asked the Minister of Aviation what was the total spent by his Department on advertising in the past year; and by what sum he intends to reduce it in the current year as a result of the present economic situation.

The total spent on advertising, including that on civil aviation functions since transferred to the Board of Trade, in the last financial year was £57,600, mainly on staff recruitment. Expenditure in the current year will be a charge to the Vote of the Department to which the functions of the Ministry of Aviation are transferred and will be determined by recruitment needs. I would however not expect any significant reduction while strengths are below complement.

asked the Minister of Aviation whether he will publish a table

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what steps he is taking to secure British

I have arranged for a copy of a comprehensive schedule of pence per mile rates compiled by the British European Airways Corporation from the Air Transport Licensing Board Tariff to be placed in the Library.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what were the casualty figures month by month for the last year of British troops in Borneo; how many have suffered from tropical disease in this period; how many have suffered from jungle accidents such as snake bites; and what is being done for the welfare of British troops in Borneo.

Following is the latest information:—participation in the United State oceano-logical programme; and if he will make a statement.

Co-ordination and liaison with the United States programme of oceanographic research is achieved through common membership of international organisations such as the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea, the Scientific Committee on Oceanic Research, the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO, and a large number of working groups. In addition there is an active exchange of scientists, and liaison between individuals and institutes. For example there has been a contract between the Office of Naval Research and the Oceanographic Laboratory at Edinburgh for work in the Western North Atlantic.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science which sports bodies receive grants towards administration costs.

The following national voluntary sports organisations in England and Wales and in Scotland receive current grants from the Education Departments towards administration costs:

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what amount and proportion of the school milk subsidy relates to primary, to secondary and to other schools, respectively; and what is the estimated proportion of pupils taking milk in each category of school.

The estimated amount and proportion for 1966–67 of the school milk subsidy relating to primary and secondary maintained schools and non-maintained schools is as follows:

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether the Rugby Football Union, the Scottish Rugby Union and the Welsh Rugby Union will receive, respectively, grants to offset the Selective Employment Tax in relation to their administration staff and ground staff for the season 1966–67.

I would refer the hon. Member to the Answer given on 28th July to the hon. Member for Beckenham (Mr. Goodhart). Where sports bodies receive grants towards their administration costs, I and my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Scotland, will be prepared to treat the cost of the tax as a cost increase to the extent that effect of the tax cannot be offset by staff economies.The Rugby Football Union and Scottish Rugby Union do not receive grant towards their administration costs, but the Welsh Rugby Union has recently applied for and been offered a grant towards the costs of a national coaching scheme. This offer has not yet been taken up.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science (1) if he will instruct the Committee of Inquiry into Association Football to examine the question of ticket distribution in top soccer matches, particularly in view of the profiteering which takes place on such occasions and which culminated in the sale of World Cup Final tickets;(2) if he will instruct the recently appointed Committee of Inquiry into Association Football to examine aspects of the World Cup Competition as affecting soccer in Great Britain.

It would not be appropriate for me to give instructions to the Committee on these matters, but I will draw its attention to them.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many proposals for denominational comprehensive secondary schools are included in the reorganisation schemes submitted to him by local authorities; and what is his policy in regard to the establishment of such schools in areas where no non-denominational secondary school is available.

I have not yet had time to collate this information.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he expects to have the area of England and Wales as far advanced in brucellosis-free herds as now exists in Northern Ireland.

I cannot say. Details of the scheme have not yet been worked out, and in any case the problems in the two areas are different.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the Brambell Report.

My right hon. Friend and I have completed our study of the Report of this Technical Committee and have taken into account representations received from a wide variety of interests, and all the scientific advice available to us. I would like once again to express our thanks to Professor Brambell and his colleagues for the way in which they dealt with this very difficult subject.2. In their Report, the Committee recommended several general measures and we are, for the most part, in agreement with these. The Committee devoted a whole chapter of their Report to the importance of the qualities and skills of those responsible for animals. We agree entirely with the approach they have taken and intend to take all practicable steps towards improving the welfare of animals by this means.3. We also agree with the Committee's conclusion that a Standing Advisory Committee should be set up to advise us on matters relating to farm animal welfare. There are several important tasks which ought to be referred to such a Committee immediately and we propose to set it up as soon as possible. In addition to the appropriate scientists and veterinarians, the Committee will include members with knowledge of farming and of animal welfare matters.4. We accept that the existing legislation does not safeguard the welfare of farm animals as well as it should and intend to hold discussions with interested bodies with a view to preparing proposals for new legislation. These proposals will include powers enabling Ministers to make regulations prescribing standards, and will provide for official veterinary staff to enter farms to make inspections for animal welfare purposes.5. In considering many of the recommendations made by the Committee concerning detailed standards for housing of animals, there is one general consideration which has been of great importance. The Committee frequently stressed the lack of scientific knowledge relating to animal welfare, and especially animal behaviour; and they considered that opportunities should be sought to encourage the development of research in this sphere. They made it quite clear that the standards they were recommending were based on their judgments (which in the circumstances could not be backed by scientific findings) of where the animals' interests lay; they believed that these judgments might soon require revision, as knowledge of the subject improved. This raises the obvious difficulty of enforcing standards in husbandry conditions, and so involving large capital expenditure, when these standards might themselves require revision in the near future; we do not believe that we could justifiably do this in many cases. In general, research must be prerequisite to any comprehensive development of statutory standards. The question of research is one which the Standing Advisory Committee will be asked to consider at an early date. We ourselves shall wish to discuss this subject with the interests concerned on the understanding that the Government could not undertake to finance it. Nevertheless, we believe that the Committee have justified their case for mandatory controls in some cases, and our plans for legislation will include provision to specify minimum iron content in manufactured calf feeds; provision of lighting for routine inspection purposes in pig and poultry houses; control on the docking of pigs' tails; and other matters.6. For the remainder of the Committee's recommendations concerning housing and husbandry, we have concluded that we could not impose detailed statutory standards at the present time. We propose instead a more flexible approach. Detailed codes of practice will be drawn up to safeguard the welfare of animals. Veterinary staff inspecting farms under the proposed legislation will give free advice to producers, based on these codes, and will advise prosecution in any case when, in the course of inspection, they believe that unnecessary suffering has occurred. Non-compliance with the codes will not of itself be an offence, but failure to observe any provision of a code will tend to establish culpability in any prosecution for causing unnecessary suffering.7. The codes will be based on the best judgements we can make at this stage of what is desirable practice. In the case of poultry they will include reference to floor areas per bird, the provision of watering and feeding facilities, and other aspects of management. On debeaking we shall encourage producers to avoid the practice and, where it cannot be avoided, to do it in the most skilful and humane way. This will be kept under review by the Advisory Committee and we shall consider a ban when circumstances allow it. We shall ask the Advisory Committee to review the use of spectacles and blinkers.8. We accept that housing conditions play an important part in the welfare of pigs, and the advice given in the code of practice will include guidance on minimum floor space standards. But we do not believe there is sufficient information available about the welfare of sows kept tethered or in cubicles to enable us immediately to deal with this system in a code of practice.9. We must reject, as being impossible to enforce, the Committee's recommendation about the inclusion of roughage in calf diets, but the code of practice will include advice on feeding regimes.10. On the housing of calves and cattle, we accept the need for adequate floor space and intend to include advice on this in the code of practice. For beef cattle and calves kept yoked or tethered, or housed in stalls, we intend to advise that the animal should normally be able to groom its flanks. The code of practice will also give advice on the provision of bedding and use of slatted floors for calves and cattle.11. We are referring the Committee's recommendation on the use of mineral additives and arsenical compounds in feedingstuffs to the Advisory Committees on feedingstuffs and toxic chemicals.12. In accordance with the Committee's recommendation, we shall ask the Advisory Committee to review husbandry practice for sheep and rabbits.13. The Committee recommended that steps should be taken to see that action on their Report was not prejudiced by imports of food produced under unacceptable conditions. The general effect of our proposals is not in our view likely to be such as to call for measures of this kind at the present time. White veal is a special case and we propose to discuss it with the Governments concerned.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is satisfied that regulations governing outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease are adequate for its control; and if he will make a statement.

Yes. Present legislation enables the imposition of an immediate standstill on the farm where our Veterinary Officers suspect foot-and-mouth disease. When disease is confirmed an Infected Area around the premises is declared. The size of this area varies according to circumstances but is never less than ten miles radius from the infected premises. No animals may be moved out of the area and movements of animals within and into the area are controlled by licence. The holding of markets is restricted; all infected animals and dangerous contacts are slaughtered compulsorily. This policy is by far the most effective way of dealing with the disease in an island such as ours where the disease is not endemic. From experience over recent years I am satisfied that the present regulations are adequate.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is aware that publicans and hoteliers, because of the 10 per cent. increase in tax on wines and spirits, have added approximately a further 10 per cent. to the price of the commodities; as this is in conflict with Government policy, if he will take steps to stop it; and if he will make a statement.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given by my right hon. Friend to the hon. Member for Glasgow, Cathcart (Mr. Edward M. Taylor) on 3rd August.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he intends to reverse the recent rise in interest rates of the Agricultural Mortgage Corporation.

No. I am advised that the Agricultural Mortgage Corporation is currently making long-term loans to farmers with money borrowed from the banks. This borrowed money will have to be funded as customary in the near future by an issue of debenture stock. Rates of interest both for overdrafts and in the debenture market are high. If the Corporation is to continue lending it must ensure that the rates it charges for new loans cover the cost of the money it lends as well as contributing to its administrative expenses.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether, in view of the necessity to save on imports of food, he will take steps to facilitate the provision by the Potato Marketing Board of processing facilities for potatoes which may be either surplus to demand or below standard for marketing so as to ensure an adequate supply every year in spite of the impossibility of assessing the crop yield each year in advance.

There are several possible ways of putting surplus and low grade potatoes to good use, thereby saving imports. The Department is at present exploring these possibilities with the Potato Marketing Board.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he expects to make a decision regarding the use of cyclamates in food.

This matter is under consideration and a decision will be announced as soon as possible.

asked the Minister of Health what is the estimated cost per bed of the proposed new Accident Centre at the Royal Sussex County Hospital, how this compares with the national average cost; what accounts for the difference between the two; and what cost advantages the Regional Hospital Board's proposals have over the alternative hospital plan suggested to him in the consultant's memorandum dated March, 1966 so far as the Accident Centre is concerned.

The cost of an accident centre is not directly related to the number of beds to be provided. There is no basis of comparison between the costs of the Regional Hospital Board's proposals and those of an entirely different project.

asked the Minister of Health, in view of present accommodation difficulties for patients, what plans are being made to extend hospital accommodation in the London Borough of Croydon.

Improved casualty and diagnostic services are the more urgent need; these are being provided in a scheme now in progress at Mayday Hospital. Further developments are planned for the period after 1969–70.

asked the Minister of Health what is his policy regarding the employment and recruitment of part-time State registered nurses in general and in the hospital groups serving the constituency of Harrow, West, in particular; and what local advertising policy for recruitment of such nurses in the Harrow area has been following during 1966.

My policy is to encourage their employment. Hospital authorities have had their attention drawn to the need to increase the employment of nurses working part-time and have been given guidance on such matters as their recruitment, reception, welfare and refresher training. Guidance on recruitment has been acted on in the hospitals serving the hon. Member's constituency by advertising in the local press as required. Their full approved complement of trained staff has been maintained without difficulty.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will give an estimate of the cost of the medical service given free under the National Health Service to overseas visitors who unexpectedly or due to accidents need hospital or other treatment; and whether, in view of the increasing burden on the British taxpayer, he will issue instructions forthwith that all such costs are to be charged to the visitors concerned.

No. This would be contrary to the "Good Samaritan" policy in Great Britain, and in any event the small number of cases could not be identified or their treatment costs assessed and collected without disproportionate expenditure.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the total spent by his Department on advertising in the past year; and by what sum he intends to reduce it in the current year as a result of the present economic situation.

About £637,000. I shall keep expenditure in the current year to the minimum commensurate with my responsibilities for law and order in support of which most of the money is spent.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations have been received by his Department in favour of tightening controls on road vehicles carrying naphtha, acids and gases; what recent progress has been made in the study of this matter; and if he will make a statement.

Representations to this effect have been received from the fire service, the local authority associations and other bodies, and members of the public. The carriage by road of a number of dangerous substances, including petroleum naphtha, coal-tar naphtha and certain gases, is already subject to statutory control. On the progress being made by the Standing Arvisory Committee on Dangerous Substances, which is considering how best to extend these controls to other substances, I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which my right hon. Friend the Minister of State gave on 3rd May to a Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Stockport, North.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will state the amount spent on the recent campaign to attract personnel to the police forces, giving the results achieved police force by police force; and, in view of the economic situation, if he will withdraw the recent notice sent to police committees, compelling them to join in another advertising campaign for police recruits.

In answer to the first part of the Question, I would refer my hon. Friend to Appendix F to the recently published report of the Select Committee on Estimates (House of Commons Paper 145). This contains a full account of the costs and the results of the national police recruiting campaign. If my hon. Friend would like information about the number of recruits to any particular police force directly attributable to the campaign, I shall be glad to supply it.The arrangements for the current campaign were settled after consultation with the local authority associations. The need for police recruits is still urgent, and I have no plans to alter the agreed arrangements.

asked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs if he will give the latest quarterly figures of changes of productivity in the steel, chemical, shipbuilding, motor manufacturing, heavy engineering, and light engineering industries, respectively.

The provisional figures which have been published for changes between the first quarter of 1965 and the first quarter of 1966 in output and in average numbers employed are given in the following table. However, the differences between changes in output and changes in employment are affected by many factors other than changes in the efficiency of use of labour, and give no reliable guide to changes in productivity.

asked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs what revisions he intends to make to the industrial investment targets in the National Plan, Command Paper No. 2674, in view of the Government's deflationary measures, the Government's cut in public service investment, falling industrial profits, and the increasing cash shortage in industrial companies, which will be further increased by the Selective Employment Tax in the autumn.

My right hon. Friend will be consulting his colleagues, industry and the trade unions to consider the changes to the National Plan which may be needed both in the light of experience and the outlook for the economy.

asked the First Secretary and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs what steps he proposes to take to encourage industrial investment by British industry during the current period of economic restriction so that there will be sufficient increase in investment to deal with rising demand when the restrictions are removed.

The Government is fully aware of the need to ensure that the level of industrial investment remains sufficient to meet future increases in demand, and is watching the position closely to see whether any future encouragement is required.

asked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs what were the increases in national output in real terms for each year from 1961 to 1965; how these increases compared with those in the National Economic Development Council's plan of 1963, No. 70/837, and with those in the National Plan, Command Paper No. 2764; what, in the light of the Government's deflationary policy, are the revised targets for the years 1966 to 1970; and how these figures compare with those laid down in the National Plan.

The figures are as follows:

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government when he will list the projects which have been postponed or cut as a result of the saving of £28 million announced in respect of local government in England.

My right hon. Friends the Secretary of State for Wales and the Minister of Housing and Local Government will control the grant of loan sanction nationally so as to produce the saving overall of £28 million in 1967–68, but it will be for local authorities in the first instance to review all their schemes, whether known to our Departments or not in the light of my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister's statement of 20th July and the guidance shortly to be issued. It will therefore not be possible to list individual postponed or cancelled projects making up this total.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government (1) if he is satisfied with the working of the rate rebate scheme for people in the lower income groups; and if he will make a statement;(2) how many ratepayers have benefited as a result of the rate rebate scheme; and how this figure compares with the estimated number eligible for benefit;(3) whether he is aware of the number of needy people who for various reasons are unable to obtain full benefit from the rate rebate scheme; and if he will take steps to amend the Act or issue instructions to local authorities to modify their interpretation of its provisions.

The rate rebate scheme is on its way to achieving its purpose. It is estimated that the number of potential beneficiaries in England and Wales is 1⅔ million, and by the end of May 1¼ million applications had been made. It appears that many ratepayers, who pay rates together with their rent have not applied for rebates, and my right hon. Friend is arranging for early publicity to bring the scheme to their attention. He has no proposals for amending the scheme which is designed to reduce the regressiveness of rates, and not to supplement social service or other payments.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what action he is taking to institute control of the siting, design and texture of all agricultural buildings in the same manner that farm dwellings are controlled; and what is the reason for delay in taking action in this matter.

My right hon. Friend is at present considering together with his right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether an application for planning permission should be required for farm buildings exceeding a prescribed height.

asked the Postmaster-General what is the average cost of establishing and maintaining telephone kiosks in rural areas of Northern Ireland; and how many requests are now outstanding.

On average, £400 to establish and £70–75 a year to maintain each kiosk. Twenty outstanding requests from the Rural District Councils' Association are currently under consideration.

asked the Minister of Overseas Development how soon he expects to have completed his consultations with the overseas Governments concerned on the impending cuts in Her Majesty's Government's aid programme.

Such consultations as are required will proceed as quickly as possible, but I cannot as yet make any estimate of how long they will take.

asked the Minister of Overseas Development what was the total spent by his Department on advertising in the past year; and by what sum he intends 1o reduce it in the current year as a result of the present economic situation.

In the 12 months ending 30th June, 1966, £48,760 was spent on advertising in newspapers and periodicals: £1,787 on advertising for staff for the Miinstry itself and its associated institutions; £46,973 on advertising vacancies overseas. There was no expenditure on advertising for general publicity for the Ministry during the past year.Payment for many of the advertisements which the hon. Member has no doubt seen is made not by the Ministry but by the Crown Agents, the cost being subsequently recovered from overseas governments.The Ministry is fully aware of the need for stringent economy; but so long as one of its tasks is to find people for jobs overseas it will have to spend money on advertising.

asked the Minister of Labour what is the estimated cost of making the necessary refunds on each £1 million of Selective Employment Tax, including costs of staff, buildings, equipment and staff redundancy benefits.

The estimated cost of staff, buildings and equipment in making each £1 million of selective employment payments by the Ministry of Labour is £1,300. There will be no cost for staff redundancy benefits.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the provision under the National Insurance Act, 1966 for payment of earnings-related supplements to people in receipt of short-term benefits, he will seek to make similar provision in respect of allowances payable to people undergoing courses of training or industrial rehabilitation arranged by his Department.

Yes. From early in October, 1966, earnings-related supplements on a similar scale will, where appropriate be paid to the allowances of people being trained under the Ministry's Vocational Training Scheme at Government Training Centres and elsewhere. Similar supplements will be paid to the allowances of trainees in workshops for sheltered employment and of people attending courses of industrial rehabilitation. These supplements will be payable for the duration of the training or rehabilitation course.

asked the Minister of Labour what steps he intends to take to ensure that the shake out of labour expected as a result of Her Majesty's Government's deflationary policy is not frustrated by an extension of short-time working.

I would expect any employers who may be faced with a choice between discharging workers or reducing hours of work to continue to make their own judgments, in consultation where appropriate with workers' representatives.

asked the Minister of Labour how many persons are now on short-time working.

In the week ended 18th June, 1966, it was estimated that 28,100 operatives were on short-time working in establishments with 11 or more employees in manufacturing industries—excluding shipbuilding and ship repairing—the only industries for which this information is collected.

asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance what is the estimated cost of collection of each £1 million of the Selective Employment Tax.

No precise estimate can yet be made but the additional costs resulting from the collection of Selective Employment Tax along with national insurance contributions are unlikely to exceed about £1,000 for each £1 million of tax collected.

asked the Secretary of State for Scoltand what was the total spent by his Department on advertising in the past year; and by what sum he intends to reduce it in the current year as a result of the present economic situation.

£65,350 which includes £40,394 incurred by the Central Office of Information on behalf of my department. Commitments are regularly reviewed but expenditure for the current year cannot yet be estimated.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he proposes to authorise local authorities in Scotland to proceed with increases in council house rents during the period of the Government's wages and prices standstill in cases where the authorities' Exchequer grants are reduced because of low rent income.

I am advising local authorities that, in accordance with the White Paper on the Prices and Incomes Standstill, I expect them to consult me if they think that an increase in the rents of their houses is unavoidable before the end of 1966. I will bear in mind during any such consultations the point to which the hon. Gentleman refers, but I must emphasise the importance of local authorities postponing rent increases wherever possible.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if the decision to freeze prices and incomes applies to house rents; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

I would refer to my reply today to a Question by the hon. Member for South Angus (Mr. Bruce-Gardyne).

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what proportion of the farmers in Scotland believed by his Department to be eligible for the new Beef Cow Subsidy Scheme have now lodged their applications; and whether, if there are still a number outstanding, he will allow applications to be considered if lodged by 15th August.

About 60 per cent. Since this is a new subsidy I am prepared exceptionally to consider late applications this year. I would, however, urge intending applicants, in their own interests, to submit their claims as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he has taken, in view of his responsibilities under Section 29 of the Police (Scotland) Act, 1956, to inquire into the circumstances relating to the failure of Police Constable Alan McConachie to qualify for the special course for accelerated promotion at the Scottish Police College in July, 1964 and subsequently; and what further action he will take.

I have had a most careful inquiry made into the selection procedure for this course and have no doubt about the fairness of the treatment accorded to Constable McConachie. As the sole reason why he was not called for interview was his marks in the written examination, there is no further action which I can take.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when he will confirm and publish the scale of tolls for the Tay Road Bridge which is to be opened on 18th August, 1966.

I conveyed my decision to the Joint Board on 2nd August.

asked the Minister of Technology if he will provide a list of those advanced technical, scientific and industrial projects in which he is collaborating with the United States of America.

My Department does not itself collaborate in international projects.There are two projects being undertaken by public corporations for which I have overall responsibility. These are:1. The United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority has an arrangement with the United States Atomic Energy Commission for the exchange of information in the development of atomic energy in civil power applications. This takes place under the terms of the renewed United Kingdom/United States of America Agreement for co-operation in the civil uses of atomic energy which entered into force on 15th July, 1966.2. Energy Conversion Ltd., a subsidiary company of the National Research Development Corporation, which is doing research and development into fuel cells, has a licensing and information agreement with an American company which is working for the United States National Aeronautics and Space Administration.3. There are several other developments which the N.R.D.C., or its licencees have licensed to American firms.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware of the heavy and continuous adverse balance of trade between the United Kingdom and Canada of £251 million, the United States of America of £153 million, the Netherlands of £68 million, Denmark of £67 million, and Belgium of £51 million; and what steps he is taking to reverse the situation disclosed by these figures.

Yes, except that with Belgium we had a surplus, not a deficit, of £52 million.I have kept the House regularly informed of the steps which the Government are taking to increase British exports both by negotiating with other Governments for the reduction of tariffs and other obstacles to trade, and by assisting traders to promote their sales overseas. Surpluses earned by our trade with one country can of course as a rule be set off against deficits with others.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the fact that medical services, at present given free under the National Health Service to overseas visitors who unexpectedly or due to accidents need hospital or other treatment, has featured in advertising matter under the auspices of Her Majesty's Government used overseas to encourage tourism.

No, not as far as can be ascertained.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the feared loss of life on board the m.v. "Darlwin" and in order to allay public anxiety, he will order a formal inquiry under the terms of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1894 into the disappearance of the vessel.

As I told the House on 2nd August, I have already appointed a surveyor to hold a preliminary inquiry into this casualty, and I shall decide, in the light of his report, whether to order a public formal investigation.

asked the Minister of Transport what was the total spent by her department on advertising in the past year; and by what sum she intends to reduce it in the current year as a result of the present economic situation.

Expenditure on advertising including statutory advertising, staff advertising and advertising by other government departments on behalf of the Ministry amounted to £131,000 in the financial year 1965–66.Comparable estimated expenditure for the current financial year 1966–67 is £38,000.

asked the Minister of Transport what measures of inspection are taken to ensure that rigid goods vehicles from overseas coming into this country on roll-on roll-off and other ferries possess a short-term carrier's licence, as well as a vehicle duty disc and are properly insured to cover all normal risks; and if she will make a statement.

No special inspection is made at ports of entry, but foreign vehicles are liable to the normal roadside checks of excise and carriers' licences by the police and the Department's enforcement staff. Foreign hauliers must produce evidence of statutory insurance cover when applying for an excise licence for a vehicle they intend to use in this country.

asked the Minister of Transport whether she is aware of complaints from Bedfordshire about the conduct of the Dragon Motor rally organised by the Nucleus Car Club and sponsored by the Royal Automobile Club during the night 9th-10th July last; and if she will make inquiries.

These complaints were brought to our notice and we have made inquiries from the Royal Automobile Club. When their report has been received I will write to the hon. Member.

asked the Minister of Transport if she will issue a general direction, in the public interest, to the Railways Board, to abolish the arrangement whereby disabled travellers have to pay 2s. per mile for reserved compartments.

No. A general direction in this matter would not be appropriate.

asked the Minister of Transport when she will list the schemes affected by the £10 million cut in British Railways capital investment.

I have nothing to add at this stage to the Answer given by my right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary on 25th July.

asked the Minister of Transport if, in view of the White Paper on Transport, she will announce her decision to keep open the railway passenger service between Oldham and Rochdale via Royton, Crompton, New Hey and Milnrow.

My right hon. Friend is considering the Railways Board's closure proposal in the light of further information she has now received about alternative services. I cannot yet say what her decision will be.

asked the Minister of Transport when she expects to announce the details of the £14 million cut in the road programme as it affects Hampshire.

I would refer the hon. Member to the Answer given on 3rd August to the hon. Members for Leominster (Sir Clive Bossom) and Somerset, North (Mr. Dean).

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the estimated total amount of Selective Employment Tax which will be collected from nationalised industries, local authorities, and other statutory authorities and then refunded, in 1966–67, and the estimated cost of collecting and refunding it.

Public bodies listed in Schedule 1 of the Selective Employment Payments Bill are forecast to pay some £65 million in Selective Employment Tax in 1966–67; Local Authorities as described in clause 4 of the Bill will pay some £50 million. Public Bodies will be repaid the net amount due (i.e. allowing for no refunds in respect of some activities and premiums for others); arrangements have yet to be finalised, but the great bulk of the above sum will be repaid within the financial year. Local Authorities will receive monthly refunds of tax paid except in respect of their direct labour force engaged on new construction which is expected to account for £1 million. The additional cost to the Exchequer of collection and repayment is expected to be very small.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the cost of collection of Purchase Tax for every £1 million collection in each of the five years to the last convenient date.

The separate cost of Purchase Tax collection cannot be precisely stated as many of the staff involved combine their Purchase Tax work with other duties. In the last five years the cost of Customs and Excise administration as a whole has been about 2d. for each £1 of revenue collected.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the cost of collection of Inland Revenue duties at the existing rate for each £1 million for each of the last five years to the last convenient date; and what is the estimated cost of collection if the standard rate of Income Tax were increased by one shilling and by two shillings in the £1.

I would refer the hon. Member to Table 6 of the annual report of the Board of Inland Revenue. The extra cost of collection of an extra one or two shillings in the Standard Rate of Income Tax would be negligible.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if Her Majesty's Government will now establish pairs of Government Departments and their adjuncts or research establishments in Northern Ireland.

No.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware of advertisements in the National Press advertising situations in both private and public service at salary scales which are at present under review or to be increased; and as this is contrary to the wage and salary standstill, if he will take steps to see that these advertisements are in line with the Government's policy.

As regards the Civil Service, the necessary steps have already been taken.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether travel on railways within a foreign country during the course of a holiday is excluded from the £50 travel allowance.

Yes, for travel by an accepted direct route between the United Kingdom and the traveller's destination, provided that tickets are booked in advance in the United Kingdom. The cost of excursions in the course of a holiday must be met from the allowance.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales whether he will appoint a committee to make a report similar to the Milner Holland Report on the housing resources and requirements in Wales.

No. My right hon. Friend sees no need for a similar inquiry in Wales. If the hon. Member has any particular matter in mind perhaps he would be good enough to write to me.

asked the Minister of Power on what evidence he bases his estimate that the domestic price of pig iron is £26 a ton.

This is an estimated average of the maximum prices of hematite pig iron determined by the Iron and Steel Board.

asked the Minister of Power if he will give the totals of sales of Norwegian pig iron to this country in 1965 and 1966; and what was the delivered average price.

The figures are as follows:

asked the Minister of Power if he will give details of sales of pig iron to this country in 1965 and 1966; and what was the delivered average price.

The figures are as follows:

asked the Minister of Power if he will take steps to make the areas covered by the area electricity and gas boards and the divisions of the National Coal Board identical.

No; in the interests of efficient management the boundaries must be related to the circumstances of each industry, including in particular the structure of the electricity and gas distribution systems.