asked the Minister of Transport whether, as a means of increasing road safety and avoiding accidents, she will extend the rule of giving way to traffic on the right at roundabouts to a rule of giving way to traffic on the right; and whether she will initiate a slogan campaign to this effect.

No. The roundabout rule is virtually universal. Elsewhere, a general rule would need numerous and confusing exceptions, as it does abroad. The signs, including road markings, which are being provided at junctions to distinguish the minor from the major road are much clearer and safer.

asked the Minister of Transport what representations have been made to her Department on the construction of motorways in London south of the Thames; and whether she will make a statement.

Construction of the Blackwall Tunnel—Shooters Hill Road section of the East Cross Route will start this summer. The Greater London Council is in consultation with interested authorities on its proposals for the Dover Radial Route and two sections of the proposed new "C" Ring Road (Wandsworth—Streatham Vale and Falconwood—Woolwich/Erith), but these schemes have not yet been programmed. The "C" Ring Road will have an interchange near Streatham Vale with the M.23 motorway, programmed for construction in the early 1970's.

asked the Minister of Transport what steps she is taking to clear the grass verges of Woodford Avenue, Ilford, of gypsies.

None. I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave him on 7th February.—[Vol. 740, c. 292. ]

asked the Minister of Transport what studies are being made of the feasibility of a tunnel under the North Channel between Scotland and Northern Ireland.

A proposal for such a tunnel has been received by the Northern Ireland Government, whose officials have discused it with officials of this Department. The conclusion was that a tunnel was not technically feasible at present.

asked the Minister of Transport what are the reasons for the delay in her Department into approving a 30 m.p.h. speed limit in the village of Morton-on-Swale which has been accepted by the highway authority and the police; and if she will make a statement.

There is no clear justification for a 30 m.p.h. limit here and representations have been made against it: these have to be considered.

I understand that the Chief Constable was not in favour. After a further site inspection, due this week, my right hon. Friend hopes to be able to come to a decision.

asked the Minister of Transport whether she will take steps to erect 40 m.p.h. signs through the village of Newton St. Cyres, Devon.

The erection and maintenance of these signs is a matter for Devon County Council. I understand that 40 m.p.h. signs, erected after the speed limit order made by the County Council on 23rd October, 1964, are in position.

asked the Minister of Transport what are her plans to link up the M1 with the M6 with a view to easing traffic between the south and the northwest; and how soon she expects the link to be completed.

The M6 is being extended to join the M1 at Catthorpe. Two sections from Dunston to Darlaston Road, Walsall, have been completed and work has started on the next section to Ray Hall.

The target competition date for this link as a whole is 1971.

asked the Minister of Transport what waiting restrictions are enforceable against the owners of vehicles permanently parked on the verges of trunk roads in Greater London.

With the exception of 24 hour Clearways any waiting restrictions imposed on trunk roads in Greater London apply to the verges as well as the main carriageways and action can be taken against any person leaving a vehicle on them.

In addition, subject to my right hon. Friend's prior consent, north-east London Boroughs may, under the Essex County Council Act, 1952, by notice prohibit vehicles from entering on any grass verge adjacent to a trunk road.

asked the Minister of Transport whether she is aware of concern that the amenities of the Monmouthshire Canal are being curtailed by the construction of a road bridge at Sebastapol which effectively cuts off the remaining miles of the canal and will prevent the residents of Cwmbran New Town from making full use of the canal's facilities; and whether she will take action to ensure that any bridge constructed will enable the canal to remain navigable.

This is a complex matter and I will write shortly to my hon. Friend explaining the situation in detail.

asked the Minister of Transport when work on the Elloughton bypass will start; and when she expects that by-pass to be completed.

Work is planned to start in April, 1969, and will take about two years to complete.

asked the Minister of Transport if she will provide additional financial assistance for the building of a pedestrian subway under the A4 road in Reading for the benefit of persons living in the Southcote area of Minster Ward.

Reading County Borough Council is the highway authority for this length of road and any proposal made by it will be considered on its merits.

asked the Minister of Transport what she expects the total subsidy for the British Railways Board in respect of socially desirable services will be.

The Joint Steering Group set up by the Chairman of the Railways Board and myself have been asked to advise me on this, and I hope to receive a report later this summer.

asked the Minister of Transport when she expects to approve the extension of the London and Midland railway electrification north to Scotland.

The Railways Board has not yet sought my right hon. Friend's approval.

asked the Minister of Transport how many reportable accidents were suffered by employees of British Railways in the year 1966; how many fatal accidents took place in that year; and if she will give comparable figures for the years 1965 and 1964.

The final figures for 1966 are 8,236 injured, including 72 fatally. The comparable figures for 1965 were 9,837 and 103; for 1964, 11,064 and 96.

asked the Minister of Transport why she has authorised, during the period of severe restraint, increases in railway charges relating to long distances, such as luggage in advance, sleeping berths and journeys over 200 miles, as opposed to shorter commuter distances; if she is aware that this will discourage long distance rail travel; and if she will make a statement.

I would refer the hon. Member to the Answer given to my hon. Friend the Member for Bolton, West (Mr. Oakes) on 22nd March. I would in particular point out that the "taper" in the fare structure for journeys over 200 miles has merely been modified and not removed altogether.—[Vol. 743, c. 270. ]

asked the Minister of Transport if she will issue a general direction to the Railways Board that they should hold consultations with a view to paying compensation for staff no longer required as a result of modernisation; and if she will make a statement.

No. Compensation for such staff is a part of the current arrangements as agreed by the Railways Board with the Unions. It is kept under constant review in the light of continuing developments.

asked the Minister of Transport what representations she has received from the Railways Board regarding the disposal of assets on the Aberdeen-Ballater branch line; and what reply she has sent.

The Railways Boards sought my right hon. Friend's agreement last month to the disposal of the track and formation of this line. Before giving her reply she is seeking the views of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland.

asked the Minister of Transport on how many occasions since 1st January, 1966 trains have been derailed on lines between the London termini and Dover and other towns on the Kent coast; how many of these derailments have involved passenger trains and how many freight trains; and to what extent her inspectors' reports show that the freight train derailments have been due to the running of old continental rolling-stock at high speeds.

Since the 1st January, 1966 there have been 21 derailments, 3 of passenger trains and 18 of freight trains, on lines between London termini and Dover other towns on the Kent coast. Ten of the freight train derailments occurred on lines not normally used by passenger trains. Three of the freight trains derailed contained continental type rolling stock. In one case the cause was attributed partly to excessive speed but old continental rolling stock was not concerned in any of the derailments.

asked the Minister of Transport if she will now introduce regulations requiring all new models of cars to be fitted with antipollution devices, without waiting for further research into the subject.

Medical research has not so far shown need for the introduction of new regulations for this purpose. It is already unlawful for a motor vehicle to discharge excessive smoke or vapour.

asked the Minister of Transport what investigation she has caused to be made into the Scott metering system for reducing the carbon monoxide content of motor vehicle exhaust fumes, details of which were made available to her department in February, 1967.

The Department's mechanical engineers saw a demonstration of this device at Brands Hatch, and have discussed it with the inventor. They have studied the results of tests carried out by the Motor Industry Research Association. But the inventor has not been willing to disclose full details of his device without a prior guarantee of financial help to enable it to be developed. Such a condition is unacceptable.

asked the Minister of Transport what recommendations she has received from the working party on the use of headlights on motor vehicles; and if she will publish them.

The Lighting Working Party's recommendations on the use of headlights are contained in the report entitled "The Use of Headlamps" which was published on 24th May, 1967.

asked the Minister of Transport whether she is aware that, following speed checks in the area of St. Michael's Street School, Shrewsbury, it has been found that 19 per cent. of motorists exceed the speed limit and 5 per cent. of motorists exceed it by at least six miles per hour; and whether, in view of the constant danger to children and the representations of the school managers, she will take steps to remedy the situation.

Enforcement of the 30 m.p.h. speed limit here is a matter for the police. I understand that their recent radar checks do not bear out the hon. Member's complaint.

We are satisfied that other road safety measures near the school are adequate, but we would, of course, be willing to consider any new proposals.

asked the Minister of Transport if she will start negotiations with firms making car safety belts to ensure that the safety catches are standardised on all makes.

The essential requirements for buckles on seat belts are already specified in the British Standard for Seat Belt Assemblies. We do not think complete standardisation of the buckles necessary or desirable.

asked the Minister of Transport whether she is aware that the London Transport Board and British Railways charge different fares for the same length of journey in the London area; and whether she will issue general directions to these authorities to discontinue the practice.

Details of London Transport and British Rail fares, within the limits authorised by the Transport Tribunal, are a matter for the Boards concerned, not for Ministerial direction. I understand that most fares are the same for journeys of the same length.

asked the Minister of Transport if she will, by legislation or otherwise, take steps to raise the age at which schoolchildren may travel at half fare on public transport, to fifteen years.

Legislation is not required to enable children's fares concessions to be given up to fifteen years. Whether to do so is within the discretion of the transport undertakings concerned.

asked the Minister of Transport what action she intends to take about the excessive hours worked by many mini-cab drivers, as revealed by the British Safety Council's report, a copy of which has been sent to her, in view of the mounting danger to public safety to which the report draws attention.

I would expect this matter to be considered in the review referred to by my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary in his reply to my hon. Friend on 1st June.

asked the Minister of Transport whether she is aware that the system of indirect taxation as operated in the Common Market countries includes taxation on fares and travel; to what extent she has taken steps to harmonise the cost of fares on the basis of the Common Market practices; and how much these taxes will increase the cost of fares and travel when Great Britain joins the European Economic Community.

Practice among the Common Market countries in this respect is not uniform. Harmonisation of the taxation of transport undertakings is an agreed aim, but I know of no decision to harmonise fares. As to the implications concerning indirect taxation. I would refer my hon. Friend to the statement made by my right hon. Friend, the Prime Minister on 8th May.

asked the Minister of Transport if she will arrange for a farmer to have a common renewal date for licensing all vehicles on his farm.

No. The present period system of licensing has been in force for several years, and we see no reason for changing it for a particular section of the community.

asked the Minister of Transport whether she will refer to the National Board for Prices and Incomes the matter of the increase in fares that the Aldershot and District Traction Company Limited propose to make.

No, for the reasons given in reply to the hon. Member for Dorset, South (Mr. Evelyn King) on 11th May.—[Vol. 746, c. 272. ]

asked the Minister of Transport whether it is her intention to hold official consultations with the Municipal Passenger Transport Association, and other interested passenger transport associations, before the publication of the Transport Bill; and if she will make a statement.

Yes, I will consult with all the appropriate passenger transport associations, including the Municipal Passenger Transport Association.

asked the Minister of Transport what consultations she has had with the main conurbations about her proposed Transport Bill; and if she will make a statement.

I have discussed my proposals for new passenger transport authorities with representatives of local authorities and public transport operators on Merseyside, Tyneside, the West Midlands and the Greater Manchester area.

asked the Minister of Transport whether her present regulations permit the use of the minibus type of vehicle by bus operators in rural areas in order to reduce their costs.

Yes.

asked the Minister of Transport whether she will now make a further statement about the extension of the Victoria Line to Brixton.

I will make an announcement as soon as possible.

asked the Minister of Transport (1) what estimate of road traffic to the proposed new airfield at Stansted has been made by her Department for the year 1974;

(2) what estimate of rail traffic to the proposed new airfield at Stansted has been made by her Department for the year 1974.

I would refer the hon. Member to the Answers given to him on 31st May.—[Vol. 747, c. 11. ]

asked the Minister of Transport if she will establish a common set of standards for the measurement of social cost in transportation.

My Department is pressing ahead with its research into methods of measuring social costs and benefits, but it is too early to attempt to establish common standards applicable to all aspects of transport. A major effort is being devoted to establishing accurate criteria for judging long-term investment projects in road and rail. I have also recently set up a special unit to ensure that I have the fullest possible advice on the economic aspects of railway passenger services proposed for closure, and this will become the nucleus of the machinery for assessing the individual social subsidies to be paid for unremunerative railway passenger services.

asked the Minister of Transport what research she has originated in the use of the computer in traffic-flow management; and if she will make a statement.

Computers are to be used in connection with two experiments which are to be undertaken in the field of traffic-flow management. One in Glasgow will cover about 1 square mile of the central business and shopping district and will use a computer to control about 80 traffic signals. A research programme to investigate a number of different control systems will commence shortly. The other experiment covers about 6 square miles of West London and will control some 70 traffic signals and 30 signalled pedestrian crossings. Its object will be to improve the traffic flow in this area of London which includes commuter routes, shopping centres, exhibition halls and sports grounds. I am hopeful that this second experiment will start shortly.

asked the Minister of Transport what proposals she has for the introduction of circumferential lighting on heavy goods vehicles.

We are now considering, with the organisations concerned, a range of possible improvements to the lighting and marking of the rear and sides of goods vehicles.

asked the Minister of Transport (1) what estimates have been made by her Department of the effect on national transport efficiency and costs of the restriction of commercial vehicles and trailers to various lengths above those currently in operation;

(2) whether she will raise the current limits on the length of commercial vehicles and trailers.

No specific studies have been carried out of the detailed effects of a variety of length limits higher than those now permitted. But my right hon. Friend is satisfied that an increase of permitted maximum lengths of articulated goods vehicles and trailers would benefit transport efficiency and reduce transport costs.

She has, therefore, circulated for comment, proposals to this effect, and will decide whether to raise length limits when comments on these proposals have been received and studied.

asked the Minister of Transport (1) what estimates have been made by her Department of the total national investment in containers during the years 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, and 1971, respectively;

(2) what estimates have been made by her Department of the proportion of the total national investment in containers likely to be made in the public and private sector in the years 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, and 1971, respectively.

It is not practicable to make realistic forecasts of total national investment in containers. As far as they can forecast in this rapidly developing field at the present time the nationalised transport undertakings expect their investment in containers in these years to be of the following order: £ million 1967 … … … 3 1968 … … … 5½ 1969 … … … 7 1970 … … … 9 1971 … … … 3½

asked the Minister of Transport if, in view of the motor coach accident last week in Germany where 12 Lincolnshire people lost their lives, she will introduce regulations requiring additional examination, especially of brakes and steering gear, of all motor coaches used for taking large numbers of people on long distance journeys on the Continent.

I was deeply distressed to hear of the accident in Germany last week. As it is under investigation by the German authorities I cannot comment on its possible causes.

All public service vehicles are required to comply with the provisions of the Motor Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations, 1966 and the Public Service Vehicles (Conditions of Fitness) Regulations, 1958.

Every public service vehicle is rigorously inspected by a Ministry engineer at least once a year to ensure that it satisfies these regulations. In view of this and the excellent safety record of these vehicles I do not think that further regulations requiring additional examinations are necessary.

asked the Minister of Transport whether she will give a general direction to the British Railways Board, in the public interest, to review its policy of closing its shipping services to Europe and to Ireland on the grounds of their unprofitability, in view of the success of other shipping lines which have moved in to replace them.

No. This is essentially for the Railways Board's commercial judgment. Their shipping services to Europe and to Ireland seem to be developing soundly.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what changes will be necessary to the procedure for granting industrial development certificates in the event of Great Britain joining the European Economic Community.

I have no reason to believe that any changes will be necessary.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is the total value of investment for which investment grants have been applied for to date for the first and second quarters, respectively, in 1966; and what percentage this is so far of the total investment during these quarters qualifying for a grant.

By 2nd June, 1967, applications had been received for grant on expenditure of £169 million and £110 million incurred in the first and second quarters, respectively, of 1966. I estimate that this represents about 65 per cent. and 35 per cent. of the investment during the first and second quarters respectively which would qualify for grant.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement on the applicability of the increased investment grants to North-East Scotland's development areas, indicating the number of each applied for and paid to the latest convenient date, and on the proposed regional employment premiums to manufacturing establishments there.

The development area rate is available in the whole of Scotland except the Edinburgh, Leith and Portobello employment exchange areas. 2,452 applications had been received from firms in Scotland and 782 payments made by the 2nd June, 1967. Separate figures are not available for North-East Scotland. As regards the last part of the question I would refer my hon. and learned Friend to what was said by my right hon. Friends the First Secretary and the Chancellor of the Exchequer during the debate on the regional employment premium on the 5th June.

asked the President of the Board of Trade to what extent imports of Rhodesian tobacco have now been replaced from the United States, and elsewhere; how such replacements compare in price; what will be the additional dollar cost to Britain; and what will be the effect on cigarette prices.

These imports have been wholly displaced by tobacco from other countries. British manufacturers have not proposed any increase in cigarette prices because of this. Since the substantial Rhodesian tobacco crop is no longer freely available in world commerce, tobacco prices are likely to be higher than they would otherwise have been; but there is no valid way of assessing the extent of any increase or its effect on the cost of British tobacco imports.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many advance factories have been constructed in the North East; and how many are unoccupied.

To date 25 Advance Factories have been completed in the North East. Eighteen are already occupied. For the remaining seven, tenants have been arranged for three, and discussions are proceeding with a prospective tenant for another.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that people who have passed the professional examination of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors are denied entry into the Institute; and if he will refer this matter to the Monopolies Commission.

I have already asked the Monopolies Commission to investigate restrictions on entry into a profession as part of their general inquiry into the supply of professional services.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will give a report on the results achieved by the Canex Tour.

I would refer the hon. Member to the report published in the Board of Trade Journal on 21st April as part of the special supplement on Canada which describes in full the result of this highly successful tour.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if a tenant is being sought for the factory of Messrs. Dorran's (Northern) Limited, at Consett, now standing empty, following the liquidation of the company; and if he will make a statement.

The B.O.T. office in Newcastle maintains records of factory floor space and buildings known to be available for sale or rental, and brings the information to the notice of suitable firms requiring such facilities.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what will be the effects of the latest Kennedy Round negotiations on reducing tariffs on the Lancashire textile industry.

I would refer the hon. Member to the statement I made in the House on 31st May.—[Vol. 747, c. 96.]

asked the President of the Board of Trade, in view of the effects of the policy of steering new industries into development areas described in the annual report of the General Council of the Lancashire and Merseyside Industrial Development Association, a copy of which has been sent to him, if he will now endeavour to steer new industries to non-development areas in Lancashire.

This report does not correctly describe the operation of the i.d.c. control. This control is operated liberally in the cotton textile areas of Lancashire, and I am prepared to approve i.d.c.s for new projects suited to the needs and resources of these areas. Many new projects have been approved in the past 2 years.

asked the President of the Board of Trade to what extent Britain's entry into the Common Market will assist the printing industry in general and the printers and publishers of newspapers, periodicals and scientific journals in particular, on publication and printing in the countries of the European Economic Community.

It is not possible to make an estimate. Trade in most printed matter, including the products mentioned, is already free of import duties in both directions.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what was the value of imports of handkerchiefs from Japan in the first quarter of 1967; and what is the outlook in this respect for the rest of the year.

Imports of handkerchiefs from Japan in the first quarter of 1967 totalled 228,000 dozen valued at £34,000. This was substantially less than in the first three months of 1966. The Japanese have told us that steps have been taken to establish orderly marketing and that exports of small sized printed handkerchiefs would be reduced this year.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will cause a detailed study to be made of the firms which have established manufacturing works in mid-Wales during the last 10 years with a view to increasing the attraction of the area to manufacturers.

I do not regard a special study as necessary. The area is now part of the Welsh Development Area and the financial assistance available to industry in all Development Areas is of great help in attracting firms to those areas.

asked the President of the Board of Trade to what extent the British negotiators at the Kennedy Round talks in Geneva recently supported the Common Market countries call for cuts in tariffs; whether Great Britain supported the Common Market countries call for a larger reduction in the tariff on steel; and whether he will make a statement.

I have nothing to add to the statement I made on 31st May.—[Vol. 747, c. 96.]

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the April trade figures show a fall-off in exports to the Common Market countries whilst exports to the European Free Trade Association and Commonwealth countries has risen; and to what extent Britain's entry into European Economic Community will change this situation.

I am aware that in recent months there has been a pause in the growth of our exports to the European Economic Community. Membership of the Community should lead to exports to member countries being more than they otherwise would have been.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will publish in HANSARD, or by means of a White Paper, details of the types of goods and manufactured articles exported by Great Britain last year which, under the Treaty of Rome and the various subsequent decrees, would not be permitted to be exported on Britain's entering the Common Market, and similar details for imports.

I am not aware of any provisions in the Treaty or Instruments made under it, as currently applied, which prohibit the import or export of goods by Community States.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how is the cost of training for commercial airline pilots shared between the employer and the Government; what contract is signed by the ab initio pupil when he enters training; and what payment or allowances are made to the ab initio pilot during training.

The Government will contribute up to 25 per cent. in the case of suitable candidates who are sponsored by an airline willing to meet the remaining 75 per cent. The terms of any contract are for the pupil and the airline, but under these arrangements the sponsoring airline is not permitted to recover more than 25 per cent. of the total cost from the pupil. Many pilots under training receive maintenance grants from local education authorities.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will list the estimated number of airline pilots required for British European Airways, the British Overseas Airways Corporation, and British independent airline companies for each of the next five years.

I am informed that the numbers of pilots which the airlines estimate they will need to recruit in the next five years are as follows:— 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 B.E.A. … 240 91 96 69 118 B.O.A.C. … 198 115 150 63 92 Independents … 150 105 125 115 115

asked the President of the Board of Trade what consideration has been given to providing ab initio commercial training at Royal Air Force aerodromes so that a Royal Air Force civil training academy is formed.

None.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will take steps to encourage local air services in country districts where public transport is inadequate.

I am always glad to see new air services introduced where this is an economic proposition.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what steps are taken in the interests of safety to see that the public address loudspeakers in passenger aircraft are clearly audible in flight and capable of being used to pass emergency instructions.

The carriage of public address equipment is not mandatory on British public transport aircraft and consequently there are no minimum performance standards. The law compels operators to carry cabin staff and emergency instructions are passed to passengers by them. Drills are so arranged that they are not dependent upon a public address system.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland between what dates the fire station of Livingston New Town has been postponed; and when he will announce a new starting date.

This scheme has not been held back. It is hoped to start building later this year as soon as planning is completed.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many students attempted the compulsory question on Shakespeare in the recent school-leaving

Rent expressed as percentage of estimated net income Gross earnings per week At present Under graduated rent scheme Percentage increase or decrease, over the period of the scheme on present rents 1967–68 1968–49 1969–70 1970–71 1971–72 Increase Decrease £10 … 8.3 6.2 6.2 6.2 6.2 6.2 — 25 £12 … 8.1 6.9 6.9 7.1 7.2 7.2 — 10.6 £15 … 8.2 8.2 8.2 8.2 8.3 8.3 1.7 — £20 … 8.8 7.5 8.3 9.1 10.0 10.0 13.6 — £25 … 8.1 8.1 9.2 10.4 11.6 11.6 44.3 —

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will state the number of fully qualified Scottish applicants who tried and failed to get into Scottish universities in 1966–67.

This information is not available. The admission of students to universities lies entirely within the responsibilities of the universities themselves. Entrance qualifications vary between universities and faculties, and students may apply to more than one university. There is no comprehensive system of dealing with and recording applications. My inquiries, however, indicate that the number of well qualified applicants who fail to obtain places is small.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the loss off Cape Wrath by the Aberdeen trawler "Ardenlea" of her

examination; and how many attempted the other question on Robert Burns.

This information is not readily available.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT a table showing, under the proposed rent scheme for Cumbernauld, what proportion of net income will be paid in rent in each of the next five years by a man with two children, earning, respectively, £10, £12, £15, £20 and £25 a week; and what percentage increase or decrease this represents in present rents.

Assuming that he occupies a standard four-apartment house, the approximate figures are as follows:

trawl; and if he will take steps to protect Scottish trawlers from such underwater interference and loss.

This incident is reported to have occurred on the evening of 21st May, some 25 miles north of Cape Wrath, when the gear of the "Ardenlea" was fouled by an unknown object, and the vessel was towed astern for some way until the warps parted. The most likely explanation seems to be that the gear was fouled by a submarine. It has been confirmed that no British submarine was in the area at the time.

As the cause of the incident is uncertain it is difficult to stipulate what action can be taken to prevent a recurrence. The likelihood of an incident of this kind being repeated is, however, remote.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what effect upon the fishing shoals and on the trawls of the fishing trawlers has been caused by the presence of dolphin recently in the North Sea.

There is no evidence that dolphins have any serious effect on fish shoals or on fishing gear.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the duration, purpose and extent of the World Fishing Exhibition to be opened at Olympia, London, on 2nd June, 1967, by Dr. C. E. Lucas, Director of Fisheries Research in Scotland indicating its relation to seine netting, inshore fisheries and North Sea fisheries and to its bearing on international exports of Scottish fishing.

The exhibition, which was organised by a trade magazine, opened on 1st June and closes today. It was opened by the Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations and it has provided an opportunity for fishermen and others in all branches of the industry to inspect modern developments in fishing vessels and equipment of all kinds.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what representations; he has received concerning the forthcoming visit of British naval forces to South Africa.

128 letters and telegrams, including a petition with 175 signatures, from members of the public and various organisations; and 33 representations from hon. Members.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what instructions he has given concerning the acceptance or otherwise of racial laws in South Africa by British naval personnel during the forthcoming visit to South Africa.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will ensure that no visits of good will to South Africa are paid by ships of the Royal Navy.

I would refer my hon. Friends to the Answers which I gave on 31st May.—[Vol. 747, c. 88–92.]

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the agreement he has reached with the Government of France on the joint production of a variable geometry military aircraft.

I have nothing to add to the statement which I made last week.—[Vol. 747, c. 80–81.]

asked the Secretary of State for Defence when he anticipates that the agreement reached between him and M. Messmer on the specification, cost and production arrangements of the Anglo-French variable-geometry aircraft will be confirmed, or otherwise, by the respective governments.

In the course of this month.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the cost of the Anglo-French variable-geometry aircraft on which he and M. Messmer have agreed.

I am not prepared to give precise estimates of cost for Anglo-French variable geometry aircraft at this stage.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether, in the light of recent events in the Middle East, he will release naval units in the Mozambique Channel for redeployment to duties in the Arabian Sea and Persian Gulf.

I cannot disclose detailed information about the deployment of R.N. forces, but I can assure the hon. Gentleman that the Navy is continuing to meet its present commitments.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether, in view of the recent reorganisation of infantry, he will now rename the Household Brigade the Household Division.

This matter is now under examination.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the death of Leading Seaman Derek Brian Jones at Port Edgar, South Queensferry, West Lothian.

Preliminary reports indicate that the accident occurred soon after midnight on 4th June, when, owing to high winds, the duty watch including Leading Seaman Jones, was called out to check the wires which secured H.M.S. "Bronington" to the jetty at Port Edgar. Jones, apparently on his own initiative, stood on the lower guard rail and leaning out to look forward to check the headrope, fell overboard. In falling his head struck a wooden fender between the ship and jetty. Death was due to a fractured skull. An inquiry is to be held. I wish to extend my deepest condolences to his wife and family.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence on what terms the V bombers are assigned to the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation; and whether these terms permit their withdrawal from the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation either temporarily or permanently.

The V bombers are targeted by N.A.T.O. authorities in their nuclear strategic rôle. Assignment does not preclude their withdrawal, for example for use in other rôles outside N.A.T.O.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what is his policy with regard to the use of the Welsh language on his Department's buildings and vehicles in Wales.

This matter is left to the discretion of Service Commands; use is made of the Welsh language where appropriate.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions he has had with the United States regarding the steps necessary to prolong the effective life of the Polaris fleet with Poseidon missiles; what would be the cost; what action he has taken in connection with these discussions; and whether he will make a statement.

As hon. Members have heard on a number of previous occasions, we have no plans at present for adopting the Poseidon missile; and no estimate of the cost of introducing this weapon into British submarines has been made.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence why the F111 fighter bombers he is purchasing from the United States of America are now to cost double the original estimate of £1,643,500 for each aircraft; and what additional steps he now proposes to take to reduce this cost to the revenue.

I cannot identify the original cost estimate figure quoted by the hon. Member. The unit cost of the F111K is not expected to be significantly different from the original estimate of around £2½ million. I informed the hon. Member on 31st May that "on the F111K we have a fixed price not subject to increased development and research costs which may have taken place in the United States."—[Vol. 747, c. 81.]

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will make arrangements to record the cases in which drivers are required, following a breath test, to go to a police station for a blood or urine test, and it is subsequently ascertained that their blood-alcohol levels are less than 80 m.g./100 mil.

Yes.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is satisfied that the psychiatric services provided for patients in prison are resulting in rehabilitation of such prisoners; and if he will make a statement.

Psychiatric work in prisons is developing steadily, and an increasing number of psychiatrically qualified medical staff is engaged in this work. Follow-up studies are now being undertaken of patients discharged from Grendon psychiatric prison; and after some time these should provide a more objective assessment than is yet possible.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he hopes to publish the report of the committee under the chairmanship of Sir Roy Wilson on immigration procedures.

As to the date when the report will be submitted, I would refer the hon. Member to my Answer to a Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Eton and Slough (Miss Lestor) on 2nd May. The report will be published as soon as possible after it is received.—[Vol. 746, c. 53–54. ]

asked the Minister of Technology whether he will make a further statement on the official advice he has given to the British Aircraft Corporation and Hawker-Siddeley in connection with a future merger; and what decision he has made about Government participation.

I have nothing to add to the statement made by the Minister of Aviation in the course of the Aviation debate on 21st November, 1966.—[Vol. 736; c. 967.]

asked the Minister of Technology what was the estimated level of profits and return on capital for the machine tool industry based on company accounts ending during 1966; and how this compares with corresponding figures for 1965.

This information is not available and the cost to public funds of extracting it from individual company accounts and presenting it in a comparable form would not be justified.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what action he is taking on the recommendation of the Oceanography and Fisheries Committee that a survey should be conducted for new marine resources of sand and gravel.

Action rests with the Natural Environment Research Council itself, within the resources made available to it, with the advice of the Council for Scientific Policy. Investigation of the geology and mineral resources of the Continental Shelf is a priority item in the Council's current and forward programme.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science on what dates in 1965, 1966, and 1967 the Oceanography and Fisheries Committee has met; and what is the average length of the meeting.

The Oceanography and Fisheries Committee has met eight times, on the following dates: 21st September, 1965. 14th December, 1965. 15th March, 1966. 4th May, 1966. 18th October, 1966. 9th December, 1966. 30th March, 1967. 19th April, 1967.

The average length of meetings is about five hours.

The Oceanography and Fisheries Committee is assisted by five sub-committees and a number of working groups.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will set out a table showing expenditure on the British effort to develop the resources of the sea-bed.

It is not possible to identify all the expenditure by industry, the universities and other bodies which have interests which might be relevant to the development of the resources of the seabed. The expenditure in this field which falls within my right hon. Friend's responsibility through the N.E.R.C. and its component bodies, the National Institute of Oceanography and the Institute of Geological Sciences is expected to amount to £118,000 in 1967–68. This expenditure is directed to the provision of information which would be basic to any such development.

Organisation Organisation or Government laboratory Total Estimated Cost 1967–68 Capital and recurrent £ National Institute or Oceanography Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) 741,000 Marine Biological Association, Plymouth Scottish Marine Biological Association Independent, grant-aided by NERC 234,000 Scottish Marine Biological Association ( a ) Millport Independent, grant-aided by NERC 107,000 ( b ) Oban (New laboratory) 161,000 ( c ) Edinburgh 125,000 Port Erin Liverpool University NERC Grant 36,000 Fisheries Biochemical Unit NERC at Aberdeen University 42,000 Dove Marine Laboratory Newcastle University NERC grant 32,000 Marine Invertebrate Biology Unit NERC at Bangor University 11,000 Fisheries Helminthology Unit Independent grant-aided by NERC 12,000 Marine Research Laboratory, Lowestoft Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAFF) 1,190,000 Shellfish Laboratory, Burnham-on-Crouch MAFF 78,000 Fisheries Emperiment Station, Conway MAFF 42,000 Marine Laboratory, Aberdeen Department of Agriculture and Fisheries for Scotland 642,000

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will give details of the tonnage, facilities, and scientific capability of the research ship "John Murray"; and if he will give details of the future research ship programme.

The R.R.S. "John Murray" has a displacement of 560 tons with a top speed of 12 knots and a range of 5,000 miles. She is suited primarily for work on the continental shelf and has accommodation for 8 scientists. I am writing to my hon. Friend with details of the research ship programmes.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the representation

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will set out a table showing the number of marine laboratories in Great Britain; the approximate cost of each; and to which University or Government laboratory they were attached.

The following is the information:

he has received about an increase in the price of beer in the public bar of the Mansfield Breweries property of The Golden Plover, near Sheffield; what action he has taken; and if he will make a statement.

Inquiries are being made and I hope to write to the hon. Member shortly.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he expects to publish the Wise Committee's final report dealing with the statutory smallholdings provided by his Department.

Tomorrow.

asked the Attorney-General on what date the pay claim for ushers in London's Royal Courts of Justice was received; what percentage increase in rates is represented by this claim; when a settlement may be expected; and if he will make a statement.

A claim for a pay increase was received in July, 1965. Negotiations were in abeyance for a time until April, 1967 when revised rates of pay for related Civil Service messengerial staff were settled, but they have now been resumed. The claim now is for an increase of 17 per cent.