the recent General Election will be made public.

I am not at present in a position to add to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member's Question on 23rd May.

Prison Escapes

57.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prisoners have escaped this year from closed prisons, open prisons, working parties and during transit, respectively; and how many in each category remain at large.

The position up to 11th June 1966 is as follows:

EscapesStill at large
MaleFemaleMaleFemale
Closed prisons (including Remand Centres)3957
Open prisons964141
Working parties317
During transit173
Totals1839311

Matrimonial Proceedings (Magistrates Courts) Act 1960 (Interim Orders)

58.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, in view of the fact that under Section 6 of the Matrimonial Proceedings (Magistrates Courts) Act 1960, the court, when making an interim order for the custody of children, is unable to make a supervision order and that this is detrimental in many cases to the welfare of the children, whether he will seek to amend the law to enable supervision orders to be made by the magistrates sitting on applications for interim orders in domestic proceedings courts.

The Matrimonial Proceedings (Magistrates Courts) Act 1960 followed the recommendations of the Arthian Davies Committee in making a limited extension to the scope of interim orders. I have no evidence that the existing law is unsatisfactory, but will be glad to consider any evidence that my hon. Friend may wish to bring forward.

Police Recruits (Minimum Height)

54.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will amend the regulation requiring police recruits to be of a minimum height.

This is one of the matters being considered by the Working Party on Manpower set up by the Police Advisory Board for England and Wales, whose report my right hon. Friend expects to receive later this year.

Probation Service (Merthyr Tydfil)

61 and 62.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he is aware of the confusion caused by his instruction that the probation service of Merthyr Tydfil be combined with the probation service of Glamorgan; and if he will take steps to prevent the destruction of the probation service of Merthyr Tydfil.(2) if he is aware that different and contradictory explanations have been given by different divisions of his Department respecting the attempt to combine the probation services of Merthyr Tydfil and Glamorgan; and if he will make the necessary inquiries into this.

My right hon. Friend is not aware of any such confusion, and he does not consider that further inquiry is necessary. The combining order was made after very full consideration of all the circumstances and will, I am sure, prove of benefit to the probation service in the new area.

Animals (Humane Treatment In Research)

63.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what safeguards he is asking from foreign Governments to ensure the humane treatment of animals bred in this country and sold abroad for research purposes.

My right hon. Friend intends first to consult interested bodies in this country before considering wider consultations.

Mass Fingerprinting

64.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, on grounds of principle, irrespective of the outcome of his study of the technical problems, he will now abandon the concept of the mass fingerprinting of the whole adult population of Great Britain.

Children Act 1958

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many children of immigrants are in foster parents' homes; what proportion of these homes is registered; how often they are inspected; if he is satisfied they are working properly; and if he will make a statement;(2) to what extent, in view of his undertaking on 4th June, 1964, that his inspectors would keep in very close touch with the local authorities and their children's officers about the full and effective exercise of the statutory powers available to them under the Children Act 1958, he is now satisfied that the powers are adequate; and what action he will take;(3) what reply he has sent to the county councils associations and the treasurers of municipal corporations to their request to improve the child protection legislation, and to prevent abuse under baby-farming, especially as applied to coloured students' children; and if he will make a statement.

The Children Act 1958 strengthened the power of local authorities to ensure the wellbeing of children of school age who are being looked after for reward for more than one month by persons other than parents or relatives. These powers include visiting the children, inspecting premises, giving advice, prohibiting unsatisfactory placings and imposing conditions. Statistical information as to the action taken by local authorities is not available centrally, nor do the statistics kept centrally distinguish the children of immigrants. My right hon. Friend is anxious that these con- siderable powers should be exercised fully, and suggestions for possible changes in the law which the County Councils Association have under consideration, and difficulties which some authorities are having in enforcing the Act, are to be discussed soon with the Local Authority Associations.

Child Care Officers, Dorset

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many local authorities there are in the country with the same ratio or less of professional child care staff per departmental caseload than have the Dorset Children's Department.

This information is not readily available, but on 31st March, 1965 the ratio in Dorset was one child care officer to twenty-five children in care, compared with an average of one to thirty-three for England and Wales.

Nursery Schools

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will take steps to increase the provision of good nursery schools in order to stop the practice of baby farming; and if he will make a statement.

The provision of nursery schools falls within the province of my right hon. Friend the Scretary of State for Education and Science; but more nursery schools would not help a parent seeking residential accommodation for his child.

Colonial Territories

Co-Operative Societies

65.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if, in view of the increasing interest caused by the Oxfam project to help co-operatives in Bechuanaland, he will give an assurance that it it his policy to develop co-operative societies as one of the major agencies for economic and social development.

While the policy for each Territory is worked out by its Government, in consultation with us, we support and assist the development of co-operatives wherever we can, and I welcome the help given to Bechuanaland by Oxfam and the British Co-operative Movement.

Gibraltar

Emigration To Commonwealth Countries

67.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what is the position of Gibraltarians as regards emigration to the Commonwealth, especially Australia; whether there is a Gibraltar quota for Australia; whether there are direct transport possibilities to any of the Commonwealth countries; and what f ature arrangements he is making for emigrants.

There are no special arrangements for Gibraltarians to emigrate to any Commonwealth country. The only direct transport possibilities are to Australia by sea and to Britain by sea and air. I have received no requests from tie Gibraltar Government for special facilities for emigration.

Mauritius

Banwell Electoral Commission (Report)

66.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is aware of the concern felt by all the political parties in Mauritius except the Parti Mauricien over the findings of the Banwell Electoral Commission Report; and whether he will call a London conference to reconsider the matter.

68.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what decision Her Majesty's Government has reached in the light of the recommendations of the Banwell Commission's Report on the Electoral System for Mauritius; when it is proposed that elections should be held; and whether he will make a statement about reactions in Mauritius to the recommendations made by the Commission.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is aware of the sharp reaction of the Mauritius Government, and three major political parties in Mauritius, to the report of the Banwell Electorial Commission; if he will state the policy of Her Majesty's Government on the proposals in this report; and what steps he is taking to ensure adequate fature representation of the Muslim and Chinese minorities.

The hon. Members will have seen from the dispatch printed in the White Paper (Colonial No. 362) that I reached the conclusion that the Commission's recommendations were fair and satisfactory in the circumstances of Mauritius and that I accepted them in full. Publication of the Report in Mauritius on 31st May resulted in immediate protests from the three parties forming the Government. The Premier has now sent me a memorandum giving the reasons of these parties for opposing the Commission's recommendations and asking me to call a fresh Conference to discuss the points at issue and I am giving this careful consideration.

Board Of Trade

Co-Operative Societies (Selective Employment Tax)

77.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that retail co-operative societies reduced their total staff by 15 per cent. between 1958 and 1964, while their turnover increased from £998 million to £1,069 million; and what further reduction he estimates will result from the Selective Employment Tax.

These figures accord with those published by the Co-operative Societies. It is not for me to make an estimate of the kind suggested.

Moneylenders' Act, 1927 (Exemption)

78.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what method his Department uses to calculate the rate of interest which persons and companies are allowed to charge when seeking exemption from the Moneylenders' Act, 1927.

A body corporate seeking exemption is requested to undertake not to charge interest at an annual rate exceeding 10 per cent. This undertaking is, in the opinion of the Board of Trade, an indication that the body is a proper one for exemption.

Anglo-South African Trade

76.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will give in column form the imports from, and exports to, South Africa for each year since 1946; how far he anticipates the recent favourable balance to the United Kingdom will continue; and if he will make a statement.

There seems no reason why we should not continue to maintain a favourable balance. The figures are as follows:

UNITED KINGDOM TRADE WITH SOUTH AFRICA
£ million
YearUnited Kingdom Imports from South AfricaUnited Kingdom Exports to South Africa
Year(c. f.)(f.o.b.)
19461575
194726…92…
194832120
194934125
195048121
195160166
195264145
195372158
1954103162
1955108174
1956121162
1957126180
1958123193
1959129156
1960139161
1961156155
1962151155
1963166205
1964183236
1965181261
NOTE: Estimates of trade in diamonds and other precious and semi-precious stones are included in the figures given for the period 1954 to 1965 but not for the earlier years.

Milk Distribution (Voluntary Rationalisation)

79.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will introduce legislation to facilitate voluntary rationalisation of milk distribution rounds in order to encourage efficient use of labour, by removing the inhibiting effect of the Restrictive Trade Practices Act, 1956, under which such agreements have been banned, in view of the fact that milk prices are Government controlled.

Trading Stamps

80.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that trade associations which have recommended their members not to give trading stamps with goods and services have been required to register these recommendations as agreements under the provisions of the Restrictive Trade Practices Act, 1956; and whether he will amend the law so as to enable trade associations to discourage the practice of stamp trading.

I am aware of the position, but see no ground in it for amendment of the Restrictive Trade Practices Act.

National Board For Prices And Incomes (Bread And Flour Prices Recommendation)

81.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what consideration he has given to the recommendation in the Report of the National Board for Prices and Incomes on Bread and Flour Prices that considerable economies could be obtained if manufacturers could agree on an apportionment of streets between them instead of competing in the same streets; and what action he proposes to take to facilitate such economies by appropriate amendments to the Restrictive Trade Practices Act, 1956.

I do not consider that this recommendation is a sufficient justification for amending the Restrictive Trade Practices Act.

Goods Shipments, Scotland And Ireland (Safety Regulations)

82.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what steps he has taken to ensure that the fishing vessels and motor launches carrying goods between Scotland and Ireland comply with the safety regulations of the Merchant Shipping Acts.

I am aware of the circumstances which have prompted my hon. Friend's Question. I am having inquiries made.

Haircutting Cost, Huddersfield (Increase)

83.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will refer the recent increase of 25 per cent. in the cost of haircuts in the Huddersfield district to the National Board for Prices and Incomes.

I am making inquiries, in the light of which any necessary action will be considered.

Companies Legislation (Employees' Holiday Pay)

84.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if, in the proposed companies legislation, he will make employees' holiday pay a pre-preferential claim.

This suggestion will be considered when the time comes to prepare legislation amending the winding-up provisions of the Companies Act.

Gatt (Hotel And Tourist Industries)

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will identify Ole specific provision of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade which would make it difficult to put hotels or tile tourist industry into a special category because of their export merits; and what complaints have been made to the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade over the present action of other European Governments in giving special assistance to their hotel industries.

Merchant Shipping Act 1894 (Revision)

asked the President of the Board of Trade, in view of his consultations with the seamen's union and the shipowners resulting in agreement with both parties on the amendments required to the Merchant Shipping Act 1894, if he will now introduce a Bill along the lines already agreed; and if he will make a statement.

Extensive consultations between officials of the Board and the seafarers' and shipowners' organisations about revision of Part II of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1894 have resulted in a considerable measure of agreement but further work and discussion will be necessary before legislation can be introduced. In any event the Board must of course await the report of the Court of Inquiry under the chairmanship of Lord Pearson whose terms of reference include a review of the law affecting the terms and conditions of seamen and the relations between shipowners, officers and seamen.

India

British Government's Relations

85.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations whether he will take steps to improve the British Government's relations with India.

Relations between Britain and India are cordial and the British Government will do everything they can to keep them so.

Ministry Of Aviation

European Launcher Development Organisation

87.

asked the Minister of Aviation whether he will make a statement on the decision of the British Government to withdraw from the European Launcher Development Organisation.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the statement I made on 13th June last in reply to a Question by the hon. Member for South Angus (Mr. Bruce-Gardyne).

North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (Headquarters)

89.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what information he has regarding the relocation of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation Headquarters.

The North Atlantic Treaty Organisation Council at its Ministerial Meeting on 7th and 8th June decided to extend an invitation to the Benelux countries to provide a new site for Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe. The Belgian Government have since announced that they would accept the transfer of S.H.A.P.E. to a new location in Belgium.The Council further agreed that the reorganised Headquarters of Allied Forces Central Europe should be moved to a new location either in the Benelux countries or in Germany.The future siting of the North Atlantic Council will be discused at a special meeting of the 14 Foreign Ministers in October.

Yemen (Egyptian Troops)

88.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the presence of over 60,000 troops in the Yemen and the declarations of President Nasser against the Aden protectorate, he will initiate talks with the Egyptian Government to discuss the withdrawal of their troops from the Yemen prior to the British closure of the Aden base.

No. Her Majesty's Government's policy remains one of noninvolvement in the conflict in the Yemen and it would therefore be inappropriate for us to approach the United Arab Republic Government about their army there, even if we were at present in diplomatic relations with them. Nor is there any reason to believe that such talks would produce any useful results.

Gas

North Sea Supplies (Steel Tubes)

90.

asked the Minister of Power if he will make a statement about the inability of British steel companies to supply sufficient steel tubes to convey gas newly discovered in the North Sea under British Governmental licence; and what steps he plans to assist the British steel industry to supply British needs.

Some imports of steel tubes are already being made and further imports are contemplated. I understand that most of the tube required to bring on shore and transmit the natural gas discovered by British Petroleum Ltd., will be supplied by British companies. As to more recent and future discoveries, the provision of steel tubes is primarily a matter for the users and suppliers concerned, but I am in touch with the licensees and the Gas Council about their requirements and with the Iron and Steel Board and the steel companies about the ability of the U.K. industry to meet them.

Electricity

Charges (Commercial Consumers)

asked the Minister of Power whether he is aware of the increase in the price of electricity charged to small retail shops; and what estimate he made when agreeing to the increase in charges, of their effect on such consumers.

Each Area Electricity Board increased charges to commercial consumers once between April, 1964 and July, 1965, and previous Ministers were informed in advance of the Boards' intentions. The average increases to commercial consumers as a class were estimated at between 5 and 13 per cent., varying from Board to Board. There is no tariff applicable solely to small shops.

Public Building And Works

National Gallery (Extension)

92.

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works when it is proposed to commence work on the extension of the National Gallery.

Plans are well advanced and consultations are taking place with the various authorities concerned.

Ministry Of Defence

Head Of Defence Sales

93.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what specialised experience the Head of Arms Sales had before his appointment; and with what countries.

Mr. Raymond Brown was joint founder and managing director of the Racal Group, which has been outstandingly successful in the export trade with countries in all parts of the world.

94.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence how many persons are to be employed in the office of the Head of Arms Sales; and what will be their salaries and qualifications.

The Head of Defence Sales will be responsible for the control of those Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Aviation staffs at home and overseas responsible for military sales and military exports promotion. In addition he will have a small number of supporting staff including a Military Deputy. The numbers and gradings are still under consideration.

Ministry Of Health

Retail Pharmacists

asked the Minister of Health why retail pharmacists are subject to the drug testing scheme while dispensing doctors are not.

It would not be practicable to extend to dispensing doctor s the scheme which applies to pharmacists.

asked the Minister of Health why retail pharmacists in partnerihip are treated worse than doctors in partnership as far as dispensing is concerned.

I do not know what point the right hon. Member has in mind and would be grateful if he would write and explain it to me.

asked the Minister of Health why a retail pharmacist is not entitled to the same superannuation arrangements as a dispensing doctor.

The National Health Service Acts do not permit the inclusion within those arrangements of retail pharmacists, most of whom derive the greater part of their income from services not provided under the National Health Service.

Leukaemia (Deaths)

asked the Minister of Health what was the number of deaths from leukaemia in England and Wales for the last two years for which figures are available.

Deaths in England and Wales from leukaemia and aleukaemia (International Classification of Disease No. 204) numbered 2,867 in 1964, 2,860 in 1965. The second figure is provisional.

Local Government

Reorganisation (North And East Ridings)

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government when the decision on the inquiry as to whether Harrogate should go into the North Riding and Scarborough into the East Riding of Yorkshire will be published.

All the outstanding proposals of the Local Government Commission are being considered in the light of the decision to set up the Royal Commission on Local Government. The decisions will be announced as soon as possible.

Scotland

Fishery Training And Fleet Extension Scheme

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what progress is being made with the fishery training and fleet extension scheme, approved by him in March; when the first successful applicants are likely to be notified; how many boats are to be approved this year; and if he will urge upon the Highlands and Islands Development Board the need to give early decisions and assistance to enable new boats to be built and in operation by the herring season of next year, or sooner, for other fishing.

Following the necessary discussions with the other authorities concerned, the Highlands and Islands Development Board expects to publish details of the scheme in the near future. The Board is most anxious to bring the scheme into operation as quickly as possible.It is not possible for me to say when the first successful applicants under the scheme will receive offers of assistance. As regards the number of boats to be approved this year I can only say at this stage that the scheme provides for assistance for up to 25 boats over a five year period, an average of 5 boats per year.

National Finance

Rhodesia (Sanctions)

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the estimated total cost to the latest convenient date of maintaining sanctions against Rhodesia; by how much it is expected to increase monthly under existing circumstances for the next six months; and if he will make a statement.

Rather under £200,000 in direct Exchequer cost, excluding small administrative costs spread over the Votes of several Departments and aid to Zambia. The future rate of expenditure cannot be estimated.

Selective Employment Tax (Nursing And Domestic Help)

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what arrangements he proposes to make to offset the effects of the Selective Employment Tax in respect of chronically sick and severely disabled persons living at home who are obliged to employ nursing and domestic help for their daily living; and if he will make a statement.

The proposed arrangements are set out in Clauses 6 and 7(5) of the Selective Employment Payments Bill published yesterday.

Dollar Securities

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what proportion of the British Government's dollar holdings had to be liquidated as a condition of French participation in the international bankers' recent support arrangements for sterling; what is the total of the remaining dollar holdings; if he is under further obligation to liquidate these; and if he will make a statement.

No such condition was attached to French participation in the Central Bank arrangements recently announced.As I informed the House on 1st March, the value of the remaining dollar securities not transferred to the reserves has

COMPUTERS INSTALLED
LocationManufacturerName of ComputerDate installedApplication
LONDON TRANSPORT BOARD
LondonInternational Computers and TabulatorsI.C.T. 11011964Stock control, costing and payroll.
B.R. Scottish Region, GlasgowInternational Computers and TabulatorsI.C.T. 13011965Accounting, Statistics.
N.E. RegionYorkInternational Computers and Tabulators2 x I.C.T. 10041964N.E. Region, paybills, freight.
NewcastleInternational Computers and TabulatorsI.C.T. 10041964Accounting, also workshop.
DarlingtonInternational Computers and Tabulators2 x I.C.T. 10041964Paybills.

recently averaged around £180 million. I have no obligation to liquidate any part of these, nor have I any statement to make at present.

Transport

Pedestrians (Oncoming Traffic)

asked the Minister of Transport if she will initiate a campaign to ask all pedestrians when being forced to walk on the public highway to face oncoming traffic, with a view to cutting down accidents.

This advice is already in the Highway Code. The possibility of giving it further publicity will be borne in mind.

Technology

Computers (Nationalised Industries)

asked the Minister of Technology (1) if he will list the computers on order by Nationalised Industries, together with the Post Office, showing the date on which the order was placed, the estimated date of delivery, name of the manufacturer, type of computer and the function for which it is to be used, respectively;(2) if he will list the computers being used by Nationalised Industries, together with the Post Office, showing the date of installation, name of manufacturer, type of computer and function for which it is used.

pursuant to his reply [OFFICIAL REPORT, 25th May, 1966; Vol. 729, c. 123–4] supplied the following list:

LocationManufacturerName of ComputerDate installedApplication
Midland Region, Euston Road, N.W.JInternational Computers and TabulatorsI.C.T. Sirius1962Technical work and payroll.
Eastern Region, PeterboroughInternational Computers and Tabulators2 × I.C.T. 13011963Accounting, traffic analysis
Research Department, DerbyInternational Computers and TabulatorsI.C.T. 19091966Design calculations, management, statistics, timetable compilation.
DarlingtonInternational Business MachinesI.B.M. 14101965Superannuation Funds
SwindonInternational Computers and Tabulators2 × I.C.T. PCC1957Workshop paybills.
CreweInternational Computers and Tabulators3 × I.C.T. PCC1959Workshop paybills.
Western Region CardiffEnglish ElectricKDN 21962Control of freight rolling stock.
PaddingtonInternational Computers and TabulatorI.C.T. 10041963Western Region paybills and freight accounting.
BristolInternational Computers and TabulatorI.C.T. 10041963Western Region paybills and freight accounting.
ReadingHoneywell3 × H. 2001966Western Region paybills and freight accounting.
TRANSPORT HOLDING CO.
Scottish Bus GroupHoneywellH. 2001965Payroll, traffic analysis.operation statistics.
Thos. Cook & Son Ltd.International Business MachinesI.B.M. 14011963Sales reports, statistics, accounting and payroll.
B.E.A.
West London Air TerminalSperry Rand2 × Univac 4901965Scat reservation (other applications under development).
RuislipInternational Computers and TabulatorsI.C.T. 11001961Accounting.
RuislipInternational Computers and TabulatorsI.C.T. 19021965Stock control, costing.
B.O.A.C
London Airport,MiddlesexInternational Business MachinesI.B.M. 14011963Accounting, flight operation.
London Airport,MiddlesexInternational Business MachinesI.B.M. 14101964Accounting, flight operation.
B.B.C.
London. W.1ElliottElliott 8031962Audience statistics, engineering calculations.
London, W.1International Computers and TabulatorsI.C.T. 15001964Accounting.
Lcndon, W.1International Computers and TabulatorsI.C.T. 15001962Accounting.
London, W.1International Computers and TabulatorL.C.T. 19001966Audience statistics, sound broadcasting, studio scheduling.
G.P.O.
LondonNational Cash RegisterNational Elliott4051959Pay, pensions and statistics.
LondonNational Cash RegisterNational Elliott4051959Pay, pensions and statistics.
LondonEnglish Electric-Leo-MarconiLeo 3261965Accounting, billing and vehicle scheduling.
LondonElliottElliott 8031961Scientific calculations.
LondonInternational Computers and TabulatorsI.C.T. 12011958Stock control.
Goonhilly DownElliottElliott 8031962Aerial control for satellite tracking.
Lytham St. AnnesEnglish Electric-Leo-MarconiLeo 3261966Accounting.
LondonEnglish Electric-Leo-MarconiLeo 3261966Accounting and billing.

LocationManufacturerName of ComputerDate installedApplication
LondonEnglish Electric-Leo-MarconiLeo 3261966Programme testing.
London U.K.A.E.A.ElliottElliott 5031965Engineering research.
CulhamInternational Business MachinesI.B.M. 14011962Input/Output editing for STRETCH.
CulhamEnglish Electric-Leo-MarconiK.D.F. 91965Scientific calculations and cost control.
HarwellInternational Business MachinesI.B.M. 14011962Input/Output editing for STRETCH.
HarwellDigital Equipment CorporationP.D.P. 41964Scientific calculations.
HarwellInternational Computers and TabulatorsI.C.T. 13001965Accounting.
HarwellDigital Equipment CorporationP.D.P. 81966Control of triple axis spectrometer.
HarwellDigital Equipment CorporationP.D.P. 81966Scientific calculations.
HarwellDigital Equipment CorporationP.D.P. 81966Scientific calculations.
A.W.R.E.Digital Equipment CorporationP.D.P. 81966For use with the HERALD reactor.
A.W.R.E.Digital Equipment CorporationP.D.P. 71966For use with Van de Graaf Particle accelerator.
A.W.R.E.International Business MachinesI.B.M. 14011961Research and development.
A.W.R.E.International Business MachinesI.B.M. 7030 (STRETCH)1962Research and development.
A.W.R.E.International Business MachinesI.B.M. 14601965Accounting.
A.W.R.E.Electronic AssociatesPACE 231. R1961Analysis of data on detection programme.
A.W.R.E.Electronic AssociatesPACE TR. 101962Analysis of data on detection programme.
A.W.R.E.Electronic AssociatesPACE TR. 101963Analysis of data on detection programme.
A.W.R.E.Electronic AssociatesPACE TR. 481964Analysis of data on detection programme.
A.W.R.E.Electronic AssociatesPACE 231. R.MK. V.1965Analysis of data on detection programme.
A.W.R.E.International Computers and TabulatorsI.C.T. ATLAS 21965Research and development.
WinfrithElectronic AssociatesPACE 231. R.1959Design and development calculations for nuclear plant.
WinfrithInternational Business MachinesI.B.M. 14011962Design and development calculations for nuclear plant.
WinfrithEnglish Electric-Leo-MarconiEE-L-M KDF 91965Design and development calculations for nuclear plant.
RisleyInternational Computers and TabulatorsI.C.T. Mercury1958Design and development calculations for nuclear plant.
RisleyElectronic AssociatesPACE 231. R.1959Design and development calculations for nuclear plant.
RisleyInternational Business MachinesI.B.M. 70901960Design and development calculations for nuclear plant.
RisleyInternational Business MachinesI.B.M. 14011963Accounting.
RisleyInternational Business MachinesI.B.M. 360/301966Design and development calculations for nuclear plant.

LocationManufacturerName of ComputerDate installedApplication
FoulnessElectronic AssociatesPACE 221. R.>1963Analysis of data on detection programme.
windscaleInternational Business MachinesI.B.M. 1620>1961Design and development calculations for nuclear plant.
CapennurstEnglish Electric-Leo-MarconiDEUCE (MARK H)>1959Plant control, accounting and scientific calculations.
Calder HallElliottElliott 803>1960Data logging.
DounreayElliottElliott 803>1962Accounting.

NATIONAL COAL BOARD

Scottish Division
EdinburghAssociated Electrical IndustriesA.E.I. 1010>1963Accounting and management statistics.
EdinburghInternational Computers and TabulatorsA.E.I. 1010>1965Accounting and management statistics
Northumberland and Durham Division
GatesheadInternational Computers and TabulatorsI.C.T. 1301>1963Accounting and management statistics.
GatesheadInternational Computers and TabulatorsI.C.T. 1301>1963Accounting and management statistics.
GatesheadInternational Computers and TabulatorsI.C.T. 1301>1965Accounting and management statistics.
Yorkshire Division
DoncasterInternational Computers and TabulatorsI.C.T. 1101>1964Accounting and management statistics.
DoncasterInternational Computers and TabulatorsI.C.T. 1101>1965Accounting and management statistics.
DoncasterInternational Computers and TabulatorsI.C.T. 1904>1966Accounting and management statistics.
North Western Division
Lowton, Near LeighAssociated Electrical IndustriesA.E.I. 1010>1964Accounting and management statistics.
East Midlands Division
MansfieldInternational Business MachinesI.B.M. 1401>1963Accounting and management statistics.
MansfieldInternational Business MachinesI.B.M. 1401>1964Accounting and management statistics.
MansfieldInternational Business MachinesI.B.M. 1401>1965Accounting and management statistics.
West Midlands Division
CannockInternational Business MachinesI.B.M. 1401>1963Accounting, management, statistics, central records.
CannockInternational Business MachinesI.B.M. 1401>1963Accounting, management, statistics, central records.
CannockInternational Business MachinesI.B.M. 1401>1963Accounting, management, statistics, central records.
CannockInternational Business MachinesI.B.M. 1401>1965Accounting, management, statistics, central records.
CannockInternational Business MachinesI.B.M. 360/50>1966Management information applications and service bureau work.
South Western Division
Ystrad Mynach,HengoedInternational Business MachinesI.B.M. 1401>1963Accounting and management statistics.
Ystrad Mynach,HengoedInternational Business MachinesI.B.M. 1401>1964Accounting and management statistics.
Ystrad Mynach, HengoedInternational Business MachinesI.B.M. 1401>1965Accounting and management statistics.

LocationManufacturerName of ComputerDate installedApplication
LondonInternational Business MachinesI.B.M. 1401 G.1964Editing and summarisation of medical data.
ELECTRICITY BOARDS
LondonInternational Business MachinesI.B.M. 14011962Accounting, billing etc.
LondonInternational Business MachinesI.B.M. 14011962Accounting, billing etc.
LondonInternational Business MachinesI.B.M. 14601965Accounting, billing etc
LondonInternational Computers and TabulatorsI.C.T. 15001964Accounting billing, etc.

Southern

Southall, Middx.ElliottElliott 803 A1960Accounting, billing, etc.
Newbury, Berks.ElliottElliott 803 B1962Accounting, billing, etc.
South Western
PlymouthInternational Business MachinesI.B.M. 14011963Accounting, billing, engineering, calculations.
PlymouthInternational Business MachinesI.B.M. 14601965Accounting, billing, engineering, calculations.

Eastern

International Computers and TabulatorsI.C.T. 13011965Billing.
HoneywellH. 1800 III1965Accounting, billing and engineering.

East Midlands

LeicesterInternational Business MachinesI.B.M. 14011964Accounting, billing, etc.

Midlands

Machines International BusinessI.B.M. 1410 A with 1401 satellite.1965Accounting, billing, etc.

South Wales

International Business MachinesI.B.M. 360/40 G1966Accounting, billing and commercial engineering.

Merseyside and North Wales

ChesterInternational Computers and TabulatorsI.C.T. 13011963Accounting, billing, etc.

Yorkshire

LeedsEnglish Electric-Leo-MarconiK.D.F. 81962Billing, etc.
LeedsEnglish Electric-Leo-MarconiK.D.F. 81965Accounting, etc.

North Eastern

NewcastleInternational Computers and TabulatorsI.C.T. 13011964Accounting, billing and costing.
NewcastleInternational Computers and TabulatorsI.C.T. 13011964Accounting, billing and costing.
Thornaby-on-TeesInternational Computers and TabulatorsI.C.T. 10041964Accounting, billing and costing.
HarrogateInternational Computers and TabulatorsI.C.T. 10041965Accounting, billing and costing.

North Western

Manchester AreaInternational Business MachinesI.B.M. 14011962Accounting, billing, stock control, engineering calculations.
Bolton AreaInternational Business MachinesI.B.M. 14011963Accounting, billing, stock control, engineering calculations.
Oldham AreaInternational Business MachinesI.B.M. 14011963Accounting, billing, stock control, engineering calculations.
Preston AreaInternational Business MachinesI.B.M. 14011962Accounting, billing, stock control, engineering calculations.
Blackburn AreaInternational Business MachinesI.B.M. 14011962Accounting, billing, stock control, engineering calculations.

LocationManufacturerName of ComputerDate installedApplication
LocationInternational Computers and TabulatorsI.C.T. 15001963Accounting

South of Scotland

EdinburghInternational Computers and TabulatorsI.C.T. 15001963Accounting
GlasgowInternational Computers and TabulatorsI.C.T. 15001963Accounting
C.E.G.B.
LondonInternational Business MachinesI.B.M. 14011961Design calculations, coal distribution.
LondonInternational Business MachinesI.B.M. 7094 (MARK II)1964Simulation of automatic control of the grid and payroll.
LondonInternational Computers and TabulatorsI.C.T. 15001963Scientific and engineering calculations, payroll and costing.
LondonInternational Computers and TabulatorsI.C.T. 15001964Accounting, scientific and engineering, calculations.
West Thurrock, EssexInternational Computers and TabulatorsI.C.T. Argus 2001964On-line control of generating plant.
CroydonElliottElliott Arch1964Combustion research.
BristolInternational Business MachinesI.B.M. 14011963Accounting and engineering calculations.
BristolInternational Computers and TabulatorsI.C.T. Argus 2001965Research.
Oldbury, GloucesterAssociated Electrical IndustriesA.E.I. 10401964Alarm analysis.
LeedsInternational Computers and Tabulators2 × I.C.T. 15001964Accounting, scientific and engineering calculations.
Bramhall, CheshireInternational Computers and TabulatorsI.C.T. 15001964Accounting, scientific and engineering calculations.
BirminghamInternational Computers and TabulatorsAccounting, scientific and engineering calculations.
Barnet, HertfordshireElectronic AssociatesPACE 231 R1965Research.
LondonElectronic AssociatesPACE 231 R1959Research.
LondonInternational Business MachinesI.B.M. 360/301966Simulation of automatic control of the grid and payroll.
RICHARD THOMAS & BALDWIN LTD.
NewportElliottElliott 8031961Quality control, costing operational research, scientific calculations, etc.
NewportElliottElliott 8031962Finishing and scheduler for steel plant, slabbing mill and hot strip mill.
NewportElliottElliott 8031962Ingot and slab controller, data collection and display in steel plant, slabbing mill and hot strip mill.
NewportGeneral ElectricG.E. 4121963Process control in hot mill.
ScunthorpeHoneywellHoneywell 2001965Accounting and Management statistics.

LocationManufacturerName of ComputerDate installedApplication
GAS BOARDS
ScottishInternational Computers and TabulatorsI.C.T. 15001965
NorthernInternational Business MachinesI.B.M. 14011965
North WesternNational Cash RegisterNational Elliott 4051958
North WesternNational Cash RegisterNational Elliott 4051961
North EasternInternational Computers and TabulatorsI.C.T. 19031966Customer billing, accounting, payroll, stock records and increasingly operational applications, e.g. distribution network analysis.
East MidlandsInternational Business MachinesI.B.M. 1440/14601965
West MidlandsInternational Computers and TabulatorsI.C.T. 19041966
WalesBurroughsB. 2831964
EasternInternational Business MachinesI.B.M. 14011964
SouthernInternational Computers and TabulatorsI.C.T. 13011963
SouthernInternational Computers and TabulatorsI.C.T. 13011965
South WesternEnglish Electric-Leo-MarconiE.E.L.M. Leo III1965

COMPUTERS ON ORDER

Location

Manufacturer

Name of Computer

Date installed

Application

TRANSPORT HOLDING CO.
Thos. Cooke & SonsInternational Business MachinesI.B.M. 360/301967Accounting, payroll, sales control, tours operations and information service.
British Road ServicesInternational Computers and TabulatorsI.C.T. 19021967Payroll, accounting, statistics, traffic flows and details of market.
B.O.A.C.International Business Machines2 × I.B.M. 360/651967Passenger seat reservations, passenger check-in and weight and balance
G.P.O.
PortsmouthEnglish Electric-Leo-MarconiLeo 3261966Regional A.D.P.
DerbyEnglish Electric-Leo-MarconiLeo 3261966Regional A.D.P.
EdinburghEnglish Electric-Leo-MarconiLeo 3261967Regional A.D.P.
U.K.A.E.A.
WindscaleInternational Business MachinesI.B.M. 360/301966Scientific applications.
AldermastonInternational Business MachinesI.B.M. 360/301966Central computer complex.
AldermastonDigital Equipment CorporationP.D.P. 81966Movement control of fissile material.
HarwellDigital Equipment CorporationP.D.P. 81966Input and output for computing service.
HarwellDigital Equipment CorporationP.D.P. 81966Multi-channel analysis in pile neutron research.
HarwellInternational Business MachinesI.B.M. 360/301966Off-line input and output for computing service.
HarwellElliott AutomationElliott CPU 931967Control and data acquisition from four X-Ray diffracto-meters.
HarwellInternational Business MachinesI.B.M. 360/671967/1968High speed scientific computation.
AldermastonFerrantiArgus 4001966For use with VERA critical assembly machine.

Location

Manufacturer

Name of Computer

Date installed

Application

CulhamDigital Equipment CorporationP.D.P. 81966On-line pilot experiment.
N.C.B.
Northumberland and DurhamInternational Computers and TabulatorsI.C.T. 19041966Accounting and man agement statistics.
YorkshireInternational Computers and TabulatorsI.C.T. 19041966Accounting and management statistics.
ELECTRICITY BOARDS
LondonInternational Computers and TabulatorsI.C.T. 19041968Accounting and Billing etc.
S.E.HoneywellH 800 III1967Accounting and commercial engineering.
S.W.International Business MachinesI.B.M. 360/40 G1966Accounting, Super-annuation and Engineering.
East MidlandsEnglish Electric—Leo-MarconiSystem 4/501968Accounting and Billing etc.
MidlandsInternational Business MachinesI.B.M. 360/301966Accounting, Billing and Engineering.
MidlandsInternational Business MachinesI.B.M. 360/501967Accounting, Billing and Engineering.
North WesternEnglish Electric—Leo-MarconiSystem 4/701967Accounting, Billing and Engineering.
C.E.G.B.
BristolInternational Business MachinesI.B.M. 360/301966Accounting, Scientific and Engineering calculation.
HeadquartersInternational Business MachinesI.B.M. 360/751966Simulation of Grid, Scientific and Engineering calculation.
RICHARD THOMAS & BALDWIN LTD.
NewportInternational Business MachinesI.B.M. 360/401967Production control and scheduling work.
NewportInternational Business MachinesI.B.M. 360/201967Accounting routines.
GAS COUNCIL
Northern Gas BoardInternational Business MachinesI.B.M. 3601966Customer billing, accounting, payroll, stock records and Increasingly operational applications. e.g. distribution network analysis.
Eastern Gas BoardInternational Computers and TabulatorsI.C.T. 1904/41966
N. Thames Gas BoardInternational Computers and TabulatorsI.C.T. 19041966
S.E. Gas BoardHoneywellH 800 III1966