asked the Postmaster-General when he expects the proposed Radio 247 to be in operation; whether he is satisfied that it will provide an adequate alternative service to that at present provided by the offshore broadcasters; and what estimate has been made of the cost to the British Broadcasting Corporation of running this service.

The B.B.C. expect to have the new popular music programme on the air by the late summer or early autumn. Its purpose will be to widen the listener's choice of programmes by serving the audiences for popular music of all kinds. The B.B.C. estimate that the additional cost of running this programme will be about £200,000 a year.

asked the Postmaster-General what estimate he has made of the cost to the British Broadcasting Corporation of setting up and operating for a year the experimental very high frequency local broadcasting stations; and why he has not allowed bodies other than the British Broadcasting Corporation to share in these experiments.

I would refer the hon. Member to the replies given to other Questions on this subject today.

asked the Postmaster-General what powers the proposed local broadcasting councils will have over the setting up and operation of local radio stations.

The role of the Local Broadcasting Councils will be to advise and support the Station Manager in his task of providing the service. As the White Paper makes clear, it is the intention that the Councils will have the maximum possible voice in the direction and performance of the stations.

asked the Postmaster-General what discussions he had with the Musicians' Union about local sound radio.

Like many other bodies which came to see me, the Musicians' Union represented their views on the objectives and organisation of a service of local radio.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he will take steps to ensure that the arrangements announced in the White Paper on Broadcasting for the operation of the experimental local radio stations will not result in the sponsorship of programmes.

The conduct of the service provided by the local stations will be subject to the obligations under which the B.B.C. provide all their services. Under Clause 13 of its Licence and agreement, the Corporation may not broadcast any sponsored programme.

asked the Postmaster-General if he will now give further details about the local broadcasting experiments being arranged at his request by the British Broadcasting Corporation.

I would refer my hon. Friend to my Answer earlier today to the hon. Member for Hendon, North (Sir Ian Orr-Ewing) and other hon. Members.

asked the Postmaster-General if he will ensure that B.B.C.2 reception becomes available to all areas now receiving B.B.C.1, before a public colour television service is started.

No. The start of a colour service on B.B.C.2 will not slow down the rate at which the coverage of B.B.C.2 is extended.

asked the Postmaster-General whether, in the forthcoming legislation dealing with the evasion of television licences, he intends to increase the penalty the court can impose on conviction.

Yes. The Bill will provide for a very substantial increase in the amount of the fines to which evaders will he liable.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he will make regulations enabling the general public to take out a television licence for periods of less than 12 months.

No. To allow licences to be issued for periods of less than 12 months would add significantly to working costs and could lead to increased evasion. Licence holders would have to pay more to meet the increased costs.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that 2,438,248 television licences are held in the Midland Region and that the number per 100 families is 83·50; and whether he will state the number of television licences, and the number per 100 families, in Northamptonshire.

I cannot give, in a form which would be directly comparable with the figures my right hon. Friend has quoted, the full range of information for which he asks. On 31st December, some 150,000 television licences were held in postal districts of which the head offices are in Northamptonshire.

asked the Postmaster-General whether, in view of the delay in completing the new relay station for B.B.C. 1 in Bedford, he will now give a firm date when the station will be in operation.

This is a matter for the B.B.C. It tells me, however, that it now hopes to have the station in operation by the late autumn.

asked the Postmaster-General what efforts are being made to provide a booster station to improve television reception in Shrewsbury.

This is primarily a matter for the broadcasting authorities. They tell me, however, that reception of B.B.C. 1 and independent television programmes in Shrewsbury is generally satisfactory.

asked the Postmaster-General if he will make regulations to ensure that the British Broadcasting Corporation is afforded the opportunity to televise the England-Scotland football match at Wembley and stop the monopoly of independent television on this matter; if he will ensure that Scotland will as a whole see the game; and if he will make a statement.

No. There are arrangements of long standing governing the showing of the broadcasting organisations of events of national importance. As to this event, I understand that both broadcasting organisations were invited to bid, and that Independent Television's bid was accepted.

asked the Postmaster-General if he will make a statement on the setting up of a viewers and radio council, for television and radio services, so that opportunities will be afforded to such representatives to advise on programmes, and other aspects where advisable.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the statement in paragraphs 48 and 49 of the recent White Paper on Broadcasting.

asked the Postmaster-General whether, for the greater convenience of Cornish stamp collectors, he will arrange for Truro Post Office to be an office of first-day issue for commemorative stamps.

Yes.

asked the Postmaster-General what steps he is taking to alleviate the hardship caused by the early closing of post offices in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement.

asked the Postmaster-General what representations he has received in regard to the earlier closing of post offices; and what reply he has sent.

asked the Postmaster-General what consideration he gave, in authorising reduced hours of business on Saturdays at 900 main post offices, to the convenience of the general public.

We have had representations from hon. Members, local authorities and others, and have explained in reply that changes in hours of business are essential if we are to cope with our manpower problems and rising costs. By closing Post Offices at times when business is relatively light, we are seeking to keep to a minimum inconvenience to our customers.I have no evidence that the changes are causing hardship in Northern Ireland; but we are in touch with the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and have promised to help, where we can, with any serious difficulties they bring to notice.

asked the Postmaster-General what are his plans to extend the Post Office railway, particularly to Euston.

The question of extending the Post Office Railway is under consideration, but it will be some time before a decision can be taken.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he will consider the use of cellophane wrapping when large numbers of letters have to be forwarded to the same address, thereby obviating the bending or tearing of letters and the use of string.

We are experimenting with various methods, including plastic wrapping machines, for bundling letters in the post. We are aiming to reduce the kind of damage that is occa- sionally caused to letters by the use of string but it is too early to say what the outcome of the experiments is likely to be.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he will now reconsider his decision to close the post office at Tenbury Wells from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.

My right hon. Friend has looked into this matter again. While he would not feel justified in reversing the decision to close the office at lunchtime, he will consider changing the hour for which it closes if this would help local residents.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he will take steps to make Post Office employment available to older people by removing or modifying the present age barriers to recruitment.

Most basic grades of Post Office staff are already recruited up to age 60.

asked the Postmaster-General if he will provide a public telephone box in Areema Drive, Dunmurry, County Antrim.

Yes.

asked the Postmaster-General what is the number of public telephone kiosks damaged and out of service owing to vandalism in Wellingborough, Rushden, Raunds, Higham Ferrers, Irthlingborough, and the Wellingborough Rural Council area; what percentage this represents of the total number; and what steps are being taken to put them in order.

During the last three weeks, one in Wellingborough, which has been repaired.

asked the Postmaster-General why telephone subscribers who move into a new house which already contains a telephone are expected to pay one year's rental in advance.

This is a general measure to restrain demand. A transfer to a new address where there is a telephone requires new arrangements and consumes resources.

asked the Postmaster-General what additional revenue he expects to receive as a result of the blocking of the 3d. slots in pay telephone kiosks.

Post Office revenue is not expected to increase overall because of the concurrent reductions, particularly in cheap-rate dialled trunk calls. Revenue from public kiosks is expected to increase by about £3 million.

asked the Postmaster-General how many calls have been made on the Dial a Disc service at Leeds since 8th December; whether he intends to proceed with plans for an extension of this service; and in which areas.

About 200,000. My right hon. Friend plans to extend this service to all other areas where it would be profitable and where plant is available to carry the traffic without detriment to normal telephone service.

asked the Postmaster-General when he intends to implement the recommendation of the Northern Economic Planning Council that the backlog of orders for telephones in the Region should be dealt with as a matter of urgency; and if he will detail what has been done since the Council's recommendation last October.

Every effort is being made to clear the backlog of orders, but we have at a number of places to await the provision and installation of exchange equipment. This takes time.

asked the Postmaster-General how long the Post Office will continue to supply new telephones with lettered dials after the introduction of universal all-figure telephone numbers.

New telephones with lettered dials will be supplied only for the next two years or so, which is the time required to complete the change to all-figure numbers.

asked the Postmaster-General what is the cost to the Post Office of a set of Keymaster 1+5 telephone equipment; and what annual rent is charged to subscribers who instal this equipment.

It would be contrary to practice to make contract prices public. The annual rental is £10 for each telephone installed.

asked the Postmaster-General, in view of the hardship which would be caused to the lower paid section of the community and the cancellation of telephone installations which would result from an increase in telephone rental charges, if he will give an assurance that he will not increase these charges.

Rentals for exchange service have not altered since 1961. I cannot undertake to hold them at these levels indefinitely.

asked the Postmaster-General what is the average waiting time between application for installation of a telephone and its installation; whether there is any regional variation in this waiting time; and what is the main reason for the waiting time.

Plant is available for over 80 per cent. of telephone applications and their average waiting time is two to three weeks. For the remainder, delays are mainly due to the shortage of exchange equipment and average about six months. Regional variations in speed of provision are not significant.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he will now reverse his decision to charge a full year's rent in advance to telephone subscribers who move house, in view of the fact that the results have been tiny and have hurt the poorest most.

No. The arrangement was intended to reduce pressure on resources and must operate on all sectors of demand.

asked the Postmaster-General when he expects the subscriber trunk dialling system will be available to Dublin.

Subscriber dialling to Dublin is not practicable until a new radio link has been provided. I hope to introduce the service as soon as possible after completion of this work which is expected early in 1969.

asked the Postmaster-General when the custom of requiring new telephone subscribers to pay one year's rental in advance will be ended, and the period restored to the former three months.

I have no plans at present to restore the former period of three months. The position will be reviewed as and when circumstances permit.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that the introduction of the decimal currency system is likely to raise the charge for a telephone call substantially; and what steps he proposes to take to avoid this.

I do not accept this supposition.

asked the Postmaster-General (1) whether overseas calls originating outside London and the Home Counties are at any disadvantage as com- pared with those made from London and the Home Counties;(2) whether international calls originating outside London are delayed because of congestion on lines into London; and to what extent London subscribers receive priority over provincial subscribers.

Overseas calls from all subscribers may be delayed by congestion on the lines to the overseas exchanges. The risk is somewhat greater from the provinces since each connexion involves more links and to this extent the London subscriber has an advantage. I will be pleased to look into any specific delays my hon. Friend has in mind.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what has been the cost to date of providing hotel accommodation for the owner of No. 118 Brynglas Avenue, Newport, and his family, who were made homeless as a result of tunnelling work in connection with the M4 roadworks.

The cost of hotel accommodation to 11th February amounted to £1,850.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what is the cause of the delay in reinstating No. 39 Brynglas Road, Newport, and in compensating the owner following the tunnelling operations in connection with the M4 roadworks.

Liability for any damage caused to this property has not been established. My right hon. Friend is looking into the matter further in an endeavour to reach an early conclusion.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales when the work of reinstating No. 128 Brynglas Avenue, Newport, following the tunnelling operations in connection with the M4 roadworks is likely to be carried out.

The matter has been referred to the contractors to deal with in accordance with the terms of their contract. I have asked for a report and will write to my hon. Friend as soon as I can.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what progress has been made in negotiations for the purchase of No. 118 Brynglas Avenue, Newport, following the damage caused to this property by the M4 roadworks.

The owner has felt unable to accept the District Valuers' assessment of the value of the property and negotiations have not yet reached a conclusion.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales how many dwellings were built by housing authorities in Wales during 1966 and during the last quarter of 1966, respectively; and how those figures compare with the numbers built during 1965 and during the last quarter of 1965, respectively.

In 1966, 9,165 and 2,753, respectively. In 1965, 9,459 and 2,469, respectively.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales how many private houses and flats were built for purchase during 1966 and during the last quarter of 1966, respectively; and how those figures compare with the numbers built during 1965 and during the last quarter of 1965, respectively.

In 1966, 9,617 and 2,706, respectively. In 1965, 9,501 and 2,446, respectively.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales how many dwellings were built by or on behalf of housing associations in Wales during 1966 and during the last quarter of 1966; and how these figures compare with the numbers built during 1965 and during the last quarter of 1965, respectively.

In 1966, 343 and 63 respectively. In 1965, 217 and 60 respectively.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he is aware that, after Questions relating to houses at Brynglas Avenue, Newport, were placed on the Order Paper by the hon. Member for Newport and before any replies had been received from him, comments on the Questions were made to the Western Mail by a spokesman of the Welsh Office; and what action he intends taking to ensure that civil servants at the Welsh Office do not usurp his function and that they pay proper respect to the House.

The information given to the Press on 27th January was limited to that which the Under-Secretary had already sent to my hon. Friend in a letter dated 12th January.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what proposals he has for the establishment of a separate Countryside Commission for Wales.

As I stated in reply to a Question by the hon. Member on 24th October, 1966, I think that the interests of Wales are at present well served by participation in the National Parks Commission. The Government's intention to reconstitute the Commission as a Countryside Commission was announced in the White Paper "Leisure in the Countryside" (Cmnd. 2928). —[Vol. 734, c. 123.]

asked the Secretary of State for Wales how many additional miles of motorway will be completed in Wales between 1970 and 1980; and if he will provide details of any plans for expansion of the existing motorway programme.

The road programme beyond 1970 has not yet been decided.I am considering a possible extension of the M4 motorway from Newport to near Bridgend, by-passing Cardiff to the north, but cannot yet say when it will find a place in the Welsh road programme.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement following his recent discussions with the Chairman of the National Ports Council; and what new developments he envisages for the docks at Newport, Cardiff, Barry, Swansea, Port Talbot and Milford Haven, respectively.

No. This was a confidential discussion which I arranged because of my general interest in the South Wales ports.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will publish the report made to him by the Welsh Economic Council about the South Wales Ports; and if he will make a statement.

No. The Council's advice is confidential to me.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he is aware that admission procedures for mentally-handicapped children to appropriate schools and training centres, under Section 57 of the Education Act 1944, vary between local authorities and that this can cause hardship for the children and their parents; and what steps he will take to prevent such hardship.

Where, as here, the Act places responsibility for action on local education authorities, variations in practice are to be expected. I will be glad to consider any particular cases of hardship the hon. Member may refer to me.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will seek to introduce a scheme whereby married women teachers who have spent 15 years in the teaching profession and paid all superannuation contributions could at the end of that time receive an agreed percentage of the pension due to a teacher after 30 years' service.

No. The 30 year service requirement for pension entitlement under the teachers' superannuation scheme is already relaxed in favour of married women. The pensions they receive on retirement at or after age 60 are in direct proportion, on the basis of their shorter service, to those of teachers who complete the normal qualifying period.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science which local authorities in England do not make awards to students taking a course for the Law Society's qualifying examination, Part I.

Awards to students taking the course for the Law Society's qualifying examination, Part I, are made under the discretionary powers given to local education authorities by Section 2 of the Education Act, 1962. I have advised authorities to consider paying grants covering both fees and maintenance to articled clerks who attend without remuneration a compulsory full-time course leading to this examination. I have no record of the extent to which local education authorities in England have acted on this advice.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science why he has fixed the proposed increase in the university fees of overseas students at a substantially higher level than that recommended by the Robbins Committee.

The Robbins Committee's recommendation was confined to the view that at least 20 per cent. of university income should be represented by fees. It is not possible to derive from this recommendation a particular level of fees, but a general fee of £250 would be likely to represent 20 –25 per cent. of the average annual recurrent expenditure over the next quinquennium.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is aware that 18 of the prisoners involved in the recent disturbances at Durham Prison are Londoners with known criminal connections and that some of them are related through marriage; and whether he will take steps to separate them.

Most of the prisoners involved in the recent disturbances at Durham prison are from the London area and some of their families are connected. The allocation of prisoners between the special wings at Durham, Leicester and Parkhurst prisons takes account of their associates and general background and the best use is being made of the accommodation available.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department on what date Frank Mitchell escaped from Dartmoor Prison; what action has been taken to apprehend this former prisoner; when he expects to have this man in custody again; and whether he will make a statement.

Mitchell escaped on 12th December. The police are maintaining a determined search for him, but it is impossible for me to forecast when they are likely to be successful.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department why, in view of the fact that Frank Mitchell is a menace to the safety of the public and his long record of violence, the Home Office contemplated fixing a date for his release.

I would refer the right hon. Gentleman to paragraphs 149 –153, 187, 191 and 194 –200 of the Mountbatten Report.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department of the £11 million worth of new prison building now under construction, what is the value of work which will be completed in the years 1966 –67, 1967 –68, 1968 –69 and 1969 –70, respectively; and what work will be completed after 1970.

About one sixth in 1966 –67, one half in 1967 –68 and the rest in 1968–69.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the average prison population in each of the years 1950 to 1966.

The average total population of all prisons, borstals, detention centres and remand centres in England and Wales was as follows:

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he proposes to introduce legislation to implement the recommendations of the Brain Committee on Drug Addiction.

I am not yet in a position to add to the Answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Wolverhampton, North-East (Mrs. Renee Short) and the hon. Member for Surbiton (Mr. Fisher) on 26th January. —[Vol. 739, c. 1745.]

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what progress is being made with the provision of hostels of various kinds for homeless discharged offenders, as recommended by the Working Party on the Place of Voluntary Service in After-care.

Thirty-one hostels with 350 places are receiving grant from the Home Office. Three applications for grant in respect of 43 places are under consideration. Further applications for grant in respect of 14 projects calculated to provide about 150 places are expected.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many long-term prisoners are now in prerelease hostels; and what plans he has for increasing the number of places in these hostels.

About 210 prisoners, together with about 50 on the similar working out scheme. In accordance with the recommendations in Lord Mounbatten's report on prison escapes and security, hostels must first be established outside prisons to replace those now inside. Thereafter additional hostels will be provided in order to expand the scheme.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much money has been paid so far in compensation to victims of crime; how many persons have received such compensation; and if he will consider extending this scheme so that, in appropriate cases, those guilty of the crimes can contribute to the compensation and thus make some restitution to those whom they have wronged.

Up to the end of January 1967 awards totalling £1,180,417 were made by the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board to 3,386 victims.As I stated on 25th November last in reply to a Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Accrington (Mr. Arthur Davidson) I have referred the question of reparation by offenders to the Advisory Council on the Penal System. —[Vol. 736, c.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department why the printed form of summons makes provision for the defendant's age to be stated; and whether he will consider amending the form so that the age need only be stated if the defendant is under 21 years of age.

The form prescribed for adults in statutory rules makes no reference to age.

asked the Minister of Overseas Development, in view of the decline of food production per head throughout the world, what support the Government intends to give to the Food and Agriculture Organisation emergency measures to meet the rapidly rising need for fertilisers, farm equipment, pesticides and trained personnel in the countries where this trend is most serious.

These proposals are now the subject of a special study designed to assess the role of production resources in agricultural development. The United Kingdom is a member of the twenty nation committee set up by the F.A.O. Council to carry out this study. Meanwhile, as my hon. Friend will know, we try to help by extending general purpose aid on very soft terms to those countries most in need.

asked the Minister of Overseas Development what action he is taking to help the extension of archaeological research in the new African Dominions of the Commonwealth.

None at present. This is mainly a matter for the British Academy which is giving £17,000 a year to the British Institute of Archaeology in East Africa. Within our restricted Aid Programme we must give higher priority to projects of more direct economic benefit.

asked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs whether he will make a statement on the criteria which are to govern the operations of the prices and incomes policy subsequent to 30th June, 1967.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given by my right hon. Friend to similar Questions on Thursday, 9th February, 1967.—[Vol. 740, c. 1798–1802.]

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs if he is aware that numbers of foreign businessmen have gone to Rhodesia waiting to pick up orders which formerly came to England as soon as sanctions either fail or are ended; and what steps he is taking to safeguard this former British market.

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given by the Prime Minister in answer to Questions on 20th December, when he said that while we are loyally abiding by sanctions agreed to by this House, there were businessmen from other countries who were getting in and scooping up markets in Rhodesia. The scope for this has been considerably reduced by United Nations Security Council Resolution No. 232 which makes sanctions binding on all United Nations member countries.I am confident of the ability of British businessmen to re-establish themselves in this market when Rhodesia returns to constitutional rule and sanctions are lifted.—[Vol. 738, c. 1175–83.]

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs whether he will make a statement on the Tanzanian nationalisation of British assets; what compensation is proposed; and whether any prior consultations were held with Her Majesty's Government or the Commonwealth Secretariat.

The Tanzania Government announced on 6th February the immediate nationalisation of all banks, including three British banks. Subsequently it was announced that some fifteen import/export firms and millers, some of which are British owned, were being nationalised and that a 60 per cent. interest was being compulsorily acquired in six other firms, four of which are British. British insurance interests, which are widespread, are, we understand, also affected. There was no prior notification of the Tanzania Government's intention to take these steps. Her Majesty's Government are in close and continuing touch with the banks and the other British companies who have been affected by these new measures.The Tanzania Government introduced and passed nationalisation legislation on 14th February. We have not yet seen the terms of this legislation but have taken note of the Tanzania Government's public statement that full and fair compensation will be paid. Important questions will also arise as regards the future of the employees of all these firms. We are asking the Government of Tanzania urgently for information on these questions through the Canadian Government who are the Protecting Power. We understand that Mr. Jamal, the Tanzania Minister of Finance, intends to visit this country soon for discussions with the head offices of the British banks concerned.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what additional financial support he intends to give this year to the Northern Region to encourage further tree planting as recommended by the Northern Economic Planning Council.

The Government are studying this recommendation along with the others addressed to them by the Council. The proposal for increased expenditure needs to be considered against the background that the main emphasis of the Forestry Commission's planting programme in England is already on the Northern Region.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is aware of the decision to limit the production of bananas in the West Indies; and what will be the effect on the price of bananas in the United Kingdom.

I am not aware of such a decision; the second part of the Question does not therefore arise.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether the profitability of the United Kingdom dairy industry will be one of the subjects involving any special arrangements the Government hope to negotiate with the European Economic Community during the coming months.

As my right hon. Friend, the Prime Minister, has explained, it would not be in the national interest to define publicly the position we might adopt in any negotiations into which we might enter for British entry into the E.E.C.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what quantity of foreign eggs have been imported during the last 12 months; and what percentage this represents of home production.

Imports of eggs in shell during the twelve months ended December, 1966 (which is the latest period for which official figures are available) totalled 660,000 boxes of 360 eggs. It is estimated that this quantity represented rather less than 2 per cent. of total U.K. supplies of shell eggs.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland why he requested that the negotiations on the salaries of local government employees in Scotland should follow, rather than precede, the negotiations for equivalent staff in England and Wales concluded last July.

No such request was made. It has been the general practice for negotiations between employers and employees in Scottish local government to take place in the light of what has been happening in the same field in England and Wales.

asked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs if, in view of the representations made by both the employers' and staff sides of the National Joint Industrial Council for Local Authority Services (Scotland) to bring the negotiated salary increases into effect on 16th March, he will now take action to review his decision to postpone payment of the increases.

I have been asked to reply.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many representations he has now received regarding the Government's decision to forbid payment of the wage increase due to local government employees in Scotland; and what reply he has sent.

As regards the first part of the Question I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave on 15th February to my hon. Friend the Member for South Ayrshire. The following statement of the Government's decision is being sent in reply to representations. "As the Secretary of State has explained in the House of Commons, it has been customary for Scottish local authorities to make pay agreements separately from and later than those in England and Wales. The English and Welsh agreement was not settled until 13th July and since the Scottish negotiations were following their normal pattern they were not concluded before the date of the standstill, i.e., 20th July, 1966.In introducing the standstill it was necessary for the Government to draw a clear line. Paragraph 24 of Command 3073 (White Paper on the Prices and Incomes Standstill) made it clear that no new agreements should be made after 20th July, 1966, to take effect before 1st January, 1967, and that they should not take effect even in the first six months of 1967 unless they could be justified as falling within the criteria for the period of severe restraint. These criteria were subsequently published as Command 3150 (White Paper on the Prices and Incomes Standstill: Period of Severe Restraint); this also makes it clear that the only other pay increases which can take effect during the first half of 1967 are commitments existing at 20th July, 1966, which have already been deferred for six months, or commitments entered into by 20th July, 1966, for a pay review with an effective date on or before 20th July, 1966. The English agreement qualified as an existing commitment (though subject to a six months' deferment) but there is no commitment for Scottish staffs which satisfies the requirements of the two White Papers.Any special treatment for Scottish Local Government Officers which did not accord with decisions made on other groups of workers would arouse justifiable resentment among these groups. An announcement on the amounts of pay increase for Scottish Local Government Staff, and the date of implementation will be made as soon as possible."—[Vol. 741, c.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether his attention has been drawn to the decision of Rothesay Town Council to pay to their employees the pay increase due on 16th March; and whether he will undertake not to interfere between the Council and their employees.

As this decision appears to conflict with the Government's prices and incomes policy representatives of the Town Council have been invited to discuss it with my officials.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what request he has received from the Establishment Department of Glasgow Corporation for a meeting to discuss difficulties encountered in recruiting and retaining staff as a result of the Government's pay standstill; and what reply he has sent.

I have just received this request for an early meeting with myself or one of my Ministerial colleagues at the Scottish Office and will be replying to it very soon.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many hospital beds are not being used because of a shortage of nurses; and what were the comparable figures 5, 10 and 15 years ago.

The information is not available in the form requested, but the following table sets out the numbers of unstaffed beds (for whatever reason) at dates approximating to those in the question.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will take action to expedite the trunking of the A94 between Perth and Aberdeen.

I will take a decision on the proposal to trunk the A94 as part of the present highway review required by the Local Government (Scotland) Act, 1966. If I decide to trunk it the change of status will not be effective until May, 1968.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many additional miles of motorway will be completed in Scotland between 1970 and 1980; and if he will provide details of any plans for expansion of the existing motorway programme.

The mileage of motorway completed between 1970 and 1980 will depend on decisions by the Government on the level of expenditure on roads during the 1970s and on the completion of statutory and other processes. The 105½ miles of motorway proposed in Scotland have recently been increased to 114 miles by the inclusion of further sections of the Glasgow-Greenock trunk road and the Inverkeithing-Perth trunk road; and as plans develop further additions may be made.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how the peace pact offered by Mr. Kosygin differs from the previous Anglo-Soviet pact which was unilaterally abrogated in May, 1955 by the Russian Government, and from the similar pact between Russia and Germany in 1939.

The two instruments mentioned by my hon. Friend were conceived in very different conditions from those which exist today and designed to serve very different purposes from the treaty of peaceful co-operation and friendship which we are now to negotiate with the Soviet Union. We have yet to work out the details but this treaty will of course be quite different in its conception and purpose. It will be concerned with bilateral matters and will not be directed against, or affect the relations of either the Soviet Union or the United Kingdom with, any third party.

asked the Prime Minister what information he has about the implementation and effect, so far, of mandatory sanctions against Rhodesia.

As regards implementation, U have as yet nothing to add to the Answer given on 17th January by my right hon. Friend the First Secretary of State to a Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Fife, West (Mr. William Hamilton).—[Vol. 739, c. 24.]. As to the effect on Rhodesia, I would refer my hon. Friend to the Answers given on 14th February by my right hon. Friend the Minister of State for Commonwealth Affairs to Questions by the hon. Members for Manchester, Blackley (Mr. Rose) and Antrim, South (Sir Knox Cunningham).—[Vol. 741, c. 322.]

asked the Prime Minister if, in view of the fact that tourism in this country earns more than £300 million and is Great Britain's biggest single earner of United States dollars, he will consider appointing a Minister of Tourism.

I would refer the hon. Member to the Answer I gave on 11th August to a Question by the hon. Member for Beckenham (Mr. Goodhart).—-[Vol. 733, c. 1875.]

asked the Minister of Health what are the latest available figures for children waiting for ear, nose and throat operations in the group of hospitals controlled by the North Monmouthshire Hospital Management Committee.

One.

asked the Minister of Health what is the ratio between the number employed in the National Health Service, all grades and categories, and the number of patients.

This comparison cannot readily be made.

asked the Minister of Health what information he has from international organisations regarding the salary of a general practitioner, or equivalent, with five years' seniority in the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, the United States of America, New Zealand, and South Africa, respectively.

I regret that no such information is available.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government how many children under the age of 16 years it is estimated have lost their lives in Lancashire while playing on derelict industrial sites or near open water courses which have not been adequately fenced by their private owners, during the last 10 years.

I am afraid that this detailed information is not available. National figures of deaths from drowning of children under 15 which are available do not provide sufficient guide to the size of this problem in Lancashire.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what representations have been made by local authorities or associations to his Department in the last 10 years requesting legislation which would enable them to compel owners of potentially dangerous old industrial sites and open water courses to adequately fence or make safe such areas; and what replies he has sent.

A number of representations have been received over this period but it has often been found that local authorities' existing powers are adequate to deal with the particular dangers mentioned and this has been explained in reply. In the Department's Circular No. 52/65 every local authority was asked to review their area and to make sure that everything possible had been done to deal with existing sources of danger and to carry out similar reviews at regular intervals in the future.The question of further legislation will be considered if evidence is produce of the need for it.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government when he Proposes to announce his decision on the Projected new road Pattern for Houghton-le-Spring, including the diversion of A690, Following the Public inquiry held in October, 1966.

My right hon. Friend hopes to be able to announce his decision during the course of next week.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he will state for the Year ending 31st December, 1966 in respect of development districts in the North-East and the number of application for grants for the clearance of derelict land, the number approved giving cost and acreage, the number rejected and the number currently under consideration.

During the year ended 31st December, 1966, 18 applications were received. Of these, 3 involving 34 acres were approved for grant at a cost of £29,585, 8 involving 92 acres received outline approval and 7 covering 119 acres are under consideration. In addition, 10 other schemes submitted earlier and covering 132 acres received approval during the year at a cost of £144,759. No scheme was rejected.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what is the number of dwelling-houses in England which would be affected by the proposed legislation for leasehold reform.

Over one million.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what is the number of dwelling-houses in England which are held on lease and which would not be affceted by the proposed legislation on leasehold reform.

Only a few thousands.

asked the Minister of Labour what is the amount of repayments of Selective Employment Tax made so far; and how many claims are represented by this amount.

In the period up to 15th February the Ministry of Labour has paid out £144 million in premiums and refunds in respect of 104,000 claims. The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (up to 15th February) has refunded £4·4 million in respect of 66,000 claims, and the Ministry of Social Security (up to 7th February) £189,000 in respect of 29,000 claims from private households.The total of £148·6 million represents about three-quarters of the estimated refund and premium payments to be made to the private sector in this financial year.

asked the Minister of Labour what administrative machinery is available to deal with the area of salaries and incomes falling outside the purview of the vetting machinery of the Trades Union Congress General Council.

The procedure governing the notification of incomes falling outside the purview of the T.U.C.'s and C.B.I.'s vetting machinery is laid down in paragraphs 19–21 of the White Paper on the early warning system (Cmnd. 2808), as modified by paragraphs 37–39 of the White Paper on the period of severe restraint (Cmnd. 3150). Under this procedure unions not affiliated to the T.U.C. notify claims to the Ministry of Labour, and firms and organisations concerned with local and company negotiations supply information about such negotiations to the Ministry. For practical reasons employers are not expected to notify proposals involving fewer than 200 employees unless there are special circumstances. Officials of the Ministry discuss questions arising from these notifications directly with the unions or employers concerned.

asked the Lord President of the Council whether he will instal an automatic branch exchange system of telephones in the Palace of Westminster enabling local calls only to be dialled direct to replace the time consuming system used at present which has remained unaltered for 25 years.

It is planned to instal an automatic dialling system in the House of Commons when space becomes available. The whole matter is at present under consideration.

asked the Lord President of the Council whether he will seek to arrange the granting of facilities for members of the Lobby to receive Division Lists within 15 minutes of a Division.

If members of the Lobby wish to see a copy of a Division List, they can send a messenger to the Public Bill Office who will provide one. The messenger must be there within 15 minutes of a Division, and it would be helpful if the Lobby could give the Public Bill Office prior notice of which Division or Divisions they would like to receive copies. It must be realised that any information so obtained would be subject to confirmation when the official Division Lists are published in the Votes.

asked the Minister of Technology what proposals he has received for grouping of shipyards from shipyard managements as proposed in the Geddes Report; and if he will make a statement.

None. The Shipbuilding Industry Board has discussed grouping problems with many shipbuilders both individually and collectively but I understand that no proposal for a shipyard group of the kind proposed by the Geddes Committee has yet been submitted to the Board.

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) whether he is aware that the production of woven cotton cloth diminished from 20,600,000 linear yards weekly in November, 1965 to 17,500,000 linear yards weekly in November, 1966; and what are the comparative figures for December, 1966 and January, 1967;(2) whether he is aware that the weekly production of cloth woven from manmade fibres and mixtures diminished from 13,100,000 linear yards in November, 1965 to 11,900,000 linear yards in November, 1966; and whether he is now in a position to state the comparable figures for December, 1966 and January, 1967;(3) whether he is aware that the production of yarn and yarn in the cotton and man-made fibre textile industry in November, 1966 was 6 per cent. less than in November, 1965; and what was the comparable figure of production in December, 1966 and January, 1967.

Yes. The figures of weekly average production for December, 1966 are given below.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is the estimated planned increase of production of cotton and man-made fibres, yarn and cloth by the end of the present year under the revised National Plan.

The National Plan has not yet been revised and this estimate is not available.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will take steps to arrange for the publication in the Monthly Digest of Statistics and of the Board of Trade Journal of Statistical Information relating to the cotton and man-made fibre textile industry more promptly than at present.

These statistics are collected by the Textile Council and released in Press notices as soon as they are available (about 5 to 6 weeks after the month to which they relate). Their subsequent publication in the Monthly Digest of Statistics and in the Board of Trade Journal is subject only to the normal delays of printing and publication.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the importance to the industry of the existing protective import duties on manmade fibres and woven cloth; and whether he will refuse any further reduction in the Kennedy Round negotiations, in view of the present difficulties of the industry.

I am aware of the importance of these duties. It is our objective in the Kennedy Round to secure advantages in other markets which will compensate for reductions in our own duties.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will state in respect of total financial assistance to firms in the North-East development districts for the year ended 31st December, 1966, the average capital commitment for each job expected to be created.

£561. This is based on the assistance offered for projects in the North East part of the Northern development area. Advance factories for which no employment estimates are available have been excluded.

asked the Minister of Transport whether she is yet in a position to announce the result of the review into traffic examiners' pay.

Proposals for a new pay scale have now been made to the examiners' staff association.

asked the Minister of Transport what is the total number of traffic examiners now; and how this compares with a year ago.

One hundred and sixty-six compared with 151 a year ago.