asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what steps his Department are taking to overcome the problem of children from rural areas not enjoying after-school activities because of the long hours of travelling between home and school.

Local education authorities have power to take such steps as they think necessary to deal with this problem, and I welcome this opportunity of drawing it to their attention.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is holding up the modernisation of the toilets at Abbotsham Primary School, North Devon.

No application regarding this project has been received by the Department. I understand that there is a proposal by the Bideford Rural District Council to provide a new sewage system for the village.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what proposals he has regarding the remuneration of university teachers of clinical medicine.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he will make a statement regarding the payment of teachers of clinical medicine at universities.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science why, in view of the need to expand facilities for teaching in the medical schools, the same treatment in regard to salaries is not being accorded to university medical teachers as to doctors employed in the National Health Service.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science why clinical teachers will not get an increase in pay on 1st January, 1967, when the review body's award to hospital doctors will be implemented.

I would refer hon. Members to my reply of 3rd November to my hon. Friend the Member for Plymouth, Sutton (Dr. David Owen).—[Vol. 735, c. 640.]

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he will make more money available for boarding education for the children of service personnel.

The amount spent on assistance towards the cost of boarding education is a matter for the discretion of individual local education authorities.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what information he has on the number of wheel chair students in statu pupillari at each British university, in view of the need to provide for their easier physical access to university buildings.

Central records do not provide this information. I recognise that universities face problems here, especially where older buildings are involved, but a physical handicap is not a bar to acceptance of any suitably qualified candidate and in planning new university buildings the need for easy access for the disabled is borne in mind.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will state the outcome of the recent full inspection of the Kirkby Fields College of Education; and what steps he is taking to make public the vindication of the position of the Principal.

A full inspection of this recently-established college was carried out in February at the request of the Liverpool Local Education Authority and the Governors of the College. The report itself is a confidential document, but I can say that it spoke well of the work of the college as a whole and of the achievement of the Principal. The Authority and the Governors have already remedied certain shortcomings to which the report drew attention. I rely on them to take any further measures needed to ensure the future progress of the College.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what steps his Department is now taking to overcome the shortage of nursery schools.

I am encouraging local education authorities to establish new nursery classes wherever these will help qualified women teachers with young children to teach in maintained schools.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science why Miss Carol Tilbrook, a graduate teacher at Lordswood Grammar Technical School, Birmingham, is currently being paid at the non-graduate rate.

Graduate additions to salary are not payable to teachers under the age of 21.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he is aware of the unsatisfactory state of the primary schools in the borough of Richmond, Yorkshire, and that they are below the standards of the 1944 Act; why the replacement school for 280 infants and juniors was not included in the 1966–67 or 1967–68 programmes; if he will give an assurance that it will be included in the 1968–69 building programme; and if he will make a statement.

Yes. The new school was not included in the 1966–68 programmes because other projects were considered more urgent. I will look at this proposal as sympathetically as I can for the 1968–69 programme, but I can give no assurances at this stage.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many primary schools there are in Cornwall; how many were built before 1939; and how many before 1900.

The Cornwall Local Education Authority maintain 274 primary schools. An age classification by the exact dates mentioned by my hon. Friend is not available, but in 251 schools the oldest main building dates from before 1945 and in 202 of these from 1902 or earlier.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he is aware that the primary school children in Holton-le-Clay, near Grimsby, have increased in number from 87 last spring to 140 today, and that a further increase is expected when the new housing estate is completed; since the school is inadequate for the present numbers, if he will allow a special allocation of funds to the Lindsey Education Authority to finish the new school, and if need be cut plans for further comprehensive school spending in order to find the money; and if he will make a statement.

I understand that the accommodation is sufficient at present, but the Lindsey Authority propose to extend the school by a minor work in 1967–68 in order to meet the needs of rising numbers. I do not make any money available solely for comprehensive reorganisation, so this allusion in the hon. Member's Question is meaningless.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science when he intends to proceed with the establishment of a university of the air.

The preparatory work is far advanced and I hope to make a full public statement before long.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will recall or reconstitute the National Advisory Council for the Training and Supply of Teachers.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the Answer which I gave to the hon. Member for Honiton (Mr. Mathew) on 3rd November.—[Vol. 735, c. 642.]

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he will amend the appropriate regulations so as to prevent married women teachers, who have elected not to pay full rate National Insurance contributions, from having their sick pay reduced by an amount equal to National Insurance earnings-related sickness benefit, which they cannot receive but for which they have to pay contributions.

These are not statutory regulations but recommendations for the guidance of local education authorities, drawn up by a joint conference representing teachers' associations and employers' associations. I understand the joint conference is aware of the problem to which the hon. Member has drawn attention.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will hold an inquiry into the remuneration of professional footballers, particularly with regard to transactions at the time of their transfer to other clubs, with a view to ascertaining their position in regard to the prices and incomes policy.

No.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what support Her Majesty's Government have given, and will give, to the Polish library and other Polish cultural centres in the United Kingdom; and whether he will make a statement.

Government support has amounted to £200,000 between 1954 and next March, mainly for the Polish Libraries. Grant at a reduced rate will be made in 1967–68 for essential winding up expenses. Over many years the Polish community have asked for higher grants than successive Governments were prepared to make. I regret that we have not been able to reach agreement. But I shall make every effort to safeguard the lending library service for Polish readers and access for students to the scholarly books, and discussions on ways and means of doing this are proceeding.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many students were admitted to colleges of education in September 1966; how many of them were mature students; and what is the total number of students undergoing teacher training at the present time.

Provisional figures for admissions and for total student numbers will be available at the end of this month. Figures for mature students will be ready early next spring.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science when he intends to introduce a superannuation scheme for part-time teachers.

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply today to the right hon. Member for Birmingham, Hands-worth (Sir E. Boyle).

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will state the number of overseas students admitted to the pre-clinical medical course in 1965.

One hundred and sixty-six.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what consideration he has given to proposals from Bristol City Council to build a new comprehensive school in East Bristol, in view of the fact that a new school in this area is desirable and overdue.

My right hon. Friend has considered the authority's proposal for a new comprehensive school to replace the existing St. George's Schools and has agreed to include the first instalment of this project in the 1967–68 building programme. He is writing to inform the Authority today.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what progress has been made by the committee inquiring into the future of the public schools; and when the report will be produced.

I have nothing to add to the reply which I gave my hon. Friend last week.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he is aware that a Scottish girl was dismissed because her employer in Folkestone alleged that his clients could not understand her; and if he will send a circular to local education authorities to ensure that English schools include courses on the Scottish accent in the curriculum.

No.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will introduce legislation to transfer to London borough councils and make mandatory the permissive power given to the Metropolitan Police by the Road Traffic Act 1960 to arrange street crossing patrols.

I have no plans for amending legislation, but I should be willing to consider this if it was the general desire of the local authorities concerned that I should do so.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many convictions for the illegal possession of firearms have been obtained during the three latest convenient years.

The figures for the period March to July this year are being compiled. I will write to the hon. Member when they are ready.I regret that corresponding information for earlier years is not available.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will introduce legislation to permit the kind of car competitions, details of which he has received from the hon. Member for Holland with Boston, and the draws involving no real elements of skill, provided that such competitions take place for the sole benefit of a registered charity and are promoted to the knowledge of the charity and are properly audited.

No. Under Section 45 of the Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Act 1963 small lotteries run for charitable purposes are already exempt from the general prohibition on lotteries contained in Section 41. I do not think it desirable to extend the present limits within which this concession operates.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) whether he will reintroduce corporal punishment for crimes of violence in cases where other treatment has been tried without success;(2) whether he will reintroduce corporal punishment for assaults on police officers by people who have previously been convicted of an offence involving violence.

I see no reason to depart from the unanimous 1960 findings of the Advisory Council on the Treatment of Offenders which after a most careful survey found no evidence that this punishment was in any way more effective than other penal measures in deterring offenders either in crime generally or from crimes of violence, whether or not they had previously been convicted of serious offences. The Answer to both Questions is therefore "No".

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department by what authority the issue of arms is permitted in the Metropolitan area to police who need to carry them for self defence.

Directions for the issue when necessary of weapons and ammunition are given by the superintendent in charge of the sub-division.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will consider issuing members of the Flying Squad with bullet-proof waistcoats.

The Metropolitan Police already have some bullet-proof vests for issue to officers undertaking duties thought likely to involve special danger.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prosecutions for excessive exhaust fumes from motor vehicles have been brought in each of the last five years.

The number of prosecutions in England and Wales under the Motor Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations for the unlawful emission of smoke, etc., was as follows:

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many long-term prisoners escaped from Her Majesty's prisons in each of the years 1956 to 1966.

Figures relating to prisoners serving sentences of five years and over who escaped from prison or escort in England and Wales in the years 1962 to 1965 and in 1966 up to 26th October are as given below. Figures are not available for the years 1956 to 1961.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will list the escaped prisoners now at large, the date of their escapes and the offences for which they were convicted.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prisoners who made their escape from prison during the period between January 1952 and January 1964 are still at large.

Information in respect of England and Wales is available only from 1st January, 1962. 86 of the prisoners who escaped between that date and 31st October, 1966 are still at large. Six of them escaped before January 1964.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on his new policy concerning a review of long-term prison sentences.

The Criminal Justice Bill to be introduced later this year will contain provisions under which suitable prisoners will be eligible for release on licence after serving a prescribed period.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is satisfied that the laws concerning the employment of schoolchildren are being properly observed; and if he will make a statement.

Enforcement of the law on this subject is a matter for local education authorities. I have no reason to doubt the general adequacy of the arrangements made to enforce it.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if, in view of the public interest in the Blake case, he will arrange for the inquiry into prison security to be held in public.

No.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department on what date prisoner George Blake was allowed to have a radio receiver in his cell.

3rd December, 1963.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether the Mountbatten Inquiry will have the power to summon witnesses in connection with the investigations into the escape of George Blake.

No. Lord Mount-batten has told me that he does not think he will need such powers.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what provision in terms of new clothing, luggage and money is made to prisoners of Borstal institutions on their release.

An inmate on release from borstal receives a kit of new clothing and a hold-all; bus or railway warrants or fares to his destination; and, unless his own cash is adequate, an amount sufficient for subsistence on the journey.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what plans he has for introducing legislation to make the carrying of flick knives, sheath knives and other such weapons an indictable offence;(2) what plans he has for making the sale of flick knives, sheath knives and other such weapons an indictable offence.

The sale of flick knives is already prohibited under the Restriction of Offensive Weapons Acts, 1959 and 1961; and under the Prevention of Crime Act, 1953 it is an indictable offence to be in possession of an offensive weapon in a public place without lawful authority or reasonable excuse. I have no plans for further legislation in the sense suggested by my hon. Friend but I shall be glad to consider any relevant information which he may care to send me.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is aware that there was a nuisance to passengers on the 8.10 a.m. train from Ipswich to Liverpool Street on Thursday, 20th October caused by a number of young men who had been released from Hollesley Bay Borstal Institution that morning; and if he will ensure that persons are not released from Borstals in large groups.

I greatly regret this incident. I am considering whether disciplinary proceedings should be taken against the boys involved, who were going on home leave, and I am reviewing the practice of allowing travel in groups.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department why, in view of the reports made to the police at Tottenham Station by the hon. Member for West Ham, North, months ago, cars and lorries, many untaxed and uninsured, are allowed to park on both sides of Chestnut Road, thus impeding the flow of traffic both east and west; and, as this road is a main bus route, why these vehicles are also allowed to park without lights during the lighting-up period.

I am informed by the Commissioner of Police that the police do take action, to the extent that their resources permit, to deal with obstruction and lighting offences in Chestnut Road.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, in view of the fact that fire losses in Great Britain now total about £85 million yearly and that insurance rates differentials offer little inducement to equip premises with modern fire-prevention equipment, he will introduce a new industrial fire code with monetary penalties for non-observance.

While I do not altogether accept what my hon. Friend says about insurance rates and fire losses, the latter naturally give cause for concern. I am not satisfied, however, that an industrial fire code is necessary or practicable. Although primarily concerned with the protection of life, the fire protection provisions of existing legislation such as the Factories Act, 1961 and the Offices, Shops and Railway Premises Act, 1963 contribute materially to the protection of property; the fire service, on an increasing scale, advises managements on fire protection measures and arrangements have been made by my Department to co-ordinate the publicity, covering all aspects of fire safety, which is undertaken by central and local Government, insurance interests and other bodies.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if, pursuant to his powers under Section 30 of the Police Act, he will require the chief constables of the forces concerned to submit reports to him giving the extra cost to the local police force concerned in guarding the person of the Leader of the Party forming the Government of the country during the Party Conferences of their Party in each of the last five years.

No additional cost was incurred in 1962 and 1965. In 1963 the then Prime Minister did not attend the Conservative Party conference; in 1964 the Conservative Party conference was not held. In 1966 an additional cost of £15 16s. 0d. was incurred by the Brighton police.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what study he has made of the information sent to him by the hon. Member for West Ham, North, concerning the possibilities and the advisability of introducing the invisible electronic ray for the safeguarding and security enforcement at Her Majesty's Prisons; when his Department first approached the electronic firm who could install this system; and what action resulted from these inquiries.

I am unable to trace the receipt of any information from my hon. Friend on this subject.

asked the Minister of Overseas Development what cuts in aid to India and Pakistan will be made during the current financial year as a result of the measures of 20th July, 1966.

There will be no effect this year.

asked the Minister of Overseas Development what encouragement he is giving to the export of soya food products from Great Britain to developing countries.

None, for the reason given in the letter which I sent to my hon. Friend on 27th September.

asked the Minister of Overseas Development on what grounds Messrs. L. Smit, A. Bissochoff and E. M. T. Phillips serving in Lesotho have been refused designation under the Overseas Services Aid Scheme, in view of the fact that the Basutoland Government has admitted responsibility for not making the necessary application.

They have not been accepted for designation because they do not satisfy the rules agreed with the Basutoland Government.

asked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs, in order to obtain the co-operation of the working population of the nation and to ensure equity, what steps the Government envisage to prevent unjust price increases during the period of severe; restraint.

As my hon. Friend knows, the Government intend to publish shortly a White Paper setting out the criteria for prices and incomes during the period of severe restraint. During this period the Government will continue to examine rigorously any price increases which do not appear to meet the criteria. The statutory powers under Part IV of the Prices and Incomes Act will remain in force.

asked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs what is the total membership of regional planning councils; and how many members are employed by nationalised industries.

The total membership of the Economic Planning Councils in England is 224, of which 21 are either employed by the nationalised industries or serve on the Boards in a full or part-time capacity. The corresponding figures for the Scottish and Welsh Councils, respectively, are 25:2 and 26:5.

asked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs if he will introduce legislation to give regional planning councils the statutory right to demand information about investment from nationalised industries, private industries and Government Departments.

No. We do not consider statutory powers are necessary to enable councils to obtain information in this or in other fields.

asked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs if he is aware that, contrary to the Government's declared policy regarding the wages and prices standstill, the price of coffee and tea supplied to civil servants in his Department has been increased; and what action he proposes to reduce these prices.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to his similar Question on 8th November by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer.—[Vol. 735, c. 259.]

asked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs whether he will take steps to redeploy workers in his Department into export industries.

No.

asked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs to what extent the lifting of the wage and salary standstill next year will be applicable to those on the lower income levels where productivity cannot be increased, such as hospital workers, doctors, and those in similar types of service and professional employment.

My right hon. Friend will be announcing the criteria for the first half of 1967 shortly.

asked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs if he will make a statement about a review of the National Plan.

As my predecessor informed the House on more than one occasion, the Government intended that the National Plan should be reviewed and revised from time to time. We had it in mind in the first instance to publish a review of progress towards the end of this year. We would then go on to a major revision and rolling forward of the Plan. This would involve thorough detailed work, and we did not expect to complete it for publication before the latter part of 1967.Since we worked out this tentative programme we have had to take, for reasons which we fully explained at the time, the drastic corrective measures of 20th July. These were an overriding necessity. Although the National Plan acknowledged that growth in the early years would be restrained by the balance of payments, the change in the outlook brought about by the developments which necessitated these measures has invalidated many of the assumptions and figures in the Plan. That does not mean that the concept of planning is invalidated; indeed, it is more than ever necessary that we should push ahead with the programme of action contained in the Plan and work out plans which will enable us to resume at the earliest possible moment progress towards the kind of annual rate of growth which was the objective of the 1965 National Plan.It will take time to work out a coordinated and soundly based revised plan of this sort. For that reason, anything to be published this year could do little more than look back over a course of events which is already familiar. We must look forward, not back, and I have therefore decided, after consulting the National Economic Development Council, that in the changed circumstances we should not proceed with our original idea of publishing a review of the Plan this year, but should concentrate our efforts on the more far-reaching and constructive task of preparing the ground work for next year's operation. In agreeing with this approach, the National Economic Development Council strongly reaffirmed its belief in the continuing value of planning, and I shall now proceed to discuss further with it and with the other organisations concerned the kind of planning operation that will be most effective in helping us to achieve our objectives.

asked the President of the Board of Trade when the construction of the two advance factories allocated to North Merseyside is to be commenced; and what is the estimated date for their completion.

We have had very considerable difficulties in acquiring land for these two factories, and owing to local authority intervention, a public inquiry was unavoidable. But we are now nearing the completion of our negotiations. Major site works will be necessary this winter. I hope, however, that construction will be started in June, 1967 and completed by March, 1968.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what progress has been made to secure a site for the advance factory allocated to South Merseyside.

Efforts are still being made to find a suitable site. Unless these are successful in the near future, it may be necessary to build this factory elsewhere.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that the success of his policy of providing advance factories for Aberdeen means that more advance factories are needed there; and if he will take steps to provide more advance factories there.

Construction of the 12,500 sq. ft. advance factory in Aberdeen, announced in September, 1965, began in August, 1966, and is expected to be completed next April. A further advance factory of 27,500 sq. ft. was included in the programme I announced on 3rd November.

asked the President of the Board of Trade, in view of the facts that the Finnish authorities introduced in October, 1964 new hire purchase regulations which gave discriminatory benefit to cars imported from the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics against those imported into Western Europe, and that Finland has a substantial balance of trade with the United Kingdom at an annual rate of £40 to £50 million and is an associate member of the European Free Trade Association, what steps he took at the Lisbon Conference to press the Finnish authorities to modify these hire-purchase arrangements, and with what result.

At Lisbon I concentrated on the more important matter of trying to secure an E.F.T.A. tariff preference for British cars exported to Finland and my Finnish colleague, though unable to promise a preference at present, undertook to consider the matter further.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware of the difficulties arising from the refusal of the Musicians Union to permit the ample use of recorded music on the Government's proposed new sound radio programme; and what application from the Muscians Union has been made to the Performing Rights Tribunal, which has already adjudicated in other circumstances upon the permissible amount of needle time which can be used in a broadcasting service.

The Government have made no announcement of any new sound radio programme. I have seen Press reports. The Tribunal would only have jurisdiction when a dispute arose between the broadcaster and the record makers. No application has been made.

asked the Minister of Labour which standard industrial classifications include companies generally considered to be contributing to the total of United Kingdom exports.

I have been asked to reply. Companies which contribute to United Kingdom exports are to be found in a wide range of industries, but particularly in the manufacturing industries.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if office equipment for industrial companies, other than computers, is eligible for an investment grant.

No.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what would be the estimated annual cost if investment grants for office equipment, other than computers, were made available for industrial and non-industrial companies, respectively.

The information needed to answer the Question is not available. The estimated cost of giving grants on office machinery generally, other than computers, would currently be about £10 to £12 million including investment in the public sector.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if investment grants are payable on items of drawing office equipment valued over £25 per item.

Grants will be available for certain items of specialised draughtsmen's equipment costing more than £25 when provided for use for carrying on a qualifying industrial process as defined in the Industrial Development Act, 1966.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is the estimated cost of paying investment grants on items of drawing office equipment valued over £25 per item.

The information needed to answer the Question is not available.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if an investment grant is payable on ancillary items, such as pallettes, to handling equipment even if such items are valued below £25 individually.

No.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is the estimated cost of paying investment grants on all items of mechanical handling irrespective of a minimum cost per item.

Currently about £25 million a year. This figure includes both investment which already qualifies for grant under the Act and investment, including investment in the public sector, which does not qualify.

asked the President of the Board of Trade when the forms for application for investment grants will be available.

On 29th November, 1966. The application forms and an explanatory booklet will then be available from the five Investment Grants Offices which are now being set up.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the recent substantial increases in imports of cotton piece goods from Portugal and of man-made fibre imports from Formosa are within the recently agreed global quotas.

Portugal is not one of thecountries to which the agreed global quotas apply. Under the international arrangement on which they depend, these quotas do not apply to textiles containing more than 50 per cent. of man-made fibres.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what assistance, and in what form, he intends to give to the British Travel Association in its campaign to boost Great Britain as a holiday resort.

All the Association's work is directed to promoting tourism in Britain or encouraging the development of British tourist facilities: this year its grant from the Board of Trade will amount to over £2 million. Additionally, the Board of Trade propose to contribute £39,000 towards the Association's campaign—which this year will cost £75,000—for encouraging our own people to spend their holidays in Britain.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what steps he has taken to ensure the increase of exports of products manufactured by the E.N.V. Engineering Company Limited when their Willesden factory closes.

The Board of Trade has given a good deal of export assistance to this company in recent years. The Department is at all times willing to assist the company further in its export efforts and to discuss any export problems which may arise as a result of the reorganisation now taking place.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many Members of Parliament have agreed to take part in the export promotion scheme organised by his Department; and how many visits have been arranged.

Three hundred and eighty-eight Members have agreed to take part—a very gratifying response. So far 13 visits have been made. Other visits are being arranged between Members and firms whose names have been provided by my Department.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement on the present work and future plans of the Shipbuilding Industry Board set up on the lines of the Geddes Report.

We intend to introduce the legislation necessary to establish the Shipbuilding Industry Board as soon as possible. In the meantime I have appointed the Shipbuilding Industry Board and they are studying the problems of the industry in close consultation with both sides.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware of the decision of Merrlees Watson, Scotland Street, Glasgow, to cease production; and what is being done to provide alternative work for the displaced employees.

I know of this decision and sympathise with those affected by it. My right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour is arranging for all practicable steps to be taken to assist those made redundant to find alternative work. My Department will continue to do everything possible to assist the expansion of employment in the Glasgow area and, to this end, my right hon. Friend is prepared to use his powers under the Local Employment Acts to the full.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many United States based firms operate in Scotland; what average proportion of their output is exported; and what is the comparable proportion in the case of purely Scottish firms.

Some 50 large United Kingdom companies under United States control have manufacturing establishments in Scotland. Information about the proportion of output exported is not at present available.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that four washing machine manufacturers have recently gone into liquidation owing large sums to their creditors, and that in the most recent case the Imperial Domestic declared to their shareholders earlier this year that large profits would be available; and whether he will cause an investigation to be made under section 165 of the Companies Act, 1948, into the affairs of this company, which has been conducted in a manner oppressive to its shareholders.

Imperial Domestic Appliances Limited is not in liquidation. A receiver and manager has been appointed by the debenture holders in relation to the company and other companies in the same group. On present information there do not appear to be grounds for the appointment of an inspector under Section 165 of the Companies Act, 1948, to investigate the affairs of the company.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that overseas sales of motor-cars are now running at a figure of 100,000 less than in 1964, and that in 1961, on the last occasion when a squeeze was placed on the motor car industry, this fell by 200,000 vehicles; and what action he proposes to take to reverse this trend and increase exports of cars and vehicles generally.

Exports in the first nine months of this year were 440,000 cars compared with 513,000 in the same period of 1964. This fall reflects changes in conditions abroad rather than at home. Reversal depends upon these market conditions and upon the efforts of the industry to expand sales; the Board of Trade and the Ministry of Technology will continue to give their full support to the industry's efforts.

asked the President of the Board of Trade on how many occasions the Minister of State has hired a Hawker Siddeley 125 Executive Jet from a privately owned charter air company; what was the cost in each instance; and what would have been the costs had these visits been made by using the normal services provided by the publicly-owned British air lines.

None. The Ministers of State have used the HS 125 of my Department's Civil Aviation Flying Unit on eight occasions. The total out of pocket cost was £1,275, compared with £450 for scheduled services if they had been available.

asked the President of the Board of Trade why, in view of the fact that the publicly owned air services had flights available, he hired from a private charter company a Hawker Siddeley 125 Executive Jet for his recent visit to Lyons; what was the cost of this; and what would have been the cost if a normal booking on one of the British-owned airlines had been taken instead.

I did not hire an aircraft from a private charter company. An HS 125 of my Department's Civil Aviation Flying Unit was used to take the Minister of State to the British Week in Lyons and to bring me back. The out-of-pocket cost of both journeys was approximately £200 compared with £91 4s. for the scheduled service, which my other engagements did not permit me to use.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what proportion of money spent by local authorities on sporting and recreational facilities has been spent on the provision of swimming baths.

This information is not available. Of the total of loan sanctions issued for the provision of sporting and recreational facilities in the last financial year, swimming baths accounted for 64 per cent.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what progress has been made in preventing the emission of thick smoke, containing copper and phosphorus fumes, from the factory of A. Cohen & Company Limited on the Woolwich industrial estate.

Following successful trials earlier this year with a different type of furnace, the existing furnaces are being replaced. It is expected that the emissions will be noticeably improved by the end of the year.

asked the Minister of Technology what is the value of semifinished motor parts imported from the United States of America to be finished by E.N.V. Engineering Company Limited, Willesden.

I am informed by the company that it has not imported any semifinished motor parts for approximately 18 months.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will make a further statement about the strike at Morris Radiators, Oxford, which is causing all production to be stopped at British Motor Corporation factories.