Written Answers

Written Answers To Questions

Monday, 24th July, 1967

Public Building And Works

Government Offices Project, Horseferry Road

5.

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works if he will make a statement on the progress being made in the construction of new Government offices in Horseferry Road.

Work on the main contract stopped last November. Since then progress has been restricted to work by sub-contractors. The project is about half completed.

Government Buildings (Cleaning)

15.

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works whether he will clean the Foreign Office building and the Government Building, Great George Street, in order to show the quality of their architecture.

No, I do not consider that it would be appropriate to clean the Foreign Office building, in view of our plans to redevelop it. My present plans for cleaning do not include the Government Offices, Great George Street.

Historic Buildings (Season Tickets)

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works what plans he has for increasing the sales of season tickets for historic buildings under his control.

I propose to continue and, if possible, extend the publicity arrangements described in my reply today to the hon. Member for Southend, West, (Mr. Channon).

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works what information is made available to members of the public regarding the supply of season tickets for entry in the historic buildings under his control.

Publicity includes Press advertisements, notices at monuments in my care, and references in all guidebooks and publicity material relating to monuments. Overseas, publicity is given through the British Travel Association. The success of these measures is indicated by the 70 per cent. increase in sales of season tickets over the past five years.

Social Security

European Economic Community

26.

asked the Minister of Social Security what comparative studies she is making, as part of the Government's general inquiry of the social payments to farmers and persons working in agriculture in member countries of the European Economic Community.

My Department maintains information about the provisions of the Social Security Schemes in member countries of the European Economic Community. In those countries farmers and farm workers are covered either by special provisions under the general scheme or by special schemes or by some combination of the two.

Retirement Pensioners

asked the Minister of Social Security what is the estimated number of citizens living on incomes fixed by National Insurance and other retirement schemes, respectively.

At the end of 1966 the number of retirement pensioners in Great Britain was about 6½ million. The number of pensioner households receiving supplementation was about 1·6 million. There were also about 190,000 recipients of supplementary pension who were not entitled to retirement pension. Occupational pensions are a considerable element in the other resources held by pensioners but it is not known for how many occupational pensioners the occupational pension was the main source of support.

Central Pneumoconiosis Medical Panel

asked the Minister of Social Security what is the result to date of the work of the Central Pneumoconiosis Medical Panel, the setting up of which was announced on 2nd December, 1966.

The Central Pneumoconiosis Medical Panel has held twenty-two boarding sessions since boarding started on 11th January 1967. 108 men have been examined and 11 cases of pneumoconiosis have been diagnosed.

National Insurance (Local Tribunals)

asked the Minister of Social Security how many National Insurance local tribunals were in existence between 1960 and 1966.

204 National Insurance local tribunals were in existence in 1960. Two tribunals closed in 1961 and two more closed during 1966.

asked the Minister of Social Security how many cases were heard by National Insurance local tribunals in each year from 1960 to 1966, inclusive; how many of these cases were decided in favour of the insurance officer; and how many in favour of the applicant.

APPEALS AND REFERENCES TO LOCAL TRIBUNALS NATIONAL INSURANCE INDUSTRIAL INJURIES AND FAMILY ALLOWANCES QUESTIONS 1960–1966
Year		Total	Decision in favour claimant	Decisions in favour insurance officer
1960	…	41,139	10,686	30,453
1961	…	39,731	9,952	29,779
1962	…	42,561	10,338	23,223
1963	…	42,435	10,557	31,878
1964	…	37,447	9,686	27,761
1965	…	37,601	9,191	28,410
1966	…	36,409	8,947	27,462

Supplementary Benefits Appeals Tribunals

asked the Minister of Social Security how many supplementary benefits tribunals are in existence.

One hundred and fifty-two.

asked the Minister of Social Security how many cases have been heard by supplementary benefits tribunals between the creation of her Department and the nearest convenient date; and how many of these cases went in favour of the appellant.

Supplementary Benefits first became payable on 28th November 1966 and between that date and 30th June 1967 the supplementary benefits appeals tribunals heard 13,388 cases. In 1,919 of these cases the tribunals' decision went in favour of the appellant.

Medical Appeal Tribunals

asked the Minister of Social Security how many cases concerning sickness or industrial injury benefit have been heard by medical appeal tribunals in each year from 1960 to 1966, inclusive; and how many of these cases in each year were decided in favour of the applicant.

Appeals concerning sickness benefit are dealt with by National Insurance local tribunals and the Commissioner.Industrial Injuries Medical Appeal Tribunals deal with appeals against decisions of medical boards on disablement, diagnosis and recrudescence questions and references by the Minister of such decisions. The information requested is given in the following tables:—

1. DISABLEMENT BENEFIT—DISABLEMENT QUESTIONS
Year			Number of cases^*	Decisions favourable to claimant
1960	…	…	19,775	7,063
1961	…	…	19,820	6,796
1962	…	…	20,630	6,899
1963	…	…	19,486	6,970
1964	…	…	19,983	6,668
1965	…	…	20,661	6,362
1966	…	…	20,392	6,476
*Includes accidents and prescribed diseases and both appeals by claimants and references by direction of the Minister.

2. INJURY BENEFIT AND DISABLEMENT BENEFIT—DIAGNOSIS AND RECRUDESCENCE QUESTIONS (PRESCRIBED DISEASES)
		Appeals by claimants		References by direction of the Minister
Year		Appeals	Medical Board decisions reversed	References	Medical Board decisions upheld
1960	…	472	150	119	63
1961	…	465	144	127	65
1962	…	497	168	204	102
1963	…	454	132	176	94
1964	…	446	133	189	100
1965	…	472	145	216	90
1966	…	460	145	188	89

asked the Minister of Social Security how many medical appeal tribunals exist to hear appeals concerning industrial injury or sickness benefit.

There are 14 Industrial Injuries Medical Appeal Tribunals in Great Britain. They deal with appeals against decisions of medical boards on disablement, diagnosis and recrudescence questions and references by the Minister of such decisions. Appeals concerning sickness benefit are dealt with by National Insurance local tribunals and the Commissioner.

Sickness And Industrial Injury Benefits (Claims)

asked the Minister of Social Security how many applications for sickness or industrial injury benefit were made in each year from 1960 to 1966, inclusive.

Following are the figures for new claims.

				Sickness benefit	Injury benefit
1960	…	…	…	8,319,000	861,000
1961	…	…	…	9,152,000	833,000
1962	…	…	…	9,002,000	810,000
1963	…	…	…	9,336,000	845,000
1964	…	…	…	8,998,000	898,000
1965	…	…	…	9,565,000	957,000
1966	…	…	…	10,925,000	982,000

Supplementary Benefits (Hamilton, Larkhall And Lesmahagow)

asked the Minister of Social Security what was the number of persons in receipt of supplementary benefit at the Ministry's offices in Hamilton, Larkhall and Lesmahagow, respectively, at the most recent convenient date and at the corresponding dates in 1965 and 1966.

The June figures for the area served by these offices were:

Year					Number
1967	…	…	…	…	8,248
1966	…	…	…	…	6,698
1965	…	…	…	…	6,421

Separate figures for Larkhall and Lesmahagow are not available.

Pensions (Wales)

asked the Minister of Social Security how many persons there are in Wales at the latest available date who are excluded from the State pension system because they were past the contributory pension age when the present system was introduced.

I regret the information is not available.

Palace Of Westminster (Automatic Telephone Exchange)

40.

asked the Lord President of the Council what space is required to install a modern automatic telephone exchange for the Houses of Parliament so that hon. Members can dial internal as well as outside numbers; and what steps he will take to make such space available in the vicinity of Westminster, in view of the inadequacy of the present manual exchange and the strain imposed upon the operators, even after the proposed extension has been completed.

A comprehensive survey of the telephone requirements of the Palace of Westminster is being made by my right hon. Friend the Postmaster-General, and I understand that his report will be available later this year, and that it is likely to recommend a fully automatic telephone system. This would need about 4,500 square feet of space, of which 1,000 square feet must be within the Palace of Westminster. The report will be urgently considered by the Select Committee on House of Commons (Services), as soon as it is received, but even if it is approved, manufacture and installation will take some time. The extension to the existing exchange is expected to be completed by the end of the Summer Recess, and will be brought into service, as circumstances require.

House Of Commons (Cafeteria Food)

48.

asked the Lord President of the Council whether he is aware of the decline over the last three months in the quality of the food served in the Members' and Strangers' Cafeterias in the House; and what plans he has to improve the standard.

I have been asked to reply.

I am aware and regret that the quality of the food in these Cafeterias has deteriorated recently. As far as plans for improvement are concerned, I hope it may be possible in 1968–69 to rearrange kitchen and servery counters, and to provide an improved and extended service.

House Of Commons Staff

51.

asked the Lord President of the Council if he will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT, a table showing the average hours worked by the different categories of servants of the House, including the police, in each week since the Whitsun recess.

Following is the table of figures asked for in this Question for the period 5th June to 14th July.

CLERK'S DEPARTMENT
			Public Bill Office
			Clerks	Office Clerks
Week beginning—			Hours	Hours
5th June	…	…	48½	54½
12th June	…	…	49½	54
19th June	…	…	51½	58
26th June	…	…	46¼	55
3rd July	…	…	49½	53¼
10th July	…	…	54	54½

			Journal Office
			Clerks	Office Clerks
Week beginning—			Hours	Hours
5th June	…	…	47½	54½
12th June	…	…	46½	54
19th June	…	…	49¼	58
26th June	…	…	50	55
3rd July	…	…	49½	53¼
10th July	…	…	54¾	54½

			Committee Office
			Clerks	Office Clerks
Week beginning—			Hours	Hours
5th June	…	…	51½	53½
12th June	…	…	50½	53
19th June	…	…	55	57
26th June	…	…	56	58
3rd July	…	…	54	56
10th July	…	…	61	66½

			Table Office
			Clerks	Office Clerks
Week beginning—			Hours	Hours
5th June	…	…	51	54
12th June	…	…	50	53
19th June	…	…	51	57
26th June	…	…	51	54
3rd July	…	…	53	52
10th July	…	…	58	54

It is difficult to work out the exact number of hours which each Clerk at the Table is on duty for each week, but it can be safely assumed that their average hours for the 6 weeks was 55 hours per week.These calculations have been done in respect only of those Clerks whose hours of work are linked with hours of sitting of the House.

THE LIBRARY
			Library Clerks	Attendants
Week beginning—			Hours	Hours
5th June	…	…	48	51½
12th June	…	…	47½	51½
19th June	…	…	48½	51½
26th June	…	…	51½	51½
3rd July	…	…	49¼	51½
10th July	…	…	54½	51½

These figures again relate only to Library staff whose hours are linked with the sitting of the House.

HANSARD
			Reporters	Office Clerks
Week beginning—			Hours	Hours
5th June	…	…	45	50
12th June	…	…	45	49
19th June	…	…	44	52
26th June	…	…	49	54
3rd July	…	…	44	48
10th July	…	…	49	53

VOTE OFFICE
		Deliverer of Votes and Deputy	Chief Office Clerk	Office Clerks
Week beginning—		Hours	Hours	Hours
5th June	…	55	44	50½
12th June	…	54½	52¾	52¼
19th June	…	59½	53	52
26th June	…	5¾	50¼	54
3rd July	…	58	51	53¾
10th July	…	64½	53½	48½

SERJEANT AT ARMS' DEPARTMENT
			Attendants
		Doorkeepers	½ staff	½ staff
Week beginning—		Hours	Hours	Hours
5th June	…	60½	43½	46
12th June	…	59½	44½	45
19th June	…	67	51	45½
26th June	…	60½	55	43
3rd July	…	60*	53	44½
10th July	…	65*	59	53
* During these weeks the Special Galleries have been closed when very late sittings were expected. This has reduced the total hours worked by Doorkeepers in the week in relation to the total hours that the House has sat. In spite of this it has not been possible to avoid some very long spells of duty during the week. For example, during the week commencing 10th July, 3 men had to be on duty from 2 p.m. on Tuesday, 11th, until 7.41 a.m. on Wednesday, 12th, and again from 9.30 a.m. until 10 p.m. on that day.

The average hours of the three Serjeants are difficult to work out because the Serjeant and the Deputy Serjeant are on duty three nights a week and when off duty are frequently in their residences, whereas the Assistant Serjeant does two consecutive nights a week; but it can be said that their weekly hours are within an hour or two more or less of the total number of hours that the House sits. During these six weeks the House have averaged 59 hours a week. The average hours on duty by the Serjeant and the Deputy Serjeant are therefore about 60 hours per week and the Assistant Serjeant about 58 hours per week.

POLICE
		Officers employed inside Palace of Westminster	Officers employed on Parliamentary crossings
Week beginning—		Hours	Hours
5th June	…	54½	54½
12th June	…	53¾	54½
19th June	…	56	57
26th June	…	57	54
3rd July	…	56½	55¾
10th July	…	62	61

55.

asked the Lord President of the Council what proposals he has to improve the terms and conditions of service of the different categories of servants of the House; and if he will make a statement.

A number of questions affecting the pay and conditions of various categories of servants of the House are under consideration. As I have said in my reply today to my hon. Friend the Member for Fife, West (Mr. William Hamilton) we have been able to make a substantial improvement in the structure of the Clerk's Department. Formal proposals for improvements in the pay and conditions of the doorkeepers are awaited from the Association which now represents them, and there too I hope we will soon be able to report progress.

Members Of Parliament (Style Of Address)

50.

asked the Lord President of the Council if he will move to refer to the Select Committee on Pro- cedure the styles by which right honourable and honourable Members of the House refer to each other in debate.

This matter is already within the terms of reference of the Select Committee on Procedure.

House Of Commons Departments (O And M Division Examination)

52.

asked the Lord President of the Council if he will seek to arrange for the Treasury Organisation and Methods department to conduct a survey on the administration of the services in the House of Commons part of the Palace of Westminster including, in particular, the issue of tickets for the Strangers Gallery, the taking and delivery of telephone and other messages, the deployment of police officers and the disposition of Members' and their secretaries' accommodation.

The recent examination of the Departments of the House by the O. and M. Division of the Treasury covered many of the items suggested by the hon. Member. It is hoped that the new Letter Board, which is being installed during the Summer Recess in the Members' Lobby, will lead to an improvement in the delivery of messages. The disposition of Members' and their secretaries' accommodation is a matter for the Select Committee on House of Commons (Services), who are always ready to consider representations from Members and do their best to meet their needs within the limited accommodation available.

Defence White Paper (Availability)

53.

asked the Lord President of the Council at what time on 18th July copies of the Defence White Paper were made available to Soviet, Chinese and Egyptian Press correspondents; at what later time they were made available to hon. Members of this House; and why he refused to allow hon. Members access to the White Paper at the earlier time, even though they undertook to observe the embargo on publication.

Final revise copies were made available to certain members of the Press, under embargo, at 10 a.m. on 18th July. Copies were available to Members at 2.30 p.m. the time of publication. No Egyptian correspondent had access to a final revise copy of this document. Certain Soviet and Chinese correspondents did.This arrangement was in accordance with standing practice and I see no reason to alter it.

Members Of Parliament (Clerical Facilities)

54.

asked the Lord President of the Council what plans are being considered to improve clerical facilities for Members and their secretaries, in view of the heavy correspondence received by the majority of Members.

Members are expected to provide their own secretaries and such equipment as typewriters. Xero copying machines are provided, and the number and the hours during which they are available have been increased.

Palace Of Westminster (Guides)

57.

asked the Lord President of the Council if he will propose to the Services Committee that guides paid out of Government funds be appointed to show parties round the Palace of Westminster.

A recommendation that a permanent corps of part-time guides, paid for out of public funds, should be established was made by the Select Committee on House of Commons Accommodation, etc., in 1954, but was not adopted. I will ask the Services Committee to look into the suggestion again.

Palace Of Westminster (Visitors)

56.

asked the Lord President of the Council what are the estimated figures of the number of visitors to the Palace of Westminster during June and July for the past 10 years.

Following are the figures:

NUMBER OF VISITORS ADMITTED TO THE LINE OF ROUTE ON SITTING DAYS IN JUNE AND JULY 1957–1966 INCLUSIVE
Year				June	July
1957	…	…	…	5,218	20,289
				(9)	(23)
1958	…	…	…	6,198	15,216
				(15)	(23)
1959	…	…	…	10,403	17,031
				(21)	(21)
1960	…	…	…	9,121	15,928
				(12)	(21)
1961	…	…	…	10,773	16,198
				(22)	(21)
1962	…	…	…	4,810	18,870
				(10)	(22)
1963	…	…	…	5,927	19,637
				(10)	(23)
1964	…	…	…	10,791	17,960
				(21)	(23)
1965	…	…	…	13,822	21,513
				(17)	(22)
1966	…	…	…	11,542	21,381
				(13)	(21)

NOTE:Figures in brackets denote the number of sitting days on which the Line of Route was opened.The comparable figure for June, 1967, is 8,479 (10).

NUMBER OF VISITORS ADMITTED TO THE LINE OF ROUTE ON SATURDAYS AND OTHER PUBLIC DAYS IN JUNE AND JULY 1957–1966 INCLUSIVE
Year				June	July
1957	…	…	…	38,255	35,831
1958	…	…	…	20,467	32,674
1959	…	…	…	21,498	38,106
1960	…	…	…	30,586	48,968
1961	…	…	…	21,216	42,828
1962	…	…	…	46,181	42,295
1963	…	…	…	39,089	36,043
1964	…	…	…	23,200	33,089
1965	…	…	…	48,313	62,447
1966	…	…	…	31,216	48,617

NOTE:The comparable figure for June, 1967 is 30,003.

Members Of Parliament (Christmas Card)

58.

asked the Lord President of the Council whether he will request the Administration Sub-Committee of the House of Commons (Services) Committee to reconsider its advice to Mr. Speaker to select as the subject for the 1967 Members' Christmas card a mid-Victorian engraving and substitute the painting, Question Time, by the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Streatham (Mr. Sandys).

No.

House Of Commons Refreshment Department (Summer Recess)

asked the Lord President or the Council whether he will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT the refreshment arrangements for the Summer Recess.

I have been asked to reply.The Refreshment Department will be closed after the House rises for the Summer Recess, up to and including Tuesday, 12th September, 1967.From and including Wednesday, 13th September, until the House reassembles, the Members' Cafeteria, Strangers' Cafeteria, and Strangers' Smoking Room (Bar) will be open on Mondays to Fridays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Hospitals

South Ockendon Hospital (Personal Case)

59.

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that, following the complaints by a resident of Barking, of whose name he has been informed, of the treatment of her 14-year-old spastic son in South Ockendon Hospital, a meeting took place between this lady and the physician superintendent of the hospital; that at this meeting certain detailed improvements in the arrangements for the comfort of sub-normal patients, and for the supervision of charge nurses, were proposed; which of these proposals have now been acted on; and what steps have been taken to prevent a recurrence of the incidents that led to these complaints.

Improved arrangements aimed at obviating similar complaints in future have been introduced, and I have described them in a reply to my hon. Friend's letter of 7th July on the same subject.

Geriatric Wards (Treatment Of Patients)

60.

asked the Minister of Health what steps he has taken in the light of recent reports submitted to him concerning the treatment of patients in geriatric wards in hospitals.

I would refer my hon. Friend to what I said in the debate on the Care of the Elderly on 11th July.—[Vol. 750, c. 441–54.]

Hospital Accommodation (West Dorset)

61.

asked the Minister of Health what plans he now has for improving out-dated hospital accommodation in West Dorset.

The Wessex Regional Hospital Board hopes soon to complete its plans for improvement.

Drug Addicts, London (Treatment)

62.

asked the Minister of Health how many hospitals in the Central London area now have clinics for the treatment of drug addicts; and how many are open 24 hours a day.

68.

asked the Minister of Health what progress he has made in providing clinics for the treatment of drug addiction in London; and whether he will make a statement.

So far, 10 hospitals in the London area provide in-patient treatment for heroin addiction, and 13 out-patient treatment. At 6 of the latter a service is available in the casualty department 24 hours a day.The corresponding figures for Inner London are 5, 7, and 1.

Nurses (Pay And Conditions)

64.

asked the Minister of Health how long he expects the National Board for Prices and Incomes to take over its examination of nurses' pay and conditions; and how soon he expects action can be taken following the Board's recommendations.

It is too early to say.

Psychiatric Social Workers

65.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will take steps to ensure that the salary scales of psychatric social workers employed in the hospital service in general, and in the adult psychiatric hospital service in particular, are raised to the level obtainable by psychiatric social workers outside the hospital service.

Pay of psychiatric social workers in the hospital service is a matter in the first instance for the Whitley Council and I understand that negotiations on a pay claim are in progress.

66.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the numbers of psychiatric social workers employed in psychiatric hospitals, excluding those working in child psychiatry units, is decreasing; and what steps he will take to reverse this trend.

We have no separate figures for adult psychiatry, but the latest hospital returns show that total numbers, expressed in whole time equivalents, increased in the year ending 30th September, 1966.

Psychiatric And Geriatric Patients (Ill-Treatment)

67.

asked the Minister of Health to what extent, since his promise of protection, nurses have come forward with evidence of ill-treatment of patients in psychiatric and geriatric hospitals; whether he has investigated this evidence; and with what results.

I have received no letters from nurses relating to hospitals in which they are employed.

Scalebor Park Hospital

69.

asked the Minister of Health what developments have recently taken place at Scalebor Park Hospital, Burley-in-Wharfedale; what has been the cost of these extensions; and how far the cost was paid from moneys other than those voted by Parliament.

The addition of 104 beds, an out-patient department and associated investigation and treatment facilities; £423,618; not at all.

70.

asked the Minister of Health when the new extensions to Scalebor Park Hospital, Burley-in-Wharfedale were opened; who was asked to the opening ceremony; who opened the new extensions; what the opening ceremony cost; and who met the cost.

26th April, 1967. Invitations were sent to representatives of civic interests, religious and voluntary organisations, the psychiatric services and hospital authorities. The Chairman of the Regional Board's Mental Health and Geriatrics Committee officiated. Cost, including a memorial plaque, was £64 18s. 2d., met by Wharfedale Hospital Management Committee.

Mortuary Attendants And Porters (Designation)

71.

asked the Minister of Health when he proposes to transfer the grade of hospital ancillary staff at present designated as mortuary attendants and porters from the present negotiating arrangements to be redesignated as postmortem room technicians under the Technical and Professional B Whitley Council.

This is a matter for the respective Whitley Councils.

Mortuary Staff (Recruitment)

asked the Minister of Health what plans he has to replace the 50 per cent. of the existing mortuary staff in hospitals who are due to retire by the year 1970–71.

Hospital authorities are responsible for recruitment of staff and I have no doubt that they will be aware of the situation.

Ministry Of Health

Drugs (Inquiry)

63.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will institute an inquiry into the mental and physical effects of drug-taking particularly lysergic diethylamide, cannabis and amphetamines.

A Sub-Committee of the Advisory Committee on Drug Dependence is studying these aspects, among others, in relation to the first two drugs, and will then turn its attention to amphetamines.

Cigarette Advertising (Advertising Inquiry Council Deputation)

asked the Minister of Health on what date he last received a deputation sponsored by the Advertising Inquiry Council to discuss cigarette advertising; what was the membership of the deputation; and who else was present at the discussion.

28th January, 1965. With my hon. Friend the Member for Swindon (Mr. Francis Noel-Baker) were Sir Robert (now Lord) Platt, my hon. Friend the Member for Willesden, West (Mr. Pavitt), Dr. Charles Fletcher, Mrs. A. Holme, Mr. R. Evely, and Mr. G. Radice. Officers of my Department were also present.

Doctors (Emigration And Immigration Study)

asked the Minister of Health whether he has yet completed his study of emigration and immigration of doctors; and if he will make a statement.

An analysis of information available from the Central Index of doctors maintained by the Health Departments and the British Medical Association about doctors entering and leaving Great Britain during the two years from 30th September, 1962 to 30th September, 1964 has now been completed. The results indicate a net loss of about 300 British and Irish born doctors a year, a figure well below some earlier estimates balanced by a gain of roughly the same number of doctors born elsewhere. Details will be published shortly, and work on similar analyses for later years is proceeding.

British Doctors (Return From Overseas)

72.

asked the Minister of Health what steps he is taking to interest British doctors overseas in returning to medical work in this country.

I am arranging for an interviewing team of five, headed by a Principal Medical Officer from my Department, to visit the United States and Canada early in the autumn. The project is being publicised in the medical Press and in journals circulating in North America, and a number of inquiries have already been received as a result from British doctors interested in returning here. The team will meet as many doctors as possible in various centres, and will offer appointments in the hospital service, or introductions to general practice or to Hospital Boards.

Ministry Of Labour

Pension Rights (Transferability)

73.

asked the Minister of Labour what arrangements he is now making to obtain the full transferability of pension rights from one company to another.

I cannot add to the reply I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Putney (Mr. Hugh Jenkins) on 10th April, 1967.—[Vol. 745, c. 710.]

Unemployment

74.

asked the Minister of Labour what was the total of unemployed on the latest convenient date; how many of these unemployed had been without work for the preceding six months or more; and whether he will make a statement as to the extent of hard core unemployment.

On 10th July, 1967, there were in Great Britain 496,372 persons registered as unemployed of whom 471,472 were wholly unemployed. These figures are provisional. On 10th April, the last date for which detailed figures are available, there were 525,471 wholly unemployed, 130,676 of whom had been registered for more than 26 weeks. Of these 80,102 had been registered for more than 39 weeks and 58,812 for more than 52 weeks. From sample surveys carried out in recent years it is estimated that there are at any date over 100,000 who will always have considerable difficulty in obtaining or retaining employment.

76.

asked the Minister of Labour if he will give the levels of unemployment for registered disabled workers for each year from 1964 to date.

On 12th June, 1967, 56,824 registered disabled persons were unemployed, as compared with 42,467 in June, 1966, 44,175 in June, 1965, and 50,473 in June, 1964.

78.

asked the Minister of Labour what is the present level of unemployment in Prudhoe, Northumberland; how this compares with the position in 1965 and 1966; and how the

TOTAL NUMBERS REGISTERED AS UNEMPLOYED AND PERCENTAGE RATES OF UNEMPLOYMENT IN THE AREA COVERED BY PRUDHOE EMPLOYMENT EXCHANGE AND PERCENTAGE RATES FOR NORTHERN REGION AND GREAT BRITAIN
				Percentage rates of unemployment
			Registered Unemployed at Prudhoe Employment Exchange	Prudhoe	Northern region	Great Britain
10th July, 1967^*	…	…	230	6·2	3·7	2·1
11th July, 1966	…	…	129	3·5	2·0	1·1
12th July, 1965	…	…	80	2·2	2·1	1·2
* Figures for 10th July, 1967 are provisional.

asked the Minister of Labour if he will give, in respect of the area covered by his Morecambe office, the percentage for each of the last 12 months of total unemployed, wholly un-

PERCENTAGE RATES OF UNEMPLOYMENT FOR TOTAL NUMBERS REGISTERED AS UNEMPLOYED AND FOR WHOLLY UNEMPLOYED MALES, AND FEMALES, IN THE AREA COVERED BY THE MORECAMBE EMPLOYMENT EXCHANGE
				All registered unemployed Per cent.	Wholly unemployed males^ Per cent.*	Wholly unemployed females^ Per cent.*
1966
8th August	…	…	…	2·0	2·8	0·5
12th September	…	…	…	2·5	3·4	0·9
10th October	…	…	…	3·8	4·8	2·0
14th November	…	…	…	5·0	6·0	3·0
12th December	…	…	…	5·1	6·2	2·8
1967
9th January	…	…	…	5·3	6·7	2·8
13th February	…	…	…	5·3	6·7	2·8
13th March	…	…	…	5·1	6·4	2·4
10th April	…	…	…	4·7	6·0	2·3
8th May	…	…	…	4·4	5·9	1·6
12th June	…	…	…	3·2	4·8	0·6
10th July	…	…	…	3·1	4·6	0·5
^* Percentage rates of unemployment for local areas are not available for men and women.

Motor Industry (Disputes)

75.

asked the Minister of Labour how many working days have been lost in the motor industry due to disputes, since the appointment of the trouble-shooter Mr. Scamp; how such losses compare with earlier equivalent periods; to what extent Mr. Scamp is succeeding; whether Mr. Scamp's appointment is permanent; and whether he will make a statement.

Mr. Scamp was appointed as Chairman of the Motor In-

rate of unemployment compares with the national and regional average.

As the reply consists of a table of figures, I will with permission circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.Following is the information:employed men and wholly unemployed women, respectively.

Following is the information:dustry Joint Labour Council in November, 1965. Disputes in the industry in the period before and after this appointment caused the following losses:

1964	…	2·5	million man-hours
1965	…	10·3	million man-hours
1966	…	7·6	million man-hours.

The 1966 figures include over 2 million man-hours lost as a result of disputes over redundancy.The Council has helped to resolve a number of serious disputes and it is keeping under review longer-term industrial relations problems in the industry.

Mr. Scamp's appointment, which was made with the agreement of both sides of the industry, was not for a specified period. I am convinced that there is still much useful work for the Council to do.

Engineering And Shipbuilding Industries (Joint Consultations)

77.

asked the Minister of Labour what is the machinery devised by his Department for joint consultations between the trade unions and the Engineering and Shipbuilding Employers Association in the West Riding of Yorkshire and Humberside; and whether he is satisfied with the existing arrangements.

I understand that joint arrangements for negotiation and consultation exist, and I am not aware of any difficulty.

Swan Hunter (Draughtsmen's Pay)

79.

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that an increase of just less than 6 per cent. in the pay of draughtsmen employed by Swan Hunter took effect from 1st July; what is now the expected weekly rates and earnings of these draughtsmen; and how the settlement is related to either the considerations of lower-paid workers or increased productivity as indicated by the Government's prices and incomes policy.

I am aware of the increase which was implemented from 1st July. Weekly rates will range from £15 17s. 0d.—at age 21 to £23 19s. 0d.—at age 30 and over. Earnings will be higher in some cases because of merit and qualification payments. The settlement is not related to either the considerations of the lower-paid workers or increased productivity.

Mosley Common And Bedford Collieries

80.

asked the Minister of Labour in view of the proposals to close Mosley Common Colliery and Bedford Colliery in October and thereby rendering approximately 3,500 men jobless, what arrangements he is making for retraining in suitable cases, for how many and at what centres.

SEVERELY DISABLED WORKERS EMPLOYED IN MARCH OF YEAR STATED
			1962	1963	1964	1965	1966	1967
Bridgend	…	…	161	151	159	158	160	149
In all Remploy factories	…	…	6,534	6,361	6,515	6,956	6,921	6,874

I am informed that no final decision has yet been taken to close these collieries in October. If they do close men who want and are suitable for training for skill may be able to attend the Government Training Centres at Hindley, Manchester or Liverpool. Alternatively, lodgings can be found to enable them to attend any of the other 30 Centres in the country. Those not suitable for training for a skill can be helped by the Industrial Rehabilitation Units at Liverpool and Manchester, which will assess the type of alternative employment for which each man is best suited.

Boilermakers, South Wales (Strike)

81

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware of the six monold strike involving boilermakers in South Wales which has seriously affected the dry dock industry there and is causing considerable hardship to the workpeople involved; and whether he has yet taken a decision to intervene in this dispute with a view to bringing about a settlement.

I understand that at Swansea and Port Talbot an interim agreement has been reached and work has been resumed. I also understand that the Bristol Channel Shiprepairers' Association and the union have made progress towards a settlement and are continuing discussions. In the circumstances I have decided there is no reason at present for me to intervene. I shall continue to keep a close watch on the situation.

Remploy Factories (Disabled Persons)

82 and 83.

asked the Minister of Labour (1) how many disabled persons were employed at the Bridgend Remploy factory at the latest convenient date; and what were the comparable figures for each of the last five years;(2) how many disabled workers were employed in Remploy factories at the latest convenient date; and what were the comparable figures for each of the last five years.

Following is the information:

Construction Workers, Scotland

asked the Minister of Labour how many of the 12,742 building and construction workers who were unemployed in Scotland in June were previously employed as bricklayers, electricians, joiners, plumbers, painters and labourers, respectively.

Occupational analyses of unemployed persons last employed in construction (Minimum List Heading 500 of the Standard Industrial Classification) are available for wholly unemployed men only. On 12th June, 1967, in Scotland, 12,320 wholly unemployed men were included in the total of 12,742 unemployed construction workers.Following is the information:

Occupation	Wholly unemployed men (aged 18 years and over) last employed in construction
Bricklayer	202
Electrician, cable jointer, linesman	360
Carpenter, joiner	259
Plumber, gas fitter etc.	184
Painter, decorator, sign-writer	296
Labourer	7,942
All other occupations	3,077
Total	12,320

Redundancy Payments

asked the Minister of Labour how many industrial tribunals for the hearing of appeals in relation to redundancy payments there are.

Industrial tribunals are appointed to sit as need arises. Each tribunal consists of a legally qualified chairman, and two members drawn from national panels appointed after consultation with the two sides of industry. By the end of June 1967 the tribunals had held sittings on 2,989 days in London and 24 other centres in England, Wales and Scotland, to deal with redundancy payment appeals and all other matters falling within their jurisdiction.

asked the Minister of Labour how many claims have been made for redundancy payments since the Redundancy Payments Act became operative.

Between 6th December, 1965, when the Redundancy Payments Act came into operation, and 30th June, 1967, 267,622 employees have received redundancy payments. The number of unsuccessful claims is not known.

asked the Minister of Labour how many appeals in relation to redundancy payments have been heard before industrial tribunals since these tribunals came into existence; and how many appeals were decided in favour of the applicant.

Up to 30th June, 1967, the industrial tribunals had registered 12,134 appeals relating to awards of redundancy payments and rebates from the Redundancy Fund. Of these, 7,549 have been heard by the tribunals and 1,722 settled without a hearing; decisions have not yet been made in the remaining 2,863 cases.A detailed analysis of the results of appeals is not available, but a sample survey carried out at the end of 1966 showed that about 50 per cent. of the decisions were in favour of the applicant.

Wages Councils (Discussions)

asked the Minister of Labour on what date he began discussions with the Trades Union Congress and the Confederation of British Industry concerning the future of wages councils; when he expects those discussions to be terminated; if he will publish the views disclosed by the Trades Union Congress and the Confederation of British Industry on these councils; and if he will make a statement.

I wrote to the C.B.I. and T.U.C. on 23rd June enclosing a memorandum noting questions concerning the Wages Council system which needed consideration. I invited the C.B.I. and the T.U.C. to discuss these matters with me, Arrangements will be made for meetings when they have had an opportunity of considering them. As already announced, the Government will await the report of the Royal Commission before reaching any final conclusions about the future of the Wages Council system.

China

85.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether an apology has been received from the Chinese Government in respect of the violence and insults inflicted on officers of his Department in Shanghai; and whether compensation has been received in respect of material loss and damage suffered by them.

I have nothing to add to my reply to the hon. Member for Birmingham, Edgbaston on 12th June.—[Vol. 748, c. 10–11.]

Aden

84.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the changed and dangerous situation in the Middle East, he will give an assurance that British forces will not be withdrawn from Aden while Egyptian aggression continues in any part of the Middle East.

No. We have made it plain that British forces will be withdrawn from South Arabia upon independence.

86.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will make a further statement on Aden.

Action on the political and constitutional fronts in preparation for independence continues. The High Commissioner will be flying to New York this week for discussions with the United Nations Special Mission on the latest political developments in South Arabia and what needs to be done before South Arabia achieves independence next January.

88.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many British civil servants and their families have been injured in Aden since 1964.

In the period 1964 to 20th July, 1967, 10 British civil servants and one dependant have been killed and 12 British civil servants and 12 dependants injured.

94.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what arrangements have been made to secure the future of British Government employees in Aden after independence; and what arrangements have been made to secure the future of the employees of the trustees of Aden Port Trust.

It is intended that a Public Officers Agreement on the usual lines shall be signed between Her Majesty's Government and the independent government on the independence of South Arabia. An agreement of this kind will safeguard the rights of officers who retire from or who remain in the public service in South Arabia.Her Majesty's Government cannot speak for the Aden Port Trust which is an independent body.

95.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the results of the inquiry into the recent Crater incident in Aden.

The preliminary investigation into the recent Crater incident has been completed but the High Commissioner has now arranged for an enquiry to be held by the Chief Justice of Aden. It would not be proper for me to comment until the results of this inquiry are known.

Indonesia (British Firms)

87.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will attempt to secure an agreement with the Government of the Republic of Indonesia in regard to compensation for British firms and property, or on permitting the firms to return to run these concerns.

The Indonesian Government have already declared their intention to hand back the property of British firms or to pay compensation in cases where the owners do not wish to return to Indonesia. Individual agreements have already been concluded by some firms; and others are in progress. No Governmental agreement is necessary.

Vietnam

89.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, in view of the official letter from Hanoi sent to him through the hon. Member for Wands-worth, Putney, to the effect that the Government of North Vietnam is ready to talk if the United States' bombing is stopped, if he will ask the United States Government to put the matter to the test by stopping the bombing.

No. The letter which my hon. Friend received from the Vietnam Women's Union in Hanoi, and which he was good enough to show to the Foreign Office, adds nothing to our knowledge of the North Vietnamese attitude.

97.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will publish the reply he has sent to the communication which he has received from Mr. Laurence Daly, Secretary of the Scottish National Union of Miners of his personal investigation of the bombing of mining villages in North Vietnam.

No.

Suez Canal

91.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what discussions Her Majesty's Government have held with friendly Governments about the possibilities of establishing an overland trade route from Eilat to Ashdod, with a view to diminishing British dependence on the Suez Canal; and if he will make a statement.

Her Majesty's Government's discussions with other Government's are confidential. It would not be appropriate for Her Majesty's Government to take the initiative in such a project.

96.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement giving the location of each ship or other obstacle blocking the Suez Canal, the size of such ships or obstacles, and an estimate of the time it will take once work starts to clear the Canal including silting up so as to enable normal shipping to transit the Canal.

I have nothing to add to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Minister of State to the hon. Member for Portsmouth, Langstone (Mr. Ian Lloyd) on 28th June.—[Vol. 749, c. 109.]

Egypt (British Subjects)

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (1) what representations have been made to the Egyptian Government concerning the refusal by the Egyptian police to allow Squadron Leader Hindle James, retired, who is aged 74 years and suffering from angina pectoris, to telephone either the British Consulate or his doctor when arrested by the Egyptian police on 6th June;(2) what representations have been made by Her Majesty's Government to the Egyptian Government concerning the treatment of Squadron Leader Hindle James, retired, following his arrest on 6th June and his subsequent treatment and interrogation by the Egyptian police;(3) why no action was taken by the British Consulate in Cairo concerning the arrest of Squadron Leader Hindle James, retired, on 6th June, especially as the Consolate were aware that he was aged 74 years and in ill health.

Squadron Leader Hindle James was arrested on 6th June having previously been warned by our Consul to leave Egypt in view of the danger of hostilities. The British Interests Section of the Canadian Embassy made repeated and vigorous protests to the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Interior against his arrest and those of other British subjects. As a result he was released and placed on board ship two days later.The full details of the treatment accorded Squadron Leader Hindle James did not become available to the Foreign Office until later and, in the circumstances prevailing, we considered that a protest against his treatment under arrest and the refusal of the United Arab Republic authorities to allow him to communicate with his doctor or our Consul, would not have been in Squadron Leader Hindle James's interest.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether it is the intention of Her Majesty's Government to press for financial compensation from the Egyptian Government for those British subjects who were arrested in Cairo in June and later expelled from Egypt.

I shall certainly be glad to consider approaching the United Arab Republic authorities if it can be shown that financial loss has been incurred by those arrested and expelled.

Baltic Claims

92.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what amounts in cash were to be paid to the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics in the Agreement made last February concerning the Baltic claim; what the United Kingdom claimants were to get in return; whether the amounts agreed to be paid to the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics have yet been paid; and whether anything has been paid to the United Kingdom.

In terms of the settlement of post-1939 financial and property claims and counter-claims recorded in the joint statement issued by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister and Mr. Kosygin on 13th February, Her Majesty's Government agreed to pay £500,000 to the Soviet Government in the form of consumer goods. The Soviet Government did not undertake to make any payment to United Kingdom claimants who will benefit from the distribution of assets already held in this country. No payment has yet been made to the Soviet Government in terms of the settlement.

93.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs when his Department last had discussions with the London Stock Exchange on the subject of the Baltic bonds and debts; and whether the problems of the Stock Exchange have been put before the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics representatives in these discussions.

Contact with the Stock Exchange Council has, as is normal, been maintained through the Bank of England. The views of all interested parties have been kept in mind by those concerned in the negotiations with the Soviet authorities on the formulation of the agreement on post-1939 Anglo-Soviet claims.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what are the points still outstanding in the agreement about the Baltic debts.

Exchanges with the Soviet authorities about the formulation of the agreement on post-1939 financial and property claims and counterclaims are continuing and the details must be for the present confidential.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether a representative of Her Majesty's Government has yet gone to Moscow to clear up the points left unsettled after Mr. Kosygin's visit last February to this country concerning the Baltic debts.

Discussions about the formulation of the agreement on post-1939 Anglo-Soviet financial and property claims and counter-claims took place with Soviet officials in London in April and May. My right hon. Friend also discussed the question when he visited Moscow in May and exchanges are continuing.

Middle East (Arabic Broadcasts)

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will increase medium wavelength broadcasts in Arabic to the Middle East.

We do not intend at present to increase broadcasting hours, which are already substantial. The new relay station at Masirah, which should be operating by next year, will give increased coverage for our Arabic programmes.

Command Paper No 3345

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will define with more precision the reference in Command Paper No 3345. to the wider interests of Europe which must prevail.

I would refer my hon. Friend to paragraphs 5–12 of the Command Paper.

Osaka International Exhibition (British Pavilion)

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will announce a decision as to whether Great Britain will participate in the Osaka International Exhibition, in time for the Royal Institute of British Architects to hold a competition for the design of the British pavilion.

Following correspondence with the Foreign Secretary in May and June of this year, the then President of the Royal Institute of British Architects, Lord Esher, discussed the matter with the Director General of the Central Office of Information, and subsequently informed the Foreign Secretary that a competition could not be arranged in the time available.The question of our participation in the Osaka exhibition is still under consideration.

Rhodesia

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether Her Majesty's Government will initiate and support at the United Nations measures to intensify sanctions against the Rhodesian régime.

As mandatory sanctions have only been in force for just over six months, I do not think it would be appropriate to initiate further action at the Security Council.

Spain (Mr Christie)

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what representations have been made to the Spanish Government on the continued imprisonment of Mr. Stuart Christie; and with what result.

As my right hon. Friend the Minister of State made clear in his reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Manchester, Wythenshawe (Mr. Alfred Morris) on 29th June, this question is very much in our minds and we shall do all we can at the apposite time.—[Vol. 749, c. 127–8.]

South Africa (United Nations Arms Resolution)

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what action Her Majesty's Government is taking to raise at the United Nations the violation by the French Government of the United Nations Resolution of 18th June 1964 forbidding the supply of arms to South Africa.

None. Her Majesty's Government are not responsible for enforcing United Nations Resolutions.

Hong Kong

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what plan he has to discuss, with the other member States of the South-East Asia Treaty Organisation, the threat to Hong Kong presented by externally fomented subversion.

None, because Hong Kong lies outside the Treaty Area as defined in Article VIII of the Manila Pact.

Napalm

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will promote a resolution at the United Nations outlawing the use of napalm.

I do not consider that it would be appropriate for this country to take an initiative on the lines suggested. Napalm, like all other types of weapons, would naturally be covered by a general disarmament agreement, for which we are working as our ultimate objective in the disarmament negotiations. The best hope of progress lies in this field.

Bulgaria (British Claims)

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what steps he has taken, and is taking, to obtain a settlement of the Bulgarian debts to this country.

Certain United Kingdom claims against Bulgaria were settled by the Financial Agreement of the 22nd September, 1955, between the two Governments.No acceptable offer was made in respect of the Bulgarian External Sterling Bonded Debt, which was therefore excluded from the financial settlement and remains in default, but we have in mind to take apposite steps when the prospect for progress improves.

Rumania

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Council for Foreign Bondholders have been included in talks with Rumania on her debt defaults; and what oil interests have also been included.

The Council of Foreign Bondholders and representatives of the oil interests took part.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (1) why the negotiations to settle the Rumanian bonded debts opened in 1966 were suspended; and what steps Her Majesty's Government has taken to retaliate for Rumania's default;(2) what steps he is taking to continue discussions with the Rumanian Government about the Rumanian bonded debts to this country;(3) when he or his representatives last discussed the Rumanian bonded debts with the Rumanian Government representatives, and where.

The last round of negotiations was held in Rumania at the end of 1966. The talks were adjourned to enable both sides to consider the position reached. It was made clear then that the time and place for a resumption would be settled through diplomatic channels.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs when was the last trade agreement made with Rumania which included an agreement to reopen debt negotiation talks in 1966; and when a fresh trade agreement will be due to be negotiated.

It was agreed under the terms of the Financial Agreement of 1960 that the two Governments should enter into negotiations in 1966 for the settlement of outstanding claims. Trade with Rumania is conducted under a five-year arrangement which is due for renewal next year.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how much money, including accrued interest, is owed by Rumania to investors in the United Kingdom; and how much of this is for oil claims.

The details of the outstanding claims and debts, of which the oil claims form the larger part, are confidential.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs when he proposes to visit Rumania; and whether he will take up the question of Rumania paying her bonded debts to this country.

I have nothing to add to my right hon. Friend's reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Bebington (Mr. Brooks) on 18th July and my earlier answer to the hon. Gentleman today.—[Vol. 750, c. 158–9.]

Hungarian Bonded Debt

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs when, in the present negotiations on the Hungarian Bonded Debt, Great Britain's representatives last met the Hungarian representatives; and how often, and when, the representative of both countries have met this year.

Exchanges between British and Hungarian representatives have been continuous and continue.

Local Government

Tendering

98.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he will circularise local authorities advising them to accept the proposal of the District Auditor' Society that direct labour departments and local authorities should be required to compete with private contractors by means of tendering.

The District Auditor's Society's report refers to the advisability of putting schemes to competition from time to time as a guide to the efficiency of direct labour organisations. The report is at present being discussed with the local authority associations, and my right hon. Friend will consider whether any further guidance to local authorities is required on any of the matters dealt with in the report. Existing advice to local authorities in Circular 50/65 includes a recommendation to put schemes out to competition if there is any doubt about whether direct labour costs are satisfactory.

Rural Land (Committee On Use For Recreation And Leisure)

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he has yet completed his arrangements for setting up a committee to consider the implications of the pressures on the countryside for open-air recreation by town dwellers.

Yes. My right hon. Friend, in conjunction with his right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales, is glad to be able to announce that he has set up a committee under the chairmanship of Professor G. P. Wibberley to consider the problem of the use of rural land for recreation and leisure. The other members will be: Mr. A. A. L. Caesar, Professor W. Ellison, Professor A. G. Ling and Professor O. R. McGregor. Representatives of the National Parks Commission and of the Natural Environmental Research Council and Nature Conservancy will attend the Committee's meetings.

Roads

Muswell Hill (Accident)

99.

asked the Minister of Transport whether she is aware of the accident which occurred at the foot of Muswell Hill on 30th June in which a police officer lost his life, and in view of the fact that this was one of a number of accidents in recent years caused by heavy lorries seeking to negotiate either Highgate Hill or Muswell Hill, what proposals she has for the prevention of similar accidents in the future; and if she will make a statement.

I learned of this accident with very great regret.Prevention of such accidents by road works, diversions or traffic restrictions does not appear practicable, either at Highgate Hill or Muswell Hill.The regulations we have made requiring lorry brakes to comply with specified efficiency standards as from 1st January next, and the goods vehicle testing scheme which is planned to start operating during 1968, should help to reduce accidents in which vehicle defects and/or steep gradients are factors.

Elspeth Road-Lavender Hill Scheme

100.

asked the Minister of Transport when she expects to be able to announce her decision on the provision of a grant towards the Elspeth Road-Lavender Hill, Battersea, highway improvement scheme.

A grant for the main highway improvement works at this junction was isued on 20th May, 1965, the question of additional grant aid towards further work is still under consideration. The issue of grant on schemes in Inner London costing under £100,000 is not usually announced.

Motorways

asked the Minister of Transport if she will give details of the way in which the 1,100 miles of motorway in use, under construction, or announced, is divided between the three categories; and when the miles announced will be completed.

The position at 18th July was: 448·3 miles in use, 123·5 miles under construction, and 547·35 miles announced.Regarding the dates of completion of the mileage announced, I have nothing to add to the reply given to the hon. Member for Worcester (Mr. Peter Walker) on 12th June.—[Vol. 748, c.

25.]

Bitterne Road, Southampton (Accidents)

asked the Minister of Transport (1) how many road accidents occurred in Bitterne Road, Southampton, during 1966 and the first six months of 1967;(2) how many people were killed and injured in road accidents on Bitterne Road, Southampton, during 1966 and the first six months of 1967;(3) what steps she is taking to reduce the number of road accidents in Bitterne Road, Southampton.

The information required is as follows:—

			Injured
	Accidents	Killed	Serious	Slight
1966	28	—	17	28
1967 (Jan.-June)	18	1	10	20
Totals	46	1	27	48

Southampton Corporation, the responsible highway authority, have, over the past few years, progressively improved the road between Buller Road and Little Lances Hill and a scheme for the construction of the Bitterne Village By-Pass is included in the principal road programme.

Parking (Shrewsbury)

102.

asked the Minister of Transport why she has made public her intention to concur in the proposals by the Shrewsbury Borough Council without amendment for further parking restrictions in the town, in view of the undertaking given by her Department to the hon. Member for Shrewsbury that he would be informed as soon as a decision was reached.

My right hon. Friend's decision in this matter concerned the trunk road only and was made public on 21st July. The hon. Member was informed by letter on 17th July.

Parking Meter Revenue (Off-Street Parking)

asked the Minister of Transport if she will give details of the way in which the £493,475 earned from parking meters in the 12-month period ended 31st March, 1966 has been used for off-street parking.

The surplus revenue from parking meters is not applied by local authorities to expenditure on particular projects but is used to meet part or all of the total cost of providing and maintaining off street parking facilities.

Railways

Freight Liner Services (Accounts)

101.

asked the Minister of Transport if she is satisfied with the manner in which British Railways are now keeping financial accounts for freight liner services; what was the net profit, after charging all direct and indirect costs and collection and delivery charges, made by this service during the six months to 30th April, 1967, or any other convenient period; and what was the charge made against net profit in respect of track.

The Railways Board are statutorily required to maintain proper accounts. Subject to my powers of direction in relation to annual statements, the manner in which they do this is a matter for them. At the present stage of development of the freight liner services I consider that it would be contrary to the Board's commercial interest to disclose the information requested, but before giving my approval to investment by the Railways Board in freight liner facilities I satisfy myself that the investment is economically justifiable and that it will make an appropriate contribution to track and other indirect costs after covering direct costs.

Steam Locomotives

asked the Minister of Transport if she will give a general direction to British Railways not to run down steam engines completely but to keep a limited number available, for those parties and organisers who wish to travel by steam.

This is a matter of management on which it would not be appropriate to use powers of general direction.

Transport

Midland Red Bus Company (Charges)

asked the Minister of Transport if she will refer to the National Board for Prices and Incomes the scale of bus charges made by the Midland Red Bus Company in the Wem district of Shropshire.

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

Traffic Area					Numbers of Examiners (a)	Costs (b)	Receipts (b)	Numbers of candidates awaiting testing (c)
						£'000	£'000
Northern	…	…	…	…	79	146	113	12,500
Yorkshire	…	…	…	…	122	226	170	14,400
North Western	…	…	…	…	195	359	282	28,500
West Midland	…	…	…	…	140	268	213	26,300
East Midland	…	…	…	…	131	249	194	19,400
Eastern	…	…	…	…	90	167	124	12,400
South Wales	…	…	…	…	64	115	86	8,000
Western	…	…	…	…	109	211	157	14,600
South Eastern	…	…	…	…	123	237	187	22,400
Metropolitan	…	…	…	…	381	732	547	84,500
Scottish	…	…	…	…	120	222	169	20,600
TOTAL	…	…	…	…	1,554	2,932	2,242	263,600
Notes: (a) In post at 1st July, 1967.
(b) Figures for 1966–67.
(c) At 1st July, 1967.
Test fees do not at present cover the cost of the test, and are currently under review. Statistics are not maintained of the numbers of candidates passing the test at first and second attempts, but I will write to my hon. Friend when the results of a recent sample survey are available.

Driving Licence Application Forms (Unlicensed Vehicles)

asked the Minister of Transport whether she will insert on the new printing of driving licence application forms a paragraph to warn applicants that driving of an unlicensed road vehicle is a serious offence, together with a summary of the penalties, similar to that which now appears with regard to driving without a driving licence.

No. We do not see any reason to single out this particular offence for inclusion on the driving licence application form.

Contractors' Refuse Containers (Accidents)

asked the Minister of Transport how many accidents have been reported in the Metropolitan Police District in the past year caused by vehicles

Driving Examiners

asked the Minister of Transport if she will publish, region by region, the number of driving test inspectors employed, the cost of running each Department, the money received by way of fees for tests, the numbers who pass at the first attempt and at the second attempt; and what is the waiting list in each of the regions.

The following is the information at present available:colliding with contractors' refuse containers parked in streets; and, pending the introduction of legislation, what steps she is taking to see that owners or hirers of these containers ensure that they are adequately lighted at night, or painted in light colours so that they can be seen more easily.

Such accidents have not been separately recorded. It is clearly desirable that these containers should be lighted at night, and we are considering the need for legislation on this question; no other action is at present being taken by the Department.

Scotland

Rates

103.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what estimate he has made of the percentage increase in the amount which will be raised in local rates by Scottish local authorities in the current financial year; and what was the actual percentage increase in each of the past three financial years.

Since a sufficient number of local authorities have not yet fixed their rates I cannot yet make an estimate for the current year. Past increases were 6·2 per cent. in 1964–65, 9·5 per cent. in 1965–66 and 16·7 per cent. in 1966–67.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what percentage increases took place in the rateable values of industrial, commercial and domestic properties, respectively, in Scotland in the 1966 revaluation.

The latest estimates are 25·8 per cent. for industrial, 60·9 per cent. for commercial and 22·1 per cent. for domestic properties.

Passenger Transport Authorities (Ministerial Responsibility)

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether the proposed passenger transport authorities in Scotland will be responsible to him.

Any passenger transport authorities which may be set up in Scotland will be my responsibility.

	1961–62	1962–63	1963–64	1964–65	1965–66	1966–67^*	1967–68†
	£	£	£	£	£	£	£
North of Scotland Hydro-Electric Board	499,998	680,095	716,638	754,619	827,447	900,114	826,000
South of Scotland Electricity Board	1,751,633	2,164,112	2,373,792	2,666,494	2,880,030	3,186,748	2,902,000
Total	2,251,631	2,844,207	3,090,430	3,421,113	3,707,477	4,086,862	3,728,000
* The figures for 1966–67 are provisional.
† The figures for years prior to 1967–68 include an element in respect of electricity showrooms which are now rated separately.

Calder Street Bridge, Coatbridge

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has yet approved the scheme for the improvement of the narrow bridge at Calder Street, Coatbridge; and what are the starting and finishing dates, and the estimated cost of the project.

I approved this scheme on 20th March at an estimated cost of almost

Meat And Livestock Commission (Members)

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many members representing Scottish interests there will be on the Production Committee of the Meat and Livestock Commission; and how many members there will be in total on that Committee.

Four members will represent Scottish interests; the total committee will comprise a chairman and eighteen members.

Electricity Boards (Payments In Lieu Of Rates)

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what total annual contribution has been made by the electricity boards in Scotland in lieu of rates in each of the past six years; and what estimate he has made of the amount which will be paid in the current year.

Payments made by the electricity boards in lieu of rates are given in the table below. The estimates for 1967–68 are based on the assumption that the House will approve the Electricity Boards (Standard Amount) (Scotland) Order, 1967.In respect of the year:£64,000. The main work is expected to start in September, and the scheme should take about 18 months to complete.

Rate Support Grant (Coatbridge)

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what amount of rate support grant he has approved for Coatbridge Town Council, in view of the closure of the steel industries there.

The first advance of the resources element of Rate support grant for 1967–68 is calculated on the rate product for 1966–67. Any change in the product of the Coatbridge burgh rate resulting from the steelworks closures will be taken into account in calculating the second advance to be paid next year, and the greater part of any loss of rates is likely to be made good in this way.

Electricity (Increased Charges)

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the estimated total cost in a full year to the manufacturing industry in Scotland of the recent rise in electricity charges.

I am advised by the Scottish Electricity Boards that the increased cost of electricity supplied to industrial users in Scotland is likely to be about £500,000 in a full year.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the estimated total cost in a full year to the agricultural industry in Scotland of the recent rise in electricity charges.

I am advised by the Scottish Electricity Boards that the increased cost of electricity supplied to farms and crofts in Scotland is likely to be about £400,000 in a full year.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the estimated increase in average charges per

COMPENSATORY PAYMENTS FOR REDUNDANCY

The figures given below for officers are the special compensatory lump-sums and are payable in addition to retired pay and terminal grant payable under normal rules, except that in both schemes the minimum qualifying service needed for retired pay is reduced to 10 years.

The figures given for ratings, soldiers and airmen show the special compensatory lump-sums and the additional pension and additional terminal grant payable over and above what is earned under normal rules.

ROYAL NAVY
	1967	1957
Officers
Lieutenant (SD)—Retired at age 39	£2,715	£4,500
Instructor Lt-Cdr.—Retired at age 33 and 8 months	£3,064 (plus gratuity)	£4,875
Commander (Gen. List)—Retired at age 48 and 5 months	£1,504	£1,814
Ratings
Naval Air Mechanic—On 9 year engagement, but discharged after 7 years 2 months	£136 (plus gratuity £108)	No entitlement
Petty Officer (Seaman)—On 14 year engagement, but discharged after 10 years 2 months	Pension £3 8s. 6d. per week Terminal Grant £534 Lump Sum £707	No entitlement
Chief Petty Officer (ME)—Discharged after 19 years 3 months	Additional Pension 15s. 1d. per week Additional Terminal Grant £118	9s. 2d. per week £34
	Lump Sum £939	£1,187

household of the recent rise in electricity prices in the area of the South of Scotland Electricity Board and in the area of the North of Scotland Hydro-Electric Board.

I am advised by the Boards that the estimated average increase in domestic tariffs in their areas is about 10 per cent for the South Board and about 11 per cent. for the North Board.

Ministry Of Defence

Service Personnel (Redundancy Payments)

104.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will publish a table in the OFFICIAL REPORT comparing the redundancy payments for the officers and other ranks proposed in Annex I of Command Paper No. 3357 with similar payments given following the 1957 reorganisation, showing each rank and each service separately; and by how much each £1 of compensation should be reduced to allow for the fall in the value of the £ sterling and so enable a direct comparison to be made.

The previous redundancy scheme to which the hon. and gallant Member refers operated from 4th April 1957 to 31st March 1963. Taking the pound as 20s. at mid-March 1957, its value fell to 17s. 5d. at mid-March 1963 and to 15s. 2d. at mid-June 1967.The following is a table of examples:

ARMY
	1967	1957
Officers
Captain—Retired at age 27	£2,129	£4,500
Major—Retired at age 35	£3,098	£5,000
Lt. Colonel—Retired at age 46	£4,535	£5,500
Colonel—Retired at age 49	£5,413	£4,620
Brigadier—Retired at age 51½	£4,785	£2,898
Soldien
Sergeant (Non-Tradesman)—12 years' reckonable service	Additional Pension 19s. 4d. per week	13s. 9d. per week
	Additional Terminal Grant £151	£51
	Lump Sum £765	£1,100
Sergeant (Non-Tradesman)—16 years' reckonable service	Additional Pension 19s. 4d. per week	13s. 9d. per week
	Additional Terminal Grant £151	£51
	Lump Sum £963	£1,250
Staff-Sergeant (Non-Tradesman)—14 years' reckonable service	Additional Pension 22s. 0d. per week	16s. 8d. per week
	Additional Terminal Grant £172	£62
	Lump Sum £933	£1,200
WOII (Technician)—16 years' reckonable service	Additional Pension 24s. 0d. per week	18s. 4d. per week
	Additional Terminal Grant £187	£68
	Lump Sum £1,300	£1,250
WOI (Technician)—17 years' reckonable service	Additional Pension 25s. 4d. per week	20s. 10d. per week
	Additional Terminal Grant £198	£75
	Lump Sum £1,364	£1,250
WOI (Technician)—20 years' reckonable service	Additional Pension 12s. 8d. per week	8s. 4d. per week
	Additional Terminal Grant £99	£30
	Lump Sum £838	£1,000

ROYAL AIR FORCE
	1967	1957
Officers
Squadron Leader—Retired at age 40	£3,417	£5,000
Wing Commander—Retired at age 47	£4,296	£4,940
Group Captain—Retired at age 52	£3,588	£2,555
Airmen
Sergeant (List 1 Tradesman)—With 27 years' service	Additional Pension 19s. 4d. per week	28s. 9d. per week
	Additional Terminal Grant £151	£100
	Lump Sum £1,136	£1,250
Flight Sergeant (List 1 Tradesman)—With 32 years' service	Additional Pension 22s. 0d. per week	31s. 8d. per week
	Additional Terminal Grant £172	£120
	Lump Sum £1,392	£1,250
Warrant Officer (List 1 Tradesman)—With 30 years' service	Additional Pension 25s. 4d. per week	35s. 10d. per week
	Additional Terminal Grant £198	£160
	Lump Sum £1,465	£1,250

Overseas Permanent Establishments (Cost)

asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he will state the cost of all permanent establishments put up overseas since 1946 including married quarters, schools and recreational facilities for defence forces and no longer used by British forces.

I regret that it would still involve disproportionate effort and cost to provide this information.

Camps

asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he will list by counties at the latest convenient date all military encampments in the United Kingdom in the possession of his Department which are either wholly or mainly unused; and what plans he has in each case for their future use or disposal.

There are some empty camps, for all of which some use is planned. Any camp for which no further use is foreseen is put up for disposal. If the hon. Gentleman has any particular camp in mind, I shall be pleased to let him know what plans we have for it.

Servicemen, Aden (Shipment Of Cars)

asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether, in view of the closure of the Suez Canal and the consequent isolation of Aden from normal commercial shipping routes, he will ensure that adequate commercial shipping-space will be available to Servicemen to ship their cars back to the United Kingdom at their own expense, who will otherwise suffer the loss of their vehicles.

My right hon. Friend is considering ways of meeting this situation.

Unidentified Flying Objects

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what information he has regarding reports of unidentified flying objects in recent months; and if he will make a statement.

Such reports are investigated, but nothing of defence interest has been found.

Armed Services (Integration)

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what is his estimate of the potential saving which could be achieved by integrating the command and administration of the three services.

The saving would depend on the nature and extent of any such integration. As there is at present no proposal for integrating the command and administration of the three Services, no estimate of potential saving can be made.

Polaris Submarines (Floating Dock)

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the estimated cost of the dry dock for Polaris submarines at Faslane.

I assume that my hon. Friend is referring to the floating dock at Faslane which has cost under £3 million.

Home Department

Cooking Utensils (Chromic Acid)

105 and 106.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he is aware that some methods of applying non-stick polytetrafluorethyrene surfaces to domestic holloware make use of chromic acid; and if he will take steps to ban surfaces produced by this method;(2) if he is aware of the use of chromic acid or the presence of chromates in utensils used in the preparation of food, and that this could constitute a danger or a health hazard to the consumer; and if he will take steps to ban the use of chromic acid for this purpose.

My right hon. Friend the Minister of Health is advised that there is no risk to health to the consumer from the use of chromic acid for applying non-stick surfaces to cooking utensils. Chromium may be present in stainless steel, from which cooking utensils are often made, but my right hon. Friend has been advised that these also present no risk. I see no justification, therefore, for the suggested ban.

Cbr Jersey Mills, Brighton (Police Surveillance)

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will call for a report from the chief constable on the cost of police surveillance at the C.B.R. Jersey Mills, Brighton, during the current lock-out to the nearest available date.

From 19th April this year police surveillance at this industrial dispute has generally been undertaken by officers in the normal course of their duties. On five occasions demonstations have necessitated additional police coverage and the cost of overtime payments has totalled £132 6s. 8d.

Palace Of Westminster (Police Shirt Sleeve Order)

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department why the police on duty in the Palace of Westminster are not allowed to wear shirtsleeve order.

It is for the Commissioner to decide in what circumstances in the Metropolitan Police District police officers may be permitted to work in shirt sleeve order. He does not consider this to be an appropriate dress for officers on indoor duty in the Palace of Westminster, and he has received no representations on the subject from the officers so employed.

Payne Committee (Report)

107.

asked the Attorney-General when he expects to receive the report of the Payne Committee which is inquiring into the working of the Maintenance Orders Act, 1958.

The terms of reference of Mr. Justice Payne's Committee are not confined to the working of the Maintenance Orders Act, 1958, but they are considering the whole of the law relating to the recovery of debts and the enforcement of orders for the payment of money in civil proceedings. The Committee's task has proved a heavy one and I am unable at present to say when its Report will be received.

John Bloom (Investigation)

108.

asked the Attorney-General when he expects to receive the report of the inquiry into the John Bloom affair; and whether he will make a statement.

Everything possible is being done to expedite the investigation of this highly complex matter involving several companies and individuals, and activities extending over a considerable length of time. It is anticipated that the Director of Public Prosecutions will in the very near future receive the police report on the major part of the investigation. As soon as this is received, the Director will be in a position to consider what action should be taken.

Criminal Appeals

asked the Attorney-General what is the present delay in time between conviction on indictment and the hearing of an appeal in the Criminal Division of the Court of Appeal; and what was the position in the years 1965 and 1966.

A sample of appeals and applications for leave to appeal listed for hearing by the Criminal Division of the Court of Appeal during the week beginning the 17th July, 1967 shows an average interval of approximately 24 weeks between conviction and hearing. If appeals alone (as distinct from applications for leave to appeal) are taken into account, the period is 21 weeks.The only figures readily available for 1966 relate to appeals disposed of in February of that year, when the average interval was 20 weeks; if applications for leave to appeal are taken into account, the average period was about 22 weeks. A sample of cases taken for the corresponding period in 1965 shows an average period of 17 weeks. These figures should be considered against the background of an increase in the volume of business at the rate of 2,000 additional cases a year.

asked the Attorney-General what is the average length of time between notice of appeal in a criminal matter and the hearing of that appeal; and what steps are being taken to reduce this period of time.

A sample of appeals and applications for leave to appeal listed for hearing by the Criminal Division of the Court of Appeal during the week beginning the 17th July shows an average interval of 21 weeks between receipt of notice of appeal (or application for leave to appeal) and hearing by the full court. While every effort is being made to get appeals ready for hearing as quickly as possible, the continuing and substantial increase in the number of cases and the resulting pressure on court shorthand writers makes it difficult to reduce these periods.Figures for appeals from magistrates' courts to Quarter Sessions are not available.

asked the Attorney-General whether priority is given in criminal appeals to those appellants in custody as distinct from those on bail.

The fact that the appellant is in custody is one of the factors which the court normally takes into account, but there are other factors which may make it necessary to treat an appeal as urgent.

asked the Attorney-General how many appeals in criminal matters are expected to be adjourned because of the long vacation; and how many of the appellants are in custody and how many have been remanded on bail, respectively.

I assume that the hon. Member's Question relates to appeals to the Criminal Division of the Court of Appeal. No such appeals are likely to be adjourned because of the long vacation. Cases are listed for hearing as soon as they are ready and it is expected that all cases ready for hearing by the early part of August will be disposed of by the court during its August sittings. Similarly, it is expected that cases ready for hearing by September will be disposed of by the court during its September sittings. In addition, it is anticipated that during the long vacation approximately 700 "single judge" applications will be dealt with by the Judges of the Queen's Bench Division.The number of pending cases before the court at the beginning of the long vacation cannot be precisely estimated, but it is expected that the total number of persons who will have given notice to the court, but whose cases will not have been finally disposed of by the end of this term, will be between 1,500 and 1,700. Of these, the numbers released on bail are likely to be about 10.

Personal Injury Actions

asked the Attorney-General (1) whether he will introduce legislation to provide that damages in personal injury actions should be itemised under specifically apportioned heads;(2) whether he will seek to provide actuarial assistance for judges and juries in personal injury actions;(3) whether he is satisfied that damages for personal injuries have kept pace with the fall in the value of money; and if he will make a statement.

All these matters are at present being examined by the Law Commission as part of Item VI of its First Programme. It is better to await the results of that examination before taking action in these matters.

Tenants (Named Insurance Companies)

asked the Attorney-General if he will introduce legislation to the effect that property owners should not have the right to require a tenant to insure with a named insurance company but only with a reputable one.

The right of landlords to require tenants to insure with a named insurance company is one of the matters included in the Law Commission's examination of the law of landlord and tenant. A decision on legislation should, in my view, await the Commission's recommendations.

Vietnam Information Group

asked the Attorney-General what is the result of the investigation by the Director of Public Prosecutions of the activities of the Vietnam Information Group; and if it is now intended to prosecute the Group for incitement to disaffection.

Police inquiries into this matter are continuing. As soon as they are completed, the Director of Public Prosecutions will decide whether proceedings are justified.

Court Proceedings (Recording Equipment)

asked the Attorney-General what progress is being made in using tape recordings of court proceedings in order to improve the accuracy of such reports and to reduce the cost of transcripts and the burden of work on the shorthand writers.

Mechanical recording equipment is already installed in the six new courts in the Royal Courts of Justice and is being installed in the twelve courts in the new building now in process of erection there, and in the six courts of the Divorce Wing. Arrangements are being made for the existing system to be extended to the eight courts of the Queen's Bench Division and for equipment to be installed in certain County Courts for use in undefended divorce proceedings. Transcripts are being obtained of matrimonial proceedings recorded on the equipment already installed and further transcribers are being invited to undertake transcription work. Mechanical recording equipment is also being installed at the Central Criminal Court.

Courts (Official Shorthand Writers)

asked the Attorney-General what is the total number of shorthand writers employed in criminal courts; and whether he is satisfied that the number of such staff is adequate to the present needs.

Appointments as Official Shorthand Writers to the various courts, both criminal and civil, are given not to individual shorthand writers but to firms who employ the individuals. For this reason, accurate figures of the total number of shorthand writers employed in the criminal courts cannot be given, but there are believed to be about 250 shorthand writers qualified for taking shorthand notes of court proceedings. Owing to the marked increase in the number of criminal trials, their increased length, the high percentage of criminal appeals and recruitment difficulties, the firms of Official Shorthand Writers are finding it increasingly difficult to man the courts to which they have been appointed and to furnish the Criminal Division of the Court of Appeal with transcripts within a reasonable time. It is for this reason that my noble Friend the Lord Chancellor is extending the provision of mechanical recording equipment as rapidly as possible.

Telephone Service

Redhill Exchange

109.

asked the Postmaster-General when he anticipates that the Redhill Telephone Exchange will become automatic.

I expect the Red-hill Telephone Exchange to become automatic by the end of the year.

Kiosks, Wembley (Vandalism)

asked the Postmaster-General if he will state the cost of damage done to telephone kiosks in Wembley by vandalism during each of the past five years.

In the first six months of this year, £81. I am sorry that information for earlier years is not available.

Post Office

Mail (Forces In Aden)

110.

asked the Postmaster-General if he will take steps to facilitate delivery of letters, parcels, and welfare goods to service personnel in Aden, and to allow reading matter to be transported by air at reasonable rates.

Air Mail for the Forces in Aden is already sent daily and can usually be collected by Units within 48 hours of posting in this country.Surface mail has been affected by the closure of the Suez Canal but the Forces have made special arrangements to ensure that it arrives well within the time usually taken previously.Mail to the Forces in Aden does of course attract the normal concessionary Forces rates of postage. Any further concessions would be a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence.

Welsh Language

asked the Postmaster-General what, in accordance with the spirit of the Welsh Language Bill, his Department is doing to meet the needs of its Welsh-speaking customers.

It is already the policy of my Department to cater for the use of the Welsh language in the course of business wherever this is feasible.In districts where Welsh is widely spoken, Welsh speakers are appointed as Head Postmasters and Postmasters; instructions in telephone kiosks are printed in Welsh and English; Welsh and English signs are used on new and reconstructed Crown buildings where it is the general practice to use Welsh signs and the local authority so wishes. More generally, sub postmasters are allowed to put up the "Post Office" sign in Welsh as well as English, provided the place names themselves, if shown, are in the form recognised by the local authorities. Letters addressed to recognised Welsh place names are dealt with efficiently and telegrams so addressed are accepted. At Christmas time "Post Early for Christmas" advertisements are published in Welsh in Welsh language newspapers and broadcasts in Welsh about the need for early posting are normally arranged. Letters from customers in Welsh are answered in Welsh and the services of a Welsh speaking telephonist are made available on request at no extra charge even if this means connection with a distant exchange. As far as possible, business at Post Office counters is transacted in Welsh if the customer wishes. Finally, regulations concerning the rights of free postage conferred upon candidates for Parliamentary Elections are printed in Welsh and English.

4D Stamp (Decimal Currency)

asked the Postmaster-General what denomination of postage stamp will replace the fourpenny stamp in 1971 when decimal currency is introduced.

I would refer the hon. Gentleman to my reply to his Question of 1st June.—[Vol. 747, c. 49.]

Wireless And Television

Colour Television Licences

asked the Postmaster-General on what date he proposes to bring in the £10 licences for colour television and special demonstration licences for radio and television dealers.

On 1st January 1968.

Education And Science

Educational Expenditure (National Plan)

111.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science by how much expenditure on schools and universities in 1969–70 is estimated to exceed the amount projected in the National Plan.

I expect educational expenditure, measured at constant prices, to continue at about the rates forecast in the National Plan.

112.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether, in the light of the expected increase in teachers' salaries of at least six per cent. and of the projected increase of 67,000 in the number of teachers over the period 1965–70 as stated in the National Plan, he anticipates that current expenditure on schools will rise by more than 23 per cent. between 1965–70.

The rise forecast in the National Plan was based on estimates of expenditure at constant prices. The eventual out-turn will reflect subsequent changes in pay and prices including any increases in teachers' salaries. I cannot at this stage, predict what it will be.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he anticipates that the 32 per cent. increase in expenditure on education over the period 1965–70 forecast in the National Plan, will be exceeded.

I would refer the hon. Member to the Answer I gave him on this subject today.

Primary And Secondary Schools, Hadleigh

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science (1) when new State primary school facilities will be available in Hadleigh, West Suffolk, in place of Threadneedle Street School to be taken over by the local education authority on its vacation for new premises by the Church of England;(2) what are the plans to rehouse the secondary school at Station Road, Hadleigh, West Suffolk, in new premises.

The provision of new premises for these schools is linked with the local education authority's plan for secondary reorganisation, which I am currently considering. Under the plan the Hadleigh area would have a new middle school for the age range 9 to 13 with the older pupils attending an upper school elsewhere, probably in Sudbury. I am also considering the inclusion of two related projects, for Hadleigh and Sudbury, in the Authority's school building programme for 1969–70. These new schools would make the existing Hadleigh secondary school buildings available to rehouse the county primary school which, in the meanwhile, the authority propose to establish in the Threadneedle Street premises.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what sum is to be provided from public funds for the proposed new Church of England primary school at Hadleigh, West Suffolk, and what sum from the Church.

The figures are likely to be about £74,000 and £16,000 respectively.

School Meals

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science when the price of school meals was raised to a shilling; what was the percentage drop at that time in children staying for school lunches; and whether he will give an assurance that he will take no action between 20th July and the end of the Summer Recess either to increase the price of school meals or make any announcement in connection with price adjustments.

The price of the school meal was raised to 1s. on 1st April, 1957. About 4 per cent. less children took the meal in the autumn of 1957 than two years previously, but this was fully made up within 2 years. In reply to the last part of the Question, my right hon. Friend the Minister Without Portfolio made a statement on this subject today.

Bramley Schools (Condition)

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what progress he has made in his reconsideration of the rebuilding of the Bramley schools referred to him by the right hon. Member for Leeds, West.

I am considering further information about the condition of the buildings which has recently been supplied by the local education authority.

Older Students (Teacher Training Facilities)

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what further steps he is taking to increase the provision of teacher training facilities for older students.

I sent a letter on 19th July to all colleges and departments of education and local education authorities asking them to do all they can to in- crease still further the recruitment of older students who after training will have so valuable a part to play in the schools. I have asked all colleges and authorities in particular to consider the possibility of setting up more college outposts for mature students.

University Students (Grants)

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is his policy concerning the future of university grants for students.

I have nothing at present to add to previous statements which I have made on this subject.

Rhodesia

113.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government have decided to resume negotiations with the Government of Rhodesia.

I would ask the right hon. Gentleman to await the Statement which has been promised to the House.

asked the Prime Minister if he will add to the Six Principles in relation to Rhodesia, to ascertain that the acceptability of any settlement to the African people of Rhodesia shall be tested by popular referendum held amongst those peoples.

No. The conclusions of the Government on the acceptability test under the 5th Principle were set out in my Statement to the House on 1st November, 1965.—[Vol. 718, c. 629.]

Agriculture, Fisheries And Food

Departmental Press Advertisements (Welsh Language)

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what sum his Department spent in 1966–67 on Press advertisements in the Welsh language.

£13 11s. Advertisements in the Welsh language are published in predominantly Welsh speaking areas, but the newspapers used by the Ministry's Welsh Department are mainly printed in English.

Departmental Forms (Welsh Language)

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, how many different types of official form were being used by his Department in Wales at the latest available date; and how many of them were published in the Welsh language or bilingually.

At present 176; of which 13 are printed solely in Welsh and 2 bilingually. There is also a wide range of advisory and explanatory leaflets printed in Welsh as well as in English.

Eggs (Committee Of Investigation For Great Britain)

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) if he will by order, under the powers granted him by Section 19(6)(c) of the Agricultural Marketing Act 1958. direct the British Egg Marketing Board to comply with the recommendations of the Committee of Investigation for Great Britain of a complaint of Western Egg Pasteurising Company Limited and a consortium of co-operatives;(2) if, in view of the fact that it is now 12 months since the Report of the Committee of Investigation for Great Britain into a complaint by Western Egg Pasteurising Company Limited and a consortium of co-operatives of the British Egg Marketing Scheme; what action his department has taken to implement the findings and recommendations of that Report; and if he will make a statement;(3) on what date he received the recommendation and comments of the British Egg Marketing Board on the Report of the Committee of Investigation for Great Britain; what these recommendations and comments were; and what action his department has taken as a result of them;(4) what representations he has received concerning the draft proposals authorising revised arrangements for processing first-and second-quality eggs; what action he intends to take on these; and if he will make a statement;(5) if he is aware that the Committee of Investigation for Great Britain on complaints by the Western Egg Pasteurising Company Limited and a consortium of agricultural co-operatives of the British Egg Marketing Scheme found that the British Egg Marketing Board's action was contrary to the reasonable interests of the complainant; and what his department has done to ensure that these reasonable interests are met;(6) if he is aware that the Committee of Investigation for Great Britain on complaints of Western Egg Pasteurising Company Limited and a consortium of agricultural co-operatives of the British Egg Marketing Scheme found that the British Egg Marketing Board's actions were not in the public interest; and what actions his department have taken to ensure that the public interest is met;(7) what actions his department has taken to implement the recommendations of the Committee of Investigation for Great Britain on complaints of Western Egg Pasteurising Company Limited and a consortium of co-operatives of the British Egg Marketing Scheme that urgent consideration must be given to the possibility of a system of tendering, and the opportunity to compete for the processing of records should be generally available;(8) if he will make an Order, under the powers granted to him under section 19(6)(

a) of the Agricultural Marketing Act 1958, to amend the British Egg Marketing Scheme so as to comply with the recommendations of the Committee of Investigation for Great Britain of a complaint by Western Egg Pasteurising Company Limited and a consortium of co-operatives;

(9) if he will make an order, under the powers granted him by section 19(6)( b) of the Agricultural Marketing Act 1958, to revoke the British Egg Marketing Scheme.

My hon. Friend, the Joint Parliamentary Secretary, set out on 17th March, 1967 (Hansard Cols. 953–956) the steps my right hon. Friends and I took in the light of the findings of the report of the Committee of Investigation. These culminated in our decision to invite comments on the Board's draft proposals, which we received in January, outlining revised arrangements for the processing of both first and second quality eggs. Fourteen replies were received in which widely divergent views were expressed. My right hon. Friends and I have studied these and we have asked the Board to reconsider their proposals with a view to introducing revised arrangements as quickly as possible. I hope to be in a position to make a further statement before the House rises. In present circumstances the question of the use of any of the powers available under Section 19(6) of the Agricultural Marketing Act 1958 does not arise.

Meat And Livestock Commission (Production Committee Members)

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many members there will be on the Production Committee of the Meat and Livestock Commission.

Eighteen.

Commonwealth Affairs

Brunei (Discussions)

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs what was the result of his recent discussions with the Sultan of Brunei; and whether he will make a statement.

We discussed relations between Britain and Brunei with particular reference to the proposed rundown of our forces in Malaysia and Singapore. On internal matters I suggested that the Sultan should give further consideration to extending the Ministerial system, and that there should be a constitutional conference before the end of 1968. The Sultan took note of my suggestions, but felt unable at this stage to enter into specific commitments.

Economic Affairs

Prices And Incomes Act 1966 (Orders)

asked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs if he will list the proposed Orders under the Prices and Incomes Act 1966 which he has submitted to, but which have not been approved by, the Trades Union Congress.

There is a statutory requirement to consult organisations representing employers and employees only in respect of orders made under Sections 4 and 6 of the 1966 Act. However, both the Trades Union Congress and the Confederation of British Industry have in practice been consulted both on the general orders made under the Act and those affecting particular cases. In neither case have the T.U.C. objected to the proposed orders, although they have expressed regret in general terms at the need for statutory powers in this field.

South-West Economic Planning Board

asked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs what is the total cost to date of the South-West Economic Planning Council, the South-West Economic Planning Board, and the publication of the Report, "A Region with a Future".

These costs cannot easily be isolated from the wider activities of the Department in the Region. However, the salaries and other expenses of the Chairman of the South-West Economic Planning Board and his staff are now running at the rate of £35,000 per annum.The cost of printing and publishing "A Region with a Future" was £5,540 against which should be set the sales proceeds.

Aircraft Industry (Redeployment)

asked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs whether he has completed his special study of the redeployment of labour from the aircraft industry; and when the study will be published.

The special study is not yet complete. We will consider the timing of any possible publication when it is.

Prices And Incomes (Letters)

asked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs how many requests for investigation of prices or incomes have been made by the public direct to the National Board for Prices and Incomes; and how many of these requests were subsequently referred to appropriate Government Departments for comment and action.

Since April, 1965, the Board has received over 5,500 letters from the public. In its replies the Board makes it clear that it can only carry out an inquiry at the request of the Government. Prior to September, 1966, it was the Board's practice to advise correspondents to which Government Department their comments should be addressed. Since that date the Board has, after acknowledgement, passed the letters to the appropriate Government Department, except where they relate to a reference which is before the Board.

National Board For Prices And Incomes (References)

asked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs if he will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT a list of references currently before the National Board for Prices and Incomes, showing the date the reference was gazetted, the date when the publication of the report of the Board was originally expected and any subsequent revisions in that date.

A list of references currently before the National Board for Prices and Incomes, with the dates on which they were gazetted, is set out below.Although the Act requires the Board's reports to be published within three months of the date the reference was gazetted, my right hon. Friend is empowered to extend this period. There are a number of cases in particular references involving considerable research or a major examination of the structure of an industry, in which a considerably longer period is necessary for the Board to do a satisfactory job.

Costs and Prices of Aluminium Semi-Manufacturers, 26th August, 1966.
Costs and Charges in the Motor Repairing and Servicing Industry, 26th August, 1966.
Pay of Chief and Senior Officers in the Local Government Service, 29th November, 1966. (Revised 6th December, 1966.) Pay of Chief and Senior Officers of the Greater London Council, 29th November, 1966.
Remuneration of Milk Distributors, 17th January, 1967.
Costs and Charges in the Radio and Television Rental and Relay Industry, 26th January, 1967.
Remuneration of Solicitors, 10th February, 1967.
Portland Cement Prices, 24th February, 1967.
London Weighting in the Non-Industrial Civil Service, 21st March, 1967.

Job Evaluation Schemes, 23rd March, 1967.
Payment by Results Systems, 23rd March, 1967.
Architects' Costs and Fees, 11th April, 1967.
Pay and Conditions of Manual Workers in the Engineering Industry, 16th May, 1967.
Pay and Conditions of Staff Workers in the Engineering Industry, 16th May, 1967.
Prices of Fletton and Non-Fletton Bricks, 26th May, 1967.
Salaries of Staff employed by the General Accident Fire and Life Assurance Corporation Ltd., 9th June, 1967.
Pay of Nurses and Midwives in the National Health Service, 30th June, 1967.

National Finance

Social Services (Cuts)

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will give an assurance that no announcements of Government cuts, or intention of cuts, in the social services will be made between 20th July and the end of the forthcoming Summer Recess.

As I foreshadowed in my Budget statement, the Government have been considering the rate of growth of public expenditure. The results of this review will be reflected in the future development of our programmes.

Public Service Pensions

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what would be the cost of paying increases to public service and armed forces pensioners under Pensions (Increase) Acts and Royal Warrants at the age of 55 years.

Of the order of £5 million to £6 million a year.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what would be the cost of paying pensions to those public service and armed forces pensioners who retired before 1956 as if they had retired at that date, including appropriate increases since.

Approximately £8 million in the first year.

Regional Employment Premium

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will give an estimate of the annual total value of regional employment premiums likely to be paid out in each county and county borough in Wales and Monmouthshire.

No, this would not be practicable.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the estimated total of the regional employment premium to be paid to shipbuilding in the first year of operation.

Reliable estimates of the amount of regional employment premium which individual industries will receive are not available.

Department	Approximate strength of establishment	Location
Board of Trade Investment Grants Organisation	410	Southend
	115	Glasgow
	175	Billingham
	175	Crosby. (When permanent accommodation is ready this office will move to Bootle)
	320	Cardiff
H.M. Land Registry	500	Swansea
	650	Plymouth
Land Commission:
Headquarters	200	Newcastle
Regional Offices	120	Newcastle
	165	Cumbernauld
	145	Leeds
	185	Salford
	145	Nottingham
	165	Birmingham
	120	Cardiff
	155	Bristol
	165	Ipswich
	155	Reading
Inland Revenue:
Schedule E Centres	1,300	East Kilbride
	2,000/2,500	Bootle
	2,000/2,500	Cardiff
Ministry of Social Security:
S.E.T. work	60	Cumbernauld
Short-term benefits computer centre	340	Reading
Welfare Milk scheme	80	Blackpool
Ministry of Transport:
Vehicle registration and licensing and other work	2,500	Swansea
Post Office (Giro)	3,000	Bootle
TOTAL	15,845 approximately

Official Reserves (Foreign Securities)

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much the United Kingdom foreign currency balances have been increased since 6th April, 1965, following his requirement that one quarter of the proceeds of the sales of foreign securities by United Kingdom residents should be surrendered to the Treasury at official rates.

As my right hon. Friend announced on a previous occa-

Government Offices (Establishment And Location)

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the offices set up or designated to be set up outside the London area since 1st January, 1965, to undertake new Government work, with their location and establishment strength.

The following list shows the offices for new or additional Government work whose location was considered in relation to dispersal and regional development policies:—sion receipts to the official reserves in the first year of the scheme were rather over £70 million. Over the whole period since then the yield of this scheme has continued at about the same level.—[Vol. 727, c. 1444.]

Taxation (Overseas Firms And Individuals)

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what was the total sum of taxation payable to the British Exchequer in 1966–67 by United Kingdom firms and individuals in Hong Kong;(2) what was the total sum of taxation payable to the British Exchequer in 1966–67 by United Kingdom firms and individuals in Saudi Arabia and the Persian Gulf States, excluding Aden;(3) what was the total sum of taxation payable to the British Exchequer in 1966–67 by United Kingdom firms and individuals in Singapore.

I regret that this information is not available.

Coal

Coal Industry, Wales (Contraction Costs)

asked the Minister of Power how much of the £30 million allocated by the Coal Industry Act 1965, for the purpose of assisting the National Coal Board to meet the social costs of contraction of the coal industry was spent in Wales in 1966–67; and what is the estimated payment in Wales for 1967–68.

I regret that this figure is not yet available, but I shall write to the hon. Member as soon as possible to give him the desired information.

Ministry Of Power

Fuel And Energy (Overseas Sources)

asked the Minister of Power to what extent, during the past two years, his Department have taken action to implement Her Majesty's Government's policy of reducing Great Britain's dependence on overseas sources of fuel and energy; by how much overseas imports of fuel and energy have been reduced during this period; to what extent the reduction of imports have been offset by increases in the development of new coal pits and increased production in existing coal pits; and whether he will make a statement.

As the 1965 White Paper on Fuel Policy explained, oil is irreplaceable in some uses and undue restriction of its use for other purposes will hinder technological advance and increase costs; the Government therefore accepted that a continued growth in oil consumption was in the national interest, but it is our policy to mitigate the security disadvantages of oil imports by diversifying sources of supply, by stockpiling and other measures, including the encouragement of oil and natural gas exploration in the North Sea. With the discoveries of natural gas, the future growth of oil is likely to slacken.The White Paper also foresaw a fall in coal production and consumption. The growth of oil and the decline of coal would have been faster but for the Government's policy of protection for coal, the duty on oil and the discrimination against oil at power stations.Further measures of assistance to coal were announced in my speech on the Coal (Borrowing Powers) Order on 18th July, when I gave some of the conclusions emerging from the present Fuel Policy Review, in which security of supply is, of course, being taken into account.Following are the relevant movements over the preceding two years:

(million tons coal equivalent)
	1964	1965	1966
Oil consumption	93·3	102·8	111·7
Imported natural gas	0·1	0·9	0·9
Coal production	193·6	187·5	174·6

Fuel Oil Prices (Scottish Industry)

asked the Minister of Power (1) what is the estimated total cost in a full year to the agricultural industry in Scotland of the recent increase in fuel oil prices;(2) what is the estimated total cost in a full year to manufacturing industry in Scotland of the recent rise in fuel oil prices;(3) what is the estimated total cost in a full year to the fishing industry in Scotland of the recent increase in fuel oil prices.

In a full year the recent temporary surcharge of 2d. per gallon would, it is estimated, increase the cost of petroleum fuels in Scotland as follows:

Agricultural Industry	£	¼ million
Manufacturing Industry	£5	million
Fishing Industry	£¼	million

Gas

Scottish Gas Board (Rate Payments)

asked the Minister of Power what annual contribution has been made by the Scottish Gas Board in lieu of rates in each of the past six years; and what estimate he has made of the amount which will be paid in the current year.

Rate payments made by the Scottish Gas Board in the past six years were:

				£ thousands
1961–62	…	…	…	517
1962–63	…	…	…	519
1963–64	…	…	…	625
1964–65	…	…	…	662
1965–66	…	…	…	713
1966–67	…	…	…	808

It is estimated that £960 thousand will be paid in 1967–68.

North Sea Supplies

asked the Minister of Power if he will indicate the financial benefit to the nation of the use of natural gas from the North Sea and the estimated saving in energy costs over the next 10 years.

The total financial benefit cannot be quantified, but is likely to be substantial and will include savings in foreign exchange. The net saving to the gas industry alone from conversion to natural gas is estimated to be of the order of £330–£380 million over a 10-year period.The benefits of North Sea gas will not only be financial: to the extent that it replaces oil it will improve security of supplies.

asked the Minister of Power what plans he has for the public sector to benefit from, and control, the North Sea gasfield; and whether he will establish a National Hydrocarbons Corporation.

Production of gas in the North Sea is already subject to regulalation under the terms of the licences, which also provide for royalties and other payments by licensees. The Gas Council and the National Coal Board have approximately a 6 per cent. interest in the licences so far issued. I have no plans at present for establishing a National Hydrocarbons Corporation. Such a proposal would require careful and detailed examination.

asked the Minister of Power whether he expects to be able to announce the price for North Sea gas before the House adjourns.

No.

asked the Minister of Power what representations he has received in favour of nationalising the North Sea gas operations.

None this year.

Electricity

Central Electricity Generating Board (Bulk Supply Tariff)

asked the Minister of Power what representations he has had from the Electricity Consultative Council of the Merseyside and North Wales area concerning an investigation of the Central Electricity Generating Board's estimated bulk supply tariff for 1968–69 should be referred to the National Board for Prices and Incomes; what action he proposes; and if he will require the National Board for Prices and Incomes to disclose the names of consultants employed by them as a result of references made by his Department.

The Chairman of the Council has written to me making this proposal and I have replied that I will bear it in mind when the Central Electricity Generating Board send me their 1968–69 tariff later this year under the early warning arrangements. On the names of consultants employed by the National Board for Prices and Incomes, I refer the hon. Member to the Answer given to him by my right hon. Friend, the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, on 20th January.—[Vol. 739, c. 138.]

Board Of Trade

Royal Mint (Ayrshire Sites)

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether any industrial sites in Ayrshire were visited by his Department with a view to establishing their suitability for the Royal Mint; on what dates such visits were made; and what were the conclusions drawn.

My Department already had a comprehensive list of suitable Scottish industrial sites, including sites in Ayrshire, which had been examined. It was then not necessary for my Department to pay any visits to sites in Ayrshire for this particular purpose.

South-West Regional Economic Planning Council (Report)

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is his policy with regard to the recommendation of the South-West Regional Economic Planning Council in their report, A Region With a Future, that Plymouth should be declared a development area.

This and other recommendations in the report will be given careful consideration.

Technology

Marine Science And Technology (Electronic Methods)

asked the Minister of Technology if, in view of the scope for the use of electronic methods of identification, location, communication and control in the development of underwater technology, and the export potential for such equipment he will secure its development as part of a nationally co-ordinated programme of marine science and technology.

I am considering, with those of my right hon. Friends with responsibilities in this field, what extension of the national effort of research and development in the field of marine science and technology might prove most profitable. The use of electronic methods of identification location, communication and control is certainly one of the aspects of this subject and indeed much work on these subjects has been in hand for many years.

Shipyards (Non-Development Areas)

asked the Minister of Technology whether he will list in a table the principal shipyards which are not in development areas, and the average tonnage of ships produced in them during the latest five convenient years.

Twenty-seven yards situated outside Development Areas are known to be capable of building vessels of 100 gross tons or more. The following table lists those yards which are known to be building or to have built vessels of 1,000 gross tons or more in recent years, together with their average annual output of merchant vessels over the period 1962 to 1966:—

Yard	Average annual output 1962–66—gross tons
Henry Robb Ltd	6,114
Goole Shipbuilding & Repairing Co., Ltd	3,677
Richard Dunston Ltd. (Thorn and Hessle yards)	3,849
Cochrane & Sons Ltd	3,350
Charles Hill & Sons Ltd	2,231
Brooke Marine Ltd	2,190
Richards (Shipbuilders) Ltd.	1,065
John I. Thornycroft & Co. Ltd.	1,007
Newport Shipbuilding & Engineering Co. Ltd.	885

This list does not include the Vosper yard building naval vessels whose value is high in relation to their tonnage.

Wales

M4 Motorway (Crash Barriers)

asked the Secretary of State for Wales whether, in view of the recent fatal accident on the M4, he will examine further the case for central crash barriers on the M4 motorway.

There are already central barriers along more than four miles of the M4 in Wales, where the carriageways are at different levels. The types of barrier at present available do not however necessarily increase safety in all the situations which can arise. I am keeping in touch with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport, who is carrying out trials with crash barriers, both on selected lengths of motorway and at the Road Research Laboratory, where new designs are being developed.

Volume 751: debated on Monday 24 July 1967

Written Answers To Questions

Public Building And Works

Government Offices Project, Horseferry Road

Government Buildings (Cleaning)

Historic Buildings (Season Tickets)

Social Security

European Economic Community

Retirement Pensioners

Central Pneumoconiosis Medical Panel

National Insurance (Local Tribunals)

Supplementary Benefits Appeals Tribunals

Medical Appeal Tribunals

Sickness And Industrial Injury Benefits (Claims)

Supplementary Benefits (Hamilton, Larkhall And Lesmahagow)

Pensions (Wales)

Palace Of Westminster (Automatic Telephone Exchange)

House Of Commons (Cafeteria Food)

House Of Commons Staff

Members Of Parliament (Style Of Address)

House Of Commons Departments (O And M Division Examination)

Defence White Paper (Availability)

Members Of Parliament (Clerical Facilities)

Palace Of Westminster (Guides)

Palace Of Westminster (Visitors)

Members Of Parliament (Christmas Card)

House Of Commons Refreshment Department (Summer Recess)

Hospitals

South Ockendon Hospital (Personal Case)

Geriatric Wards (Treatment Of Patients)

Hospital Accommodation (West Dorset)

Drug Addicts, London (Treatment)

Nurses (Pay And Conditions)

Psychiatric Social Workers

Psychiatric And Geriatric Patients (Ill-Treatment)

Scalebor Park Hospital

Mortuary Attendants And Porters (Designation)

Mortuary Staff (Recruitment)

Ministry Of Health

Drugs (Inquiry)

Cigarette Advertising (Advertising Inquiry Council Deputation)

Doctors (Emigration And Immigration Study)

British Doctors (Return From Overseas)

Ministry Of Labour

Pension Rights (Transferability)

Unemployment

Motor Industry (Disputes)

Engineering And Shipbuilding Industries (Joint Consultations)

Swan Hunter (Draughtsmen's Pay)

Mosley Common And Bedford Collieries

Boilermakers, South Wales (Strike)

Remploy Factories (Disabled Persons)

Construction Workers, Scotland

Redundancy Payments

Wages Councils (Discussions)

China

Aden

Indonesia (British Firms)

Vietnam

Suez Canal

Egypt (British Subjects)

Baltic Claims

Middle East (Arabic Broadcasts)

Command Paper No 3345

Osaka International Exhibition (British Pavilion)

Rhodesia

Spain (Mr Christie)

South Africa (United Nations Arms Resolution)

Hong Kong

Napalm

Bulgaria (British Claims)

Rumania

Hungarian Bonded Debt

Local Government

Tendering

Rural Land (Committee On Use For Recreation And Leisure)

Roads

Muswell Hill (Accident)

Elspeth Road-Lavender Hill Scheme