asked the Minister of Labour why, in view of the Government's declared policy of a wages and salary standstill his Department was advertising in the Evening Standard on Tuesday, 16th August, situations vacant including payment of salaries on a progressive basis; and, as this is contrary to Government policy, whether he will amend these advertisements.

No. The advertisements, for the posts of occupational psychologist at Egham Industrial Rehabilitation Unit and for a Carpenter and Joiner Instructor at Perivale Government Training Centre, quoted the normal incremental scales applicable which were, of course, established before 20th July, 1966. Paragraph 18(iv) of the White Paper on the Prices and Incomes Standstill (Cmnd. 3073) states that it is not intended that the standstill should interfere with normal arrangements for increasing pay by means of regular increments of specified amounts within a predetermined range or scale.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the firm of Securicor is proposing progressively increasing salary scales; and, as this is contrary to the Government's wages and prices policy, what action he proposes to take.

I understand that this firm has since before 20th July, 1966, applied regular incremental scales based on length of service. The White Paper "Prices and Incomes Standstill" (Cmnd. 3073) makes it clear that the standstill is not regarded as applying to such arrangements.

asked the Minister of Labour whether salaried staff employed by limited liability companies are expected to forgo annual pay increases not in a predetermined range.

Yes. Increases of this kind are subject to the standstill.

asked the Minister of Labour what special action he is taking in the Cheltenham area to ensure that disabled workers are not penalised by unemployment as the result of the Government's policy.

The circumstances at present do not call for special action.

asked the Minister of Labour what proposals he now has to deal with the problem of labour-only sub-contracting in the building and civil engineering industries.

My right hon. Friend the Minister of Public Building and Works and I are jointly considering an inquiry into this problem.

asked the Minister of Labour what progress has been made by his Department in ascertaining the number of women in full- or part-time employment who have children under five years of age.

I assume the hon. Member is referring to the Central Office of Information survey of Women's Employment, which should be available at the end of the year. This did not attempt to determine the number of women in employment with children under five years of age.

asked the Minister of Labour what is the number of redundancies now expected as the result of closure of factories in Scotland consequent on rationalisation in England.

Reorganisation schemes known to our Department as affecting firms with factories both in England and Scotland are expected to result in a net loss in Scotland of about 2,800 jobs, of which about 1,000 are part-time. The reductions will be spread over the next five years.

asked the Minister of Labour what degree of redundancy, temporary or permanent, is likely to be caused in Weymouth by the departure of Vickers and the entry of Wellworthy; what will be the likely effect on wage levels; and if he will make a statement.

I understand that some of the 620 people employed by Vickers will transfer with the firm to Swindon and that the rest will be discharged in stages between now and March, 1967. Wellworthy expect to build up their labour force by about 280 during the next three months and have already interviewed many of Vickers' employees. My local officers are keeping in close touch with the situation and are ready to assist any employees who are not absorbed into the new jobs. The change-over does not seem likely to have any significant effect on wage levels.

asked the Minister of Labour what steps he is taking to ensure that firms maximise re deployment within and between their own factories before any workers are put on short-time or declared redundant.

It is normal practice for our officers to consider with employers whether workers likely to be declared redundant are suitable for outstanding vacancies within their organisation. In general, the objective which the hon. Member has in mind is secured by consultation between managements and representatives of the workers.

asked the Minister of Labour by how much unemployment has increased in Weymouth, Portland, Swanage, Wareham and Corfe Castle since the introduction of the Selective Employment Tax.

Between 8th August (the date of the last unemployment count before the introduction of the Selective Employment Tax) and 10th October 1966, the total numbers registered as unemployed increased by 214 at Weymouth (including Portland), by 48 at Swanage (including Corfe Castle) and decreased by 8 at Wareham.

asked the Minister of Labour if he will give for 1963 to 1966 the number of young people, as distinct from school-leavers, aged 15 to 18 years, who are among the registered unemployed.

Following is the information:

YOUNG PERSONS UNDER 18 OTHER THAN SCHOOL LEAVERS REGISTERED AS UNEMPLOYED 1963–1966 (GREAT BRITAIN).
Month		1963	1964	1965	1966
January	…	43,736	25,444	19,313	16,047
February	…	50,118	22,675	17,673	14,410
March	…	40,933	19,298	15,885	12,699
April	…	33,285	19,258	13,594	12,006
May	…	31,522	16,878	12,935	11,061
June	…	26,082	14,048	11,247	10,379
July	…	24,037	14,555	11,465	11,173
August	…	28,433	19,015	15,374	15,259
September	…	29,385	20,765	16,927	19,776
October	…	27,116	19,506	16,703	22,332*
November	…	25,195	18,109	14,932	—
December	…	22,303	16,556	14,238	—
* The October, 1966, figure is provisional.

asked the Minister of Labour what percentage of insured workers was registered as unemployed in Cornwall at the last available date; and how this compares with the figures for the South-West region and for England and Wales.

At 10th October 1966, rates of unemployment were 5·2 per cent. in Cornwall (excluding Salt-ash), 2·4 per cent. in the South Western region and 1·7 per cent. in England and Wales.

asked the Minister of Labour what was the number of registered unemployed in November in each year from 1956 to 1963, inclusive.

Total numbers registered as unemployed in Great Britain in November of each of the years specified were: 1956‒264,578; 1957–316,523; 1958–536,027; 1959–430,547: 1960–351,819; 1961–387,354; 1962–544,667 and 1963–474,373.

asked the Minister of Labour what investigation he is making into evidence that the increase in un employment is leading to an increase in racial tension and discrimination in industry.

I am keeping a watch on this through my Regional and Local Office staff, but I am happy to say that there are no signs of any such effect.

asked the Minister of Labour what information he has as to whether the practice of paying wages otherwise than in cash is increasing.

There is no comprehensive information on this subject, but the available information does not suggest that there has been any significant increase in the use of methods of payment other than cash.

asked the Minister of Labour (1) if he is aware that employees of the Hangar Limb Company Limited responsible for fitting new limbs to disabled patients in Roehampton Hospital are working to rule; and what action he intends to take;(2) if he is aware that fitters at Hangar Limb Company Limited are members of the Association of Supervisory Staffs, Executives and Technicians, that the working to rule by these men is official union action caused by the pay standstill which has stopped payment of an agreed award, and that their action is causing distress to hundreds of severely disabled people who are delayed from obtaining artificial limbs; and if he will now take steps to resolve the distress.

I deeply regret the action being taken by members of the Association of Supervisory Staffs, Executives and Technicians, which is causing real distress and delay to seriously disabled persons. My officers have been in touch with the company and the union. I very much hope the union will immediately reconsider their position.

asked the Minister of Labour in what industries and by what criteria workers are now working excessive overtime.

With permission, I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT a table showing the total and average number of hours of overtime worked in the week ending 17th September, 1966, by operatives in the main groups of manufacturing industries.

asked the Minister of Labour if he will introduce a compulsory medical examination for those people accepted for training or retraining in Government training centres.

No. Compulsory medical examination would be contrary to normal industrial practice and hence a disincentive to recruitment. Medical examinations are readily available at Government Training Centres for the disabled and for any others who want them.

asked the Minister of Labour how many persons have been trained in Government training centres since 1st November, 1965; how many of the persons trained have been found employment in their new skills; and how many so trained have now been prevented from using their acquired skills by trade union barriers.

During the twelve months ended 12th September, 1966, which is the latest year for which figures are available, 8,333 people completed training at Government Training Centres. Over 90 per cent. of them were placed in employment using the skills they had been taught. It is not possible to say how many trainees are prevented from using their acquired skills because of trade union opposition, but the numbers are small.

asked the Minister of Labour what crash programmes for retraining he has initiated in the past six months.

As I told the House on 24th October, there is a limit to the pace at which we can expand facilities at Government Training Centres without risking damage to the quality of training and the existing expansion scheme is straining our resources. However, I am endeavouring to squeeze in additional classes wherever possible in the existing Centres, and am examining the possibility of adding a further programme of Centre building to the present one. I am also examining with the Industrial Training Boards ways in which they might help with the immediate adult retraining problem, and will make an announcement as soon as possible.

asked the Minister of Labour how many places in Government training centres for industrial training, or retraining, are provided in Sheffield; how many applications for these places have been made during the past 12 months; and how many applications have been refused.

There are 147 training places at the Sheffield Government Training Centre. During the twelve months ended 19th October, 1966 there were 532 applicants for training at Sheffield. Of these 202 were accepted and were allotted places, 114 subsequently withdrew their applications, 81 were found unsuitable at the selection stage, and 135 were awaiting allocation or were under consideration at the end of the period.

asked the Minister of Labour how many training centres there are in Wales; and how many training places are available in them now.

There are two Government Training Centres in Wales, one in Cardiff and the other at Llanelli, with 306 and 189 training places respectively.

asked the Minister of Labour if he is satisfied that sufficient protection from victimisation and intimidation is afforded by the law to a member of a trade union who gives evidence to the Royal Commission on Trade Unions and Employers Associations complaining about alleged malpractices and abuses in his union; and if he will make a statement.

The Witnesses (Public Inquiries) Protection Act 1962 specifically protects those giving evidence to a Royal Commission in good faith.

asked the Minister of Labour how many Category A work vouchers under the Commonwealth Immigrants Act were not granted to applicants in 1965 because the ceiling quota laid down in the White Paper, Immigration from the Commonwealth, was reached; and how many were not granted to date this year for the same reason.

It is estimated that about 3,000 Category A applied for in 1965 had not been issued by the end of the year because the quota laid down in the White Paper had been filled; a similar estimate to date is not available.

asked the Minister of Labour how many companies are acting as agents for his Department in paying out unemployment benefit to employees working short-time.

Some 60 employers, mostly in the Midlands area, are co-operating in this way. Calculations of amounts of unemployment benefit due are made by our officers and the necessary funds are made available by our Department.

asked the Minister of Labour what instructions have been issued to his offices about the consideration of claims for refunds or premiums relating to Selective Employment Tax; and if he will publish such instructions.

The necessary instructions are being issued to local offices to enable them to deal with claims in accordance with the provisions of the Act. It is not the practice to publish departmental instructions.

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that the most recent talks on 25th October between the National Coal Board officials and the leaders of the National Union of Mine-workers have again ended in deadlock at the £18 million Bevercotes mine, which has stood idle for a year; in view of the fact that neither side can resolve this dispute, if he will now intervene; and if he will make a statement.

I hope the pit will shortly be producing coal. I understand the Board is making a statement this afternoon.

asked the Minister of Social Security if she will make a statement on the development during the last two months of her Department, indicating the measures taken and the number of persons assisted by ages, illness and indigence within the scope of her authority.

The work of integrating the two former Departments is proceeding as quickly as practicable. Immediately, my Ministry has two big new tasks: firstly, to operate the scheme

VISITS ABROAD BY MINISTRY OF SOCIAL SECURITY MINISTERS DURING THE PAST TWO YEARS
Dates	Name of Minister	Country Visited	Purpose of Visit	Cost†
(1) November, 1964	Mr. Harold Davies, Parliamentary Secretary, accompanied by 3 officials.*	Italy	To attend Sixth European Conference of Ministers responsible for family affairs, at Palermo.	£484
(2) May, 1966	Mr. Norman Pentland, Parliamentary Secretary, accompanied by 2 officials.*	Luxembourg	To attend Eighth European Conference of Ministers responsible for family affairs.	£86
(3) October, 1966	Miss Margaret Herbison, Minister, accompanied by 2 officials.*	Sweden	To discuss with the Swedish Minister of Health and Social Affairs and with other authorities administering Swedish Social Security Schemes, the details and practical administration of those schemes.	£305
* Includes, in each case, a Private Secretary.
† Includes all members of the party.

asked the Minister of Land and Natural Resources whether, in drafting the Leasehold Enfranchisement Bill, he will include tenants of New Town Commission and Development Corporation houses within its terms.

Yes.

asked the Minister of Land and Natural Resources what steps of wage-related supplements to short-term National Insurance benefits which began on 6th October, and secondly, to prepare for the new scheme of supplementary benefits which comes into force on 28th November. The response among pensioners to this scheme is most encouraging.

asked the Minister of Social Security whether she will publish in HANSARD details of the overseas visits made by Ministers in her Department during the past two years; for what purposes and at what costs these visits were made; and what have been the results of such visits.

Details are as follows:he took to satisfy himself on the future operations of Enterprise Neptune before making a grant of £250,000 to that enterprise.

The Government's decision to assist Enterprise Neptune was taken after detailed discussions with the National Trust. The Government's contribution is paid to the Trust only as and when properties are acquired.

asked the Minister of Health when he proposes to announce the names and terms of reference of Lord Brain's advisory committee on drugs and drug addiction.

The full list of members of the new Advisory Committee on Drug Dependence is as follows:

• Chairman—The Lord Brain, M.A., D.M., F.R.C.P.
• R. G. Bannister, Esq., C.B.E., D.M., M.R.C.P.
• K. J. P. Barraclough, Esq., O.B.E., T.D., J.P.
• T. H. Bewley, Esq., M.D., F.R.C.P.I.
• Arthur Blenkinsop, Esq., M.P.
• J. C. Bloomfield, Esq., F.P.S., J.P.
• P. E. Brodie, Esq., O.B.E.
• P. H. Connell, Esq., M.D., D.P.M.
• The Rt. Hon. William Deedes, M.C., M.P.
• Miss Monica Furlong
• Ronald G. Gibson, Esq., O.B.E., M.R.C.S., L.R.C.P., L.L.D.
• J. D. P. Graham, Esq., M.D., M.R.C.P.
• Miss E. I. W. Hobkirk, C.B.E., T.D.
• N. B. Malleson, Esq., M.D., M.R.C.P.
• H. J. S. Matthew, Esq., M.B., Ch.B., F.R.C.P.
• A. B. Monro, Esq., M.D., Ph.D., M.R.C.P.E., D.P.M.
• Miss E. C. Murphy, B.A.
• H. W. Palmer, Esq., B.Com.
• T. Raison, Esq., M.A.
• M. Schofield, Esq., M.A.
• R. J. Werry, Esq., C.B.E., B.Sc.
• The Baroness Wootton of Abinger, M.A., L.H.D., L.L.D.

The terms of reference are:

asked the Minister of Health how much money from public Funds was given, directly or indirectly, to the Reader's Digest or to the other authors of the article in consideration of its publishing an article on fluoridation in its July number; to which medical officers of health this article was forwarded by him with an intimation that further copies were obtainable from him free of charge; how many of such copies have been distributed to medical officers and local authorities free of charge; at what cost to public funds; and how many of such copies have been obtained at public expense.

Neither the journal nor the authors received any consideration from public funds for publishing this article. Reprints were sent to about 100 Medical Officers of Health, and nearly 3,800 copies, at an approximate cost of £34, have been distributed out of a total of 4,500 purchased.

asked the Minister of Health what progress has been made in establishing a standard speech test of hearing through a speech audiometer in all otology departments of National Health Service hospitals.

Speech audiometry is available in many of the larger Otological Departments. Its use is a matter for clinical judgment but I am advised that it is not yet generally regarded as of universal application.

asked the Minister of Health what machinery of contact regional hospital boards have with regional planning councils.

In England the appropriate Principal Regional Officer of my Department is a member of each Regional Economic Planning Board, and contact between the Regional Economic Planning Council and the Regional Hospital Board is maintained through him. In Wales contact is through the Chairman of the Welsh Board of Health.

asked the Minister of Health, in the likely event of the closure of maternity beds at St. Joseph's Hospital. Preston, what is the extent of alternative arrangements to be made available to general practitioners in the borough; and if he is aware of the serious position that will arise unless such arrangements are adequate.

The Regional Hospital Board are well aware of the situation and are examining ways of providing alternative facilities for general practitioner confinements should this private hospital close its maternity unit.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will make provision for an employed dairyman on a farm to claim a refund of Selective Employment Tax in respect of assistants he employs.

I assume the hon. Member has in mind the self-employed dairyman to whom the farmer has contracted out the dairy work. I am prepared to consider claims for refund of tax paid by such dairymen in respect of their employees.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many persons have been aided during the last six months by Scotland's Legal Aid Scheme; and what was the total cost.

Payments out of the Legal Aid Fund under the Legal Aid (Scotland) Act 1949 during the six months ended 30th September were as follows:

		£
Civil Legal Aid
Under section 1	…	299,689
Under section 5	…	40,972
Criminal Legal Aid	…	189,110
Total	…	£529,771

In the same period contributions by assisted persons under the civil Legal Aid Scheme amounted to £54,087 and expenses recovered from opponents of legally assisted persons to £60,402.Figures relating to the number of applications for legal aid granted in this period are not yet available. The following are the figures for the year 1st April, 1965–31st March, 1966:

Civil Legal Aid
Certificates under section 1	7,327
Certificates under section 5	5,747
Criminal Legal Aid
Persons represented on first appearance by duty solicitors	23,522
Applications granted in courts of first instance	7,381
Applications granted in connection with appeals	303

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many uncertificated teachers are teaching in the various categories of Scottish schools, namely, primary, secondary, and further education; how many of these are uncertificated because of a technicality; and what facilities are available to assist the uncertificated teacher to gain the necessary qualification.

The numbers of uncertificated teachers in public and grant-aided schools and in further education at 13th September, 1965 (the latest date for which figures are available) were: primary schools 1,238; secondary schools 1,508; further education 1,279 (the last figure does not include part-time teachers of evening classes, for whom statistics are not available).Of the 2,746 uncertificated teachers in schools, 351 (of whom 57 were graduates) had been trained in other countries but did not hold a Scottish Teacher's Certificate; 331 were graduates who had not been trained, although many were experienced teachers; and 1,396 although not trained were skilled and often highly qualified in the specialised subjects (e.g., art, music) which they were teaching. All of the uncertificated teachers in further education were regarded as holding appropriate academic or technical qualifications.Grants are available under the Special Recruitment Scheme to assist uncertificated teachers to become qualified, and in individual cases the Scottish Council for the Training of Teachers may accept shortened courses of training for those whose qualifications fall just short of the requirements for certification. Teachers in further education are not required to be certificated, but education authorities are encouraged to release those who are not certificated to undertake training.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware that, although the route from the east of Edinburgh through Portobello and Leith to the Forth Road Bridge is well signposted at its junctions, there are no advance warning signs to ensure that traffic is directed into the correct lanes; and if he will remedy these deficiencies.

This is a matter for Edinburgh Corporation as highway authority for all roads within the city.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will publish a table of the number of policemen who resigned from Scottish police forces in each of the calendar years from 1960 to 1965, and during the first nine months

	1960	1961	1962	1963	1964	7965
Resignations	211	176	162	200	235	247
Causes
(a) to obtain more remunerative employment	94	50	68	72	111	113
(b) emigration	30	17	17	31	38	54
(c) dislike of conditions	43	38	35	30	42	31
(d) probationers allowed to re sign as alternative to dismissal	21	45	17	26	18	24
(e) other causes	23	26	25	41	26	25

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has yet reviewed his policy on the granting of dispensations to allow councillors who are tenants of council houses to vote on council house rents.

Yes. I am satisfied that the policy which has been pursued for many years does not achieve any logical purpose. As dispensations have invariably been granted where the number of councillor tenants is one-third or more of the whole council, or where the majority party on the council could be defeated as a result of one or more of their members being precluded from voting, dispensations are already given in cases where the number of councillors is sufficient to affect the decision of the council, while being refused only in cases where the number is in any case so small as to make no difference. I have, therefore, decided to exercise my powers under the Local Government (Pecuniary Interests) (Scotland) Act 1966 to grant a general dispensation to allow councillor tenants to vote on questions of housing finance from 1st November. of 1966; and, as far as can be ascertained, what were the principal reasons given for these resignations.

The information for the years 1960 to 1965 has been published in the annual reports of Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Constabulary for Scotland and is contained in the table set out below.Voluntary resignations from Scottish forces during the first nine months of 1966 total 344. An analysis of the reasons given for resignation will not be available until the end of the year.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the total number of prisoners who escaped from all Her Majesty's Prisons and Borstals and approved schools between 1 a.m. on Saturday 22nd October and 12 p.m. on Monday 24th October.

Between 1 a.m. on Saturday 22nd October and midnight on Monday 24th October, five prisoners and two borstal boys escaped from closed establishments, and two prisoners and seven borstal boys absconded from open ones.Boys and girls in approved schools are not prisoners, but during these three days, 77 absented themselves without permission. Thirty-five of these were not still absent at midnight on the day of their going. The majority of the remainder have since been retrieved.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prisoners in all prisons in England and Wales are on the escape list.

338 on 27th October.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prisoners in Her Majesty's Prisons of Wormwood Scrubs and Wandsworth are on the escape list.

On 27th October, 21 and 37.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people have been detained in custody for actual or alleged political offences or breaches of the peace of a political nature in the last 12 months; and how many of these were for espionage and how many for breaches of the peace involving Her Majesty's Ministers and kindred alleged offences.

There have been no arrests for espionage during the last twelve months. I regret that the other information asked for is not readily available.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will publish a table showing the time that has elapsed between arrest and appearing before a magistrate for all people who have been detained on political or similar charges such as those arising out of political meetings or demonstrations in the past 12 months; and how many group arrests on such charges have taken place.

I regret that this information is not available. Persons arrested are brought before a magistrate at the earliest opportunity. There are no group arrests as such.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many spies or other political prisoners are detained in Maidstone Prison at present; and how many have been detained there in the past 12 months.

During the last twelve months three prisoners sentenced for offences against the security of the State have been detained in Maidstone Prison.None is there now.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what estimate he has made of how many of the 29,565 men and 22,749 women who came into Great Britain in the month of September subject to control under Part I of the Commonwealth Immigrants Act 1962 will enter the labour market, thus making it more difficult to find jobs for the half million people unemployed as the result of Her Majesty's Government's policy; with what action he will protect British workers in this regard; and if he will make a statement.

During September, 483 Commonwealth citizens were admitted to the United Kingdom as voucher holders to take employment. Vouchers are issued only to those with certain scarce professional qualifications, or with specific jobs to come to.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware of the position of members of the London Fire Brigade, optants under the 1947 Fire Services Pensions Scheme, now about to be retired on the grounds of age or ill health, who will be pensioned on the salary received during their last month's service; and whether he will amend their scheme so that they may benefit from such salary improvement to be awarded after the standstill.

I appreciate that members of the London Fire Brigade who exercised their option under Section 27 of the Fire Services Act 1947 are retired on a pension based on the pay received during the last month of service. I regret, however, that in present circumstances I can bring forward no plans to amend the firemen's pension scheme in this respect.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will publish a table of the number of policemen of more than two years' service who resigned from police forces in England and Wales in each of the calendar years from 1960 to 1965, and during the first nine months of 1966; and, as far as can be ascertained, what were the principal reasons given for these resignations.

Resignations of policemen with more than two years' service in England and Wales, 1960 — September, 1966
1960	…	…	1,344
1961	…	…	700
1962	…	…	803
1963	…	…	777
1964	…	…	1,071
1965	…	…	1,174
1966 (Jan.-Sept.)	…	…	1,295

These figures do not include ordinary retirement, secondment, death or dismissals. Figures for recruitment are also up, resulting in a net increase in police strength in each year since 1960.The reasons for premature resignations are being studied by the Working Party on Manpower, set up under the Police Advisory Board. Their Report is expected soon.

asked the Minister of Transport if she will give a general direction, in the public interest, to the British Railways Board to restore Sunday passenger services where their removal has adversely affected communications, tourism or development in the north of Scotland.

No.

asked the Minister of Transport if she will list the schemes affected by the £10 million cut in British Railway's capital investment programme.

The Railways Board has indicated that the cut in its investment in 1967 will be spread over a wide range of projects. For example, some station reconstruction schemes and office building will be deferred. It would not be practicable to give a comprehensive list.

asked the Minister of Transport if she has now completed her inquiries into the desirability of establishing an independent committee to investigate the operations of the cab trade; and if she will now set up such a committee.

Consultations are proceeding between this Department and the Home Office with a view to identifying the problems and how they might best be examined.

asked the Minister of Transport if she will give an assurance that motor taxation forms in the Welsh language will be given an equal status with such forms in the English language in the manner of their issue to the public.

Arrangements have been made for the new forms to be available on public counters whenever the English version is so available at local taxation offices and post offices in Wales and Monmouthshire.

asked the Minister of Transport whether the investigations in Europe and in this country are completed on the best method of controlling exhaust fumes; and when she will introduce new regulations to require manufacturers to fit anti-exhaust pollution devices on all new models.

These investigations are still going on. Their results will be considered at an international meeting in Geneva next March. My right hon. Friend cannot yet say when any necessary regulations on exhaust fumes will be made. Meanwhile, we are preparing a regulation to deal with crankcase fumes.

asked the Minister of Transport what steps she has recently taken to prepare regulations to diminish traffic noise, especially on sports cars and motor cycles.

The Department is discussing with manufacturers and operators a preliminary draft of such regulations.

asked the Minister of Transport how many accidents have occurred at the junction of the Halesowen by-pass and Manor Lane, Halesowen, since the opening of the by-pass last November.

Twenty-two, including thirteen injury accidents.

asked the Minister of Transport whether her Department was consulted by the Worcestershire County Council as to the closing of the junction between the Halesowen by-pass and Manor Lane, Halesowen; whether she is aware that the closure took place without adequate notice either to the Halesowen Borough Council, or to the public; and if she will advise the county council to reopen the highway pending an inquiry.

Earlier this year, Worcestershire County Council, as highway authority, consulted the Department and other interested bodies about the possibility of closing the gaps in the central reservation at this junction but no decision to do so was then reached. On 11th October, the council indicated that it had decided to proceed with the closure.We are aware of complaints that inadequate notice was given, but I understand that the closure is now the subject of a court action. It would be improper for my right hon. Friend to intervene at this stage.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what discussions he has had with the French Government about citizenship for the inhabitants of the Condominium of the New Hebrides.

This subject was discussed during the Anglo-French Ministerial talks on New Hebrides affairs in London on 11th July. While there are difficulties as regards citizenship, both sides agreed that a form of passport should be devised for the native Melanesians which would go some way to establishing a status for them, and would express the fact that the holder was entitled, when travelling outside the New Hebrides, to the protection of Britain and France. Preparation of this travel document is in hand and it is hoped to introduce it fairly soon.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies by what means and to what extent he is considering the views of the residents of Gibraltar in determining the policy of Her Majesty's Government.

My right hon. Friend is kept regularly informed of the views of the people of Gibraltar through their elected representatives and the Governor, and as the House knows he has just gone to Gibraltar to hear them at first hand. He naturally takes full account of these views in determining policy.

asked the Minister of Aviation (1) what is the present estimated total expenditure on United States military aircraft, spares and equipment, in respect of contracts firmly placed; and how much of this sum is expected to fall due for payment in the present financial year and in each of the next three financial years;(2) how much of the sum due to be found for the payment of United States manufactured military airplanes, spare parts and ancillary equipment is contracted to be paid in sterling at prices current at time of payment and how much in United States dollars; and what are the respective amounts.

The present estimated total expenditure in respect of the orders so far placed by Her Majesty's Government on the U.S. Government for the development and production of Hercules, Phantom and F.111 aircraft, initial spares and equipment is about £450 million including interest under the credit terms that have been arranged. Taking account of these credit terms, it is estimated that payments on account of these orders will be £10 million in the present financial year and about £25 million, £50 million and £55 million respectively in the three succeeding financial years.In addition Her Majesty's Government have so far placed contracts with U.K. contractors in respect of these United States military aircraft, spares and equipment to a value of £95 million. Of this amount, payments of about £20 million are expected to be made in the present financial year.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will announce the date of establishment and membership of the Standing Advisory Committee on Animal Welfare.

My right hon. Friend is not yet able to make an announcement but will do so as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has for the use of Fort George.

I am examining the future military requirement for Fort George. For the present it will continue to be used as a training centre.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is the estimated capital cost per additional student place in British universities, excluding the cost of residence.

The following are current estimates (including building, furniture and equipment, professional fees and land) corresponding to that given for 1961–62 in Table 30 of the University Grants Committee Quinquennial Report 1957–1962 (Cmnd. 2267), and for 1962–63 in Table 22 of Appendix IV to the Robbins Report.

Arts and Social Studies	Pure Science	Applied Science
£1,500	£3,400	£4,800

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is the extent of research at present being carried out into the causes and incidence of bronchitis, particularly in industry, and the amount of contributions made by the Government towards such research.

Four Medical Research Council research units are directly concerned with this field; other members of the Council's staff are investigating various aspects of the disease; and the Council have awarded a number of research grants for work on bronchitis and related conditions. Research supported by Government funds is also carried out in Universities, in hospitals under the National Health Service, and under the auspices of the National Coal Board. Further work is supported by voluntary bodies. Some of these studies have been undertaken in particular industries or have taken occupational factors into account. It is not possible to provide a reliable estimate of total Government expenditure on relevant research.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT a table showing the percentage number of children from primary schools, giving the names of such schools, in the area of the Harrow Education Authority who were awarded grammar school places this year.

The statistics collected by my Department do not enable me to provide this information.

asked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs if he will make an order to extend the provisions for the control of incomes to alimony.

No. The powers available under Part IV of the Prices and Incomes Act relate to restrictions on prices or charges and pay.

asked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs when he will announce the name of the chairman and membership of the Economic Development Council for Agriculture; and what is the reason for the further delay.

My right hon. Friend hopes to make an announcement very shortly.

asked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs what action he is taking to assist the establishment of pay and productivity committees at appropriate levels of industry.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the Answer given on 27th October to a similar Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Billericay (Mr. Moonman).

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will instruct inspectors of taxes that where trade union membership is a condition of employment the trade union subscriptions shall be an allowable expense for tax purposes.

No. My right hon. Friend has no power to give such an instruction as these subscriptions do not satisfy the statutory conditions for relief.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) if he will introduce legislation to abolish stamp duty on mortgages for sums not in excess of £4,500;(2) if he will introduce legislation to abolish the payment of Stamp Duty on the transfer and redemption of mortgages.

I have noted my hon. Friend's suggestions, but I cannot anticipate my right hon. Friend's Budget Statement.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what would be the annual cost to the Exchequer of the abolition of all stamp duties on mortgages.

About £4 million in a full year.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what progress has been made in the reduction of £100 million in Government overseas expenditure announced on 20th July.

Savings of about £10 million a year will flow from our current plans to withdraw forces in the Far East. Other reductions such as those in respect of Germany are at the stage of planning and consultation and I cannot be so specific. Similarly negotiations and consultations are needed about individual parts of the aid programme. I regret therefore that detailed figures cannot be given at this stage, but substantial savings have been or are in the process of being secured.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will reduce the figure of £2,000 for one year's sales below which exporters cannot claim the 2 per cent. rebate to £250 since the present figure excludes among others all Welsh pony breeders who are contributing to the export effort.

No. The advantages of doing so would be outweighed by the additional staff and other administrative costs required in handling smaller claims.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware that the Digest of Scottish Statistics reveals that production in Scotland was stagnant in the first half of 1966, that for the first time since 1960 there was no increase in production in the second quarter of the year, and that there are now more than three unemployed Scots for every vacant job in Scotland; and if he will take steps to exempt Scotland from the effects of the credit squeeze and the Selective Employment Tax.

The Government's policies for strengthening the regions are protecting the economy of Scotland during the present phase. I do not have at present further proposals to improve the position beyond the material assistance provided under existing policies of regional development.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government (1) how many rent officers have been appointed under the Rent Act, 1965; and what is the total amount of salaries paid to them;(2) what has been the cost to date of the rent offices, including salaries and wages, set up under the Rent Act, 1965; and how many applications have been so far made to them.

Fifty-five senior rent officers and 281 rent officers have been appointed, of whom respectively 12 and 101 are part-time. Their salaries are in the scale £1,495–£1,745 per annum, with an allowance of £250 for senior rent officers; part-time officers are paid a fraction of this salary appropriate to the terms of their appointments. Claims for reimbursement of expenditure by local authorities on this service are now in course of submission and the total costs asked for are not yet available. Up to 22nd October, 23,085 applications for registration of a fair rent had been made to rent officers. Salaries, fees and travelling and other expenses of rent assessment committees and their staff to date amount to £220,240; details of the other costs involved are not available.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what is his policy regarding the Green Belt and the boundaries of the Borough of Epsom and Ewell.

I would refer the right hon. and learned Gentleman to the Answer given on 16th May to his Question on Green Belt policy. My right hon. Friend is not aware of any issue immediately affecting the boundaries of the borough.

asked the Postmaster-General what was the value of contracts for the manufacture of Post Office equipment of all kinds placed in development areas and Northern Ireland in 1965 and 1966.

The figures were:

		1964–65	1965–66
		£m.	£m.
Development Districts	…	14.6	24.7
Northern Ireland	…	1.0	2.9

asked the Postmaster-General what action he is taking to expedite the availability of BBC2 in Northern Ireland, especially in the northwestern area.

asked the Postmaster-General when he expects BBC2 to become obtainable in Northern Ireland.

The extension of BBC2 coverage is primarily a matter for the BBC. They tell me that, owing to delay in the production of aerial equipment, their station at Divis will not open this autumn as they had expected; but that it should open early next year provided that the weather this winter does not cause any further set-backs.Approval has also been given for a station to broadcast BBC2 in the Londonderry area. The BBC are not yet able to give a firm date for the completion of this station.

asked the Postmaster-General how many requests for telephones are outstanding in the Cookstown area of County Tyrone; and how many have been granted in the last 12 months, and how many refused.

21 at 30th September 1966; all were in course of being met. 105 new telephones were installed during the previous twelve months. No requests have been refused.

asked the Minister of Power if he will issue a general direction, in the public interest, restraining the Scottish Gas Board from increasing the price of smokeless fuels by Is. per bag as from 1st November; and if he will make a statement.

VISITS ABROAD BY M.P.B.W. MINISTERS DURING THE PAST TWO YEARS
Data	Name of Minister	Country Visited	Purpose	Cost
				£
26th April, 1965 to 30th April, 1965	*Rt. Hon. Charles Pannell, accompanied by one official	West Germany	To investigate the Department's problems in Germany	200
4th June, 1965 to 13th June, 1965	*Rt. Hon. Charles Pannell, accompanied by one official	Sweden and Denmark	To study industrialised building methods	300
19th Sept. 1966 to 3rd Oct., 1966	*Rt. Hon. Reginald Prentice, accompanied by one official	Malaysia, Singapore and Hong Kong	To see how the Department could best and most economically meet the building needs of the armed forces and the diplomatic and consular services in these areas	2,500
* accompanied by Private Secretary.

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works what officials accompanied him on his tour of the Far East during the Summer Recess; what costs were involved; what was the result of his examination of the building needs of the Armed Forces; why this examination could not be carried out by his qualified representatives stationed in the Far East; and what economies are now planned as a result of these visits.

I was accompanied by a Deputy Secretary and my Private Secretary; the total cost to public funds was about £2,500. I was able to discuss with local Ministers and senior officials in the places I visited the implications of reducing my Department's staff to accord with revised requirements for building work. I expect economies in staff to follow from these discussions.

Increases in the price of gas cokes on 1st November are due to the withdrawal of the discount allowed on solid fuels in the summer months to encourage stocking. Normal seasonal price variations of this kind are not affected by the prices standstill.

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works if he will publish in HANSARD details of overseas visits made by Ministers in his Department during the past two years; at what costs and for what purposes these visits were made; and what have been the results achieved by such visits.