asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make a statement on the constitutional position in Mauritius, following the publication of the Banwell Report.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will make a statement about the implementation of the Banwell Commission Report on Mauritius, arising out of the visit of the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies to the Colony earlier this week.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make a statement about the visit of the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State to Mauritius for the purpose of assessing public reaction to the findings of the Ban-well Commission Report.

My hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State is now discussing the report in Mauritius and it is early yet to think of any statement.

Does the right hon. Gentleman adhere to his previous statement in the House that he accepts this Commission's report? Is he also considering the possibility of a referendum and the effect which these discussions are likely to have on the date of independence?

As I have intimated to the House, my hon. Friend is now out there. I hope that he will not be there much longer. I would prefer not to say any more at the moment.

Does the right hon. Gentleman think that there is any prospect of compromise within the framework of the Banwell Commission proposals, which he has already accepted in principle? If so, would he consider holding further talks with the leaders of political opinion in Mauritius soon so as to prevent any delay in the independence date?

The hon. Gentleman is right. We are looking at the general content of Banwell and it will be helpful if my hon. Friend is able to get agreement. If he is not, we shall have to reconsider the position.

Is it not a fact that the Mauritius Parliament have formed a coalition Government since the election, of the Labour Party, the Muslim Party and the Independence bloc, who are deeply shocked by the findings of the Commission; further, that the only party in opposition, the Parti Mauricien, which is usually termed the "capitalist bourgeoisie", is delighted? Would my right hon. Friend consider convening a conference in London to look at the whole matter?

It is difficult to add to what I have said. There was a conference in London some time ago which did not make much progress on this issue.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what action he is taking to provide adequate funds for the building of the new capital city in British Honduras.

As stated when approval of this project was announced in March, 1965, the cost is estimated to be of the order of £4 million and the major part of this will be provided (subject to Parliamentary approval) from grants and loans made available by Her Majesty's Government.

When will the right hon. Gentleman expedite this? This territory up to date has been fairly peaceful. Regrettably, there have been several riots, not connected with this, but the Honduras have never been the same since Hurricane Hattie, and I should have thought that a new capital would give the people fresh inspiration for the future.

The Premier was over here some time ago, when arrangements were made about the kind of development which we are now seeing. He discussed questions of finance with the Ministry of Overseas Development. I do not think that I can add anything at the moment.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what effect the recent further restrictions on commercial relations between Gibraltar and Spain have had on the territory's economy; and in the circumstances what further assistance Great Britain proposes to offer to Gibraltar.

As I said in reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Goole (Mr. Jeger) on 23rd June, the reports of further restrictions have been denied by the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The reports themselves affected some businesses in Gibraltar, but the Governor is not in a position to assess the effects exactly. As regards the second part of the Question, I have nothing to add to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Minister for Overseas Development gave to the hon. Member for Surbiton (Mr. Fisher) on 28th June.

I thank my right hon. Friend for that reply. Would he not agree that the territory of Gibraltar is today being subjected to an economic and psychological cold war campaign by the Government of Spain? Should we not make absolutely sure that whatever happens the people of Gibraltar do not suffer as a result of this?

I think that is a little outside the terms of the Question. All I was asked was about the present position, and I know of no further deterioration.

Are the Government continuing discussions with the Spanish Government about Gibraltar, and are these new restrictions being raised?

The Government will continue the discussions and in general the question of restrictions will be raised and continue to be raised.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what constitutional changes are proposed for Gibraltar.

As the hon. Member was informed on the 18th November 1965, it is the view of Her Majesty's Government, which is shared by the elected members of the Gibraltar Legislative Council, that further constitutional advances are not at present desirable.

Is the Minister aware that what the people of Gibraltar want is an assurance that their children and their children's children will remain British and that this can be given only by a change in the constitution? Will he agree that the only alternatives are integration or free association with this country?

I have reminded the hon. Member that the present constitution came into force only in August, 1964, and the Legislative Council has itself expressed satisfaction with it. I am not unmindful of the feelings of the people of Gibraltar on the matter to which he has referred.

In the continuing conversations with the Spanish Government, will the right hon. Gentleman confirm that there can be no question whatever of ceding any sovereignty in Gibraltar against the wishes of the local inhabitants?

That is more properly a question for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs. [HON. MEMBERS: "No."]—Oh, yes, the question of relationship with a foreign Power is not for the Secretary of State for the Colonies, but we are not unmindful of the comments which the right hon. Member has made.

Surely the right hon. Gentleman must be concerned with the well-being of people in the Colonies? Surely he can give an absolutely straight answer on this fundamental point?

The right hon. Member knows that I am in constant touch with the Chief Minister and Governor of Gibraltar. I am well aware of the opinions of the Gibraltarians and I have great sympathy with their point of view.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what recent information he has received from the Colonial Office in Gibraltar on the imposition of further restrictions at the Spanish frontier.

I invite my hon. Friend's attention to the reply which I gave him on 23rd June and to the further information which my hon. Friend the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs gave yesterday in reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Harrow, East (Mr. Roebuck).

Would not my right hon. Friend agree that the information he gave me last week in reply to my Question had as its source Spanish propaganda bulletins and not information from our Colonial Office representatives in Gibraltar? Would he not regard the latter as more reliable and please answer my Question?

I thought I had answered the Question. I confirm again that there has been no case since 17th June of any person being refused permission to take small quantities of goods through Algeciras.

Does not my right hon. Friend think, in view of these further restrictions imposed on British subjects in Gibraltar, that these talks with the Franco Government should be brought to an end?

I have said that since 17th June I know of no restrictions which have been added to the present ones.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what it is they are talking about at such length?

I think it is the preliminaries of discussion as to what they are going to talk about later.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many school pupils in Bechuanaland qualified last year for secondary education; how many of these pupils were able to secure places at secondary schools; how many qualified teachers there are at the secondary schools; and how many of these teachers are expatriates.

The figures are: 1,539; 535; 47; and 42. There are in addition seven A level volunteer teachers.

Would not my right hon. Friend agree that on the eve of independence this is a very sad state illustrating the dependence on external assistance? Can he assure us that in talks about independence there has been consideration of stepping up educational facilities in Bechuanaland?

As my hon. Friend knows, internal self-government has been with Bechuanaland since March last year. There is a question of priorities which that Government decide upon. I do not know that we can affect that at this stage.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what is the present staff strength of the Community Development Department in Bechuanaland; and now many additional staff are required to introduce a viable programme throughout the territory.

Two Community Development officers, six assistant Community Development officers and 18 Community Development assistants. Ideally, the Bechuanaland Government would like to have an additional 92 trained village workers plus the necessary supervisory staff.

Will my right hon. Friend agree that the building up of central administration in Bechuanaland must be reflected in a building up of administrative resources at local and provincial level? Can he give evidence of what support we are giving in this respect?

I agree with the general proposition my hon. Friend puts to us. The administrative costs of the Food for Work scheme will be met from CD. and W. funds. Talks will be held in London next month on financial aid to Bechuanaland after independence.

Will my right hon. Friend accept the general view in Africa that Africanisation of the Civil Service and services of this kind is important, and no more important than here in view of the contiguity of South Africa? Will he look at this matter particularly bearing in mind Question No. 7?

We are helping in every way we can, and will continue to do so. Three administrative officers and eight executive officers are being employed in the organisation of famine relief projects.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will make a statement about the constitutional conference on Barbados.

The conference is still in progress. I hope to be able to make a statement next week.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether he favours elections before independence or after independence, bearing in mind that elections are due very shortly in the Colony anyway, as he knows, and that this is a very controversial point both in Barbados at present and, I understand, at his own constitutional conference?

It is a point which has not escaped the attention of delegates at the conference. I would not at this stage like to add anything which might make the conference more difficult to pursue.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why Dr. J. Cairns, a member of the Australian Parliament, was not allowed to address public meetings on his visit to Fiji.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware of the restrictions recently placed upon Dr. J. F. Cairns, a Member of the Australian House of Representatives, by the Governor of Fiji; by what authority the Governor acted; and whether he will make a statement.

Dr. Cairns was restricted under the Immigration Ordinance from holding public protest meetings against the French nuclear tests. The Fiji Government considered such meetings would have caused unnecessary alarm in view of Fiji's distance from the test area.

Will the Colonial Secretary not agree that it is not a crime to protest against nuclear tests? Could he tell the Governor that this ban on an Australian Labour M.P. was without any justification?

My hon. Friend may like to know that Dr. Cairns arrived in Fiji on 29th May without notifying the Governor of an intention to hold any public meeting.

asked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs if he will replace the existing incomes norm of 3 to 3½ per cent. with two norms, one of 2 per cent. for the majority and one of 5 per cent. for those whose increase in income has fallen behind the average.

No, Sir. Since the figure of 3–3½ per cent. is an average it takes account of the need for variations.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the real danger to the prices and incomes policy will arise not from the feeble attacks of hon. Members opposite but from any failure by the Government to act with vigour and determination in the interests of lower-paid workers?

Yes, Sir, I have that point very much in mind.

Would the First Secretary bear in mind that the real problem here is not one of restricting incomes but of increasing productivity? Can he tell the House when the Government's proposals for a national productivity conference are likely to be implemented, and what encouragement is being given to the formation of productivity committees at all levels of industry?

On the first point, I think that that is an over-simplification. It is not as simple as all that. There are, after all, very many workers whose contribution to productivity is not measurable in the way that other people's are. There are many people, particularly in the public services, who must be looked after in another way. As to the rest of his question, we are at the moment consulting the T.U.C, and the C.B.I, and the National Economic Development Office about the arrange- ments for holding that conference, and I hope to be able to give a more detailed answer very soon.

asked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs whether he is satisfied with recent results of the Government's prices and incomes policy; and if he will make a statement.

I shall very shortly lay proposals for legislation before the House. I shall also be discussing with both sides of industry ways of making the agreed policy more effective.

Does the First Secretary regard the recent settlement with the seamen as being within the aims of his incomes policy?

We have made that clear throughout the discussions that have gone on in connection with this matter. The Pearson Committee inquiry, among other things, had terms of reference that clearly covered this, and we have made it clear that in our view the recommendations on which the dispute was ultimately settled were not only fair, reasonable and just, but in the interests of the seamen, the shipowners and the nation.

How does my right hon. Friend see the incomes policy in relation to the settlement for the doctors and that for the seamen? Does he not think that these two settlements are incompatible and show that the prices and incomes policy is not working in the manner in which my right hon. Friend intimated to the House?

No, Sir. I do not see it that way at all. In the case of the doctors, as in the case of the seamen, and as in other cases, the issues were considered by an independent body whose views were in turn considered by the Government against the background of the policy. I think that the decision in each case can be held to be in accordance with it. I must point out to my hon. Friend that so long as we have a society in which rewards differ according to the work which one performs, then one is bound to get differing adjudications in matters of this kind.

Can the First Secretary expand a little on the first part of his main Answer for the convenience of the House? Does he expect, for example, to get to the Second Reading before the Summer Recess?

I do not think that that is a question for me. It should be put to the Leader of the House.

Despite pressure from both sides of the House and from outside, will the First Secretary give a promise that he will not abandon this policy, as it is the only hope of economic salvation for this nation?

In return for my giving the hon. Gentleman that promise, which I gladly do, can I have a promise from him that he will try to get his hon. and right hon. Friends to help me more?

asked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs to what extent it is still the Government's policy to insist on the right to organise the United Kingdom economy, including control of immigration and the movement of capital, and planning for social purposes, as among the conditions for entering the Common Market.

We shall certainly ensure that our interests are safeguarded on these points.

Is not my right hon. Friend aware that the Rome Treaty prohibits any government control of the flow of capital or movement of labour between the members of the European Economic Community and, furthermore, rules out public ownership and planning harnessed to social priorities and purposes? Will my right hon. Friend give an assurance that the Government will resist any such restrictions on our rights to plan our economy?

I do not take the view that the Treaty of Rome limits our freedom to plan our economy, but the whole question of these issues which the hon. Gentleman raises are among those which we are now studying and on which we must be ready with answers when the moment comes.

While recognising that the Government will have to negotiate certain safeguards for British and Commonwealth interests, can the right hon. Gentleman assure us that it is not the Government's intention to make conditions which would be inconsistent with the basic principles and institutions of the Treaty of Rome? Would he consider publishing the speech made the other day by the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster at the W.E.U. meeting, which I understand contained a statement of the British Government's requirements?

Certainly. The speech made by my right hon. Friend at the W.E.U. meeting was in accord with previous statements made in this House and with my Stockholm speech. I will certainly put to him the suggestion made by the right hon. Gentleman on the other matters. It is certainly our intention to see that arrangements are made to safeguard our own proper and essential national interests, as well as others, which arise—for example, those of other Commonwealth members. We must bear in mind that every country which is a member of the Economic Community took very great care and spent a good deal of time in looking after its own essential interests before it joined. I do not believe that anyone would expect Britain to do any differently.

Before the Chancellor of the Duchy makes another speech at the Western European Union or elsewhere, would my right hon. Friend convey to him the details in this Question which he finds acceptable?

If my right hon. Friend will read the speech of my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Duchy he will find no need for any alarm or disturbance on his part. While we will keep the closest contact with my right hon. Friend and other hon. Friends, I do not think that I can go so far as to say that no Minister will ever make a speech until he has had it cleared in all quarters of the House.

asked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs whether he will take the initiative in the Economic Commission for Europe of the United Nations to make that body the connecting link between the European Free Trade Association and the European Economic Community in the West, and Comecon in the East, in order to promote East-West trade and all-European co-operation on such matters as investment, banking and finance, transport and communications and the distribution of power.

I do not think that such an initiative would be fruitful.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that many of us on these benches would much prefer the Government to make a real effort, through the United Nations, to tie the whole of Europe together in a network of common interest rather than to try to muscle into the capitalist, cold-war west end of Europe and thereby perpetuate the division of Europe?

I certainly do not accept the words with which my hon. Friend poses the problem. I am bound to say that tying the whole of Europe together in the way that he described would be a formidable undertaking at the moment.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that many of us on this side of the House look towards our entry into the Common Market as a first step and do not exclude that we can continue from there to join a wider Europe?

I am obliged to my hon. Friend. He will remember that at Stockholm I was at some pains to point out that in our view Europe does not end where the Communist countries begin.

asked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs when he will introduce legislation to set up the Industrial Reorganisation Corporation.

Very soon.

Can we have an assurance from the First Secretary that the proposed I.R.C. will be used to advance the national interest and will not be used as a means of advancing Socialist dogma by bringing in nationalisation by the back door, especially nationalisation of the aircraft industry?

All that I do is, of course, in the national interests. The hon. Gentleman must lose his obsession with the idea that anything which cannot be labelled Conservative dogma is thereby not in the national interest.

asked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs if he will publish an annual review of progress under the National Plan.

My present intention is to publish a review of progress under the National Plan this autumn. There will, of course, be further reviews published later.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that we on this side of the House welcome the statement this afternoon? Is he further aware that we regard it as indispensable to the democratic economic planning for him to keep the National Plan under continuous annual review both in the country and in this House?

I am much obliged.

Can the First Secretary say whether this annual review is based on new information, obtained by questionnaire or in other ways from industry, or is it a report of the follow-up through the "Little Neddies" and other bodies?

I was very careful not to tie myself to there necessarily being an annual review. Whereas one wishes to keep a plan under regular review, one does not want everyone's attention so taken up with reviewing it that they have not much time left to implement it. As to the review which we are making this year, industry has been consulted and we are now collecting the results of that consultation. The review did not take the form of a full-scale questionnaire, as was the case last year.

Has the First Secretary noticed that the payroll tax cuts right across the National Plan?

There is a Question down on that subject later, but in any case I have not noticed what the hon. Gentleman said.

asked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs if he proposes to include dividend distribution in the forthcoming legislation setting up an early warning procedure for prices and incomes.

I would ask my hon. Friend to await the publication of the Bill.

May I draw my right hon. Friend's attention to the fact that, between 1960–65. whereas productivity rose by 14 per cent. dividend distribution rose by 59 per cent.? May I also draw my right hon. Friend's attention to the fact that there is no realistic prospect of a successful incomes policy being launched which does not cover unearned income?

I have made it clear from the very beginning that the present productivity, prices and incomes policy, unlike some previous attempts, is concerned with all forms of income, however they arise. I have said many times that I deplore the increased dividend payments, particularly in the earlier part of this year, and the Chancellor and I have not only said but shown that we are ready to take action where that seems to be required.

asked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs what instructions are given to the members of Her Majesty's Government, when referring wage or salary claims or price increases to the National Board for Prices and Incomes, with regard to drafting the terms of reference so as to enable the Board to produce a properly considered report.

The terms of reference are carefully drafted to enable the Board to produce properly considered reports.

Has the right hon. Gentleman noticed the Board's Report on Scottish teachers' salaries, and has he particularly noticed that the Board pointed out that the terms of reference of this reference were in flat contradiction to the Government's economic policy? If the right hon. Gentleman's colleagues do not observe the incomes policy, how-can he expect private industry to do so?

First, I noted the Report. Secondly, it does not contain what the hon. Gentleman said it contains. Thirdly, all of us are observing the policy.

asked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs what estimate he has made of the effects of British military expenditure overseas on the implementation of the National Plan.

As my hon. Friend knows, the Government have decided to restrict the Defence Budget in 1969–70 to the equivalent of the total in the 1964–65 Estimates and within that total to bring about an absolute reduction in that part which is incurred overseas. This is taken account of in the National Plan.

Is it not a fact that the purchase of military aircraft from America was undertaken after the publication of the National Plan and, furthermore, the meeting of the targets in the National Plan was based on an estimated national growth of about 4 per cent. which we are nothing like achieving? If this is the case, how can we expect to meet the targets in housing, hospitals, schools, and so on, unless we make further reductions in defence expenditure?

I take a more optimistic view than my hon. Friend of the prospects of achieving the targets in the National Plan. But in any review of the plan which takes place from time to time, we shall take account of all new factors which have arisen, including any relating to defence expenditure.

On what factors does the hon. Gentleman base his more optimistic view of the future?

I hold a more optimistic view than that of my hon. Friend the Member for Fife, West (Mr. William Hamilton) that the targets in the plan might not be achieved. There is a very good prospect that by 1970 we shall do as well as we expected.

Is it not a fact that in the Government's report on the economic situation of 26th October, 1964, it was said that we should not be able to pay for our economic and social policies unless we cut defence expenditure below the then sum of £2,000 million, even after the increase in the gross national product had attained 4 per cent. a year. As we have barely attained 2 per cent. and are still maintaining defence expenditure at the level of £2,000 million, how does my hon. Friend expect our plan to succeed?

The achievements of the targets in the plan are related to things other than simply defence expenditure, but, as I have said, we have this question very much in mind and we shall endeavour to make sure that what we have to spend, for other and defensible reasons, on defence overseas will be allowed for in the National Plan.

Is the hon. Gentleman really saying that in the light of the most recent figures published he thinks that the target for the increase in industrial production will be reached?

I am saying that I think that these targets will be reached. We recognised that in the earlier part of the plan period it would be more difficult to achieve a high rate of annual growth.

asked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs, in view of the savings to be gained by realistic stock control, if he will urge the industrial boards to publish their own booklets on the lines of, "Gold—in your hands", prepared by the Economic Development Committee for the distributive trades.

The need to publish booklets of this kind is very much a matter for the judgment of each economic development committee.

Is my hon. Friend aware that many millions of £s could be saved by realistic stock control throughout industry? Would he comment on the fact that many managements are extremely inefficient because they fail to recognise this fact, and will he consider the possibility of introducing some method whereby people could have this information?

I agree with my hon. Friend. The National Economic Development Council asked the Economic Development Committee in 1964 to discuss the whole question of the levels of stocks.

asked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs what discussions he has had with the representatives of the paper-making industry on the implementation of the National Plan in those regions where they are engaged in production.

My right hon. Friend maintains close contact with the work of the industry towards its Plan targets through his representative on the Paper and Board Economic Development Committee.

Would my hon. Friend ask his right hon. Friend to have discussions with the Inveresk Paper Group, which proposes to cease paper production at its paper mill at Rawlcliffe, thereby throwing 200 of my constituents out of work? This will undoubtedly affect local regional development. Will my hon. Friend take up this matter with the firm concerned?

I will certainly take up the matter.

asked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs what changes he will make in the National Plan forecasts for the distributive trades and the service industries to allow for the effect of the Selective Employment Tax.

The effects of this tax are among the factors being considered in the review of the National Plan. It is too early to say what precise changes will be made.

Is my hon. Friend aware that the distributive trades have cooperated very fully with him and his Department in working towards the fulfilment of the National Plan and that they have been much discouraged by the Selective Employment Tax? Could not he utter a word of encouragement to them?

I fully understand my hon. Friend's concern. I know that he has taken the opportunity to raise the matter in the debates on the Finance Bill. We shall watch the effects of this tax. We hope very much that it will not in any way prevent the distributive trades from reaching the targets which we set them in the National Plan.

asked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs what changes he proposes to make in regional development plans to allow for the effect of the Selective Employment Tax.

None, Sir.

Is my hon. Friend aware that the Selective Employment Tax will work very unevenly in relation to the regions and that the South-West, where there is already unemployment, will be very heavily hit by the contribution which it will have to make to other parts of the country? Is not some such action necessary to help the South-West?

It is certainly bound to have some effect, but we should not exaggerate this. Such estimates as we have suggest that the incidence will range only from about 1½ to 1¾ per cent. on the total wage and salary bill in the South-East and South-West to about ½ per cent. in the West Midlands. Of course, we shall watch the incidence of the tax.

Is it too late for the First Secretary to use his influence with the Chancellor of the Exchequer to try to introduce some element of regional bias into a tax which is particularly suited to bringing a regional influence to bear on our economic affairs?

We have introduced many means of securing balanced regional development in the last 18 months. As the Chancellor of the Exchequer has said on a number of occasions, this is a flexible tax which can be used for a number of good purposes.

What representations has the hon. Gentleman received from the Chairman of the South-West Regional Economic Planning Council on the effects of this tax in areas like Devon and Cornwall? Would he state what he considers the effects will be in Scotland and Mid-Wales?

Advice which we receive from the Economic Planning Councils is confidential. We have looked at the incidence of the tax. It will vary between ½ per cent. and, at the most, 1¾ per cent.

Would my hon. Friend assure us that the regional planning bodies, particularly during the first 12 months, will study very closely any possible effects in the regions so that when the time comes to review the working of this tax the enormous advantage of its flexibility can be used to help the hard-core areas of residual unemployment such as those in the South-West?

I will certainly give that assurance.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what progress he has made in the purchase of the site in Aberdeen for the advance factory announced by him last September; and if he will now specify the site and the use to which he plans to put it

I hope negotiations will shortly be concluded for the purchase of a 10-acre site on the Tullos Estate. This site will be large enough to accommodate both the advance factory announced last September and further factory development as required.

Would my right hon. Friend expedite this matter, having regard to the fact that Aberdeen is a particularly attractive area and to the lack of unemployment, the housing facilities and general social amenities?

I agree with my hon. and learned Friend about Aberdeen. I am hopeful that the advance factory will start building next month, which begins tomorrow.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement on the method of licensing arms contracts arranged by the arms salesman, and also state the number and value of licences granted for the last 12 months, and the countries for which licences were granted.

The normal processes of inter-departmental consultation will continue. Licences for arms and military equipment are issued with due regard to the political, economic, strategic and security implications of each case. It is not the practice to disclose information about such licences.

In the light of that Answer, are there any stipulations that arms sold to America must not be used in Vietnam? Secondly, would it not be better, for many reasons, to stimulate peaceful engineering exports instead?

Of course, as my hon. Friend knows, we are doing a great deal to stimulate peaceful engineering exports all over the world, but the policy in export licensing followed by the Government as far as the arms salesman is concerned will be precisely the same as before—that is to say, that the political decision of the Government will determine what is licensed.

Will the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that arms sold to Australia and New Zealand will be allowed to be used in South Vietnam by Service men of those countries?

That is obviously another question.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what submissions he has received from the shipbuilding industry in respect of the recommendations contained in the Geddes Report.

We have received memoranda setting out the position of the Shipbuilding Conference, the Shipbuilding Employers' Federation and the National Association of Marine Engine Builders, and of the Confederation of Shipbuilding and Engineering Unions.

I thank my hon. Friend for that reply. When he comes to consider the submissions that have been made to him, will he take note of the type of organisation which is now established at Fairfield's in my constituency? Will he regard that as one that ought to be encouraged in a reformed shipbuilding industry?

Yes, Sir.

Is my hon. Friend aware of the very considerable progress being made on Tyneside in the implementation of the Geddes Report, both in the combination of the industry and in better relations between employers and unions?

It is highly commendable that shipbuilding employers, and, in particular, the unions, have responded so quickly and magnificently to the Geddes proposals. This seems to be a start to a change in the industry.

In view of the favourable reception of the Geddes Report by both sides of the industry, will the hon. Gentleman press ahead with its implementation and not allow any delays to creep in?

The Government's appreciation of the Report will be made immediately and we hope to make an announcement next month.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what reply he has sent to the petition signed by 1,025 parents with young children in Laceby, near Grimsby, for the provision immediately of a new school to meet the requirements of this developing district; if he will treat this as a matter of urgency; and if he will make a statement.

My right hon. Friend has replied that it is for the Lindsey Local Education Authority to plan for any additional school places that may be needed in Laceby. Two new classrooms came into use at the beginning of this school year. Increasing numbers in this area may require further building.

But is the Minister of State aware that the local education committee replies that it can only go as far as the Secretary of State will provide the money for it to do the work? Is he further aware that this is desperately urgent because our school population has multiplied fourfold? Will he give the authority the power to carry the work out?

I am conscious of the difficulties to which the hon. Gentleman refers but I draw his attention to the fact that the existing school has 270 places and that the present number on the roll is 253. I admit that new housing in the village will increase the demand, but there is time for the local education authority to decide how the increased numbers should be accommodated and it may submit its proposals to my right hon. Friend.

Owing to the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall seek to raise this matter on the Adjournment at the earliest opportunity.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps have been taken to minimise the possibility of sodium chlorate in a powdered form being used by children to create home-made explosives.

The trade is encouraged to adopt suitable safeguards, such as labelling, and to exercise great care before selling this substance to young people. Suitable publicity is also addressed from time to time to science teachers in schools, and the Inspectors of Explosives constantly draw attention to this problem in their annual reports, in articles in scientific journals and in other ways. However, my right hon. Friend proposes to ask his Standing Advisory Committee on Dangerous Substances to consider as soon as it can, whether any further action might usefully be taken.

While I express my gratitude to the right hon. Lady for that reply, is she aware that 242 injuries to young persons have been caused by this explosive in the last ten years? Would not the simple expedient be not to prevent the making of this explosive but to insist that its sale as a weed killer is only in liquid form?

I have written to the hon. and learned Gentleman about this and, as he knows, to make this into liquid form presents certain difficulties because if it is too much diluted it is no use as a weed killer.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the cost to public funds arising from the 40-year practice of detailing an escort of the Metropolitan Police to accompany delivery of daily Wimbledon tennis results to certain members of the Royal Family; and how many policemen are thereby taken away from their normal duties.

No police escort is provided for the car which, I understand, is itself hired by the All England Lawn Tennis Club. Three police motor cyclists are on general traffic duties during the championships. They do not leave the vicinity of the club.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that, while I am grateful for that reply, I do not think that it is satisfactory? Does not she agree that the police escort was taken off normal police duties and that it would be better for this information to be conveyed through the usual mass media? Will she give an assurance that no other sporting activity receives this privileged treatment?

What happened is that the motor cyclists accompanied the car, in which Princess Marina was travelling, through the crowds. After finishing this duty, they escorted an empty hired car to the Royal entrance, where it was said to be urgently required. Unknown to the police, arrangements had been made between officials and representatives of the Press for a staged photograph to be taken of the car and the messenger used to convey information to the Royal Palaces. The motor cyclists did not leave the vicinity of the Wimbledon ground.