asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will seek to amend the Representation of the People Acts to give himself power to proceed against persons who broadcast political propaganda from illegal radio stations.

My right hon. Friend the Postmaster-General already has power to proceed against persons who broadcast illegally within this country. Legislation to suppress unauthorised off-shore broadcasting stations is at present before Parliament.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that there is uncertainty whether the provisions of the Commonwealth Immigrants Act, 1962 include all those born in Gibraltar; and if he will take steps to end this uncertainty.

Citizens of the United Kingdom and Colonies who derive their citizenship from a connection with a colonial territory (including Gibraltar) are as a rule subject to the immigration control, and I am sure that this is generally known. Guidance is readily available at the Home Office and at British posts overseas to anyone who is uncertain about his position.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will give details of the new instructions which have been given to police laboratories to prevent mistakes being made with regard to blood or urine analyses taken from motorists; when these new safeguards will be in operation; and whether he is satisfied as to their accuracy.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he is taking to ensure the accuracy of blood-alcohol tests on drivers, in view of the serious error in the blood-alcohol analysis taken by his Department's forensic laboratory at Cardiff on a man killed in a tractor accident.

I would refer the hon. Members to the Answer which my right hon. Friend gave on 21st April, 1967 to a Question by the hon. Member for Runcorn (Mr. Carlisle).

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he will instruct the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board not to discriminate against the servants of public bodies, police officers and employees of nationalised industries by deducting from the claim of their widows the value of any pension paid to that widow by reason of her husband's service with his employers;(2) if he will instruct the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board when they assess and pay compensation to a widow in respect of the death of her husband, to apply the provisions of the Fatal Accidents Act, 1959 and ignore altogether the amount of any pension payable to that widow.

I am studying this matter in the light of the recent decision of the Divisional Court.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, in view of the recent decision concerning the application of Mrs. Lain, a policeman's widow, he will review the terms of reference of the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board, so as to make it less restrictive.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the Answer I gave today to similar Questions by the hon. Member for Stoke-on-Trent, South.

asked the Secretary of of State for the Home Department why the wife of a Caribbean minister, details of whom have been forwarded to him, was compelled to strip and undergo medical examination and X-ray at London airport when she arrived there a month ago on a temporary visit.

My hon. Friend appears to have been misinformed. The lady had applied for, and had been quickly granted, an entry certificate to enable her to settle permanently with her daughter in this country. Instructions to immigration officers are that Commonwealth citizens coming for settlement are normally to be referred to the port medical authorities. That was done in this case, and the medical examination included an X-ray for pulmonary tuberculosis.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will expedite the issue of visas for residents in Hong Kong who were born outside British territory and who wish to come to Great Britain on business.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will take steps to speed up the procedures for the issue of visas for residents of Hong Kong who are not British subjects and who wish to come to Great Britain on business or as tourists.

Under arrangements that I have recently introduced in consultations with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs and the Government of Hong Kong, it will now be possible to deal within a few days with most applications from residents of Hong Kong for visas to visit the United Kingdom, on business or as tourists, for not more than three months.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he will introduce the principle of equal pay for men and women in the Metropolitan Police.

The pay of the police in all forces in England and Wales, including the Metropolitan Police, is a matter for negotiation in the Police Council for Great Britain.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what analysis his Department has made of the causes of the 9,000 deaths which take place each year from accidents in the home; and what action he is taking to reduce this accident rate.

Particulars supplied by the Registrar General show that about 70 per cent. of fatal accidents in the home involve the elderly, the greatest single cause being falls. In other age groups, the principal causes are poisoning (including gas poisoning), falls and fire. Many accidents in the home are the result of physical disability, carelessness or lack of awareness of the dangers concerned; and for this reason publicity designed to warn and educate the public, especially those who care for young children and the elderly, is undertaken by the Home Office and other Government Departments, the local authorities, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents and other safety organisations.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what are the total number of companies and firms engaged in private uniformed security work; what is the total number of persons now employed by these organisations; and if he will take steps to prevent their further increase.

This information is not available. I have no proposal at present to restrict the work of these organisations.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what directions he has given to immigration officers concerning the medical examination of visitors to this country.

Immigration officers are instructed that they should, in general, refer for medical examination any visitor who appears not to be in good health or to be mentally or physically abnormal; who mentions health as a reason for his visit; or who is intending to stay longer than six months. There is also a discretion, to be used sparingly, to refer for examination any foreign visitor, irrespective of the purpose of his journey or the length of his proposed stay.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received urging that the manufacture of amphetamines in any but liquid form should cease; and what steps he has taken in this direction.

This suggestion has recently been brought to my notice by the Chief Constable of Mid-Anglia. It is being studied.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will seek to establish a voluntary probation service similar to that existing in the Netherlands.

I am concerned that volunteers should play an increasing part in the rehabilitation of offenders. I think this can best be done by using volunteers in support and under the guidance of the skilled staff of the probation and aftercare service, and probation and aftercare committees are encouraging the use of voluntary help in this way.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will state the basic pay of firemen and policemen on entry, the salaries of chief fire officers and chief constables employed by comparable authorities, and the basic pay of officers in corresponding intermediate grades in each service for each of the last 10 years.

I am writing to the hon. Member about this.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he proposes to take to remedy the position arising in London, East Anglia and South-East England, where women aged 17 years or over have to be accommodated in Holloway Prison owing to the complete lack of female remand centre facilities in these areas.

The remand centre at Holloway for girls aged 17 but under 21 is now being brought into use. It is in the remodelled hospital, and is entirely separate from the rest of the prison. Adult women on remand at Holloway Prison are kept separately from convicted prisoners.I am considering whether more satisfactory arrangements can be made for remand accommodation for women and girls in the south-east, but I have to bear in mind the very heavy increase in the male prison population.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department under what circumstances he is prepared to review the legal meaning of a charity as defined in the Charities Act, 1960.

The matter would be considered for review if there were evidence that difficulty arose out of the definition of charity in the Charities Act, 1960 or as a result of the decision, which was accepted by all parties when the Act was before Parliament, not to attempt a precise statutory definition of charitable purposes.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the number of coloured personnel now serving in the police, fire service, probation service, prison officer service, child care service and in the administrative and executive grades of the home Civil Service.

In England and Wales there are at present six coloured policemen and 34 coloured staff in the prison service. There are known to be nine coloured members of fire brigades and nine coloured probation officers but this information may not be complete. A substantial number of coloured people are employed by local authorities and voluntary organisations in the services which provide care for children, but the actual number is not known. Questions affecting the home Civil Service are a matter for my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer and I understand that he will be writing to my hon. Friend.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, in view of the policy of the Greater London Council of pursuing motorists who are evading the payment of their road fund licences, he will ask the Metropolitan Police to assist in this endeavour.

The Metropolitan Police already afford substantial assistance to the Greater London Council in this matter.During 1966 they reported to the Council 144,866 instances of vehicles kept or used apparently unlicensed on the roads. Between 1st January and 23rd April this year they made a further 65,966 reports.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what reply has been given to suggestions made to him that oil on coastal waters and beaches could be successfully treated with lime.

The use of lime and other particulate materials to coagulate oil on the sea has been considered by the Working Party of expert scientists under the Government's Chief Scientific Adviser. Methods which would involve sinking the oil were rejected because oil carried to the bottom of the sea would be harmful to fish and might later be released; but experiments in coagulating oil on the surface are still being continued. Lime and similar materials are not thought likely to be successful for treating oil on beaches.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether the Government will make a contribution to the appeal launched by the British Broadcasting Corporation for funds to assist towards the heavy expenditure incurred in the cleansing of sea birds from oil discharged from the "Torrey Canyon".

Yes. In view of the heavy calls which this disaster has made on the resources of the societies the Government have decided to make a once for all grant-in-aid of £5,000 to the Appeal Fund organised jointly by the World Wild Life Fund, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. A Supplementary Estimate for the purpose will be presented to Parliament in due course. In the meantime the necessary funds are being advanced from the Civil Contingencies Fund.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many more United States citizens have been declared prohibited immigrants, following his further consideration of the matter, because of their connection with crime and gambling.

Six.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the total cost of caring for the 1,543 children received into care because of eviction reported in the recent departmental statistical analysis.

I regret that this information is not available.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he is taking to deal with the problem of shortage of staff in remand homes; and if he will make a statement.

This is one aspect of the general problem that local authorities in England and Wales now have in staffing residential establishments of various kinds. I hope that the National Council of Social Services' Committee on the Staffing of Residential Homes and Institutions, in a forthcoming report, will suggest possible ways of improving the position.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will consider taking powers to enable him to conduct an inquiry into cases where a juror alleges that improper pressure has been put on him by his fellow jurors.

No. For reasons I gave in reply to Questions by my hon. Friend on 9th March retrospective action in regard to the proceedings of a jury would be destructive of the whole principle of the finality of verdicts.—[Vol. 743, c. 1737–8.]

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will amend the local election rules so as to bring the hours of polling for elections to the Greater London Council into line with the hours for Parliamentary elections.

My right hon. Friend will consider this suggestion as part of a review now in hand of the London Election rules.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, in view of the recent Political and Economic Planning report, a copy of which has been sent to him, he will extend the provisions of the Race Relations Act to cover housing and employment.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the Answer I gave today to similar Questions.

asked the Minister of Overseas Development if he will state the net cost to the British balance of payments, of overseas aid in each of the years 1963, 1964, 1965 and 1966, after allowing for repayment of loans and interest and expenditure on British exports of other donors' aid programmes.

I would refer my hon. Friend to my reply to the hon. Member for Antrim, North (Mr. Clark) on 2nd February.—[Vol. 740, c. 754–5.]

asked the Minister of Overseas Development what is the intended British participation in the Kafue dam project; why Her Majesty's Government have agreed to such participation, in view of the fact that the Kariba dam can meet Zambia's power requirements; to what extent it is linked with contracts and orders for British enterprises; and what will be the cost to the British taxpayer.

I have nothing to add to the reply which I gave on 20th April in answer to a Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Fife, West (Mr. William Hamilton.)—[Vol. 745, c. 142.]

asked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs whether, in the light of paragraphs 118 and 119 of the first report to him of the West Midlands Economic Planning Council, he will give a rapid decision on its proposal that some financial incentive be offered to firms moving to overspill areas or new towns.

All the proposals put forward in the first report of the West Midlands Economic Planning Council are receiving careful attention, but the issues involved are complex and decisions will take some time.

asked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs whether he has considered the effect of the period of incomes standstill and severe restraint on the pensions of those workers now in their last five years of full-time employment, whose pensions are calculated on the basis of their average earnings over those five years; and if he will make a statement.

We gave very careful consideration to this, but came to the conclusion that special action would not be justified, partly because it would only lead to further anomalies and partly because of the practical difficulties involved.

asked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs what assessment he has made of the extent to which the differential pricing policies of the nationalised fuel industries hinder regional development.

We have made some assessment of the effect on industry of regional differences in fuel prices but have found no evidence that these differences are a significant factor in regional development.

asked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs whether he will publish in the Official Report as much detailed information as he has readily available, giving the numbers of wage orders introduced since July, 1966 stopping or delaying wage increases, the number of workers involved, the average wage increases in each case, and the number of orders preventing price and dividend increases for the same period.

A total of 13 Orders restricting pay increases have been made under the Prices and Incomes Act 1966. For details, I would refer my hon. Friend to the replies—which I gave to the hon. Member for Belfast, North (Mr. Stratton Mills) on 17th March—[Vol. 743, c. 164–5]—and to my hon. Friend the Member for Huddersfield, West (Mr. Lomas) on 6th April—[Vol. 744, c. 81–2.] I am publishing in the OFFICIAL REPORT details of two further Orders restricting pay made since that date. One Order restricting price increases has also been made to date, in respect of laundry and drycleaning charges.

asked the Postmaster General (1) if he is aware that some incapacitated London citizens can only obtain taxis by telephoning taxi ranks, and that those telephones are to be removed from taxi ranks to save money; whether he is aware that the British Legion branch of these taxi-cab owners is prepared to bear the cost of maintaining the service; and whether he will take steps to reverse this decision;(2) why he proposes to withdraw all free telephones at taxi ranks in the London Metropolitan area, what he estimates the saving to be; how much he estimates to be the cost of renting instead and from whom he will obtain payment; and whether he will give a list of cab ranks where these facilities will be withdrawn on 1st May unless rented.

There is no reason why the Post Office should subsidise the cab trade. The annual saving will be about £1,200. The rental for each telephone is £16 a year, and I should be glad to continue service if this is paid.

asked the Postmaster-General when the British Broadcasting Corporation now expects to introduce a colour television service; and if he will make a statement.

As the B.B.C. has announced, the colour service will start on B.B.C.2 on 2nd December. There will be a colour launching period starting on 1st July during which colour programmes will be transmitted as and where opportunity offers in the B.B.C.2 network.

asked the Postmaster-General how, and by whom, the members of the boards of management of the local sound radio broadcasting stations will be selected.

I assume that the hon. Member has in mind the local Broadcasting Councils. As the White Paper on Broadcasting records, each Council will be appointed by me, in consultation with the B.B.C.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he will take the necessary steps to provide that future independent television contracts are awarded only to non-profitmaking bodies or to charitable trusts who will devote the proceeds to educational, cultural and medical research.

I cannot usefully add to my Answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Croydon, South (Mr. Winnick) on 6th April.—[Vol. 744, c. 429.]

asked the Postmaster-General how many computer programmers and systems analysts, respectively, were employed by the General Post Office; and at what average weekly earnings on 31st July, 31st December, 1966 and 31st March, 1967.

The numbers employed on the dates mentioned were:

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that on 27th February, 1967, an ambulance ordered at 3.15 p.m. to take a seriously ill patient from the Royal Hospital, Wolverhampton, did not arrive until 6 p.m.; and if he will make a statement.

I am making inquiries and will write to the right hon. Member.

asked the Minister of Health what is the estimated total value of publicly financed medical services made available to individuals; and what percentage of this figure is represented by services for which a test of financial means is applied.

Estimated expenditure on health services by my Department and by local health authorities in 1966–67 was £1,262 million (England and Wales). As regards the second part of the Question I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Sheffield, Heeley (Mr. Hooley) on 6th March, 1967.—[Vol. 742, c. 187.]

asked the Minister of Health when the General Practice Finance Corporation will be ready to make loans to doctors.

The Corporation have prepared the scheme required by the National Health Service Act, 1966, setting out the way in which they will carry out their functions, and my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland and I have approved it. The Corporation are now in a position to make loans and they have invited doctors to apply when they have obtained the necessary certificate from the Executive Council.

asked the President of the Board of Trade when he will make a statement about the systematic review of the whole theory and purpose of the limited joint stock company.

I hope to make a statement before the Summer Adjournment.

asked the President of the Board of Trade when he expects to receive the report of the inquiry into the affairs and conduct of the Rolls Washing Machine Company.

The report of the inspectors who inquired into the affairs of Rolls Razor Limited was received on 30th November, 1965. It was referred to the Director of Public Prosecutions under Section 169(1) of the Companies Act, 1948. Police inquiries are in progress.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what action he is taking to deal with the crisis in the chipboard industry in the north of Scotland, which is now causing the loss of jobs in forestry and associated employment.

The general position of the British chipboard industry was set out in the Answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Fife, West (Mr. William Hamilton) on 26th April. I am aware of the difficulties faced by a chipboard factory in Inverness and of the concern which is felt about outlets for forestry thinnings in the area. The appropriate authorities are keeping in touch with the situation.—[Vol. 745, c. 294.

asked the Minister of Labour what progress has been made in the current discussions being held in his Department on equal pay for women; and if he will make a statement.

I would refer to the Answer I gave the hon. Member for Wood Green (Mrs. Joyce Butler) on 20th February, 1967. The discussions have now almost reached completion and the report from officials taking part will then have to be considered by the Government and by the T.U.C. and C.B.I. At that stage I hope to give the House more information.—[Vol. 741, c. 1131–2.]

asked the Minister of Labour what is the normal waiting period for applicants who have been accepted for training at the Leicester Government Training Centre before they commence their training; how many such applicants are at present waiting; and if he will make a statement.

Waiting periods fluctuate. For some trades the waiting time at Leicester Government Training Centre is at present six months or less; for others it is up to a year or more. 120 successful applicants are currently waiting for training places. Waiting periods can sometimes be reduced if applicants are willing to leave home for training at a more distant centre. Pressure on Centres in the Midlands will be eased when the new Centre at Coventry opens later this year

asked the Minister of Labour if he is satisfied that the work of the Government training centre at Denton is receiving the full co-operation of the Amalgamated Engineering Union; and if he will make a statement.

I am disappointed that the Manchester District Committee of the Amalgamated Engineering Union refuses to accept our engineering trainees, other than welders, despite a shortage of skilled engineering workers in the area. I have appealed to the Committee to reconsider its attitude.

asked the Minister of Labour what was the percentage of wholly unemployed registered in March 1967 in the areas of Carlisle, Morecambe, Skelmersdale, Lancaster and Huyton, Lancashire, respectively.

Separate percentage rates of unemployment can be calculated for Morecambe and Lancaster but not for (1) Carlisle, which forms part of Carlisle and Brampton "travel to work" area, (2) Skelmersdale, which is part of Ormskirk Employment Exchange area, and (3) Huyton, which is included in the Liverpool and district "travel to work" area. Percentage rates can be calculated for the whole of these "travel to work" areas but not for the constituent parts.Following is the information:

asked the Minister of Labour on what date he was notified of the proposed pay increase for exhibition workers; if he is satisfied that the settlement is consistent with the criteria for severe restraint; if he proposes to refer the settlement to the National Board for Prices and Incomes; and if he will make a statement.

The Joint Secretaries for the National Joint Council for the Exhibition Industry notified my Department on 7th February of their decision to defer the payment of a 1½d. per hour increase, originally due in February under a long term cost-of-living sliding scale agreement, until 3rd July in accordance with paragraph 35 of Cmnd. 3150.The National Joint Council further advised my Department on 20th March of their decision to increase hourly rates by 2½d. for craftsmen and 1½d. for labourers with effect from the first full pay week in July 1967. As this is a new agreement the Joint Council have been asked to show how the increases can be justified against the criteria in the new White Paper (Cmnd. 3235).

asked the Minister of Technology what was the contract price for the Royal Navy Phantom aircraft when first ordered, and what is the price today, taking into account only those increases due to money inflation in the United States of America.

The agreements for the purchase of Spey Phantom aircraft for the Royal Navy are based on cost estimates provided by the United States Government. These include a factor of 3 per cent. per annum for inflation in the United States of America.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what effect Great Britain's entry into the European Economic Community would have upon the number of beef cattle which come from dairy herds; and how this would affect the targets for beef production set by his Department.

If we were to accept as they stand the arrangements so far decided upon by the present Community for the single market stage, the general level of profitability of U.K. milk production would probably be lower and this could lead to some reduction in the size of the dairy herd. On the other hand, the increased profitability of beef production would provide an incentive for a greater proportion of calves from the dairy herd to be retained for beef. Because of the many imponderable factors involved, no firm assessment of the net effect on numbers can be made. However, the achievement in these circumstances of the Government's present objectives for U.K. beef production would be influenced not only by the factors mentioned but also by the effect of increased profitability on the size of the beef herd.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what estimate he has made of the adequacy of United Kingdom milk production in the winter season in the event of Great Britain joining the European Economic Community.

This would depend on the arrangements agreed for milk in an enlarged Community. If the arrangements and decisions so far adopted by the Community were to be applied in the United Kingdom as they stand, milk production would become less profitable in comparison with cereal and beef production and winter milk production would be less profitable than summer production. In these hypothetical circumstances, United Kingdom milk production could fall below the requirements of the liquid milk market in some winter months; but it is not possible to make a precise estimate of the possible shortfall on these assumptions because of the many imponderable factors involved.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the advice of his experts as to the pos- sibility that Mr. Brewis could have given the foot-and-mouth disease virus to animals in Northumberland last year.

I would refer the hon. Member to my statement on 19th April from which he will see that there was no such possibility.—[Vol. 745, c. 491–8.]

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs, whether he is yet in a position to make a further statement on the composition of the joint mission to Malta.

Yes. I am glad to be able to tell the House that the membership of the Mission has been completed. It will be starting its work at once under Lord Robens' Chairmanship. The following members have been appointed by the British Government and have accepted my invitation to serve on the Mission:

• Professor C. R. Ross, M.A., University of East Anglia.
• Mr. R. H. Grierson, Industrial Reorganisation Corporation.
• Mr. W. Simpson, O.B.E., D.F.C., Chief Public Relations Officer, British European Airways.
• Sir Alfred Nicholas, C.B.E., South Wales Switchgear Limited.
• Mr. T. M. Iley, O.B.E. (Retired Deputy Chief Inspector, Ministry of Labour).
• The Malta Government have appointed the following members: Major Austin Cassar Torreggiani, a prominent Maltese Industrialist.
• Mr. J. Attard Kingswell, General Secretary of the General Workers' Union.
• Mr. H. R. Neururer, a Swiss Economic Consultant.
• Mr. Paul Sciberras, Member of the Council of Administration of Malta Drydocks.
• Mr. Maurice Abela, Principal Assistant Secretary (Economic Planning Division) Prime Minister's Office, and Division) Principal Government Statistician.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many institutions for further education offer courses in tree work and arboriculture; and if he will encourage the establishment of such courses in such subjects in institutions under his control.

Provision for these subjects is usually made as part of more general courses in forestry and horticulture, but I understand that some establishments offer separate courses as required to meet local needs. Local education authorities and colleges will, I am sure, be ready to consider additional provision where justified by the demand.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what increases are being made in the size of the British armed forces in the Persian Gulf and elsewhere in the Arabian Peninsula, outside the Federation of South Arabia; what additional accommodation and other facilities are being provided at these stations; what is the estimated cost of providing these facilities; and what is the extra annual cost of maintaining these additional forces in that area over and above the cost of maintaining them in the United Kingdom.

On the first part of the Question, I have nothing to add to the "Statement on Defence Estimates, 1967" (Cmnd. 3203). Additional facilities will include living accommodation, provision of services, telecommunications, technical requirements and amenities. Expenditure on these facilities in 1966–67 amounted to £2·5 million, and another £8·5 million is expected to be incurred by the end of the financial year 1967–68. These sums cover both the facilities planned earlier, and those directly attributable to the redeployment. The extra cost in respect of personnel is expected to be about £0·5 million.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what calculation has been made of the value of the capital assets of the British naval, military and air force services in Aden and the Federa- tion; and how he proposes to deal with these after evacuation.

About £25 million at current depreciated costs. The arrangements for dealing with these assets on independence are being examined.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what arrangements he is making to provide forces to defend the non-federated States of the Aden Protectorate, in accordance with Great Britain's treaty obligations, after the withdrawal of the British forces from the Federation of South Arabia.

None: these treaties will end when South Arabia becomes independent.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he will hold an inquiry into the fact that the Southern Gas Board in Poole has erected plant exceeding 50 feet in height, without planning approval, and in contravention of the Town and Country Planning General Development Order, 1963; and if he will make a statement.

The Southern Gas Board applied to Poole Borough Council for planning permission and was refused. The Board has appealed to my right hon. Friend against that decision. If the appeal proceeds an inquiry will be held, but the Board have asked for a meeting with the Council to try to settle the issue.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he will take steps to amend Class XVII of the Town and Country Planning General Development Order, 1963, so that local authorities may have a greater measure of planning control over statutory undertakings.

My right hon. Friend will consider the hon. Member's suggestions with others that have been put to him, but he cannot yet make a statement.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what was the total amount for all purposes paid from national funds to assist the rate income of the county borough of Gateshead for the years 1962–63, 1963–64, 1964–65, 1965–66 and 1966–67.

The total sums paid to the county borough of Gateshead in respect of general grant, rate deficiency grant, grants under Section 1 of the Rating (Interim Relief) Act, 1964, specific grants in aid of revenue expenditure and housing subsidies are as follows:

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what is the average benefit given to individual ratepayers obtaining relief in England and Wales under the Rating Act, 1965; and how this compares with the average benefit given to ratepayers obtaining relief in the London borough of Harrow.

For the whole year 1966–67, the average rate rebate under the Rating Act, 1966, in England and Wales was about £15. The average in Harrow was about £24.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what is the estimated total value of public expenditure on council housing; and what percentage of this figure is represented by expenditure which involves a method of rent rebate linked to a test of financial means.

Exchequer housing subsidies to local authorities in England and Wales in 1966–67 totalled about £79 million. Rate fund contributions for housing in 1964–65, which is the latest year for which figures are available, totalled about £25 million. Information about the total cost of rent rebate schemes is not available.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what will be his policy with regard to the Greater London Council selling council houses to tenants.

I would refer the right hon. Gentleman to the circular (No. 24/67) on the sale of houses that I sent to all local authorities on 20th March, 1967, of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what provision has been made for the swift supply of additional foreign currency to British subjects on holiday in non-sterling countries in the event of emergencies, accidents, and sickness; and what steps have been taken to inform tourists of these provisions.

As is stated in the Notice to Travellers, which should be handed out by banks and travel agents when issuing foreign exchange for travel, travellers already abroad who require additional funds in an emergency should immediately communicate with their United Kingdom bankers. Such funds can be made available very quickly.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many copies of Inland Revenue stencil No. 85 were completed by taxpayers and returned to the Inland Revenue; and what proposals he has to destroy this information, the request for which had no statutory authority.

About fifty. I see no reason to destroy this information.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what progress is being made with afforestation in the Isle of Lewis; and if he will make a statement about the prospects of longer term and larger scale planting in the island.

The Forestry Commission hopes to acquire this year about 1,750 acres of land for planting on the Isle of Lewis with a view to starting a new forest to supply timber to meet local requirements on the island. Surveys by the Commission do not suggest that there is scope for extensive afforestation on Lewis.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland which

asked the Minister of Transport whether she has had any consultations with the Greater London Council about the evasion of motor taxation; and if she will make a statement.

The following table shows for each county and city in Scotland the Registrar General's estimates of the population at 30th June, 1965, and 30th June, 1966, and the increase or decrease between the two dates.

The Department is in regular contact with authorities, including the Greater London Council, about their responsibilities under the Vehicle (Excise) Act, 1962. The level of enforcement work has been considerably increased, particularly in London, and this will be assisted by the new provisions in the Finance Bill.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the policy of Greater London Council of pursuing motorists who are evading payment of their road fund licences, she will give an assurance that her Department will assist in this drive.

Yes. The Department is in close touch with the Council. We are giving them all the assistance we reasonably can and will continue to do so.

asked the Minister of Transport if she proposes to strengthen the Motor Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations in order to enforce greater safety requirements regarding tyres.

Yes. It is however first necessary to complete the discussions referred to in my Answer of 19th April to my hon. Friend the Member for Brent-ford and Chiswick (Mr. Barnes).—[Vol. 745, c. 559.]

asked the Minister of Transport if she will set up a separate vehicle licensing centre in Scotland when vehicle licensing records cease to be held by individual local authorities.

No. My aim is a fully centralised system of records.

asked the Minister of Transport (1) whether she will direct the National Ports Council to undertake and publish at the first opportunity a survey of the port facilities being developed to handle grain imports into Wester n Europe, with special reference to the size of vessel which these facilities are designed to handle;(2) whether she will direct the National Ports Council to undertake and publish at the first opportunity a survey of bulk grain carriers now in service, being built and on order to meet the requirements of the Western European and British grain trades, respectively.

We are satisfied that the facilities which are being planned for the import of bulk grain into the U.K. are fully adequate to meet the present and prospective demands of the grain trade. Before advising my right hon. Friend on recent grain terminal proposals the National Ports Council had extensive discussions with the trade. If, however, the major grain importers wish to put forward any further views about the future pattern of the trade, my right hon. Friend, and my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food will be glad to arrange for them to be examined.

asked the Minister of Transport when she proposes to commence experiments, with the Greater London Council, on the extension of computer control of traffic signals; and how long these experiments will last.

An experiment will start this summer in West London. It is likely to last for 2–3 years, but some preliminary results will be available earlier.The Greater London Council is associated with the West London experiment and it is already considering, as traffic authority, the possibilities for extension of computer control in London.