Written Answers To Questions
Thursday, 27th July, 1967
Education And Science
Scottish Piping Society
31.
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science, in view of the appeal launched by the Scottish Piping Society of London, what steps he will take to encourage the study and practice of this art.
In places where there is interest in piping, help with the expenses of a pipe band or society or with the provision of a teacher is essentially a matter for the decision of the local authority. They may also care to approach the Arts Council but it is entirely for the Council to decide whether or not to offer any support.
Primary Schools (Liverpool)
32.
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether, in view of the proportion of money allocated to the Liverpool Education Authority for minor capital works spent during the last two financial years on modifications and additions to comprehensive schools, he will increase the amount allowed to be spent on minor capital works for primary schools in Liverpool during the current financial year.
Not in the current year. But the Authority will have an early opportunity to submit proposals for a share in the extra £16 million which we are making available for expenditure on school buildings in educational priority areas in the next two years.
Naming Of Schools
33.
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he will instruct education authorities to replace the term, educationally sub-normal school, by the term, special school, or some other suitable alternative.
The naming of schools is a matter for local authorities and there is no requirement or encouragement for the term "educationally subnormal" to form part of the name of any school.
University Of Aligarh
35.
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he will consider recognising a degree granted by the University of Aligarh as a qualification for teaching posts in English schools, particularly in areas with a high proportion of immigrants from the Indian sub-continent.
My right hon. Friend recognises for qualified teacher status those degrees of the University of Aligarh which are of the standard of degrees of a British university.
Overseas Students
36.
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what guidance he has issued to universities as to whether the children of foreign diplomats resident in this country should or should not be classified as overseas students in the computation of fees.
In line with my right hon. Friend's advice to local education authorities, the University Grants Committee has advised universities that a student whose parent or spouse is stationed in the United Kingdom and is recognised by the Foreign or Commonwealth Office as a member of the staff of a diplomatic mission or as a career consular officer should not be regarded as an overseas student for the purpose of fees.
44.
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many overseas students have been granted aid to help with their fees at universities and other places of education since the new policy announced by his Department.
The new fees do not come into operation until next academic year, so I am not in a position to say how many students will be granted aid. Universities and local education authorities have been notified by the British Council of their individual allocations from the £½ million in the overseas Students Special Fund and 4,000 existing students supported by the Governments of developing countries should be helped from the separate fund set up for that purpose.
National Theatre
37.
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science to what extent the new administration of the Greater London Council are seeking to reduce their share of the cost of the National Theatre; to what extent this will imperil or put back the commencement of building; and when building will begin.
I have had preliminary discussions with representatives of the Greater London Council. It is our joint wish that a National Theatre should be built as quickly as possible.
Teachers' Salaries
38.
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he is aware that the National Union of Teachers are to apply various types of sanctions in September in support of their campaign for better pay and conditions; and what action he proposes to take either by increasing salaries or other means to prevent these sanctions and the resultant difficulties to schoolchildren.
The attitude of the National Union of Teachers to the Arbitral Body's recommendations on teachers' salaries is a matter for them. For my part, I am taking action to implement those recommendations in accordance with the Remuneration of Teachers Act, 1965.
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will make a further statement on the threat of the teachers to engage in sanctions against school meal duties and the use of unqualified teachers.
I would refer my hon. Friend to my Answer today to the hon. Member for Oswestry (Mr. Biffen).
Primary Schools (Surrey)
40.
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he will enable more pri- mary school places to be provided, in order to meet the acute shortage in the Godalming and especially Busbridge areas, by authorising a higher proportion of Surrey County Council's major and minor building proposals for immediate starts.
There has recently been pressure on the primary school accommodation in this area, but additional places will be available this September and there will then be enough to meet demand. Further places are being provided under current major and minor building projects to match the expected growth in the number of children.
Rural Studies
41.
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is his policy with regard to the giving of instruction on rural studies to children in urban areas.
My right hon. Friend cannot require schools to give instruction in particular subjects. However, the Department organises each year short courses for teachers in rural studies and allied matters. A Working Party of the Schools Council is considering rural studies in the schools and the possibilities of further development.
National Advisory Council On The Training And Supply Of Teachers
43.
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science when he intends to provide a substitute for the National Advisory Council for the training and supply of teachers.
I would refer the hon. Member to the Answer which I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Ilford, South (Mr. Arnold Shaw) on 20th July.—[Vol. 750, c. 296–7.]
Speech And Hearing Disorders
42.
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what special provision is made for the education of children with speech and hearing disorders; and what improvements on the existing provision are planned.
Special schools and classes are provided for children with impaired hearing and separately for children with speech defects not caused by deafness. Teachers of the deaf or speech therapists, as appropriate, help children with these disabilities also in regular clases of ordinary schools. An enlargement of Moor House School for children with severe speech defects is planned and a residential school for non-communicating children is expected to open in the near future in Manchester.
Children Under Five
45.
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what has been the result of his consultations with local authorities in regard to the provision of play centres or nursery schools for the 3 to 5-year-old age groups.
My right hon. Friend is not yet ready to make a general statement about the recommendations of the Plowden Report relating to provision for children under five.
Secondary Schools (Building Proposals)
46.
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many local education authorities have had their building proposals for secondary schools rejected on the grounds that such proposals were not consistent with his policy of developing comprehensive education.
None. But I have deferred my decisions on all or some of the building proposals for secondary schools submitted by seven authorities for the 1968–69 programme.
Arts Council Grants
47.
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he is satisfied with the dissemination of information about the activities of those in receipt of Arts Council grants among all recipients; and if he will make a statement.
The Arts Council publishes a detailed annual report on its work. Exchange of information and ideas takes place through a variety of organisations, including Regional Arts Associations, the Council of Repertory Theatres, the National Federation of Music Societies and the Orchestral Employers' Association.
St Francis Roman Catholic Primary School, Caterham
48.
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science when the construction of the new buildings of St. Francis Roman Catholic Primary School, Caterham, commenced in Burntwood Lane in 1964 will be completed.
I recognise that the replacement of the older buildings of the school is desirable but I cannot say when we shall be able to include the completion of the new buildings in a programme.
Church Of England Primary School, Caterham Valley
49.
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science when new buildings will be provided for the Church of England Primary School, Caterham Valley, in view of the inadequacy of the present premises.
New buildings providing 160 places are included in the 1967–68 programme. I understand that the Authority hopes to place a contract in November. The new buildings should then be ready by September, 1968.
Medical School (Stoke-On-Trent Hospital Group And Keele University)
50.
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will now give an assurance that a medical school will be established in the Stoke-on-Trent Hospital Group and Keele University.
I have nothing to add to the reply given to my hon. Friend on the 8th June.—Vol. 747, c. 242.]
School Crossing Patrols (Wellingborough)
52.
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many vacancies exist for school crossing patrols in the area covered by the urban district council of Wellingborough; what arrangements are made for the safety of children where such vacancies exist; and what action is being taken to recruit sufficient school crossing patrols.
This is not my right hon. Friend's responsibility but I am informed that there are three vacancies for school crossing patrols in the Wellingborough Urban District. These are advertised locally and headteachers have been asked to try to recruit suitable candidates.
Dangerous Drugs
54.
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he is yet in a position to communicate with local authorities about the misuse of dangerous drugs by school children and students and to issue guidance and advice upon this subject.
This has been done, and I will, with permission, circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT letters sent this week from the Department to Chief Education Officers and Principal School Medical Officers on this subject.
Following are the letters:
25th July,
1967 Dear Chief Education Officer,
Drug taking by Schoolchildren and Students
There have been a number of reports in recent months in the Press about the spread of drug taking among school children and young people, including students for whom local education authorities may have some responsibility. Members of the Department's medical staff have visited the areas principally mentioned in such reports. Some of these reports have proved to be baseless or exaggerated, but there is no doubt that certain forms of drug taking have recently increased. That the habit should have spread to school children is a matter of public concern, which has been expressed in Parliament.
For local education authorities this situation raises questions both of prevention and of the identification of those who may need treatment. As regards prevention you may be aware that Pamphlet 31 ("Health Education") is being revised in the Department. The opportunity is being taken of expanding and bringing up to date in the light of recent developments the section on drugs, alcohol and tobacco. This reference to drug taking will then be in the wider context of health education as a whole. This revision is a considerable undertaking and the booklet will not be issued for some months.
Meanwhile the Secretary of State has asked to be informed of the present situation throughout the country and of any evidence of drug taking by school children and students (whether full-time or part-time) in establishments for which the L.E.A. have responsibility, and on the steps being taken locally by authorities and by other local organisations to guard against such a development and to treat those who need it. It is already known that some authorities have issued documents of advice, and no doubt local action has been taken in many other cases of which the Secretary of State is not aware. There is evidently wide variation in different areas and the action appropriate in one might well be ill judged or premature in others. In particular it seems to the Secretary of State important that any action taken should not defeat its own object by lending unnecessary glamour to the subject of drug taking, or by encouraging its concealment.
I should be grateful, therefore, if you could let me know quite briefly what the situation is in the authority's area and any evidence you may have of growing drug addiction or consumption particularly having regard to what I have said above, but also mentioning any other points which seem to you of importance or interest, and letting me know also of any help you may feel the Department could give you. Dr. Henderson has written simultaneously also to Medical Officers of Health (a copy of his letter is enclosed) and if it is felt that a combined reply to these two letters is appropriate this would be entirely acceptable to Dr. Henderson and myself.
The Secretary of State has asked for replies by the end of August so that he may be aware of the situation and consider what further action may be needed. He has in mind, subject to the nature of the replies received, that it may be appropriate to call a series of regional conferences, at least in some areas, later in the year to discuss the subject.
I ought to add that drug taking among school children and students is only one facet of a very much wider problem covering the community as a whole. We are acting throughout in close concert with the Home Office and the Ministry of Health who are also deeply concerned in this matter.
Yours sincerely,
R. HOWLETT.
The Chief Education Officer.
25th July, 1967.
Dear Doctor,
Drug Taking by School Children and Students
There have been a number of reports in recent months in the Press about the spread of drug taking among school children and young people, including students for whom local education authorities may have some responsibility. One of the Department's Medical Officers has visited the areas principally mentioned in such reports. Some of these reports have proved to be baseless or exaggerated, but there is no doubt that certain forms of drug taking have recently increased. That this habit should have spread to school children is a matter of public concern, which has been expressed in Parliament.
For local education authorities this situation raises questions of prevention and of the identification of those who may need treatment. As regards prevention you may be aware that Pamphlet 31 ("Health Education") is already being revised in the Department. The opportunity is being taken of expanding and bringing up to date in the light of recent developments the section on drugs, alcohol and tobacco. This reference to drug taking will thus be in the wider context of health education as a whole. This revision is a considerable undertaking and the pamphlet will not be ready for issue for some months.
As regards the identification of children taking drugs, it is well known that the diagnosis of drug dependence is extremely difficult and that in the early stages of the condition there are no specific signs or symptoms whereby it may be recognised with certainly. Whilst it may manifestly affect a child's behaviour in a variety of ways, such behaviour may equally be due to other causes than the taking of drugs.
In so far as the incentive to experiment with drugs is primarily social in origin, though it may ultimately lead to a situation calling for medical, including psychiatric help, the early detection of drug dependence lies in the early recognition of a measure of maladjustment that warrants investigation. For this reason it is especialy important that those who are in daily contact with young people, and particularly teachers, should be alert to behaviour clearly uncharacteristic of the child or to a developing pattern of behaviour likely to interfere with his educational progress and social development. Furthermore, it is essential that they should be fully appraised of the need to seek medical advice regarding children showing such behaviour, This advice should be available from school doctors, to whom head teachers (acting also for class teachers) should certainly turn in the first place.
It is already known that some authorities have issued advice and information to teachers and others, and no doubt local action has been taken in many other areas of which the Secretary of State is unaware. There is evidently considerable variation in the action taken in different areas and what is appropriate in one might well be ill judged or premature in another. In particular it seems to the Secretary of State important that any action taken should not defeat its own object either by lending unnecessary glamour to the subject of drug taking or by encouraging its concealment.
The Secretary of State has asked to be informed of any evidence local education authorities may have of drug taking by adolescent school children and students for whom they are providing education, and of the steps being taken locally by authorities and by other organisations to guard against such a development and to ensure treatment for those who may need it. I should be grateful, therefore, if you would let me know quite briefly what the situation is in the authority's area, particularly having regard to what I have said above, but also mentioning any other features which seem to you to be of importance or interest. Mr. Howlett has written simultaneously to Chief Education Officers (a copy of his letter is enclosed) and if it is felt that a combined reply to these two letters is appropriate this would be entirely acceptable to Mr. Howlett and myself.
The Secretary of State has asked for replies by the end of August so that he may consider what further action may be needed. He has in mind, subject to the nature of the replies received, that it may be appropriate to call a series of regional conferences in the Autumn to discuss the subject.
I ought to add that drug taking by school children and students is only one facet of a very much wider problem within the community as a whole. We are acting throughout in close liaison with the Ministry of Health and the Home Office who are also deeply concerned in this matter.
Yours sincerely,
P. HENDERSON.
To the Principal School Medical Officers.
Mentally Handicapped Children
53.
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what progress has been made since February, 1966 to improve arrangements for the education of mentally handicapped children; and if he will make a statement.
Provision for the educationally sub-normal child continues to increase. When all projects up to 1970 are completed the number of places available for educationally subnormal children will, as compared to 1959, have doubled.
Student Loans
55.
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he is now in a position to make a statement on the introduction of student loans to replace a system of student grants.
I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to him on this subject on 16th June.—[Vol. 748, c. 142; Vol. 735, c. 1517–8.]
School Text-Books
56.
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science by what authority the Schools Council propose to publish text-books for use in schools.
The Schools Council has decided to set up a company which will negotiate with commercial publishers for the publication, among other things, of teaching materials resulting from the development projects which the Council has financed. The Council is representative of all parts of the education system with teachers in a majority. It requires no outside authority for this decision.
School Examinations (Timing)
57.
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he is aware that the practice of holding school examinations early in the term frequently involves a wasted period between the examinations and the end of term; and what advice he has given to local education authorities and others in this connection.
The Examining Boards for the General Certificate of Education were invited to complete their examinations by the end of June in order to fit in with the Government's policy of encouraging the staggering of summer holidays. It is for the school authorities to see that any remaining period of the summer term is not wasted.
Immigrant Teachers
58.
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what evaluation has been made of courses for teachers with overseas qualifications; and what proportion of these teachers is now employed by education authorities.
Only one of the four 15 months' courses for immigrant teachers has been completed. It is, therefore, too early to make a proper evaluation of the courses, but experience so far indicates that they can help the teachers to fit more readily into our schools. Eleven out of the 13 on the course which has ended are now in teaching posts.
Medical Schools
60.
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will give, for the last convenient 12 month period the number of vacancies in medical schools at the universities of England and Wales and the number of applicants for such places, respectively; and what steps is he taking to ensure that those wishing to train as doctors are not restricted by lack of facilities at the universities.
In October, 1966, 1,917 students entered pre-clinical courses at universities in England and Wales. As my hon. Friend the Member for West Lothian (Mr. Dalyell) was told on 30th June, the number of applicants who failed to gain admission in that year cannot be accurately assessed. Building programmes approved for the four years 1966–70 are estimated to yield some 285 additional entry places in England and Wales. The case for additional facilities is being considered by the Royal Commission on Medical Education.—[Vol. 749, c. 140–141.]
Young Immigrants (Report)
59.
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will make a statement on the recent report of the Youth Service Development Council dealing with young immigrants.
I am sending my hon. Friend a copy of the circular which was issued to local education authorities and other interested bodies on the day the report was published.
Primary School (Brixworth)
61.
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he will approve the proposal to replace Brixworth Voluntary Controlled Primary School put forward by Northamptonshire County Council.
My right hon. Friend hopes to notify the Authority of his decision on this project within a few days and will write to my hon. Friend at the same time.
Free Meals
62 and 64.
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science (1) what proposals he has to conceal the identity of children receiving free meals in schools and remove completely any embarrassment children may feel in the present system;(2) how he proposes to ensure that children who have free school meals cannot be identified by other children as having free meals.
This matter is among several being urgently examined by a Working Party which I have set up. This includes representatives of local education authorities who are responsible for the local administration of the school meals service.
National Child Development Study
63.
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if the Social Science Research Council will make a grant sufficient to enable the National Bureau for the Co-operation in Child Care to continue the National Child Development Study, 1958, Report, during the four-year period from October, 1967, to September, 1971.
The Council has awarded an interim grant to the National Bureau for Co-operation in Child Care to provide continuity of employment to the research officers concerned; and is considering the case for further support of the National Child Development Study in relation to the policy it may adopt for long term cohort studies in general.
Young People's Voluntary Service
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he will now publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT the names of all those organisations with which he has had formal consultation about the future of voluntary service by young people in Great Britain; and whether he has yet made arrangements for a formal round table conference with all such organisations together with all the relevant statutory and non-statutory welfare organisations with which they are or could be co-operating.
My hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State and officials of the Department have had discussions with the following: Youth Service Development Council, Association of Education Committees, County Councils Association, Association of Municipal Corporations, Inner London Education Authority, Welsh Joint Education Committee, Standing Conference of National Voluntary Youth Organisations, Community Service Volunteers, International Voluntary Service, Task Force, Toc H, Young Volunteers of Merseyside, Concordia, United Nations Association, Association for Jewish Youth, and have also received memoranda from Birmingham Young Volunteers, Solihull Young Volunteers, Blackfriars Settlement, Association of Child Care Officers, Youth Action Sheffield, Service 9 Bristol and Red Cross (the last seven in the form of memoranda); I am not proposing to hold a general conference.
Hm Inspectors Of Explosives (Reports)
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many copies of the Report of Her Majesty's Inspectors of Explosives, for the year ended 31st December 1965, have been purchased by his Department to date.
None.
Comprehensive Schools
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will inform local education authorities, in advance of plans being made by them, that proposals for modification of development towards a comprehensive system of secondary education involving the retention of an upper tier of grammar schools based on selection, will not be approved by him.
The Government's policy is clearly stated in Circular 10/65. I do not feel that it requires restating.
Horsell C Of E Primary School
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he will now sanction the demolition of the air raid shelters at Horsell Church of England Primary School, in view of the health risks presented by the state of these shelters and the need to make room on this site for a temporary classroom.
I have already approved the demolition of these shelters.
Polytechnics
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what stage proposals have reached for polytechnics in the West Midlands area; what colleges they will include; and on what dates they will be inaugurated.
My right hon. Friend has invited the local education authorities concerned to submit schemes for Polytechnics formed from the following colleges:
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science by what means and from what sources his Department's proposed polytechnics will be financed.
By the local education authorities out of income from local rates, rate support grants, and fees.
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what steps he is taking to ensure his policy of increasing the size of the public sector in higher education, by the setting up of polytechnics, will maintain parity of esteem with higher education institutions in the autonomous sector.
High esteem is created by high achievement. I have no doubt that the polytechnics will earn it if they develop on the distinctive lines envisaged in the White Paper.
Teachers (Kent)
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what steps he is taking to increase the number of qualified teachers in both primary and secondary schools in Kent.
I have taken steps to improve the supply of teachers over the whole country by means of my 14-point Programme. I am also trying through the quota to ensure that the available teachers are fairly distributed between authorities.
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science (1) how many teachers were employed in primary schools in Kent in each of the last five years; and how many of these were qualified;(2) how many teachers were employed in secondary schools in Kent in each of the last five years; and how many of these were qualified.
The information requested is shown in the following table. The fall in numbers in 1966 is due to the transfer of certain areas previously administered by the Kent education authority to other authorities on 1st April, 1965:
| TEACHERS EMPLOYED BY KENT EDUCATION AUTHORITY AT 1ST FEBRUARY | |||||
| Full-time teachers | Full-time equivalent of part-time teachers | ||||
| Total | Qualified | Total | Qualified | ||
| Primary Schools | |||||
| 1963 | … | 4,757 | 4,523 | 195 | 167* |
| 1964 | … | 4,847 | 4,578 | 193 | 165* |
| 1965 | … | 5,003 | 4,723 | 214 | 183* |
| 1966 | … | 3,713 | 3,434 | 212 | 164 |
| 1967 | … | 3,875 | 3,590 | 234 | 192 |
| Secondary Schools | |||||
| 1963 | … | 5,243 | 5,124 | 203 | 150* |
| 1964 | … | 5,234 | 5,151 | 210 | 157* |
| 1965 | … | 5,208 | 5,109 | 272 | 202* |
| 1966 | … | 3,737 | 3,654 | 193 | 158 |
| 1967 | … | 3,839 | 3,732 | 216 | 172 |
| * Estimated. | |||||
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is the present quota of qualified teachers in both primary and secondary schools in Kent; and what is the quota for 1968–69.
7,475 for January, 1967, and 7,566 for January, 1968.
Primary Schools (Wales)
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what part of the sum intended to be expended on primary schools in England and Wales under the Plowden Report proposals is to be spent in Wales.
I take it that this Question refers to the allocations for Educational Priority Areas announced on 24th July by my right hon. Friend the Minister Without Portfolio. I shall not come to any decisions about the amounts to be allocated for particular areas until I have had an opportunity to consult local education authorities in England and Wales.
Pupil Costs (Analysis)
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what proportions of the cost per pupil in primary and secondary schools in 1966–67 were taken up by teachers' salaries, books and equipment and maintenance costs, respectively.
The percentage of the total cost represented by teachers salaries, supplies and services, and premises are given in the following table. It is not possible to calculate separate proportions for books and equipment and maintenance costs.
| TABLE | ||
| Proportions of estimated cost per pupil in maintained schools in England and Wales, 1966–67 | ||
| Item | Primary Schools Per cent. | Secondary Schools Per cent. |
| Teachers salaries | 64·1 | 55·7 |
| Supplies and services | 4·3 | 5·8 |
| Premises | 12·8 | 11·8 |
Notes.—
(1) Supplies and services includes books and equipment, provisions, stationery, tools and materials.
(2) Premises includes repairs and maintenance, furniture and fittings, fuel, light and water, rents and rates.
(3) Remaining items in total cost include loan charges, wages and salaries of non-teaching staff, capital expenditure from revenue and assistance to pupils.
Further Education And Teacher Training
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will give the latest estimates for current and capital expenditure for further education and teacher training for 196970 and 1970–71 at 1965 survey prices.
Revised estimates of expenditure on these services are not available.
Child Population
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will give the latest estimates of child population in the age groups 5 to 10 and 11 to 15 for the years 1970–71 and 197172.
The table below gives the relevant information:
| ENGLAND AND WALES, AT JANUARY | ||||
| (thousands) | ||||
| 1971 | 1972 | |||
| Child population | ||||
| ages 5–10 | … | … | 4,899 | 4,964 |
| ages 11–15 | … | … | 3,458 | 3,581 |
| Numbers in all schools | ||||
| ages 5–10 | … | … | 4,869 | 4,933 |
| ages 11–15 | … | … | 3,243 | 3,545 |
| Numbers in maintained primary and secondary schools | ||||
| ages 5–10 | … | … | 4,623 | 4,689 |
| ages 11–15 | … | … | 2,939 | 3,236 |
Management And Business Studies
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many of Her Majesty's inspectors are allotted to management education; and how many have suitable experience to qualify them for such posts.
Twelve, all of whom have relevant experience.
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many people enrolled for diploma courses in management and business studies in each of the past five years; and how many of these were graduates.
Enrolments in England and Wales for the courses leading to the Ordinary National and Higher National Diplomas in Business Studies in the past five years are as follows:
| O.N.D. | H.N.D. | Total | ||
| 1961–62 | … | 978 | 19 | 997 |
| 1962–63 | … | 1,776 | 297 | 2,073 |
| 1963–64 | … | 2,815 | 761 | 3,576 |
| 1964–65 | … | 3,356 | 1,147 | 4,503 |
| 1965–66 | … | 3,399 | 1,355 | 4,754 |
| 1965–66 | … | … | … | 2,138 |
| 1966–67 | … | … | … | 2,284 |
Figures for earlier years relate to the whole of the United Kingdom, as follows:
| 1961–62 | … | … | … | 1,153 |
| 1962–63 | … | … | … | 1,511 |
| 1963–64 | … | … | … | 1,580 |
| 1964–65 | … | … | … | 1,714 |
The normal qualification for entry to Diploma in Management Studies courses is the possession of a course or a professional or other awarded qualification, but it is not known how many of the students hold degrees.
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what fees are required for national certificate and diploma courses, respectively, in management and business studies; and what has been the cost during each of the past five years of providing these courses.
| A. ORDINARY NATIONAL DIPLOMA IN BUSINESS STUDIES | ||||||
| 1961 | 1962 | 1963 | 1964 | |||
| "Year 1" enrolments* | … | … | 1,102 | 1,776 | 2,815 | 3,356 |
| Entrants to examination 2 years later | … | … | 596 | 1,063 | 1,602 | 2,000 |
| Decrease | … | … | 506 | 713 | 1,213 | 1,356 |
| Percentage not completing course | … | … | 45·9% | 40·2% | 43·1% | 40·41% |
| * It is not known how many of these students had the firm intention of taking the whole O.N.D. course. | ||||||
| B. HIGHER NATIONAL DIPLOMA IN BUSINESS STUDIES | |||||
| FULL-TIME | |||||
| 1962 | 1963 | 1964 | |||
| "Year 1" enrolments | … | … | 211 | 614 | 910 |
| Entrants to examination 2 years later | … | … | 155 | 502 | 750 |
| Decrease | … | … | 56 | 112 | 160 |
| Percentage not completing course | … | … | 26·5% | 18·2% | 17·6% |
| SANDWICH | |||||
| "Year 1" enrolments | … | … | 86 | 147 | 237 |
| Entrants to examination 3 years later | … | … | 48 | 98 | |
| Decrease | … | … | 38 | 49 | |
| Percentage not completing course | … | … | 44·0% | 33·3% | |
| 1962 | … | … | … | 7 |
| 1963 | … | … | … | 74 |
| 1964 | … | … | … | 498 |
| 1965 | … | … | … | 593 |
| 1966 | … | … | … | 630 |
Educational Expenditure (Price Index)
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will state the price index for educational expenditure in 1966–67 taking the year 1965–66 as 100.
I regret that this information is not available, as tuition fees for courses are fixed at the discretion of local education authorities, who are also responsible for meeting the cost of the courses.
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many people completed the diploma course in management and business studies in each of the past five years; and what was the percentage of those enrolling who failed to complete the course.
The available information about students in courses leading to the Ordinary and Higher National Diplomas in Business Studies is as follows:
I regret that indices of this kind are not available.
European Space Research Organisation
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if the Government, so far as this country's continued participation in the European Space Research Organisation is concerned, will meanwhile instruct its representative on the European Space Research Organisation Council to press for the prompt adoption by that organisation of the proposals set forth in paragraph 7 of the Consultative Assembly's Resolution 335 (1967).
When the points dealt with in the Resolution are raised in E.S.R.O., our delegate will certainly be instructed to have in mind the considerations which moved the Consultative Assembly to make these proposals. The space research programme of E.S.R.O. will be reviewed by the Advisory Committee on Programmes which has just been set up by, and will report to, the European Space Conference.The question of co-operation between E.S.R.O. and other European space organisations was dealt with by my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, in a Written Reply today on this subject.
Independent Schools
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many independent schools are not recognised as efficient by his Department; and if he will take steps to make such schools illegal.
1,722. My right hon. Friend will consider the reports of my current inquiry before reaching conclusions on this question.
School Meals And Welfare Foods
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science to what extent school meals and other welfare facilities are included in his Department's estimates.
Expenditure on school meals and welfare foods is not included in my Department's Estimates.
Head Teachers (Salaries)
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many headmasters and headmistresses are receiving lower remuneration than their highest paid assistant; and what percentage of heads are receiving remuneration that is less than 10 per cent. above that of their highest paid assistant.
This information is not available.
Burnham Committee (Teacher Members)
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will take steps to increase the member- ship of the teachers' side of the Burnham Committee to 30.
No.
European Economic Community
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he is aware of the concern among parents about the prospect of an increase in the price of school meals if the United Kingdom joins the European Economic Community; what is his estimate of the increase that will be necessary; and what consultations he has had about the matter.
I am not aware of this concern, and see no advantage in consultations at the present time.
Otters (Natural History)
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will arrange for an investigation to be carried out into the natural history of the otter, and especially its feeding habits in various river conditions, as recommended by the Report of the Committee on Cruelty to Wild Animals.
Following the Report referred to, such an investigation was carried out with grant aid from the Nature Conservancy on behalf of the Otter Committee, set up on the initiative of the Universities' Federation for Animal Welfare. The results were published in 1958 as a Report to the Otter Committee, entitled "The Natural History of the Otter".
Home Department
Motor Accidents (Prosecutions)
67.
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is satisfied that, under existing legislation, adequate opportunity is given to the parties involved in a motor accident to institute a private prosecution in cases where the police decide not to prosecute; and if he will make a statement.
When the police decide not to prosecute it is in most cases too late for a notice of intended prosecution to be served. But I have no evidence that a change in the law would be desirable.
Aliens (Work Permits)
66.
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many aliens were admitted with Ministry of Labour permits in 1966; and how this compared with the average for 1963 and 1964.
I would refer the hon. Member to the Answer I gave to a similar Question by him on 9th March 1967.—[Vol. 742, c. 329–30.]
Borstal Sentences (Prison Detention)
68.
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the maximum period during which a youth below the age of 18 years can be detained in prison before being transferred to a Borstal allocation centre; and if he will review this practice.
There is no statutory maximum period during which a young man of an age to be sentenced to borstal training can remain in prison awaiting removal to a borstal allocation centre. Boys are moved to an allocation centre as quickly as possible.
Prostitution (Soliciting By Men)
70.
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will introduce legislation to make illegal the soliciting of a woman by a man in a public place for purposes of prostitution, and to impose a penalty equivalent to that now attaching to the converse.
I propose to ask the Criminal Law Revision Committee, as soon as its other commitments allow, to review the law on sexual offences, including, in the light of the decision in the case of Crook v. Edmondson, the law on soliciting by men for immoral purposes.
Detained Minors (Notification Of Next Of Kin)
69.
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps are taken to inform the parents or next of kin of youths below the age of 18 years when their children are remanded or convicted.
A person under 21 received into a prison, borstal, detention centre or remand centre is at once allowed a letter so that he may inform his next of kin, and an official notification is also sent to them when he has been convicted or sentenced.The parents of a person under 17 received into a remand home are informed by the superintendent. In cases in the juvenile courts a parent is normally present at the hearing and learns the court's decision at first hand.
Borstal Allocation Centre, Wormwood Scrubs
71.
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he is taking to relieve over-crowding at the Borstal Allocation Centre at Wormwood Scrubs.
The overcrowding at the Allocation Centre results from pressure on accommodation in training borstals. A new training borstal is being built and will be ready next year. Meanwhile, additional training places are being brought into use at existing borstals and I am taking steps to obtain supplementary accommodation which will be adapted to provide more places.
Palace Of Westminster (Police Shirt Sleeve Order)
73.
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will arrange that police officers on duty in the Palace of Westminster may wear shirt sleeve order uniform in the same way as other officers serving elsewhere in the Metropolitan Police area.
I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave on 24th July to a Question by the hon. Member for Woking (Mr. Onslow).— [Vol. 751, c. 48.]
Criminal Injuries Compensation Board (Awards)
72.
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is satisfied with the measure of awards made by the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board; and if he will make a statement.
It is the duty of the Board to assess compensation for injury on the basis of common law damages, subject to certain limitations. I have no reason to think that in general their awards do not accord with the principles applied by the courts, but this point will be borne in mind when the operation of the Scheme is reviewed.
Taxicab And Hire Car Trades (Committee Of Inquiry)
74.
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is yet in a position to announce the names and qualifications of the independent committee charged with the task of inquiring into the operation, structure and economy of the taxi-cab and private hire car trades in London; and whether he will give an assurance that an announcement will be made prior to the summer recess.
Although I am anxious to get the Committee set up as soon as possible, I am not in a position to make an announcement before the Recess.
Drug Dependence (Advisory Committee Meetings)
75.
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the Advisory Committee on Drug Addiction began its work; how many meetings it has held to date; and what were the dates of those meetings.
The Advisory Committee on Drug Dependence begun its work early this year and has held four meetings, on 12th January, 2nd March, 7th April and 30th June. Sub-Committees of the main Committee have met on 10 occasions.
Persons Awaiting Trial (Prison Custody)
76.
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what, during the present year, has been the average period spent in prisons by persons awaiting trial at the Central Criminal Court to whom bail was not granted; and what was the average period during the corresponding part of 1965.
It is not possible to provide the information asked for by the right hon. Member without a disproportionate amount of work. Sample checks however have shown a substantial increase between 1965 and 1967 in the amount of time spent by persons in custody awaiting trial at the Central Criminal Court.
Prisoners' Letters (Answers)
77.
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will give an assurance that prisoners' letters forwarded to him by Members of Parliament are accurately answered, in view of the error in a case submitted by the hon. Member for Tynemouth, particulars of which have been given to him.
Every effort is made to ensure accurate answers to letters. I am sorry that by inadvertence the reply in this instance was incorrect in one particular, and an apology has been sent to the hon. Lady.
Handcuffs
78.
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will call for reports from Chief Constables about the circumstances in which handcuffs are used before any charge has been made; and if he will call for a Report from the Chief Constable concerned as to why they were used in the case of a constituent of the hon. Member for Rye, the particulars of which have been forwarded to him, when no charge was made.
79.
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will call for a report from the chief constable concerned on the circumstances of the case, details of which have been sent to him by the hon. Member for Rye.
I have brought to the notice of the Chief Constable of Hastings the representations I have had from the hon. Member for Rye (Mr. Bryant Godman Irvine), since the Chief Constable is responsible under Section 49 of the Police Act, 1964, for the investigation of complaints against members of his force. I understand that the Chief Constable has asked the Chief Constable of East Sussex to provide an investigating officer. When these inquiries are completed, I shall consider whether the case has any general implications and shall write to the hon. Members.
Police Forces, West Riding (Amalgamation)
80.
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what arrangements have been made for the amalgamation of the police forces in the West Riding of Yorkshire; whether he has considered the representations of the Police Federation that the new force should be named West Yorkshire Police to retain their geographical identity; and what action he proposes to take.
On 1st June a new combined force was established for the areas of Sheffield and Rotherham. Negotiations between the other West Riding police authorities have been taking place on the preparation of a voluntary amalgamation scheme. Agreement has not yet been reached about representation of the constituent local authorities and magistrates on the combined police authority and about the name of the combined force. I am aware of the views of the Police Federation on the latter point and will have them in mind in any consideration which I may be called upon to give to the matters which are still not resolved.
Immigrants (Polygamous Marriages)
81.
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many immigrants have had a second wife admitted to the United Kingdom on the grounds that such a a marriage is legal; and to what extent the second legal wife will benefit as far as the receipt of child allowances, Income Tax allowances, National Assistance and other social security benefits are concerned.
The immigration statistics do not distinguish wives of polygamous marriages. I understand that the tax allowance for a married man and an entitlement to supplementary benefit are the same whether the man has one or more wives; but the Supplementary Benefits Commission have power to take account of special circumstances in particular cases. National Insurance benefits on a husband's insurance are payable only to the wife of a monogamous marriage. For family allowances, children are normally regarded as being in the mother's family; but, if they can be treated as legitimate issue of the father, they qualify for allowances in either the father's or the mother's family, not both.
School Crossing Patrols (Remuneration)
82.
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what remuneration is paid to school crossing patrols; and what proposals he has for authorising an increase in such remuneration.
In the Metropolitan Police District, the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis is the school crossing authority. The remuneration is 5s. an hour, but a claim for an increase is currently the subject of consultation between the Commissioner and the unions concerned.Outside the Metropolitan Police District the pay of school crossing patrols is a matter for individual county and county borough councils. I do not have details of pay, and increases do not require my authority.
Indictable Offences (Firearms)
83.
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many cases of robbery in 1966 involved the use of firearms; and what were the comparable figures for 1964.
The number of offences of robbery known to the police in England and Wales in 1966 in which all types of firearms were involved was 340. I regret that corresponding statistics for previous years are not available.
84.
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proportion of offences in the Metropolitan Police area in 1966 involved the use of firearms; and what were the comparable figures for 1964.
Actual (as opposed to imitation or supposed) firearms were involved in approximately one in every 1,000 indictable offences known to the police in the Metropolitan Police District in 1966; in 1964 the approximate proportion was one in 1,500.
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many cases of wounding in 1966 involved the use of firearms; and what were the comparable figures for 1964.
The number of offences of felonious and malicious wounding known to the police in England and Wales in 1966 in which all types of firearms were involved was 500. I regret that corresponding statistics for previous years are not available.
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many cases of murder known to the police in 1966 involved the use of firearms; and what were the comparable figures for 1964.
The latest corrected number of offences of murder known to the police in England and Wales in 1966 in which firearms of all types were used was 18. The corresponding figure for 1964 was 12.
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many cases of attempted murder in 1966 involved the use of firearms; and what were the comparable figures for 1964.
The number of offences of attempted murder known to the police in England and Wales in 1966 in which all types of firearms were involved was 35. I regret that corresponding statistics for previous years are not available.
Mr Stokely Carmichael
85.
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that the public speeches made recently in this country by Mr. Stokely Carmichael, a United States citizen, are contrary to the national interest; and whether he will withdraw Mr. Stokely Carmichael's entry permit.
86.
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is aware that Mr. Stokely Carmichael, an admitted racialist, has been addressing meetings in this country advocating racial violence; and if he will withdraw his entry permit.
Having considered a report on this man's recent activities, I have decided that his presence here is not conductive to the public good. He has now left and I do not propose to allow him to re-enter the country.
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will take steps to ensure that Mr. Stokely Carmichael, a United States citizen, is not permitted to revisit this country.
I would refer the hon. Member to my reply today to Questions by the hon. Members for Winchester (Rear-Admiral Morgan Giles) and Haltemprice (Mr. Wall).
Cannabis
87.
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will set up an independent committee of inquiry into the drug cannabis with a view to establishing on a scientific basis whether cannabis is a drug of addiction to be classified as a narcotic along with heroin and morphine.
I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave to a Question by the hon. Member for Southend, West (Mr. Channon) on 10th July.—[Vol. 750, c. 25]
Commonwealth Immigrants
88.
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that in the first five months of this year there was a net increase of 34,525 Commonwealth immigrants, nearly 30,000 of whom camp from Asia, Africa and the Caribbean, and that 25,416 of the total net increase were women and children, including large numbers from India and Pakistan; whether he will make a statement indicating how these people are being employed, housed, and educated; what is the cost to the economy of having them here; and what further steps he will take to limit the numbers coming here in future.
I would refer the right hon. and learned Gentleman to the Answer I gave to his Question of 9th March.—[Vol. 742, c. 326.]
South African Intelligence Agents
89.
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will take added precautions to prevent the entry into this country of intelligence agents from South Africa, in view of their collaboration with the illegal Smith régime.
All reasonable precautions are taken.
Abandoned Motor Vehicle (Removal)
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department why, in view of the fact that the hon. Member for West Ham, North, has on several occasions reported to the police and the Licensing Department of the Greater London Council that a motor car SNW4, Wolseley 6/80, June 1966, road fund licence, parked in Burghley Road, North, off Wood Green High Road, North, has been left in this position for over 12 months, has become derelict and a danger to children, no action has been taken; and whether he will now request the police to take action.
A notice under Regulation 11 of the Removal of Vehicles (England and Wales) Regulations, 1961, was sent to the registered owner on 10th June informing him of the intention to dispose of the vehicle unless he arranged for its removal from the street within six weeks. The London Borough of Haringey removed the vehicle on 24th July.
Theatre Censorship (Joint Select Committee)
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will now introduce legislation to implement the conclusions of the Joint Select Committee of the two Houses on Theatre Censorship.
The Government intend at a suitable opportunity to introduce legislation to give effect to the general principle of the Joint Select Committee's recommendations. The Lord Chamberlain welcomes the Government's decision but for the time being he will of course continue to discharge his duties under the existing law.
Crime Prevention And Penology (White Paper)
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will produce an annual White Paper, similar in character to the annual Defence White Paper, setting out the Government's plans relating to crime prevention and penology.
I do not think that this would be appropriate.
Au Pair Policy
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on au pair policy.
Until the consultations taking place within the Council of Europe have been completed I am not able to make a full statement. But I can say that, in line with the views of member nations and with the advice of representative organisations in this country, I intend to raise to 17 the minimum age for girls who wish to come here under au pair arrangements. The new age limit will not apply to girls already here, and there will for some time be transitional arrangements to prevent inconvenience or hardship.
Overseas Development
South Vietnam (Assistance)
90.
asked the Minister of Overseas Development if he has now completed his review of the need of South Vietnam for further assistance; and if he will now announce an increase of aid in the light of the South Vietnamese Government's request for additional Colombo Plan Training places in the United Kingdom, for equipment and advisers for educational and government establishments, for help in the rehabilitation of refugees, and for expanded activities at the Saigon Children's Hospital.
Following the survey of which I spoke in my reply to the hon. and gallant Member on 12th May, and subject to recruitment, we are proposing to increase our paediatric team from ten to seventeen full-time personnel. We also expect to supply equipment including X-ray equipment for the new Children's Hospital block; and have said we shall welcome additional Vietnamese training requests.—[Vol. 746, c. 285.]
Trinidad And Tobago (Inducement Allowances)
91 and 92.
asked the Minister of Overseas Development (1) what proposals he has sent to the Government of Trinidad and Tobago for increased inducement allowances for expatriates serving under the Overseas Services Aid Scheme; and why the revision initiated in 1964 for a world-wide revision has only so far not applied to Trinidad and Tobago;(2) why he has taken over a year in finalising proposals for the revision of inducement allowances in Trinidad and Tobago; and whether he will assure Mr. J. C. Firman, particulars of whose case have been sent him by the hon. Member for Brighton, Pavilion, that he and those in a similar position will not suffer if the award is announced after his service expires.
Although we offered a general review of inducement allowances in 1964, we could not begin this for Trinidad until October, 1966, when the Trinidad Government's own review of local salaries reached us. I am now able to propose to the Trinidad Government a substantial increase in these allowances, with some measure of retrospection and a new system of payment, and I hope for an early settlement. Any period of retrospection finally agreed will benefit all serving at that time, including any whose service may by now have expired.
Economic Affairs
South-West Economic Planning Council (Recommendations)
93.
asked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs whether he accepts the main recommendations of the South-West Economic Planning Council's Report entitled, A Region with a Future; and what action he proposes to take.
The recommendations in the report, which was published a week ago, are many and complex and it will be some time before my right hon. Friend is able to give the Government's views on them.
National Economic Development Council (Lunch)
94.
asked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs what was the cost to public funds of the official luncheon given at Millbank in the second week of April, 1967, by Mr. Fred Catherwood, director-general of the National Economic Development Council, in honour of the President of the Board of Trade; and what were the purposes of this hospitality.
Seventeen pounds, six shillings and one penny. The object of the lunch was to enable the Director General to discuss current, economic problems informally with Council Members, industrialists and others.
English Electric And Elliott Automation (Merger)
95.
asked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs whether he will state the reasons, commercial and non-commercial, for the backing by the Industrial Re-organisation Corporation of the merger between English Electric and Elliott Automation; and what steps he is taking to ensure that the shareholders concerned are fully acquainted with the expenditure by English Electric on electronics and the profits accruing therefrom.
The Corporation itself decides, in the light of the functions given to it by the Industrial Reorganisation Corporation Act, whether to support particular proposals for mergers. It is not for my right hon. Friend to state their reasons or to see that shareholders receive information about particular companies.
National Board For Prices And Incomes (Inquiry)
asked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs what was the total cost of producing Report No. 36 of the National Board for Prices and Incomes concerning productivity agreements; and how much of this was accounted for by work contracted to industrial consultants and accountants.
The information called for in the first part of the Question cannot be obtained without considerable research, the cost of which would not be justified. No outside industrial consultants or accountants were employed on this inquiry.
Prices And Incomes Act, 1966 (Orders)
asked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs what action he has taken in the light of his decision to withdraw Orders under Part IV of the Prices and Incomes Act, 1966, which purported to interfere with wages agreements made before 20th July, 1966, to draw the attention of employers to the parallel withdrawal of the advice which he previously gave to employers to break such agreements.
My right hon. Friend's advice on the contrary is to ask all concerned to maintain the benefits of the standstill and to avoid making retrospective pay increases. As the right hon. Member will be aware, Section 5 of the Prices and Incomes Act, 1967, gives legal protection to employers who have withheld pay increases in accordance with the requirements of the standstill and period of severe restraint.
Humberside (Study)
asked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs if he will make a statement on the development of Humberside.
There is nothing I can usefully add to the reply I gave the hon. Member last Tuesday.—[Vol. 751, c. 107–8.]
Price Increases
asked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs if he is now able to announce the arrangements for the Government to be given notifications of higher prices.
Not all the discussions with industry on this are yet com- pleted. Arrangements, are however, now in force for the appropriate Government Department to be given early warning of proposed price increases by manufacturers of the following goods and by suppliers of the following services:
| Bread. | Polyvinyl chloride. |
| Flour. | Rubber footwear. |
| Biscuits. | Tyres. |
| Cakes. | Household soaps and detergents. |
| Breakfast cereals. | |
| Sausages. | Acetylene and oxygen. |
| Meat pies. | Coastal shipping rates (freight and passenger). |
| Canned fruit. | |
| Canned vegetables. | |
| Jams and marmalade. | Glass. |
| Margarines and cooking fats. | Secondary batteries. |
| Contractors' Plant. | |
| Milk products (including condensed milk). | Agricultural machinery. |
| Pickles and sauces. | Tractors. |
| Processed vegetables. | Commercial vehicles. |
| Quick-frozen foods. | Motor cars. |
| Ice-cream. | Bicycles and motorcycles. |
| Soft drinks. | |
| Chocolate and sugar confectionery. | Radio and electronic components. |
| Soups. | Radio and television valves and television cathode ray tubes. |
| Table jellies. | |
| Tea. | |
| Processed coffee. | |
| Manufactured pet foods. | Copper cylinders and boilers. |
| Animal feeding stuffs. | Galvanised steel cisterns and tanks. |
| Beer. | |
| Cider and perry. | Woven wire gauze. |
| Wines and spirits. | Fertilisers (nitrogenous). |
| Domestic refrigerators (electric). | Glass jars and bottles. |
| Gas cookers. | Insurance premiums. |
| Electric cookers. | Man-made staple fibre and filament yarn. |
| Washing machines. | |
| Vacuum Cleaners. | Sewing thread. |
| Gas fires | Building and decorative paints. |
| Electric storage heaters. | Glazed floor tiles. |
| Domestic boilers. | Ceramic sanitaryware. |
| Domestic water-heaters. | Petrol. |
| Derv. | |
| Electric lamps—coil and fluorescent. | Fuel oils. |
| Bottled gas. | |
| Cash registers. | Coal. |
| Office photocopying machines. | Coke. |
| Manufactured fuel. | |
| Typewriters | Gas. |
| Domestic sewing machines. | Electricity. |
| Rail fares (countrywide changes outside London Passenger Transport Area). | |
| Industrial sewing machines. | |
| Chain link fencing. | |
| Domestic electric power tools and their attachments. | Rail freight charges (published scales for parcels and sun-dries and other country-wide changes). |
| Electric motors. | |
| Primary cells and primary batteries. | |
| Paper and board. | |
| Wallpaper. | British Road Services charges (published scale for parcels). |
| National daily and Sunday newspapers. | |
| Polyethylene. |
In addition, arrangements have been made to keep under review the trend of manufacturers' prices of the following goods:
| Carpets, mats and matting. | Clothing. |
| General chemicals. | |
| Cotton and man-made fibre spun yarns. | Hosiery and knitwear. |
| Leather. | |
| Footwear (other than rubber). | Building blocks. |
| Sand and gravel. | |
| Electric power cables. | Clay pipes. |
| Wool yarns for weaving and hosiery. | Ready mixed concrete. |
| Knitting wool. |
The arrangements for keeping under constant watch the prices of certain foodstuffs now cover the following items:
| Carcase meat and offal | Lard, cooking and edible oils. |
| Bacon and ham. | Fish. |
| Poultry (including broilers.) | Sugar. |
| Cheese. | |
| Eggs. | Butter. |
| Fresh vegetables (including potatoes). | Cream. |
| Fresh fruit. |
Employment
96.
asked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs what new steps he now proposes to take to carry out Her Majesty's Government's policy of providing full employment in view of the fact that the totally unemployed figure has now reached 496,372, the highest for 27 years.
The figure of 496,372 includes the temporarily stopped as well as the wholly unemployed. A main purpose of the Government's policy is to strengthen the economy so that a sustained high level of employment can be achieved. The Government will take such further measures as are necessary to achieve this end.
Wireless And Television
Car Radio Licences
97.
asked the Postmaster-General, in view of the need to promote road safety, if he will review the anomaly under which properly fitted car radios require a licence whereas unfitted sets do not.
My right hon. Friend, the Minister of Transport informs me that she has no evidence that the use of radios in motor vehicles is a factor affecting road safety. The reasons for the licensing requirements were given in my reply of 26th April to the hon. Member for Cornwall, North (Mr. Pardoe).—[Vol. 745, c. 316.]
Colour Television (Scotland)
99.
asked the Postmaster General when he estimates that the whole of the population of Scotland will be able to receive British Broadcasting Corporation's colour television.
B.B.C.2, with its colour content, is planned to attain a coverage of 86 per cent. of the population of Scotland by mid-1974. The 625-line duplicates of B.B.C.1 and of independent television, which will also provide colour, are planned to attain a coverage of 70 per cent. by the end of 1971. Planning for the further extension of all three services is in hand; but it is too soon to say what the timetable will be.
Television Licences (Rebate)
asked the Postmaster-General whether he will introduce arrangements for a rebate of a proportion of the licence fee for persons who surrender television licences with more than six months to run.
No. With over 17 million licences in force it would add substantially to the cost of collection if I were to vary the fee according to the extent to which the licence was used. The increased cost and the loss of revenue would have to be made good by an increase in licence fees.
Form T38w(Spl)
asked the Postmaster-General (1) on whose authority form T38W(Spl) was issued recently in the form of a circular letter addressed to holders of wireless, sound only, licences in Hampshire;(2) what steps he has taken to ensure that members of the public who are known to have wireless sets but not television sets do not receive circular letters or other forms from his Department implying that they are evading the law.
Form T38W(Spl), which has been in use for 10 years is issued on my authority. Its purpose is to ask for details of broadcast receiving licences held by the addressees. More recently people licensed for sound-radio only have been asked if they have changed to television. People who receive these enquiries need not regard them as implying that they are evading, but as indicating the efforts that my Department is making in the overall interest to cut back evasion from its present excessive rate. These efforts have been widely welcomed.
Radio Licences (Boarding School Papas)
asked the Postmaster-General whether he is yet ready to announce his decision about the need for children at residential schools and colleges to take out separate broadcast licences for their portable sound radio sets.
I am sorry but I am not yet ready to make a statement.
Television (Duplicate Services)
asked the Postmaster-General what plans have been made for the duplication of 625 lines in the ultra high frequency band of the programmes of B.B.C.1 and independent television, and for the provision of colour in the duplicate services.
As I stated in my announcement on 15th February, the duplicate services, with their colour content, will start in London, the Midlands and the North simultaneously. The first four stations will be at Crystal Palace, Sutton Coldfield, Winter Hill and Emley Moor. They should be transmitting the duplicate programmes, including colour, early in 1970. If all goes well, it may be possible to improve on the starting date. Further stations will be brought into operation as quickly as possible; and by the middle of 1970 the following should be in service:
| Area of Service | Location of Station |
| Central Scotland | Black Hill |
| Isle of Wight and South Coast | Rowridge |
| S.E. Kent | Dover |
| Nottinghamshire | Waltham |
| South Wales | Wenvoe |
| Bristol | Mendip |
| Oxford, Berks and Bucks | Oxford (Beckley) |
| N.E. England | Pontop Pike |
| Area of Service | Location of Station | Planned date for starting duplicate transmissions |
| Northern Ireland | Divis | Second half of 1970 |
| Norfolk | Tacolneston | |
| Suffolk | Sudbury | |
| East Lincolnshire | Bolmont | |
| Bedford | Sandy | First half of 1971 |
| North Yorkshire | Bilsdale | |
| East Cornwall | Carsdon Hill | |
| West Cornwall | Redruth | |
| N.E. Scotland | Durris | |
| East Lothian and Edinburgh | Craigkelly | Second half of 1971 |
| Hampshire | — | |
| East Sussex | — | |
| Cumberland | Caldbeck | |
| Selkirk and Berwick | Selkirk |
Post Office
Broadway Mail (Evesham Postmark)
98.
asked the Postmaster-General, whereas Broadway, Worcestershire, is a community of 2,500 souls, why the name Broadway is now deleted from envelope postal stamping by his Department and the name Evesham substituted, thus derogating the sense of pride felt by all Broadway inhabitants in their village and diminishing its tourist attraction; and whether he will now restore Broadway to envelope stamping.
Letters posted in Broadway are now postmarked at Evesham in order to improve and speed our mail handling. We cannot do as the hon. Gentleman asks without risking delay to mail posted in the area.
Special Stamps
asked the Postmaster-General if he will authorise the issue of British commemorative postage stamps to honour the 50th anniversary of the International Labour Organisation 1969.
I shall certainly include this in the list from which I will make my choice for the 1969 special stamp programme.
asked the Postmaster-General whether he will now announce his programme of special issues of stamps for 1968.
I shall issue one series of stamps to mark three anniversaries. These will be the Centenary of the Trades Union Congress, the 50th Anniversary of Votes for Women and the Bicentenary of Captain Cook's first Voyage of Discovery.I shall also issue pictorial stamps depicting:—
British Bridges, and British Paintings.
In addition to these I shall again issue special Christmas stamps and complete the issue of the new definitive low and high value stamps.
Details of values and dates of issue will be announced shortly.
Mail (Collections And Deliveries)
asked the Postmaster-General why, in view of the improved wages and working conditions of the staff, the introduction of machines and electronic equipment, &c., the increase of postage charges by 400 per cent. there is now generally a 50 per cent. reduction of collections and a 50 per cent. reduction in delivery of mail, compared with 30 years ago; and what action he proposes to take to restore the postal services to their former speed and efficiency.
My hon. Friend should also bear in mind that the Postman's basic wage has been increased by over 300 per cent. and his basic hours reduced by over 10 per cent. in the last 30 years. Staff costs account for over 70 per cent. of the costs of the postal service. We have had, in the face of rising costs over the years, to seek the most acceptable mixture of service reductions and increased charges. The pattern of pre-war services would be very costly in financial terms and indefensible in terms of use of manpower. As the Select Committee on Nationalised Industries has recently shown, the postal service in this country still gives very good value for money; we shall continue to do all we can to improve its reliability.
Christmas Stamp
asked the Postmaster-General whether he will advance the issue date of the special 4d. Christmas stamp so that it can be used on the bulk of postings of overseas surface Christmas mail.
Yes. I have now decided to issue the 4d. value on 18th October, and the remaining 3d. and 1s. 6d. values on 27th November as previously announced.
Telephone Service
Telephonists (Pay Offer)
asked the Postmaster-General to what extent the recent award of up to 9 per cent. to telephonists agreed by the Post Office is based on the principle of comparability; to what extent it is consistent with the Government's prices and incomes policy; and if he will make a statement.
The pay offer for Telephonists that has been made by the Post Office is in line with the principle, recommended by the Royal Commission on the Civil Service 1953–1955 and accepted by successive Governments, that Civil Servants' pay should be determined on the basis of fair comparison with the remuneration of outside staffs employed on broadly comparable work, taking account of differences in other conditions of service.The offer, which is based on the evidence provided by a Survey by the Civil Service Pay Research Unit, derives from a commitment to review the pay of Telephonists that existed before the Government's announcement of a standstill on prices and incomes on 20th July, 1966.In accordance with the requirements of incomes policy for the period of the incomes standstill and of severe restraint, set out in Command Papers 3073 and 3150 the operative date of the settlement will be deferred from 1st January, 1966 to 1st July, 1966 and payments will be made by instalments.
Wales
Merthyr Tydfil
100.
asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will give the rateable values per head of the populations of Merthyr Tydfil and the proposed new county of Powys, respectively.
| Rateable Value per head | ||||
| Merthyr C.B. | … | £23 | 0s. | 0d. |
| Powys | … | £23 | 6s. | 9d. |
101.
asked the Secretary of State for Wales in what respect the county borough of Merthyr Tydfil will be unable to carry out its functions as a county borough in a way comparable with modern conditions.
The Local Government Commission for Wales in their report published in 1963 analysed these matters in some detail. Circumstances have not materially changed since that time and I have accepted the Commission's analysis and conclusion.
asked the Secretary of State for Wales what account he took in deciding to deprive Merthyr Tydfil of its county borough status, of the extent to which the big changes now in progress in that borough would either be retarded or abandoned.
I see no reason why any of the changes in progress should be retarded or abandoned.
Mid-Wales Development Corporation
asked the Secretary of State for Wales when the Mid-Wales Development Corporation will be established.
I hope to establish the Development Corporation within a few days of making the Newtown Designation Order.
asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will ensure that the proposed Mid-Wales Development Corporation should make a comprehensive survey of the whole of the Mid-Wales area, with a view to its comprehensive development.
The Development Corporation's first task will be to expand Newtown. I shall consider later whether the Corporation should be entrusted with further responsibilities.
White Papers (Welsh Versions)
asked the Secretary of State for Wales when the White Paper on Local Government Reorganisation in Wales and the Welsh Economic Council will be published in the Welsh language.
A Welsh version of the White Paper on Local Government in Wales is being prepared and I hope to publish it during September.
asked the Secretary of State for Wales whether he will ensure that all Government White Papers of major importance to Wales will be published in both the Welsh and English languages.
I shall keep in mind the need to publish Welsh versions of Government White Papers of major importance to Wales but the decision as to which Papers should be published in this way will be primarily for the Ministers concerned.
Economic Planning Unit (Welsh Office)
asked the Secretary of State for Wales what is the present complement of the Economic Planning Unit at the Welsh Office; what steps he intends to take to strengthen it; and what use is made of outside consultants and university authorities by this Planning Unit.
There is no one Unit which, as such, deals with all the economic and associated planning matters which come within the purview of the Welsh Office. I am considering how the staff which serves the Welsh Economic Council should be strengthened, having regard in particular to the wider functions of the Welsh Council, as described in the White Paper on Local Government in Wales (Cmnd. 3340).Consultants and university members are commissioned by the Welsh Office to undertake planning studies, as necessary.
Livestock Production
asked the Secretary of State for Wales in view of the importance of livestock production to Welsh agriculture, as stated in the Economic Plan, bearing in mind the present difficulties and loss of confidence throughout the stock rearing areas, whether he will initiate discussions with the representatives of all Welsh farming organisations to try and resolve the difficulties.
I would refer my hon. Friend to the measures which my right hon. Friend, the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food announced yesterday.—[Vol. 751, c. 716–20.]
Welsh Language
asked the Secretary of State for Wales if, in furtherance of the Government's efforts to preserve the Welsh language, he will issue a directive to all Departments who have functions in Wales to give the Welsh language every prominence in publications, signs, notices, etc., in Wales.
I am confident that my colleagues will ensure that their Departments act in accordance with the policy embodied in the Welsh Language Bill recently considered by the House.
Advance Factory (Lampeter)
asked the Secretary of State for Wales what prospects there are for the establishing of an advance factory in the Lampeter area of Cardiganshire.
The needs of the Lampeter area will be taken into account when further advance factories for Mid-Wales are being considered.
Forestry Commission (Independent Contractors)
asked the Secretary of State for Wales how many independent contractors are employed by the Forestry Commission in Wales; and how many are one-man firms.
About 80 independent contractors and timber merchants are employed in Forestry Commission woods in Wales; 28 of these are one-man firms.
Land Reclamation
asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will request the Welsh Economic Council to make a survey of mountain and bogland in Wales suitable for reclamation.
While it would not be appropriate to ask the Welsh Economic Council to make such a comprehensive survey, if my hon. Friend has a particular area in mind, I would be glad to examine it.
Greece
102.
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will take steps to lodge a protest against the Government of Greece with the Commission of Human Rights of the Council of Europe, with a view to its suspension from the Council as it no longer complies with the basic requirement that only democratic countries shall be allowed to be members.
No. I do not think that this would be the best way in present circumstances of achieving the objective of a return to constitutional government in Greece.
Gibraltar
103.
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what action the Government is taking to secure uninhibited air access to Gibraltar during the winter months.
Her Majesty's Government are in close touch with the civil airlines about technical measures necessary to ensure that services to Gibraltar are not disrupted during the winter months.
Suez Canal (British Ships)
104.
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what information he has received concerning the health of members of the crew of the "Scottish Star" now trapped in the Suez Canal; what supplies of food are available to the crew of this British ship; what representations he has made and is making to other Governments about the safety, health and welfare of the crew; and if he will make a statement.
The "Scottish Star" is one of the four British ships about which I informed the House in reply to the hon. Member for Richmond, Surrey (Mr. A. Royle) yesterday. We are in touch with other Governments concerned about the safety and welfare of the crew.—[Vol. 751, c. 163.]
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, in view of the concern felt in British ports at the fate of British seamen held in the Suez Canal, what new steps he is taking to secure their release and the release of the ships in which they were sailing.
I have nothing to add to my replies on 26th July to the hon. Member for Richmond, Surrey (Mr. A. Royle) and on 17th July to the hon. Member for Orpington (Mr. Lubbock).—[Vol. 751, c. 163; Vol. 750, c. 1501.]
British Honduras- Guatemala Dispute (Talks)
105.
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what progress he is making in the British Honduras-Guatemala dispute in his London talks with the Guatemalan Foreign Secretary; and if he will make a statement.
The talks with the Guatemalan Foreign Minister are being held at the request of the mediator, within the context of the mediation. Under the terms of reference of the mediation, its proceedings are confidential. I cannot therefore make a statement.
United Nations Organisation (British Contributions)
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what sums have been paid to the United Nations Organisation and its agencies in each of the last three years by the United Kingdom compared with payments made by other major member countries; and how the amounts paid differ from the amounts which should be paid.
I have today 'laced in the Library of the House tables giving the information requested by my hon. Friend.
Jordan (Medical Supplies)
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what requests have been received for the delivery of insulin to the Kingdom of Jordan; what replies hove been made; what other medical supplies are being made available to Jordan; and how quickly is delivery taking place.
Her Majesty's Government have received no request from the Jordan Government for the delivery of insulin. Medical supplies from British Government stocks in Cyprus, flown to Amman at our request, by the International Red Cross, included bandages and dressings, syringes, surgical instruments, splints, sulpha drugs and other items. Delivery of these emergency supplies was completed by 22nd June.
Space Research (European Co-Operation)
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if the Government, bearing in mind this country's participation in the three European space organisations, European Launcher Development Organisation, European Space Research Organisation and C.E.T.S., is satisfied with the present situation concerning Europe's co-operative efforts to explore and exploit space for peaceful purposes; or if these efforts are likely to be jeopardised both at the organisational and at the political levels by the lack of a clear sense of European purpose.
The communiqué issued after the second European Ministerial Space Conference held in Rome on 11th to 13th July, which considered the state of European co-operative activities in space and at which the United Kingdom was represented by my hon. Friends the Minister of State, Ministry of Technology, and the Minister of State, Department of Education and Science, shows that progress is being made. A copy of this communiqué has been placed in the Library.
European Ministerial Space Conference
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if the Government, having participated in the First European Ministerial Space Conference, Paris, December 1966, will instruct its delegate to the forthcoming Second Conference, to be held in principle in July, 1967, to urge the adoption by that Conference of the policy advocated in paragraph 10 of Recommendation 477 (1967) of the Consultative Assembly of the Council of Europe.
The second European Ministerial Space Conference took place in Rome from 11th to 13th July. Although Recommendation 477 (1967) of the Consultative Assembly of the Council of Europe was not discussed the decision, recorded in the final communiqué, to give the Conference a formal institutional status is generally in line with the underlying purpose of the Recommendation.
Aden
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what action has now been taken in respect of allegations of ill treatment of suspected terrorists in Aden referred to in the Bowen Report.
My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence and I have now received the results of the inquiries by the Ministry of Defence as well as those by the then High Commissioner, Sir Richard Turnbull. A thorough investigation has been carried out into the allegations by the Special Investigation Branch of the Army in which more than two hundred people were interviewed. The results of this investigation do not justify the preferring of charges against the three men referred to in the Bowen Report or against anyone else. This investigation showed too that, contrary to reports in the Press, at no time were inquiries impeded by the then Chief of Intelligence, Brigadier Cowper.Sir Richard Turnbull's report on the manner in which the allegations were investigated by the Administration shows that the prescribed procedure was followed but that the difficult circumstances in Aden over that period unavoidably delayed the process of investigation. Following the recommendations in the Bowen Report, the procedures have been improved.
Egypt (Mr Barnett)
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that a member of the staff of Her Majesty's British Embassy in Cairo was arrested by Egyptian police on 6th June, suffered interrogation, was handcuffed to Squadron Leader Hindle James and was finally deported from Egypt; what protest about this treatment has been made to the Egyptian Government; and why diplomatic immunity was not granted to him.
I presume that the reference is to Mr. Jeremy John Barnett who was arrested on 6th June and released on 10th June and put on board a ship along with Squadron Leader Hindle James. Mr. Barnett was employed at the El Nasr College in Cairo and was not subject to diplomatic immunity. The British Interests Section of the Canadian Embassy made repeated and vigorous protests to the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Interior against the arrest of British subjects following which Mr. Barnett was released.
North Atlantic Treaty Organisation
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs in view of the fact that the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation was brought into being to protect Europe against Stalin's expansionist threat, and since that threat no longer exists as shown by the Johnson-Kosygin conference, if he will reduce Great Britain's North Atlantic Treaty Organisation commitments below those suggested in Command Paper No. 3375, page 2, paragraph 4, which will achieve foreign exchange savings of only £5½ million from a defence expenditure of about £2,000 million; and if he will make a statement.
I have nothing to add to the White Paper which is to be debated today.
Central Treaty Organisation
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs on what grounds the last two Central Treaty Organisation Conferences in London were cancelled; and on what date the 1967 meeting of this Conference will now take place.
Recent international events led Members to agree that in the circumstances the Ministerial Council due to be held in London in July should be postponed. The meeting had previously had to be postponed from April because the dates coincided with the funeral of Dr. Adenauer. As my right hon. Friend said in reply to the hon. Member for Banbury (Mr. Marten) on 17th July, the meeting will be held as soon as it seems to our allies and ourselves a convenient moment to hold it.—[Vol. 750, c. 1525.]
Ministry Of Power
Russian Oil (Imports)
106.
asked the Minister of Power whether it is now the policy of the Government to purchase Russian oil as supplies from the Middle East and Africa are temporarily inadequate.
I have nothing to add to the statement of my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade on 22nd June.—[Vol. 748, c. 334.]
Gas
Natural Supplies (Irish Sea)
asked the Minister of Power what licences have been issued for drilling for gas off the Welsh coast in the Irish Sea.
One production licence to search for and get oil and gas in an area of about 500 square miles in the Irish Sea off Lancashire has been issued to Gulf Oil (Great Britain) Ltd.
asked the Minister of Power what preliminary surveys have been conducted with a view to discovering what natural gas reserves there are in the Irish Sea off the Welsh coast; and if he will publish the results of such initial surveys.
Gulf Oil (Great Britain) Ltd., carried out a pilot survey in April and May this year in the area held under licence by them in the Irish Sea. More work will be required before a worthwhile assessment of the prospects can be made. Information obtained from surveys carried out under licences is given to my Department in confidence.
Connection Charges
asked the Minister of Power whether he will seek to amend present legislation to impose a limit on the charges imposed by area gas boards for connection to mains gas supply.
The question of connection charges as levied both by the gas and electricity industries has been under review for some time and I hope soon to announce the conclusions reached.
Hospitals
Broadmoor (Patients)
107.
asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the adjudication by the Press Council on 25th July last that the changed character of Broad-moor is not generally known, he will take further action to make it clear that patients on Broadmoor are not to be regarded as criminal lunatics.
I welcome this opportunity of emphasising that Broadmoor is a psychiatric hospital for the treatment of mentally disordered patients under conditions of special security. This has been the correct description of the hospital since the Mental Health Act of 1959.
New Hospital, Mostyn
asked the Minister of Health when Ellesmere Port can expect to have the new hospital at Mostyn to serve Chester and Ellesmene Port; and, in the meantime, what steps are being taken to provide an adequate casualty unit at the existing Cottage Hospital at Whitby.
Planning is well advanced for a new district general hospital to be built at Deva to serve the Chester and Ellesmere Port area. Building is expected to begin in 1968 and be completed by 1975. There are no plans to provide a major accident centre at the existing Ellesmere Port Hospital, but the Regional Hospital Board have in mind possible minor improvements to this hospital when resources permit.
Consultants (Nhs Appointments)
asked the Minister of Health if he will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT the ages, specialities and sub-specialities of all consultant appointments in the National Health Service in 1966.
At 30th September, 1966 there were 9.048 medical and dental consultants in post. I would refer the hon. Member to the Report of my Department for 1966 (Cmnd. 3326) Table 62 (Part 2) for the numbers by specialty. The age classification is:
| Under age 35 | … | … | … | 141 |
| Age 35–39 | … | … | … | 1,009 |
| Age 40–49 | … | … | … | 3,436 |
| Age 50–59 | … | … | … | 3,319 |
| Age 60–64 | … | … | … | 990 |
| Age 65 and over | … | … | … | 153 |
Bma And Junior Hospital Doctors' Association (Negotiations)
asked the Minister of Health what progress has been made in negotiations between the British Medical Association and the Junior Hospital Doctors' Association.
I have seen reports that discussions are taking place between these Associations, but I have no information on their progress.
St Peter's And Woking Victoria Hospitals
asked the Minister of Health what is the waiting period at the St. Peter's and Woking Victoria hospitals for non-urgent gynaecological operations; what it was in 1964; and what proposals the South-West Metropolitan Regional Hospital Board has for reducing it.
The average waiting time at these hospitals for all non-urgent gynaecology operations is 27 months. In 1964 it was 15 months. The Regional Board are building a new block of 5 operating theatres at St. Peter's Hospital which will open in September. In the meantime some patients will be accepted in hospitals of the Chelsea and Kensington group.
Ministry Of Health
Drugs (Cost)
asked the Minister of Health what is his estimate of the increased cost of drugs to the National Health Service caused by the growing volume of advertising of pharmaceutical products to doctors, especially through the medium of unsolicited regular medical journals sent free of charge to doctors.
Sales promotion practices are one of the matters which are within the terms of reference of the Sainsbury Committee, whose Report I expect shortly; but I have no evidence that the pharmaceutical industry is devoting an increased proportion of its revenue to sales promotion, nor has there been any general increase in the price of drugs.
Coloured Immigrants
asked the Minister of Health on what assumption the official estimate is made that by 1985 there will be three and a half million coloured immigrants living in Great Britain; and if he will make a statement.
I would refer the hon. Member to the Answer my hon. Friend gave him on 22nd June—[Vol. 748, c. 338.]
National Finance
Deflationary Measures
108.
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will instruct Ministers responsible for the level of demand to take further deflationary measures in order to achieve a better use of manpower.
No.
Economic Output And Capacity
109.
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what he now estimates the growth in United Kingdom economic output and capacity will be between December, 1966, and December, 1967; and what are his corresponding estimates for the average between 1966 and 1967.
I have no reason to depart from the estimate in "Economic Report on 1966" and in my Budget statement that the growth in productive capacity during 1967 is likely to be around 3 per cent. As to the prospective growth of output during 1967, and between the years 1966 and 1967, I would refer the hon. Gentleman to my speech in the economic debate on 24th July and to my reply to the hon. Member for Oswestry (Mr. Biffen) on 13th June.—[Vol. 751, c. 92; Vol. 748, c. 287–8.]
Exchange Control Regulations
110.
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will cause an investigation to be made with a view to prosecution under the exchange control regulations of a private individual, whose name and particulars have been supplied to him, who visits Palma in Majorca on several occasion in a given year, staying for months at luxurious hotels, when there is no possibility of a business travel allowance.
I am always ready to have an inquiry made into a suspected infringement of the Exchange Control Act.
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will relax exchange control regulations to assist firms with good export records in setting up overseas subsidiaries to act as their distributing agents.
I regret that there is nothing I can add to the reply I gave on 26th June to a similar Question from my hon. Friend.—[Vol. 749, c. 34.]
Hm Inspectors Of Explosives (Report)
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many copies of the report of Her Majesty's Inspectors of Explosives, for the year ended 31st December, 1965, were printed; and how many have been sold.
1,375 copies were printed. In the two months since publication 682 copies have been sold and 464 issued for official purposes.
£ Sterling (Purchasing Power)
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer why the £ sterling, which had a purchasing value of 20s. in 1914 and had a value of 3s. 11d. in 1965, fell in value to 3s. 7d. in June, 1967; and to what extent Her Majesty's Government's policy of wage and salary restraint, increased taxation, and other measures taken during the last 12 months was responsible for this further depreciation in the purchasing power of the £ sterling.
The main reasons for the fall in the purchasing power of the £ between 1965 and June, 1967 were that the growth of money incomes over the period as a whole outstripped that of output, and that indirect taxes had to be increased to help restore the balance of payments.
History Of Parliament
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what progress is being made with the History of Parliament; and whether he will make a statement on the future of the History of Parliament Trust.
The object of the History of Parliament Trust is to prepare and publish an authoritative history containing biographical studies of Members of Parliament from the 13th Century. In 1951, with the agreement of all Parties, Exchequer assistance was promised up to a total of £300,000 over 20 years, plus £40,000 towards the cost of publication. Another £20,000 was added in 1959.It has become apparent that the work could not be completed by 1971. The Treasury and the Trustees, whose Chairman is my hon. Friend the Member for Lewisham, South (Mr. Carol Johnson), have reviewed the position, and agreed that the Trust should concentrate on a programme covering the years 1377–1422, and 1509–1820. It has been agreed that the Trust may have the use of the amount provided towards publication costs, which has not been spent, as well as the balance of the editorial grants of £320,000. A further review of the work of the Trust will take place before 1970 in order to reach decisions about the programme in the years after 1970. The Board of Trustees and the Editorial Board are being reorganised. Details of these changes and of progress of work under the Trust direction are given in the annual report for 1966–67, copies of which are in the Libraries of both Houses.
Customs Procedure
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware of the customs procedure operated in Sweden whereby travellers can pass through a red lane when there is something to declare and a green one when there is not; and whether he will consider the introduction of this simplified system.
Generally speaking the new arrangements introduced here last year are working satisfactorily, but the Customs are constantly studying possible improvements, including the experience of other countries.
Tress Report
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in the light of the conclusions and recommendations of the Tress Report on the South-West Region he will now take immediate steps to modify or altogether remove the imposition of the Selective Employment Tax.
I would draw the hon. Member's attention to section 25 of the Finance Act, 1967. This concession should be of assistance to hotels and catering and other service industries in the South-West as elsewhere.
Public Expenditure
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what target he has set for the annual percentage rise in public expenditure in the financial years 1968–69, 1969–70 and 1970–71 to achieve his target of an average rise of 3 per cent. per annum in public sector spending between 1967–68 and 1970–71 given the 7·8 per cent. increase in the current financial year.
As I indicated on 24th July it now seems that we shall be able to carry out the development of our policies within an average annual rate of increase in public expenditure (excluding the investment of the nationalised industries etc.) of 3 per cent. at constant prices during the period 1967–68 to 1970–71. I am not at present prepared to give forecasts of the increases between individual financial years after 1967–68. Forecasts of Supply expenditure in 1968–69 will of course be given in due course in the Vote on Account, 1968–69 and of public expenditure in the Financial Statement, 1968–69.—[Vol. 751, c. 98.]
Income Tax
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what percentage of the working population, employers, employees and self-employed persons, pay direct Income Tax; what percentage of all those in receipt of retirement pensions pay Income Tax; and what percentage of those in receipt of family allowances pay Income Tax.
About 80 per cent. of the working population, counting earning wives separately, pay Income Tax; about 20 per cent. of retirement pensioners, counting married couples as two where both have a pension in their own right, pay Income Tax; and 84 per cent. of the families with family allowances, pay Income Tax.
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much Income Tax relief for children would have to be reduced to raise £58 million extra revenue.
A cut of £15 in the child allowance for all children would yield about £60 million in a full year. A cut of £30 in the child allowance for second and subsequent children would yield about the same amount.
Consumer-Durable Goods Industries
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has for further measures of reflation for the consumer-durable goods sector of the economy, in particular the car industry.
I have none at present.
Ministry Of Labour
Over-Employment
111.
asked the Minister of Labour what is his estimate of the degree of over-employment in British industry; and how many workers he estimates would be made available for other work if they were not employed wastefully in their present occupations.
I have no precise figures to quote to the hon. Member but the Government favour the better utilisation of manpower and their policies are directed to that end.
Prices And Incomes Policy
asked the Minister of Labour what study he has made of the computerised survey of salaries carried out by Careers Register, a copy of which has been sent to him, which suggests that some employers have anticipated back-dating of salaries contrary to the intention of the Government's prices and incomes policy; what action he proposes to take to identify these employers; and if he will make a statement.
I have seen the statement to which the hon. Member refers. Without identifying the employers concerned, it is not possible to say whether or not they have been acting without regard to the policy for productivity, prices and incomes.
Entry Visa (Reply To Application)
asked the Minister of Labour why his Department sent to Mr. Das of Penzance, in reply to an application for an entry visa for his nephew and niece, an altered copy of a letter previously sent to another applicant with the name and date changed.
If the hon. Member will send me the letter in question, I will look into the case and write to him about it.
Educationally Subnormal (Employment)
asked the Minister of Labour (1) how many educationally subnormal persons are at present employed in sheltered workshops;(2) what steps he is taking to increase the number of sheltered workshops employing the educationally subnormal.
Information is not available about how many educationally subnormal persons are at present employed in sheltered workshops. The in- creasing provision of sheltered employment facilities for the severely disabled will offer opportunities for any educationally subnormal who are not suitable for ordinary employment.
Employment (Scotland)
asked the Minister of Labour how many men and women, respectively, were in employment in Scotland at the most recent date for which figures are available; and what were the comparable figures in the same month of each of the previous three years.
Employment estimates for Scotland have been made quarterly since June, 1965, and are available seven months after the reference dates. For earlier years, only mid-year estimates were made.The following table shows estimates for each June from 1963 to 1966 and for December, 1965, and December, 1966:
| EMPLOYERS IN EMPLOYMENT IN SCOTLAND | ||||
| (Thousands) | ||||
| Males | Females | Total | ||
| June, 1963 | … | 1,331 | 771 | 2,102 |
| June, 1964 | … | 1,346 | 786 | 2,132 |
| June, 1965 | … | 1,342 | 797 | 2,139 |
| December, 1965 | … | 1,341 | 812 | 2,153 |
| June, 1966 | … | 1,332 | 811 | 2,143 |
| December, 1966 | … | 1,317 | 806 | 2,123 |
Commonwealth Affairs
Overseas Civil Service (Transfers To Diplomatic Service)
112.
asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs what opportunities are available for members of Her Majesty's Overseas Civil Service to transfer to Her Majesty's Diplomatic Service; and how many have availed themselves of such opportunities since 1st August, 1966.
It is not possible for members of Her Majesty's Overseas Civil Service to transfer direct to the Diplomatic Service. They may however join it in other ways, for example through the Supplementary Competition for entry to the Administrative Branch. Of eight entrants to the Service through this Competition since 1st August, 1966, two were former members of Her Majesty's Overseas Civil Service.
European Economic Community
113.
asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions there have been between representatives of other Commonwealth Governments and Her Majesty's Government concerning Great Britain's application to enter the European Economic Community; what representations have been made by other Commonwealth Governments concerning the safeguarding of their trade and other interests in any negotiation between Great Britain and the Community; what replies have been given; and if he will make a statement.
Since the latter half of May discussions about the implications for Commonwealth countries of the British application for membership of the European Economic Community have taken place with representatives of the Governments of Australia, Canada, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, the Commonwealth countries in the Caribbean and other Commonwealth sugar producing countries. Consultations by correspondence with all Commonwealth Governments are continuing. All these exchanges are confidential. We are taking full account of views expressed to us by Commonwealth Governments.
Malta (Robens Mission Report)
asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs whether he will make a statement on the report of the Robens mission to Malta.
Copies of the Report have been placed in the Library of the House and I am arranging for its publication as soon as possible. The Report, which seems to be a workmanlike analysis of Malta's economic problems and a valuable guide to their solution, is being studied urgently and I must ask the hon. Member to await the completion of that examination.
Roads
M23 And M25
114.
asked the Minister of Transport when she expects to publish the plans for the intersection of the M23 and the M25 motorways.
A draft Scheme for the connecting roads between the M23 and the M25 will be published tomorrow.
asked the Minister of Transport when she proposes to hold the public inquiries into the M23 and M25 motorway schemes; and where she intends to hold these.
The question of a public inquiry into the draft Scheme for the M23 is still under consideration. The draft Scheme for the M25 is still open to objection and it is too early to say whether or not a public inquiry will be necessary in this case.
Oxted By-Pass
115.
asked the Minister of Transport when she expects completion of the old Oxted by-pass.
Subject to the acquisition of the necessary land, work should start early next year and be completed late in 1969.
M5 (Extension)
asked the Minister of Transport (1) when she expects work on the already approved extension of the M5 westwards to be completed; and what plans she has further to extend it to serve Plymouth and Penzance directly or by means of a completely dual carriageway trunk road as recommended in the Tress Report on the South-West Region;(2) whether, in view of the recommendations and conclusions of the Tress Report on the South-West Region, she will undertake an immediate fresh review of the general need for improved road communications throughout the South-West Region.
Work on the M5 motorway to Edithmead in Somerset is expected to be completed by the end of 1971. As regards the other matters, I would refer the hon. Member to the Answer given yesterday to my hon. Friend the Member for Falmouth and Camborne (Dr. John Dunwoody).—[Vol. 751, c. 154.]
Schemes
116.
asked the Minister of Transport if she will list the 81 major road projects which were due to start between August, 1965 and January, 1966, and which were deferred for six months, giving the actual date on which work was originally scheduled to start and the date on which each was scheduled to be completed, the date on which each project
| PRINCIPAL ROAD SCHEMES | ||||||
| Target starting date at time of deferment | Target completion date at time of deferment | Actual or revised target starting date | Revised target completion date | Estimated grant value | ||
| At time of deferment | Current | |||||
| £000 | ||||||
| Surrey | ||||||
| Maidstone - Guildford (A25) Bletchingley and Nutfield | 12.65 | 4.67 | 11.67 | 12.70 | 109 | 109 |
| Coventry | ||||||
| A4114 Binley Road | 10.65 | 10.66 | 3.66 | 11.66 | 100 | 94 |
| Bolton-Lancashire | ||||||
| Farnworth and Kearsley By-Pass | 10.65 | 10.67 | 7.66 | 7.68 | 1,958 | 2,087 |
| Northumberland | ||||||
| A697 Weldon Bridge Diversion | 11.65 | 11.67 | 10.66 | 10.68 | 308 | 308 |
| West Riding | ||||||
| Horbury By-Pass | 9.65 | 6.67 | 8.66 | 2.68 | 252 | 268* |
| Loughborough | ||||||
| New Road between A6 Derby Road and A60 | 9.65 | 7.66 | 1.66 | 12.66 | 93 | 128 |
| Southend-on-Sea | ||||||
| I.R.R. Northern Section | 9.65 | 9.67 | 2.66 | 2.68 | 731 | 870 |
| Ring Road, Part Eastern Section | 9.65 | 9.67 | 141 | |||
| Ashford | ||||||
| A292 Diversion of East Hill | 8.65 | 6.66 | 4.66 | 10.67 | 111 | 114 |
| Hertfordshire | ||||||
| Southern Link Road Hatfield New Town | 10.65 | 7.67 | 5.66 | 5.68 | 312 | 410 |
| Greater London Council | ||||||
| High Street, Feltham | 12.65 | 9.66 | 11.66 | 9.67 | 187 | 188* |
| Hillington | ||||||
| Cowley Road, Uxbridge | 12.65 | 3.67 | 1.67 | 12.68 | 240 | 218* |
| Richmond | ||||||
| Heath Road, Twickenham | 9.65 | 9.66 | 8.66 | 9.67 | 96 | 96 |
| Hampshire | ||||||
| Ringwood to Bournemouth Spur | 9.65 | 9.67 | 8.67 | 8.69 | 1,065 | 1,320 |
| Surrey | ||||||
| A24 Dorking By-Pass to Folly Lane | 1.66 | 12.67 | 7.66 | 12.67 | 409 | 383 |
| Surrey | ||||||
| A31 Farnham By-Pass Extension | 11.65 | 5.67 | 8.66 | 8.68 | 360 | 360 |
| Plymouth | ||||||
| Crownhill junction | 1.66 | 1.68 | 5.67 | 2.69 | 580 | 737 |
| Reading | ||||||
| A33 Bridge St. Bridges | 12.65 | 2.68 | 1.67 | 9.67 | 120 | 131 |
| Birmingham | ||||||
| Coventry Road, Clay Lane-City Boundary | 11.65 | 12.67 | 10.67 | 10.69 | 401 | 401* |
| Dudley | ||||||
| A461 Stourbridge Road | 1.66 | 9.66 | 8.67 | 11.68 | 152 | 152* |
| Warley | ||||||
| Relief Road-Route-A457 Stage II | 1.66 | 7.66 | 8.67 | 11.68 | 77 | 72 |
| Wolverhampton | ||||||
| I.R.R. Section III Salop St. Waterloo Road | 1.66 | 1.68 | 10.66 | 8.68 | 970 | 1,047 |
| Cheshire | ||||||
| Wilmslow By-Pass | 11.65 | 11.67 | Scheme superseded | 220 | ||
| Lancashire | ||||||
| Higham Diversion | 12.65 | 12.66 | 9.66 | 9.67 | 77 | 77* |
| Preston | ||||||
| I.R.R. Stage I | 1.66 | 1.68 | 10.66 | 10.68 | 764 | 708 |
started or is now planned to start, and the date on which each will now be completed, and indicating in each case the estimated cost at the time of deferment and the current estimate of the cost.
The following is the list.
Target starting date at time of deferment
| Target completion date at time of deferment
| Actual or revised target starting date
| Revised target completion date
| Estimated grant value
| ||
At time of deferment
| Current
| |||||
£000
| ||||||
| St. Helens | ||||||
| A570 Impt. of Marshalls Cross Railway Bridge | 12.65 | 5.67 | 11.67 | 5.69 | 105 | 110 |
| West Riding | ||||||
| Cinder Oven Bridge | 1.66 | 1.67 | Scheme superseded | 151 | ||
| Hertfordshire | ||||||
| Watford-Rickmansworth, Cassio Bridges | 11.65 | 5.67 | 10.67 | 4.69 | 112 | 195 |
| Hampshire | ||||||
| Basingstoke Development Worting Road Diversion | 11.65 | 5.67 | 11.66 | 5.68 | 72 | 70 |
| Basingstoke Development West Tangential Road, North | 11.65 | 5.67 | 11.66 | 5.68 | 422 | 417 |
| Greater London Council | ||||||
| Strand Subway | 1.66 | 10.66 | Under review | 325 | ||
| Greater London Council | ||||||
| Streatham Place | 1.66 | 3.67 | 3.67 | 12.67 | 195 | 188* |
| Greater London Council | ||||||
| Finchley Road (A41) | 12.65 | 6.69 | 7.66 | 7.69 | 2,258 | 2,651 |
| Newham | ||||||
| Barking Road/Green Street to Town Hall | 12.65 | 12.66 | 1969–70 | 1970–71 | 200 | 243* |
| London | ||||||
| Upper Thames Street (Bush Lane-Arthur Street) | 1.66 | 1.67 | 12.66 | 9.67 | 360 | 343 |
| Greater London Council | ||||||
| Beckenham Road Railway Bridge | 10.65 | 10.66 | 3.67 | 3.68 | 80 | 121 |
| Greater London Council | ||||||
| Holloway Road Railway Bridge | 9.65 | 5.66 | 11.68 | 12.69 | 120 | 118 |
| Hounslow | ||||||
| Gunnersbury Station Railway Bridge | 1.66 | 7.67 | 6.67 | 6.69 | 130 | 151* |
| Greater London Council | ||||||
| St. Johns Hill, Battersea | 12.65 | 4.66 | 10.66 | 10.67 | 250 | 146 |
| Buckinghamshire | ||||||
| Black Horse Canal Bridge | 8.65 | 8.66 | 8.66 | 6.67 | 90 | 87 |
| Birmingham | ||||||
| Paradise Circus | 11.65 | 11.68 | 3.67 | 12.70 | 2,670 | 2,670* |
| Brownhills | ||||||
| Walsall-Lichfield Road | 12.65 | 12.66 | 3.68 | 3.70 | 225 | 240 |
| West Riding | ||||||
| Haigh Cottages-Oulton | 10.65 | 11.67 | 3.68 | 3.70 | 375 | 340 |
| West Riding | ||||||
| Stanningley By-Pass | 9.65 | 9.67 | 8.66 | 5.68 | 992 | 990 |
| * Grant value being reviewed. | ||||||
| MOTORWAY AND TRUNK ROAD SCHEMES | ||||||
Target starting date at time of deferment
| Target completion date at time of deferment
| Actual or revised target starting date
| Revised target completion date
| Estimated cost
| ||
At time of deferment
| Current
| |||||
£000
| ||||||
| M1—Tankersley-Darton | 12.65 | 12.67 | 8.66 | 8.68 | 7,320 | 6,731 |
| Darton-Horbury | 1.66 | 1.68 | 8.66 | 8.68 | 7,210 | 7,268 |
| Lowering of A580 | 10.65 | 3.67 | 3.66 | 11.67 | 1,500 | 1,236 |
| M4—Chiswick-Langley Lighting | 9.65 | 2.66 | 8.66 | 10.67 | 120 | 100 |
| A66—Crackenthorpe Diversion, Westmorland | 9.65 | 6.67 | 5.66 | 9.67 | 142 | 154 |
| A5—Newton Bridge, Brownhills, Staffordshire | 9.65 | 9.66 | 8.66 | 8.67 | 135 | 111 |
| A46—Syston to Thrussington, Leicestershire | 9.65 | 6.67 | 6.66 | 11.67 | 420 | 351 |
| A38—Blue Linhay Hill to East Caton Cross, Ashburton, Devon | 10.65 | 5.67 | 4.66 | 4.67 | 275 | 235 |
| A38—Lee Mill-Westover, Ivy-bridge, Devon | 9.65 | 9.66 | 4.66 | 4.67 | 169 | 190 |
| A31—Tricketts Cross to Hampshire County Boundary, Dorset | 10.65 | 10.66 | 5.66 | 5.67* | 111 | 150 |
| A34—Newcastle-under-Lyme Bypass, Southern Section, Staffordshire | 10.65 | 5.67 | 8.66 | 2.68 | 380 | 380 |
| A56—Daresbury Diversion, Cheshire | 9.65 | 1.67 | 6.66 | 8.67 | 429 | 330 |
| A63—Widening through Garforth, West Riding | 10.65 | 1.67 | 8.66 | 11.67 | 124 | 128 |
| A12—Woodbridge Road-Heath Road, Ipswich, Suffolk | 11.65 | 11.66 | 8.66 | 9.67 | 100 | 94 |
| A10—Mitcham's Corner, Cambridgeshire | 1.66 | 7.66 | 8.66 | 5.67* | 104 | 106 |
| A38—Red Cross Hill - Trehill Lodge Kenn, Devon | 11.65 | 6.66 | 7.66 | 6.67* | 368 | 340 |
| A38—Drumbridge - Chudleigh Knighton Bridge, Devon | 11.65 | 5.67 | 2.67 | 10.68 | 346 | 472 |
| A6—Cat Row to Oakfield Drive, Bolton, Lancashire | 11.65 | 11.66 | 7.66 | 9.67 | 103 | 116 |
| A127—Hall Lane Cross Roads, Essex | 11.65 | 11.66 | 6.66 | 3.67* | 238 | 256 |
| A38—Staffordshire Boundary to Mickleover Link, Derbyshire | 12.65 | 12.67 | 5.66 | 5.68 | 1,546 | 1,478 |
| A6—Blackrod By-pass to Dog Holes Farm Lancashire | 12.65 | 9.66 | under review | under review | 100 | 102 |
| A64—Malton By-pass (Eastern Section) North Riding | 12.65 | 12.67 | Scheme abandoned | |||
| A38—Cutwell Cross to Carew Arms, Ugborough, Devon | 11.65 | 11.66 | 11.66 | 11.67 | 134 | 164 |
| A38—Ashburton By-pass, Devon | 11.65 | 11.66 | 6.67 | 5.68 | 134 | 220 |
| A6—Dicconson Lane to St. John's Avenue, Westhoughton, Lancashire | 1.66 | 1.67 | 10.66 | 1.68 | 120 | 124 |
| A1—Long Bennington By-pass, Kesteven, Lincolnshire | 12.65 | 12.67 | 1.67 | 1.69 | 779 | 942 |
| A6—Stoughton Drive, Leicester City Boundary, Leicestershire | 8.65 | 8.66 | 4.66 | 12.66* | 92 | 76 |
| A34—Stone Road-Eccleshall Road Roundabout, Stafford | 10.65 | 10.66 | 8.67 | 4.69 | 100 | 147 |
| A27—Diversion at Crocken Hill, West Sussex | 10.65 | 1.67 | 4.66 | 4.67* | 98 | 102 |
| A127—Rayleigh Weir Round-about, Essex | 11.65 | 8.66 | 12.66 | 9.67 | 98 | 111 |
| A3—Hogslodge to Gravel Hill, Hampshire | 11.65 | 6.67 | 12.67 | 6.69 | 99 | 132 |
| A33—South of Popham, Hampshire | 12.65 | 12.66 | 8.66 | 8.67 | 99 | 98 |
| A1—Westmains Diversion, Belford, Northumberland | 12.65 | 12.66 | 10.67 | 10.68 | 77 | 96 |
| A4—Rosedale Crescent to Reading Boundary, Berkshire | 1.66 | 10.66 | 9.67 | 12.69 | 170 | 450 |
| (Scheme revised and extended) | ||||||
| A38—Beare Diversion, Devon | 1.66 | 1.67 | 9.66 | 9.67 | 99 | 111 |
| A69—Scarrow Hill Improvement, Cumberland | 12.65 | 5.67 | 11.66 | 5.68 | 150 | 139 |
| A583—Ribby Corner, Lancashire | 11.65 | 11.66 | 12.66 | 2.68 | 151 | 186 |
| High Wycombe By-pass Contract II | 8.65 | 10.67 | 6.66 | 6.68 | 4,156 | 3,991 |
| * Date road opened to traffic. | ||||||
A1 (Berwick-Upon-Tweed)
asked the Minister of Transport what proposals have been made to improve the trunk road A1 in Berwick-upon-Tweed; and if she will make a statement on how these proposals will affect the Elizabethan ramparts involved.
The A1 through Berwick-upon-Tweed is heavily overloaded and any improvement to it must take account of the town development and, because of their historic value, the need to preserve the Elizabethan ramparts.After consultation with my right hon. Friends the Ministers of Public Building and Works and of Housing and Local Government, and with the local authorities, proposals have been prepared which appear to meet these diverse needs in the most satisfactory way. They involve a gyratory system with a road passing through a tunnel beneath the grass bank of the ramparts between Scotsgate and the Cumberland Bastion. These proposals, which have been recommended by the Ancient Monuments Board for England, are designed to improve the view of the ramparts, which would be displayed to their full height. Still further to enhance the display of the monument, my right hon. Friend the Minister of Public Building and Works would also propose, in agreement with the borough of Berwick-upon-Tweed, to take the opportunity to restore the stretch of ditch between Cumberland and Brass Bastions to its proper levels.Detailed discussions must proceed before the final scheme can be drawn up. Draft Orders will be published under the provisions of Sections 7 and 9 of the Highways Act, 1959 and will of course be open to objection.
Railways
Sale Of Lines
asked the Minister of Transport how many instances there are since October, 1964, and since the nationalisation of the railways, respectively, of the sale of any railway undertaking as a going concern to any non-public body.
The Railways Board tells me that there have been no instances since nationalisation, of a railway line being sold as a going concern to any outside body, either public or non-public. Information is not readily available about other railway activities.
Devil's Bridge Railway Line (Sale)
asked the Minister of Transport if she will exercise her statutory powers to prevent the Railways Board selling the Devil's Bridge Railway to any other body or individual.
Statutory authority from my right hon. Friend would be needed by any body which bought this line and wished to operate it.
Disposal Of Assets
asked the Minister of Transport what is her policy with regard to the disposal of railway assets no longer required by the British Railways Board.
My right hon. Friend explained her policy in relation to the disposal of assets from closed railway lines in reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Central Ayrshire (Mr. Manuel) on 15th June, 1966. When the Railways Board have her approval to dispose of the formation, station sites and access, they are free to go ahead subject to the general undertaking which they have given to offer local authorities the first refusal of any land which becomes surplus to operational requirements.The disposal of assets other than land is a matter entirely for the Board.—[Vol. 729, c.
289.]
Passenger Services (South West)
asked the Minister of Transport whether, in the light of the Tress Report on the South-West Region, she will now agree to delaying further cuts in rail services to the South-West pending the development of fully compensatory alternative road and air communications to and from and within the South-West Region.
My right hon. Friend will certainly take into account the general transport situation in the area before giving the Chairman of the Railways Board her views on the desirability of publishing any proposal for withdrawing railway passenger services.
Transport
Unused Canals, Wales
asked the Minister of Transport if she will inquire into the possibility of taking steps to improve and clear the unused canals in Wales so that they can be better used for fishing, boating and amenity purposes and thus add to the tourist attractions of Wales.
The Government's proposals for the nationalised inland waterways were sef out last year in the White Paper on Transport Policy (Cmnd. 3057) and I intend to present a further White Paper dealing with the amenity and recreational use of these waterways in the near future. My right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Wales is considering proposals for the restoration of the northern section of the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal which runs through the Beacons National Park. There are other unused canals in Wales belonging to various owners the future use of which is not within my responsibility.
Road Traffic Act, 1933 (Carriers' Licensing System)
asked the Minister of Transport when she will give further details about her proposals for re- vision of the Road Traffic Act, 1933 and its provisions for road haulage vehicle licensing; and whether she will make a statement.
My right hon. Friend recently circulated to interested organisations a memorandum giving details of her proposals for a revised carriers' licensing system; copies have been placed in the Library of the House. She is now holding consultations with those concerned, and hopes to bring forward legislative proposals in the proposed Transport Bill.
Defence
Royal Malta Artillery
117.
asked the Secretary of State for Defence what arrangements he is making for members of the Royal Malta Artillery serving in Germany to obtain civil employment after discharge; and in particular whether, to facilitate this, he will arrange for them to be stationed in Malta immediately before the force is disbanded.
Members of the Royal Malta Artillery on discharge are entitled to the same benefits—including terminal leave and in-service resettlement training—as members of the British Army. On present plans the Royal Malta Artillery unit in Germany will return to Malta in the summer of 1970.
Manpower Reductions
asked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the estimated cost of redundancy payments and compensation arising from the reduced service and civilian manpower envisaged in the Defence White Paper.
Precise estimates cannot yet be made. The cost will depend on such factors as the timing of withdrawals, the proportion of redundancy to normal wastage, and the rank, grade and length of service of those concerned.
asked the Secretary of State for Defence, with regard to the 80,000 Service and civilian manpower reduction envisaged in the Defence White Paper for the mid-1970s, what is the estimated cost of education, health, welfare and other social service spending of Servicemen and their families which will henceforth be borne by other Departments.
We shall be consulting other Government Departments and local authorities about the social implications of the reductions in Service and civilian manpower. As indicated in the Supplementary Statement on Defence Policy, 1967 (Cmnd. 3357), these reductions will be effected gradually and, as far as possible, by normal wastage. I do not expect that they will have any significant effect on the social services in any particular area.
Arab Personnel (Training)
asked the Secretary of State for Defence why 270 Arab personnel are being trained in Army, Navy and Air Force establishments in this country, when the war between the Arab States and Israel is not over and Great Britain has declared her neutrality in the conflict.
These students were under training in this country before the war in the Middle East began and, with the exception of the Iraqi students, we have seen no reason to discontinue their training.
Sonic Bangs
asked the Secretar of State for Defence how many sonic booms have been caused during the last two years by aircraft under the control of his Department either directly over the county of Cardigan or over Cardigan Bay and within the hearing of persons living in Cardiganshire.
There has been only one occasion in the last two years in which an R.A.F. aircraft caused a sonic boom in this area and this was inadvertent. Supersonic flights by Service aircraft for training purposes are normally carried out over the sea in such a way as to cause no disturbance on land.
Low-Flying Aircraft
asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will cause flights of low-flying aircraft to be arranged over various parts of the United Kingdom so that the reaction of the general public thereto can be compared with that of persons living in the counties of Merioneth Cardigan and Carmarthen who have suffered such flights for a considerable time.
The county of Cardigan and parts of the counties of Merioneth and Carmarthen are situated within two areas used for low-flying by the R.A.F. There are 15 such areas and various routes linking them within the United Kingdom. Low flying is an essential part of operational training. Low flying is strictly controlled and, consistent with operational and safety requirements, it is carried out in such a way as to cause the least disturbance to the general public. I very much regret the unavoidable disturbance which does occur from time to time in certain areas, and I am always willing to investigate any individual complaints that are brought to my attention.
Anglo-French Variable Geometry Aircraft
asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will seek to obtain from the French Government an ex gratia payment in recompense for the financial loss sustained by Her Majesty's Government on account of the unilateral cancellation of the Anglo-French variable geometry aircraft.
No.
Canberra Aircraft Crash (Steeple Morden)
asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he is now in a position to make a full statement about the crash of a Canberra aircraft at Steeple Morden, Cambridgeshire, on 17th April.
The inquiry proceedings have now been completed. Unfortunately the board of inquiry could not establish beyond reasonable doubt the cause of the accident. A thorough examination has produced no evidence of any mechanical malfunction before the crash, or fatigue or other failure. The impact damage was such that prior malfunction cannot be ruled out, nor can the possibility of a human error in handling the aircraft be entirely discounted. But any explanation of what happened can only be conjectural. Consequently the board were unable to allocate responsibility for the accident.As regards the risks associated with the presence of training airfields, a comparison has shown that accident rates at the two training airfields in Cambridgeshire are well below the average for the R.A.F. as a whole.
Board Of Trade
Copyright (Protocol To Berne Convention)
118 & 119.
asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) why the Minister of State gave an assurance to a private delegation of publishers and authors that Her Majesty's Government would not sign the protocol to the Berne Convention on copyright relating to developing countries;(2) when he intends to sign the protocol to the Berne Convention on Copyright relating to developing countries which was recently agreed at Stockholm.
There has been no meeting between a Minisetr of State and a delegation of publishers and authors.At a briefing meeting for the Press, the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade made it clear that H.M. Government do not agree with the Protocol to the revised Convention that relates to developing countries. The Government will be considering in due course the question of accession to the Convention itself, which embodies changes affecting British interests.
Benedict Breen Ltd
asked the President of the Board of Trade what investigations are being, or will be, made under the Companies Act into the affairs of Benedict Breen Limited, estate agents of Eardley Road, Streatham, London, S.W.16, on the ground that there are circumstances suggesting that an investigation is justified under section 165(1)(b) of the Companies Act, 1948.
Inquiries about Benedict Breen Limited are at present being made by the police. If those inquiries show that an investigation by the Board of Trade is desirable, the necessary steps will be taken without delay.
Mining Areas (Light Industries)
asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will take steps 10 encourage the setting up of light industries in mining areas.
Within the Development Areas I am using to the full my powers under the Local Employment Acts to encourage new employment opportunities and the mining areas therein continue to benefit from these efforts. In mining areas in other parts of the country I am prepared to consider applications for industrial development certificates for projects suited to the needs and resources of those areas. Many advance factories are also being built in mining districts throughout the Development Areas.
Estate Agents Council (Members)
asked the President of the Board of Trade whom he will nominate as members of the council, which the 10 principal societies of estate agents are proposing to set up, to represent estate agents who are not members of the larger societies.
I intend to nominate the following:—
- Mr. John Hughes.
- Mr. Duncan S. Miller.
- Mr. Gordon W. Provis.
Factory Space, Merioneth
asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will state the total amount of factory floor space covered by industrial development certificates allocated to Merioneth this year to the latest available date.
23,000 sq. ft. to the end of June.
Exports
asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will give figures for the growth in the value of British exports for convenient periods since October, 1964, the corresponding figures for the growth in the added value content of exports, and the change in profits on exports; and if he will carry out a sample survey to produce such statistics if they are not readily available.
Exports increased by 7 per cent. in value in both 1965 and 1966; in the first six months of this year exports (seasonally adjusted) were 5 per cent. higher than the average for 1966. No statistics are available of the added value content nor of the profits on exports. Technical and other difficulties make such a survey impracticable.
Employment (Blyth)
asked the President of the Board of Trade what communication he has received from Mr. J. Browning, Secretary of Blyth and District Trades Council, regarding increased employment opportunities, in view of the high rate of unemployment running at 6·3 per cent. on 12th June, 1967 in the employment exchange areas covered by the Blyth and District Trades Council; and if he will make a statement.
A letter from Mr. Browning concerning the employment situation in the Blyth area has been received during the past few days. I am, of course, aware of the difficulties of this area. My Department will do all it possibly can to persuade industralists to consider locating projects there.
Soap Flakes (Price)
asked the President of the Board of Trade what steps he is taking to implement the Monopolies Commission's recommendations on the price of soap flakes.
Soap flakes and liquid detergents were excluded from the arrangements I made with Unilever and Procter and Gamble, because consumers already have a wide choice of alternative soap flakes and liquid detergents, the prices of which reflect lower selling expenses.
Investment Grants
asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement about progress in the payment of investment grants under the Industrial Development Act, 1966.
Applications for grant were invited from 16th January, 1967. 25,229 applications representing expenditure of £422,020,000 had been received by 7th July, 1967. 15,693 of these applications had been cleared for payment and 13,744 payments to the value of £48,332,000 had been made. Information extracted from the first 6,050 claims representing about half the claims received so far for the first quarter of 1966 is as follows:
| £ thousand | |||
| Expenditure claimed | Expenditure allowed | Grant paid | |
| Plant and Machinery | |||
| Development Areas | 43,710 | 40,289 | 15,480 |
| Other Areas | 42,761 | 39,320 | 7,864 |
| Computers | |||
| Development Areas | 24 | 20 | 9 |
| Other Areas | 1,104 | 925 | 185 |
| Total | |||
| Development Areas | 43,764 | 40,309 | 15,489 |
| Other Areas | 43,865 | 40,245 | 8,049 |
| Ships | 8,068 | 5,701 | 1,140 |
| Grand Total | *95,697 | 86,255 | 24,678 |
| * Some of this expenditure is still under consideration. | |||
Chipboard (Imports)
asked the President of the Board of Trade how many timber processing plants in the United Kingdom are at present out of action or threatened with closure as a result of supplies of processed timber entering this country at artificially low prices; and what is his estimate of the annual value of the produce lost thereby.
I understand that one chipboard factory has recently closed. Imports are only one aspect of the problem; and, as I indicated in my reply to the hon. Member for Galloway (Mr. Brewis) on 19th July, apart from certain Eastern European supplies, we have no evidence that prices of imported particle board are artificially low.—[Vol. 750, c. 2100.]
asked the President of the Board of Trade when he expects to be able announce the results of his investigations into allegations that processed timber is being dumped in this country at artificially low prices; and whether he will undertake to make a Press release of his findings and of his decision to take appropriate action at the earliest opportunity during the Parliamentary Recess.
I assume the hon. Member is referring to the discussions with Eastern European countries about prices of imported particle board. I am not yet in a position to add to the replies I gave to the hon. Member for Moray and Nairn and others on 19th July.—[Vol. 750, c. 2100.]
Textile Council (Grant)
asked the President of the Board of Trade, what contribution he is making towards the cost of the Textile Council's Productivity and Efficiency Study.
I am making a grant of £35,500 to the Textile Council to meet the cost of employing outside consultants to undertake an international cost comparison and a study of marketing in the United Kingdom. Most of the grant will be payable during the current financial year. I shall be presenting a Supplementary Estimate in due course, but in the meantime any necessary advances will be made from the Civil Contingencies Fund.
Shipping
Pleasure Craft
asked the President of the Board of Trade what additional measures to protect holidaymakers are proposed as a result of recommendations made at the public inquiry into the "Darlwin" disaster.
In January this year I wrote to all the local authorities, harbour authorities and river authorities in England, Scotland and Wales, asking for their co-operation in enforcement of the law relating to small pleasure craft and also offering them the Board's full co-operation. Substantial increases in the penalties for offences in connection with passenger ships have been introduced in the Merchant Shipping (Load Lines) Act, 1967. Penalties for breach of local authorities' regulations relating to pleasure craft have been increased by the Criminal Justice Bill. Proposals for examination and licensing of the crews of small passenger vessels are being prepared. The Board of Trade's professional staff engaged on enforcement work in this field has been increased. Other proposals are being examined.
asked the President of the Board of Trade what has been the result of the consideration given to the introduction of an easily recognisable safety symbol to be displayed on seagoing pleasure boats as a guarantee to the holidaymakers of high standards of maintenance and seamanship.
We have reluctantly concluded that such an arrangement, although attractive, would cause serious legal and practical difficulties. We are considering, however, ways of making the display of the statutory passenger certificate more effective, thus achieving some of the psychological advantages of a safety symbol.
Aviation
Eurocontrol Organisation (Report)
asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement on the activities of the European Organisation for the Safety of Air Navigation.
Copies of the Fourth Annual Report of the Eurocontrol Organisation, summarising its activities during 1966, have been placed in the Library of the House.
Airport (South-West Region)
asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) if he will now initiate a feasibility survey aimed at establishing the best choice for a new and enlarged airport to serve the southern sub-region of the South-West Region, as recommended in the Tress Report on the South-West Region;(2) when he expects to reach a final decision on the site of the airport to serve the southern sub-region of the South-West Region.
Acting on the recommendation of the South-West Economic Planning Council, local authorities are commissioning a survey to determine the best choice for an airport to serve the sub-region. My Department is giving them assistance and advice and, as I indicated in my reply to the hon. Member for Falmouth and Camborne (Dr. John Dunwoody) yesterday, a Government contribution to the cost has been offered. A decision on the matter will be taken when the survey has been completed and the results analysed.—[Vol. 751, c. 160.]
Technology
Defence Documents
120.
asked the Minister of Technology whether he is investigating the circumstances in which classified defence documents came to be discovered in Wolverhampton recently; and if he will make a statement.
Yes. The documents were dated 1963 and are, except for one graded Confidential, all now graded Restricted, the lowest security grading.They had become jammed, out of sight, in the back of an obsolete filing cabinet and entirely escaped notice when it was searched before disposal last May.A revision of the present instructions designed to obviate a repetition of this occurrence is now being considered.
Coal Products (Research)
asked the Minister of Technology if he will require the Atomic Energy Authority to undertake research into the production of oil and chemicals from coal.
Research on coal products is a matter of the Ministry of Power in the first place.
Short Brothers And Harland (Loan)
asked the Minister of Technology what further interim finance the Government propose to provide to Short Brothers and Harland pending the financial reconstruction of the company.
We have decided to make available to Short Brothers and Harland a further loan of up to £3·35 million to enable the company to maintain its present programme until we have agreed the financial reconstruction with the board and the other shareholders. The terms of the loan will be covered by an agreement which is now being negotiated with the company. Payments will be made as necessary to meet the company's current needs. The amount will be included in a supplementary Estimate and advances made from the Civil Contingencies Fund in anticipation of Parliamentary approval.
National Research Development Corporation (Financial Position)
asked the Minister of Technology if he will make a statement about the finances of the National Research Development Corporation.
In view of the position which has been reached on the advances made to the Corporation, and the Corporation's inevitable forward commitments, I propose to introduce legislation at a convenient opportunity to increase the limit of advances from the Ministry to the Corporation from £25 million to £50 million. The National Research Development Corporation has an important rôle to play and it must have the resources to do so.
Social Security
Family Allowances
121.
asked the Minister of Social Security what are the percentage increases, respectively, in the proposed new level of family allowances and in the cost of living since they were last raised.
The new level of family allowances to be introduced next April will be 87 per cent. above the present 8s. rate for the second child, introduced in September, 1952, compared with an increase in retail prices, to date, of 58 per cent. For the third and each subsequent child the 10s. rate introduced in October, 1956 will go up by 70 per cent., whereas prices have increased since then by 37 per cent.
Widow's Pension
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the latest estimate of the cost of giving widows' pensions to all widows on attaining the age of 50 years.
I have been asked to reply.
I would refer the hon. Member to the reply my predecessor gave to the hon. Member for Portsmouth, South (Mr. Pink) on 27th June.—[Vol. 749, c. 80–1.]
Mr Michael De Freitas (Speech)
122.
asked the Attorney-General whether he will instruct the Director of Public Prosecutions to institute proceedings under Section 6 of the Race Relations Act, 1965 in respect of the speech delivered by Mr. Michael de Freitas at Reading on 24th July, 1967, details of which have been sent to him.
asked the Attorney-General if he will institute proceedings under the Race Relations Act against Mr. Michael de Freitas, British leader of the Black Muslims, in respect of statements made by him in the course of a speech at Reading on 24th July, 1967, details of which have been sent to him.
At my request the Director of Public Prosecutions has asked the police to investigate this matter. As soon as the police report is received the question of prosecution will be considered.
Scotland
North Of Scotland Shipping Company
123.
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether the rise in freight charges of the North of Scotland Shipping Company is in accord with the Government's policy on prices and incomes; and if he will make a statement.
A detailed examination of the company's proposal to increase charges showed that, in view of unavoidable increases in operating costs, the proposal met the criteria laid down in the White Paper on Prices and Incomes Policy after 30th June, 1967 (Cmnd. 3235). Because of the effect of the company's charges on the economy of Orkney and Shetland, I have asked the company to carry out a detailed study of the possibility of improving its services with a view to more economical operation, along the lines recommended in the final report of the Highland Transport Board. The company has agreed to this request, and I hope to receive the results of the study later this year.
Kilmarnock Bypass
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, in view of the traffic delays between the centre of Glasgow and Prestwick Airport, he will give greater priority to the plans for the construction of the Kilmarnock bypass which will do much to relieve these delays.
I have authorised Ayr County Council to complete the detailed design of the bypass so that, if it is possible to give it priority, there will be no delay in starting work.
Tenant Farmers (Security Of Tenure)
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what consideration he has given to the question of security of tenure to tenant farmers and to their sons or heirs in Scotland; and if he will make a statement.
I would refer to the reply given by my hon. Friend the Joint Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State to the hon. Member for Inverness (Mr. Russell Johnston) on 28th June.—[Vol. 749, c. 509–10.]
D Notice Procedure
Q10.
asked the Prime Minister what have been the results of his discussions to evolve a more effective D notice procedure; and if he will make a statement.
Discussions are still continuing and I have no statement to make at present.
"Torrey Canyon"
Q11.
asked the Prime Minister what is the co-ordinating Department dealing with the "Torrey Canyon" disaster.
The disaster and its aftermath of necessity involve the responsibilities of a number of Departments and co-ordination is achieved through the normal processes of inter-departmental consultation. If, however, my hon. Friend has any particular problem in mind or point to make I would be happy to arrange for it to be considered.
Colonel Lohan
Q12.
asked the Prime Minister whether he will ask the board presided over by Sir L. Helsby to ascertain how Colonel Lohan obtained information, in March, 1964, of the forthcoming exchange of Gordon Lonsdale for Mr. Greville Wynne.
No. As the House knows, a Civil Service procedure has been set in motion to enable Colonel Lohan to deal with any Government statements which he considers unfair; and we should now let this be carried through to completion.
Social Services (Minister's Speech)
Q13.
asked the Prime Minister if the public speech of the Secretary of State for Education and Science on Saturday 15th July about cuts in the social services at Norwich represents the policy of Her Majesty's Government.
Yes. My right hon. Friend was discussing two of the basic principles of Socialism, equality of wealth and opportunity and the relief of poverty.
Cenotaph, Whitehall
Q16.
asked the Prime Minister which Minister is responsible for the cleanliness of the ensigns on the Cenotaph in Whitehall.
My right hon. Friend the Minister of Public Building and Works.
Honours List
Q17.
asked the Prime Minister how many knighthoods, Commanders of the British Empire and other honours were included in the Prime Minister's List to members of the defence services and the Diplomatic Service, respectively, 10 years ago; what were the comparable numbers in 1960, 1964 and 1966; and over what period of time it is intended to implement the reductions recently announced.
The information is set out below. The reductions will be implemented over the next three years.
| DIPLOMATIC AND OVERSEAS SERVICES | |||||
| Average Awards per List | Knight hoods | C.M.G. | C.B.E. | O.B.E. | M.B.E. |
| 1957 | 9½ | 30½ | 15 | 48 | 89½ |
| 1960 | 8 | 26½ | 19½ | 44 | 81½ |
| 1964 | 7½ | 18 | 10½ | 21½ | 40 |
| 1966 | 7 | 24½ | 8½ | 20½ | 40 |
| DEFENCE SERVICES | |||||
| Average Awards per List | Knighthoods | C.B. | C.B.E. | O.B.E. | M.B.E. |
| 1957 | 12½ | 28 | 31½ | 72½ | 132½ |
| 1960 | 10 | 26 | 32½ | 67½ | 134½ |
| 1964 | 9½ | 25 | 31½ | 63 | 114 |
| 1966 | 9 | 23½ | 31 | 63 | 113½ |
Q18.
asked the Prime Minister how many knighthoods, Commanders of the British Empire, Orders of the British Empire, and Members of the British Empire, respectively, were included in the Prime Minister's List to members of the home Civil Service 10 years ago; what were the comparable numbers for 1964 and 1966; and in which honours list he intends to implement the reductions in such awards recently announced.
The information is set out below. The reductions were implemented in the recent Birthday List.
| HOME CIVIL SERVICE | ||||
| Average Awards per List | Knighthoods | C.B.E. | O.B.E. | M.B.E. |
| 1957 | 9½ | 36 | 68½ | 123½ |
| 1964 | 7 | 23 | 57½ | 120 |
| 1966 | 7 | 20 | 45½ | 114 |
| Birthday List, 1967 | 5 | 10 | 30 | 72 |
Government Expenditure
Q15.
asked the Prime Minister what instructions he has given to Ministers to moderate the increase in Government expenditure; and what social and economic programmes are being held up as a result of this policy.
My right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer informed the House on the 24th of July of the broad conclusion of the Government's public expenditure review that the appropriate moderation of the rate of increase of public expenditure can be achieved without impairing the development of the Government's policies.
Clyde Shipyards
Q19.
asked the Prime Minister if he will make a statement on his visit to Clydeside on 21st July and on the discussions which he had with the Confederation of Shipbuilding and Engineering Unions on the shortage of work in the Clyde shipyards.
I visited Clydebank on the 21st July to see the Q4 under construction. I was also able to have informal talks with representatives of both sides of industry but I have no report to make to the House.
Teachers' Salaries
Q20.
asked the Prime Minister which Government Department has the responsibility for ascertaining that any proposed or agreed increase in the salaries of teachers is consistent with the Government's prices and incomes policy in its general application and with particular respect to the criteria of lower-paid workers and increases in productivity.
The implementation of the Government's prices and incomes policy concerns all Government Departments. In this case the Department of Education and Science is primarily concerned.
Educational Costs
Q21.
asked the Prime Minister if he will transfer to other Departments the estimates for school meals and other educational welfare facilities at present under the Department of Education and Science, in order that a more realistic estimate of educational costs may be achieved.
Exchequer provision for school meals and school milk services in England and Wales was transferred from the Vote of the Department of Education and Science to the Rate Support Grant, which is the responsibility of the Ministry of Housing and Local Government, with effect from 1st April, 1967.
India (Visit By Prime Minister)
asked the Prime Minister if he has arranged to visit India during the Summer Recess.
I have as yet nothing to add to the Answer I gave on the 6th of June to a Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Swindon (Mr. Francis Noel-Baker).—[Vol. 747. c. 787.]
Agriculture, Fisheries And Food
Common Seal
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he proposes to take to protect the common seal in areas where indiscriminate slaughter is threatening stocks.
We have at present no evidence that stocks of the common seal in England and Wales are being threatened, but the effects of hunting on them are being assessed by the Natural Environment Research Council.
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he is aware of the public concern about the inefficient and cruel slaughter of common seals; and if he will introduce legislation to give protection to these creatures.
Any strengthening of the existing legislation against cruelty to animals would need to be considered in relation to wild animals generally and not only seals. While there is no prospect of it being possible to introduce such legislation in the foreseeable future, the issues involved are being considered by the interested Departments.
Eggs (Processing)
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he has now received the British Egg Marketing Board's revised arrangements for the processing of first and second quality eggs; and if he will make a statement.
Yes. The British Egg Marketing Board has offered to amend its proposals in such a way as to ensure that 50 per cent. of the estimated supply of eggs should be reserved for those firms who wish to bid for the proposed No. 2 Processing Contracts.As I have already announced, my right hon. Friends and I have decided to set up a Reorganisation Commission which will be considering within its terms of reference the whole question of the marketing and distribution of egg products including any views on these matters which may be submitted to them. In the meantime, pending the Commission's report, my right hon. Friends and I have asked the Board to introduce its revised proposals and the Board has assured us that it will do so very early next year.
Federation For Animal Welfare (Monograph)
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what study he has made of the monograph on the humane killing of animals published by the Universities' Federation for Animal Welfare, a copy of which has been sent to him; and if he will put the Federation's recommendations into effect when he next authorises a cull of seals.
We have received a copy of the Federation's monograph of 21st July and are studying its contents.On seals, the Federation recommends substantially the same methods as have been used in the past on the advice of Ministry veterinarians who, together with officials of the R.S.P.C.A., have attended the culling operations.
Fruit (Retail Prices)
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he is aware that the home yield of apples, pears and plums will be 60 per cent. down on the normal harvest; in view of fresh evidence of the shortfall of supplies and fruit having the effect of heavy increases in retail prices of fruit during the summer and autumn, what action he proposes to take to see that prices do not rise; and whether he will make a statement.
Quantitative forecasts are not yet available but the prospects for pears and for dessert apples other than Cox's Orange Pippin are now somewhat better than they were a month ago. The prospects for plums and cooking apples are poor. The retail prices of fresh fruit of all kinds are bound to reflect seasonal variations in available supplies.
Pig Health Scheme
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will now make a further statement about the introduction of the Pig Health Scheme.
Details of the Pig Health Scheme have now been completed after discussions with representatives of the industry, the Pig Industry Development Authority and the British Veterinary Association. The Scheme will start on 1st November, and application forms and full information about the Scheme for those farmers who may be eligible to join will be available in the Department's Animal Health Offices in Great Britain from the beginning of October.
National Seed Development Organisation Ltd
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he is now able to give particulars of the composition of the Governing Body of the National Seed Development Organisation Limited.
Yes. Together with the Home Secretary and the Secretary of State for Scotland, I have set up the National Seed Development Organisation Limited as a company to exploit, in the United Kingdom and abroad, plant varieties bred at plant breeding stations supported by public funds. The Organisation will be responsible for securing the grant of plant breeders' rights under the Plant Varieties and Seeds Act, 1964 and for collecting royalties from the users of protected varieties. The profits of the Organisation, which is financed initially by an Exchequer loan, will accrue to the Exchequer.Mr. Douglas Collins has been appointed Chairman of the Governing Body of the Organisation and the other members are Mr. W. H. M. Gill, Mr. J. Keeling, Sir David Lowe, Professor James Morrison, Mr. J. F. Shearer, Mr. H. Stroude, and Professor Watkin Williams.
Housing
Co-Operative Housing Schemes
asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he will make a statement on the progress of extending co-operative housing schemes.
I am very anxious to encourage co-operative housing. Since revised arrangements for co-ownership housing societies were introduced by the Housing Corporation, with my approval, at the beginning of the year, there has been an encouraging acceleration of the rate at which new schemes have been coming forward. 161 projects have now been approved by the Corporation involving over 5,000 dwellings. The Corporation's Annual Report for the year ended 31st March last has been laid before the House today.
Land Commission Levy
asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what action he plans to take in relation to the assessment by the Land Commission of levy on individual house sites which were purchased for over-occupation between September, 1965, and the first appointed day and for which development value has already been paid; and whether he will make a statement.
The Land Commission have asked my right hon. Friend to make an amending regulation which will enable them to afford relief in such cases. While the house remains in the same owner-occupation the Commission would offer relief by postponing the collection of that part of the levy due to the price paid in the interim period. My right hon. Friend hopes to lay the regulation during the recess. By virtue of the amending regulation, no interest will be chargeable on the levy while collection is postponed.
Local Government
Party Political Assistants
asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he will introduce legislation to prevent persons receiving salaries from public funds acting as party political assistants to party leaders on local government authorities.
My right hon. Friend will gladly look into any cases my hon. Friend has in mind.
Public Building And Works
Historic Monuments (Souvenirs)
asked the Minister of Public Building and Works whether he will consider the sale of souvenirs at historic monuments in his charge.
As a means of meeting a public demand and helping to raise the standards of design in this field I have, as an experiment, commissioned four souvenirs which will shortly be placed on sale at certain historic monuments in my charge, including in particular the Tower of London. These are a mounted Knight, in 15th Century armour; a standing figure, wearing armour of a design made for Henry VIII at the Royal Workshops at Greenwich; a Wedgwood cameo of the Emperor Hadrian; and a bronze medallion depicting the Tower of London on one side and Yeoman Warders on the other. Examples or illustrations of these will be on display in the Library today and tomorrow.
Royal Mint (Design)
asked the Minister of Public Building and Works what further action he has taken in connection with the design arrangements for the new Royal Mint project at Llantrisant.
As this stage I am commissioning Sir Frederick Gibberd to work with the Consultants, Sir Alexander Gibb & Partners, in designing the new Mint for decimal coinage and preparing an outline plan for the later stages of the development.
Bricks
asked the Minister of Public Building and Works what is the present supply availability of bricks for all building needs, in both the public and private sector, already in course of construction and in the pipeline.
Sufficient plant capacity exists to meet foreseeable demands for bricks from both the public and the private sectors. There is at present a temporary shortage of Fletton bricks but supply and demand should come into balance by the autumn. Other types of bricks are readily available.