asked the Minister of Public Building and Works why the new building in the Star Chamber Court cost £18 a square foot, when good modern factories are built around £3½ per square foot; whether the contract was submitted to open tender, or was on a cost plus basis; and if he will take action in future to get better value for money.

I am satisfied that the new building in Star Chamber Court gives excellent value for money.The contract was awarded to the lowest of eight tenderers.It is unrealistic to compare the cost of additions to the Palace of Westminster with factory construction.

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works when he will announce which provincial cities are to be designated as major office centres.

I regret that I am not in a position to make any statement on this matter.

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works when the restoration of the Elizabethan wing at Hampton Court will be completed; and when it will be open to the public.

The two additional Wolsey rooms should be open by early summer.

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works what is the total cost to the Government of renting office accommodation per annum; and whether he will seek to establish a State corporation to assess the Government's future requirements and develop for their own use accordingly.

Rental payments by my Ministry will amount to about £17 million in the current financial year. I do not consider that a State corporation would represent any improvement on the present arrangements.

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works what is the total cost per annum to the Government of renting office accommodation in London; what is the cost per square foot to the Government of renting office accommodation in London; and how this compares with the cost per square foot in the provinces.

For the current year the rents paid by my Ministry in London amount to about £12 million. The average rent per square foot for accommodation now held on leases taken at various times over recent years is about 20s. in London and 7s. 6d. in the provinces. For new leases figures are mostly within 40s.–70s. in central London 20s.–35s. in outer London, and 12s–20s. in the provinces.

asked the Minister of Social Security what was the value in real terms of retirement pensions on 1st January 1967; how this compares with 1st June, 1966; and what she estimates would be the cost of restoring the pension to the purchasing value it had at the date of the last increase.

On the basis of the Index of Retail Prices for December, 1966 it would require the addition of 1s. to the single rate of pension and 1s. 8d. to that for a couple to restore the values of June, 1966. To restore the values which pensions had in March, 1965, when the last increases were made, would cost about £95 million a year, with a further £40 million a year for corresponding increases in other National Insurance benefits.

asked the Minister of Social Security whether she will consider the introduction of legislation to extend the age of compulsory retirement to take account of modern advances in the health and working efficiency of the older members of the community.

The National Insurance pension is payable on retirement at any age after 65 for men and 60 for women, so that there is no compulsory age for retirement.

asked the Minister of Social Security what was the number of retirement pensioners receiving National Assistance in Scotland before the new Social Security Act.

One hundred and five thousand on 28th November, 1966, when the new supplementary benefit scheme replaced National Assistance.

asked the Minister of Social Security what is the total number of retirement pensioners residing in Scotland at present.

At 31st December, 1965 (the latest date for which figures are available) there were approximately 556,000 retirement pensions in payment in Scotland.

asked the Minister of Social Security what is the number of new applicants in Scotland for supplementary benefit under the new Act; and how many applications were granted in Scotland.

Up to 3rd January, approximately 68,000 new claims to supplementary pension had been received, two-thirds of which had resulted in the award of a pension.

asked the Lord President of the Council, in view of the measures he has undertaken to prevent disease amongst Members of Parliament in the House, if he will include steps to purify the air they breathe which at present is polluted by the central-heating system in the House.

I have taken expert advice on this matter and am informed that the existing central heating system in the House does not pollute the atmosphere.

asked the Minister of Health what steps he is taking to reduce the waiting list for plastic surgery at Frenchay Hospital, Bristol.

The South Western Regional Hospital Board are urgently considering what steps can be taken to provide additional beds and operating facilities for plastic surgery either at Frenchay or elsewhere in the region.

asked the Minister of Health what arrangements he is making to bring to the notice of hospital patients the terms of circular 66/15 relating to methods of dealing with complaints by patients which was circulated to regional hospital boards in March 1966.

None. The circular is intended for the guidance of hospital authorities.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will now authorise a development purchase order for the apparatus to control infection in hospitals which has been pioneered by the Medical Engineering Development Trust, details of which have been sent to him.

An application by this Trust for a form of development contract is at present being considered.

asked the Minister of Health what action he intends to take to implement the provisions of the Salmon Report.

I hope to make a statement shortly.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will make a statement on the remuneration of hospital pharmacists; and whether he will review their scales of payment.

Salary scales were last increased with effect from 1st April, 1966, and salaries range from about £1,000 for the newly appointed pharmacist to £2,725 in the highest posts, or £2,800 in London. It would be for the appropriate Whitley Council to initiate any review.

asked the Minister of Health what is the average number of hospital maternity beds per 1,000 persons in the United Kingdom as a whole and in the local authority areas covered by the St. Ives and Falmouth-Camborne parliamentary divisions.

The following are the figures:

asked the Minister of Health, what was the average number per 1,000 births of unmarried mothers, mothers bearing a first child or a fifth child and over, who were accommodated in a fully equipped maternity unit with a resident obstetrician and anaesthetist for the birth of their child in the United Kingdom as a whole and in the local authority areas covered by the St. Ives and Falmouth/Camborne parliamentary divisions.

I regret the information requested is not available.

asked the Minister of Health if he will issue a circular to regional hospital boards requiring them to inform doctors that if they advise patients to travel abroad during convalescence as a form of treatment, as distinct from advising them to travel abroad for some specific treatment in a foreign country, they should also warn such patients that they will not be eligible while outside the United Kingdom for their National Insurance sickness benefit.

No. I am advised by my right hon. Friend, the Minister of Social Security, that anyone in receipt of sickness benefit and proposing to go abroad should consult his local social security office.

asked the Minister of Health (1) what evidence he has that there has been any reduction in the number of patients classified as young chronic sick living in geriatric wards during 1966; and what further reduction he expects to occur in 1967;(2) what evidence he has of an increase in the number of beds provided in special young chronic sick units during 1966; and whether any further increase can be expected in 1967.

Up-to-date information about the younger chronic sick in hospital will be obtained in the course of a survey which is in preparation. When the results of this survey are available, I will write to my hon. Friend.

asked the Minister of Health how many nurses in the National Health Service were employed through agencies at the latest available date; and how much was the average fee.

1,327 (including midwives) at 30th September, 1966. Information from a number of hospitals in the London area suggests that the average fee is about £21 a week per nurse. Charges may be paid in addition for laundry and travelling.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will make a statement on Her Majesty's Government's policy with regard to the proposal made by the British Medical Association, a copy of which has been sent to him, that there should be a full and detailed inquiry into the National Health Service.

The Association have been informed that their views on this subject have been noted and will receive consideration.

asked the Minister of Health what plans he has to implement the recommendations contained in the report published by his Department in 1956, entitled Medical Care of Epileptics (Cohen Report).

I hope that the joint sub-committee of the Standing Medical Advisory Committee and the Advisory Council on the Health and Welfare of Handicapped Persons, to which I referred in my reply of 12th December to my hon. Friend the Member for Ilford, South (Mr. Arnold Shaw) will furnish me with advice on which I can base comprehensive guidance to hospital and local authorities on the future development and co-ordination of medical and welfare services for epileptics.—[Vol. 738, c. 20–1.]

asked the Minister of Health what steps he proposes to take to improve the servicing and roadworthiness of road vehicles allocated to incapacitated users.

These matters are regularly reviewed by my Department and my right hon. Friend will continue to introduce whatever improvements are practicable.

asked the Minister of Health to what extent membership of the European Free Trade Association has affected the movement of legally qualified and recognised doctors between Great Britain and the countries concerned; and if he will make a statement.

There is nothing in the Convention setting up the European Free Trade Association to affect the movement of doctors between Great Britain and the other countries of the Association.

asked the Minister of Health (1) what is the percentage of doctors in relation to the population in the Yorkshire and Humberside region; and how that figure compares with the national average;(2) what is the number of doctors in the Yorkshire and Humberside region; and how many are required to bring the number up to the national average.

I assume that both Questions relate to general practitoners. At 1st October, 1966, there were 1,890 principals providing unrestricted general medical services in the region. Ratios of doctors to population are available only for 1965. At that time, there were 40·8 doctors to 100,000 population, against a national ratio of 42·2, with another 63 doctors required to bring the region up to the national average.

asked the Minister of Health what was the number of neo-natal mortalities in each of the years 1960 to 1966 per 1,000 births in the United Kingdom as a whole and in the local authority areas covered by the St. Ives and Falmouth-Camborne parliamentary divisions.

The figures for the West Cornwall Clinical Area are not available, but those for the local authority areas covered by the St. Ives and Falmouth-Camborne parliamentary divisions, are as follows (up to 1965 only):

asked the Minister of Health what study he has made, in view of the negotiations with the Common Market countries, of the effects of the Treaty of Rome on general practitioners; and what information he has, as the result of his study, on the annual net incomes for general practioners in Great Britain, Italy and France.

I am advised that there is nothing in the Treaty of Rome that would directly affect general practitioners in this country, though if we joined the Community there should ultimately be a greater freedom for our doctors to practise on the Continent and for continental doctors to practise here. I have no reliable information on the net incomes of general practitioners in Italy and Frame.

asked the Minister of Health what is the approximate annual cost to the National Health Service of the care and treatment of persons suffering from chronic or occasional bronchial disorders.

I regret that the information is not available.

asked the Minister of Labour what is the amount of Selective Employment Tax refunded or due to be refunded, together with the premium, to those employers qualifying for the premium, and the amount refunded or due to be refunded to those employers entitled to a refund only in respect of the period 5th September, 1966 to 1st January, 1967.

The estimated amounts payable by the Ministry are £180 million and £10 million.

asked the Minister of Labour what is the latest figure of unemployed on Merseyside; and what increase this is over the December, 1966, figure.

On 9th January, 1967, the total number of persons registered as unemployed on Merseyside was 23,257 of whom 1,523 were temporarily stopped. These figures were 3,783 and 1,156 higher, respectively, than on 12th December, 1966.

asked the Minister of Labour what steps he is taking to reduce unemployment on Merseyside; and if he will make a statement.

Our local officers are doing all they can to help those unemployed to find other work and to provide training facilities where appropriate. As my hon. Friend knows, Merseyside is a Development Area and is eligible for the various forms of assistance which are available under the Local Employment Acts and the Industrial Development Act, 1966.

asked the Minister of Labour if he will intervene in the trade dispute which has held up for several months the construction of the building in Horseferry Road-Great Smith Street.

The dispute is being dealt with under the industry's own disputes procedure. My right hon. Friend does not think it would be advisable to intervene at this stage.

asked the Minister of Labour what is the percentage of unemployment in Haverhill.

I would refer the hon. Member to the Written Answer I gave to his Question on 19th January.—[Vol. 739, c. 131.]

asked the Minister of Labour if it is his policy that the full implementation of Wages Council awards should only be made to those already on minimum rates; by what means he ascertains the numbers of employees in Wages Council industries earning only minimum rates; and if he will make a statement.

Cmnd. 3150 sets out the criteria which in the Government's view should apply to pay increases during the severe restraint period.On the question how far these criteria would permit changes in statutory minimum rates to affect workers in Wages Council industries in receipt of higher remuneration, the Government hope to have the views of the National Board for Prices and Incomes following the reference to them of the increase in statutory minimum rates proposed by the Retail Drapery Wages Council.As regards earnings in Wages Council industries I refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my right hon. Friend to his Question on 20th December, 1966.—[Vol. 738, c.

asked the Minister of Labour what plans he has for the extension of the facilities for industrial retraining.

I would refer my hon. Friend to what was said by my right hon. Friend during the course of the debate on economic affairs on 30th November.

asked the Minister of Labour if he will state the present position on the discussions taking place on the question of the preservation of occupational pension rights on change of employment.

My National Joint Advisory Council in October, 1966, agreed that effective arrangements to provide for preservation by deferred pensions were desirable and that these could best be established by imposing a direct statutory requirement on all occupational pension schemes. They recognised that further detailed consideration would need to be given to the difficult technical and other problems involved and that possible changes in the social security system would have to be kept in mind. On the basis of this advice, I am considering what general arrangements can be established, but I cannot at present give any indication of the nature or timing of any necessary legislation.

asked the Minister of Labour to what extent training centres are contributing to the solution of the problem of quantity and quality of the skilled labour force required in the North-East to meet the requirements of existing firms to expand and incoming firms to satisfy their skilled labour needs; and if he will make a statement.

Over the last two years nearly 2,000 people have been trained in skilled trades at the three Government training centres in the North-East. A new centre will be opened at Killingworth later this year. When it is fully operational and expansion of existing centres is completed the North-East centres will be able to turn out some 1,900 skilled workers a year.

asked the Minister of Labour what standard of education men and women are required to have obtained before they are received in a Government training centre; and what tests, oral and written, they have to pass.

Applicants need to be able to read and take notes intelligently and in most trades to possess a knowledge of simple arithmetic. People wanting training in draughtsmanship, electrical contracting, instrument maintenance and radio, television and electronic servicing are required to pass a pre-entry written paper in mathematics. There are no oral tests, although most successful applicants for training have undergone a selection interview.

asked the Minister of Labour if he will introduce legislation or regulations, taking account of all safety considerations, to govern the design, construction and maintenance of escalators used by the public in all places not coming within the provisions of the Offices, Shops and Railway Premises Act, 1963, to which they have access.

No.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs to what extent in his discussions with representatives of European countries, it has been his policy that Great Britain will not consider entry into the European Economic Community without an assurance that none of the six countries have balance of payments or inflationary problems.

The purpose of our present talks is to explore whether the right conditions for British entry can be negotiated. This has involved an exchange of views about our mutual economic problems. The kind of assurance suggested by my right hon. Friend would be inappropriate to seek in either direction.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs when he will make a statement on denegotiating the Nassau Agreement.

At the appropriate time.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will seek to initiate discussions with British owned oil companies which are owed debts by Rumania, with a view to reopening negotiations with Rumania on the same basis as that on which successful talks have been concluded between the Dutch Government and Rumania following agreement with Dutch owned oil companies; and whether he will try to secure an Anglo-Dutch agreement to allow him to make a settlement in Bucharest of other outstanding debts.

Government and oil company representatives consult regularly on the subject of our claims against Rumania. We have agreed with the Rumanians that the time and place for a resumption of negotiations will be settled through diplomatic channels. There is no parallel between the recent agreeement concluded by the Dutch and our own claims. There is no question of Dutch agreement being required for a settlement of our outstanding claims against Rumania.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what assistance has been offered by Her Majesty's Government to the Government of Brazil to assist them in relief of suffering caused by the recent floods in Rio de Janeiro.

Her Majesty's Government have offered the Government of Brazil £5,000 to assist them in the relief of suffering caused by the floods.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many dependants of victims of Nazi persecution were included in the 1,015 awards made under the scheme.

328.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs when the 1961 United Nations Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness was ratified.

The instrument of ratification was deposited in New York on the 29th March, 1966. The United Kingdom is the first country to have ratified.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what instructions are given to British consulates in foreign countries regarding help given to trade exhibitions that are being held in those countries.

Members of the staff of British Consulates are aware that economic and commercial work is a first charge on their resources. They are expected to give all help and support to British participants in trade exhibitions overseas.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will make a statement about the imprisonment of Martin Leonard in the Congo, and the circumstances which led to his last trial being annulled.

Martin Leonard has been in custody since 16th June, 1966, on a charge of attempted murder. Since 18th June he has been in a Kinshasa prison. On 9th December, 1966, he was tried before a Congolese Court, which however ruled that it was not competent to try the case as the alleged offence and the arrest took place outside the court's jurisdiction. The matter was then referred back to the Minister of Justice for a decision where competence lay.Our Ambassador has demanded in a formal Note that Martin Leonard should be released and expelled from the country. So far no reply has been received from the Congolese Government, but the Minister for Foreign Affairs has been reminded of the urgency of the matter I several occasions by our Ambassador, who has also requested an interview with the Minister of Justice.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what action he proposes to take in support of U Thant's proposals for peace in Vietnam.

In making his proposal on 30th December last, for a meeting to arrange the cessation of hostilities, my right hon. Friend supporting U Thant's efforts. As he told the House on 18th January, we support his three points taken together.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will expedite payment on behalf of Mrs. Gertrude Sington, née Kafka, a Czech Jewish lady now a British citizen, who is seeking, and has not yet received compensation for the treatment she received 20 years ago in Theresienstadt, Neugratow, Auschwitz, and Belsen.

I would refer my hon. Friend to my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Croydon, South (Mr. Winnick) on 27th January.—[Vol. 739, c. 383.]

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he has any further information regarding the whereabouts of Miss Winnie Davies of Coedpoeth, Wrexham, last heard of in the Congo in July 1964; and what steps are being taken to establish contact with her and to secure her return home if she so desires.

From information received by our Embassy at Kinshasa some three weeks ago, it appears that Miss Davies is held at Maganga between Kisangani and Bafwasende and is in good health. Congolese forces are active against the rebels in this area and we have kept our concern for Miss Davies' safety constantly before the Army authorities.If Miss Davies wishes to return home on release, our Embassy will give her every assistance, but I understand that all arrangements have already been made by the Missionary Society which employs her.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether Her Majesty's Government propose to take the action called for by the United Nations General Assembly's resolution on Oman.

No. The Resolution which we voted against was based on a completely inaccurate view of Her Majesty's Government's relations with Oman, which is part of the sovereign and independent Sultanate of Muscat and Oman.

asked the Minister of Land and Natural Resources how many letters signed personally by him and relating to the official responsibilities of his Department have been sent in the last six months to the constituents of hon. Members or to organisations located in hon. Members' constituencies; in how many cases have these hon. Members not been sent copies of such letters or been informed at the time about this correspondence.

On a rough estimate some 70. In accordance with what I understand to be the general practice, hon. Members are not usually sent copies of letters written to third parties unless they have specifically asked to be informed.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether it is still the intention to use buildings D78 and/or C2 at the Royal Arsenal site at Woolwich for the Royal Mint.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has earmarked any buildings for future use by the Royal Mint.

Certain buildings at Woolwich were earmarked some time ago for possible use by the Royal Mint but no decision has been taken.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the pension of a former civil servant who retired this year on a terminal salary of £1,000 ayear, having worked as a temporary civil servant part-time for 35 hours a week for 20 years and full-time for a further five years.

£162 10s. a year, with a lump sum of £487 10s. Od.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the pension entitlement of an established civil servant due to retire this year on a terminal salary of £1,000 after 40 years' service as an established civil servant.

£500 per annum with a lump sum of £1,500. This assumes that the salary had remained constant over the last three years of employment.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the pension entitlement of an established civil servant due to retire this year on a terminal salary of £1,000 after 40 years' service, the first 20 of which were unestablished service, the second 20 years established service.

£375 per annum with a lump sum of £1,125. This assumes that the salary had remained constant over the last three years of employment.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the pension of a clerical officer, an executive officer and a principal, respectively, who retired in 1949 after the maximum established service in London; and what is the pension of equivalent officers retiring today.

To the nearest pound, the pensions related to retirement on 31st December, 1949, after 40 years' service are £402, £562 and £1,039 respectively.The pensions related to retirement after the same length of service on 31st December, 1966, are £508, £732 and £1,534.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the pension payable to a widow of a clerical officer, an executive officer and a principal, respectively, who retired from the established Civil Service in 1949 after the maximum service and full contributions.

To the nearest pound, the pensions related to retirement on 31st December, 1949, after 40 years' service would be £165, £218 and £378 respectively.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will introduce legislation to enable writers to spread the tax liability for their income from a book over the number of years which they spent writing it.

I think that Section 471 of the Income Tax Act 1952 and Section 22 of the Finance Act 1953 largely meet the situation which my hon. Friend has in mind.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will give an estimate of the total yield in the last convenient 12 months of duty from aviation gasoline excluding any used by the Royal Air Force.

I regret that this information is not available.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the incidence of the Selective Employment Tax produces anomalies between theatres which are and which are not assisted from public funds and will cause difficulties to theatres as a whole; and whether he will now review the application of the Selective Employment Tax to the living theatre.

Theatres, which are registered charities, can claim refund, whether or not they are receiving assistance from public funds. I see no reason to distinguish for the purpose of the tax between theatres run on commercial lines and other forms of commercial entertainment.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Government intend to fix a time limit for the handing in of gold coins under Statutory Instrument, 1966, No. 438.

Not now. Anyone discovered with gold coins in his possession who has not complied with his obligations under the Exchange Control Act is liable to prosecution. But we shall for the time being continue the present practice of not asking the Director of Public Prosecutions (whose consent is necessary) to proceed against those who make voluntary disclosures.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Government will make an estimate of the net addition to Great Britain's gold reserves resulting from the handing in of gold coins which were already in Great Britain before 27th April, 1966 under Statutory Instrument, 1966, No. 438.

No estimate can be made.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will give the number of persons, being persons who were not collectors of gold coins on 27th April, 1966 and who have since applied to the Treasury for permission to collect gold coins minted after 1837, to whom permission has been granted and refused, respectively.

Between 27th April, 1966 and 20th January, 1967 106 people who had no gold coins on 27th April, 1966 were granted permission to add gold coins to their collection. It is not possible without a disproportionate expenditure of effort to establish how many of the refused applications were from people who did not hold gold coins on 27th April, 1966; but most of these applications were not of a numismatic nature.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the estimated cost per annum to the Treasury in Income Tax allowances to persons covered by contributory private pension schemes.

I regret that this information is not available.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations have been made to him on the closing on banks on Saturday mornings; what reply he has sent; and whether he will make a statement.

I have received a number of representations from the banks and their employees, from industrial and commercial interests and from members of the public, and have said that I will give full consideration to all these representations at the appropriate time. I intend to examine the matter in the light of the forthcoming report of the National Board for Prices and Incomes on the subject of bank charges and practices.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what special instructions he has issued to slaughtermen to prevent unnecessary suffering to animals slaughtered during an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease.

My veterinary staff are in charge of the slaughtering, and are instructed to do everything possible to ensure that the animals are slaughtered humanely.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will publish the report which he has received from the sub-committee of the Northumberland branch of the National Farmers' Union on the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease last summer in the Rothbury area, in full.

I understand that the report is being made to the headquarters of the National Farmers' Union, and the question of publication would be a matter for the Union.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what reports he has had of the state of the west coast hake fisheries.

The hake fishery off the south-west of Ireland and the west of Scotland has declined gradually since the war. The decline is associated with heavy fishing by foreign vessels. International conservation regulations apply in this area but the hake fishery presents special problems of some intricacy which are still being investigated by the scientists.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what quantity of lime has been the subject of application for subsidy since the lower rate of payment announced at the last Price Review came into effect; what was the quantity involved for the similar period of each of the preceding two years; and what was the quantity for each of the calendar years 1965 and 1966.

We cannot yet know the quantity of lime on which subsidy has been claimed since the lower rate of payment came into effect on 18th July, 1966, since farmers are allowed three months from the delivery of the lime to send in their claims, and again many claims are still being scrutinised.It is estimated however that 1,195,000 tons of lime were delivered in the United Kingdom between 18th July and the end of October, 1966. This compares with estimated deliveries in the corresponding period in the two previous years of 1,171,000 tons in 1965 and 1,331,000 tons in 1964.The quantities of lime on which subsidy was paid in the calendar years 1965 and 1966 were 5,893,000 tons and 5,031,000 tons, respectively.

asked the Attorney-General whether he will now state what action is proposed as a result of the investigation carried out by the Director of Public Prosecutions into matters connected with the John Bloom enterprises; and whether he will make a statement.

Police inquiries into this highly complex matter involving several companies and individuals are continuing. Until these inquiries are complete, there can be no decision on the further action to be taken.

asked the Attorney-General whether he will employ the Economist Intelligence Unit to investigate and report on how to effect economies of money and time in public money spent on legal aid, by means of rationalisation in the legal system.

I do not think employment of the Economist Intelligence Unit would be justified. A Treasury review of the administration of the legal aid scheme in 1964/65 made certain recommendations which have been, or are in process of being, effected.

asked the Minister of Aviation what initiative he proposes to take to expedite progress in the establishment of common European requirements for civil and military aircraft; and whether this matter can be adequately pursued within the present administrative framework.

I intend to foster the close relationships which already exist between Ministers and between officials in the European countries concerned. This has enabled a number of important new co-operative projects to be launched, including the Jaguar and V.G. aircraft, and certain military helicopters. Last week I had further talks with French and German Ministers about the possibility of launching on a tripartite basis an economic airbus project, and we plan to meet again in the middle of March. The Answer to the second part of the Question is, "Yes".

asked the Minister of Aviation what progress has now been made as a result of his discussions with the Society of British Aerospace Companies regarding a Committee to examine the efficiency and progress of the aviation industry; what are the terms of reference proposed for this committee; and when it is expected to report.

I have nothing to add to the statement my predecessor made in the House during the Aviation debate on 21st November last.

asked the Minister of Aviation if he is satisfied that the design of Concord fully meets the technical and economic criteria of the International Air Transport Association; if he is satisfied that the Concord can fulfill the objective of the International Air Transport Association that its sideline noise should be less than that being made by subsonic jets; and if he will make a statement.

The Concord is expected to meet fully the I.A.T.A. objective that any supersonic transport aircraft should be a safe, practical and economic air transport. So far as sideline noise is concerned it should not be noisier than present large subsonic jets.

asked the Minister of Aviation what is the current strength of the section of his Department dealing with market research; by how much its strength has been increased in accordance with the recommendation of the Plowden Committee; and whether it includes members who have had professional experience and training in this work.

My Department's market research team, originally comprising two officers, began work in March 1965. It has since been increased to four officers with supporting clerical staff. Three of them are scientists, well qualified for this work though without previous professional experience in it.The team works closely with the Board of Trade, the airlines and the aircraft industry; professional consultants are employed as appropriate.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what will be the future use of the buildings in the western enclave of the Royal Arsenal site at Woolwich.

Most of the accommodation in the western enclave will be used for Service purposes but there will also be some use by the Ministry of Public Building and Works, H.M. Customs and Excise, the British Museum, the National Central Library and possibly the Royal Mint. The Port of London Authority will use the T pier.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence how many merchant ships have been stopped and boarded by the Royal Navy's Beira patrol during the month ended 15th January, 1967; and what were their nationalities

One tanker was stopped and boarded by the Royal Navy patrol in the Mozambique Channel during the month ended 15th January, 1967. She was of Liberian nationality and was not detained. Her cargo contained no oil.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence how many merchant ships have been interrogated or asked to declare their destination by the Royal Navy's Beira patrol during the month ended 15th January, 1967; and what were their nationalities.

I have reports of seven vesels of whom Her Majesty's ships made inquiries by signal during the month ended 15th January, 1967, in pursuance of the Security Council Resolution of 9th April, 1966. They were of German, Liberian, Norwegian, Portuguese, South African and Swedish nationality.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence how many battalions are ready for immediate service in the event of emergency in the Army Strategic Reserve.

One battalion group in the United Kingdom is always at a state of immediate readiness. The remaining battalions are normally at seven days' notice but this period can be greatly reduced when necessary.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what further negotiations have been carried out concerning British use of the westward communications route for the Far East via Panama; and with what result.

None.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence to what use the experimenting in instant airfields will be put; and what is the cost to date of the experiments.

We are developing prefabricated surfacing materials as the quickest means of constructing tactical airfields. So far we have committed about £200,000 to this development.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether the Regional Advisory Council for Further Education has given its advice on the establishment of polytechnics; and whether he will now announce the preliminary list of polytechnics.

Yes. I am now considering the advice of the Councils, together with the comments which I have received from other bodies, and I shall make an announcement as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what progress has been made towards the abolition of the dock in courts.

The consultations which my noble Friend the Lord Chancellor and I initiated with a number of persons and bodies directly concerned with the work of the criminal courts are not yet completed.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he has made a decision regarding the request for an inquiry into the conviction of James Hanratty for the A6 murder.

I have arranged for a senior police officer, with no previous connection with the case, to investigate the further material which has recently come forward about Hanratty's claim to have been at Rhyl when the murder took place. Subject to the outcome of this investigation my view is that it would not be appropriate to set up an independent inquiry to consider the case.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department in view of the recommendation by a jury that the drug lysergic acid 25 be put on the list of prohibited drugs, if he will do this, and thus extend the control over the practice of the Drugs (Prevention of Misuse) Act 1966.

LSD-25 (lysergic acid diethylamide) was added to the Schedule to the Drugs (Prevention of Misuse) Act 1964 by the Drugs (Prevention of Misuse) Act 1964 Modification Order 1966 (S.I. 1966 No. 1001), which came into operation on 9th September 1966 and makes unauthorised possession of the sub-stance an offence. As the recent court decision has thrown doubt on the law regarding the sale of LSD-25, I have asked the Poisons Board to consider the position as a matter of urgency.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he will now publish a revised version of his priority housing list of local authorities.

Following is the list:

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he will send a circular to local authorities encouraging them to see that applicants for rate rebate are provided with a clear written account of the reasons and calculations upon which the rebate allowed, or the rejection of the application, is based.

Rating authorities in general seem to be already going as far as they can reasonably be expected to go in explaining their calculations in these rebate cases, but my right hon. Friend is willing to study any available evidence to the contrary.To require a written explanation in every case would involve much extra work

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government when he will announce the result of his inquiry in June, 1966 into the Danehill Compulsory Purchase Order asked for by the Basingstoke Borough Council.

The Compulsory Purchase Order was only one of a number of matters which were the subject of the inquiry in June, 1966. The Inspector's report is still under consideration. Difficult issues arise and my right hon. Friend cannot yet say when he will be able to announce his decision.

asked the Postmaster-General what proportion of the reduced rate of expansion in the requirements for exchange equipment over the next three to five years occasioned by the economic situation will occur in Scotland.

I assume the hon. Member is referring to production of exchange equipment. The way in which manufacturers expand capacity to meet Post Office estimates of requirements is primarily a matter for their own commercial judgment, and I regret that I am unable to provide the information requested.

asked the Postmaster-General what plans he has to publish bilingual stamps, on which both the Welsh and English languages will be used, for sale in Wales.

None.

asked the Postmaster-General whether, for the purpose of the new series of regional stamps he proposes to issue, he will regard Wales as a nation or a region.

"Regional" is a convenient word to use to denote stamps that are on sale in certain areas of the United Kingdom only, e.g. in the case of Welsh stamps, Wales and Monmouthshire. The term does not apply to the areas themselves. The hon. Gentleman's Question does not therefore seem to arise in this particular context.

asked the Postmaster-General what is his policy to be on the annual number of special stamps identified with Wales.

It is not my policy to stipulate that any particular number of special stamps should be related to Wales or any other part of the Kingdom.

asked the Postmaster-General of the 60 or more subjects from which he had to make a selection for his 1967 special stamp programme in which he was unable to include a special stamp to mark the 400th anniversary of the translation of the New Testament into Welsh, how many had a Welsh character.

Three.

asked the Postmaster-General if, in towns and villages in Wales whose place-names have both a Welsh and English form, he will ensure that both forms are used in franking letters.

No.

asked the Postmaster-General if, during 1968, he will incorporate a picture of Thomas Hardy on a postage stamp to commemorate the Hardy Festival.

I have already put the Hardy Festival on the list of subjects from which I shall select next year's special stamp issues, but I do not think I should commit myself to a particular form of design at this stage.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland which recommendations in the Halliday Report on Conveyancing he intends implementing, and when.