asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs whether he will seek to transfer the financial cost of Her Majesty the Queen's representatives in still dependent territories of the Commonwealth to the charge of his Department, reducing where appropriate their grant-in-aid by an equivalent amount.

There would be considerable complications about this, and I doubt whether the benefits would justify the extensive rearrangement that would be necessary.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs whether it is proposed to grant associated status to any of the remaining dependent territories.

Her Majesty's Government regard Associated Statehood as one possible eventual status for those of our dependent territories which either are not able to sustain or do not want independence.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs what action has been taken in the past three years against Commonwealth countries which have maltreated United Kingdom citizens.

Her Majesty's Government have a constant concern for the consular protection of United Kingdom citizens overseas in Commonwealth as in foreign countries. Whenever evidence has reached us of unfair treatment prompt and vigorous representations have been made to the Government concerned and, in cases of arrest or detention, urgent steps have been taken to obtain access for a British representative and a legal adviser.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs on what principles High Commissioners are told to proceed when citizens of the United Kingdom and Colonies are arrested in Commonwealth countries.

The principles on which the practice of High Commissioners is based in relation to the arrest of citizens of the United Kingdom and Colonies do not differ in substance from those applicable in foreign countries. It is the duty of High Commissioners to give appropriate advice and help to citizens of the United Kingdom and Colonies in accordance with these principles and with Commonwealth practice.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs if he will take steps to convene a Commonwealth peace mission to mediate in the dispute between the Federation of Nigeria and Biafra.

I do not think that we should advance the prospects of peace by taking this particular initiative at present. Although Her Majesty's Government have carefully considered this and other ideas, neither they nor any other Government can intervene unasked.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement regarding the situation in Mauritius following the general election; and when he expects that Mauritius will gain independence.

As my hon. Friend will know, the Independence Party, led by Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam, won the General Election in Mauritius on 7th August and a new Government has been formed under his leadership. In accordance with the decision reached at the 1965 Constitutional Conference full internal self-government was introduced on 12th August.The new Assembly have passed a resolution asking for independence within the Commonwealth and, in accordance with what was agreed at the 1965 Conference, the territory will now be going forward to full independence as soon as possible. As the House will be aware, the Premier of Mauritius is at present in London and I am glad to announce that we have now agreed with him that Mauritius will become independent on 12th March, 1968.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs if he will take action to prevent the British Lions rugby team playing in Rhodesia which would lend aid and comfort to an illegal régime.

Her Majesty's Government have made it clear to those responsible for organising the match in Rhodesia that there are very good reasons why representative teams from Britain should not play there at this time. We still hope that the Lions will reconsider their decision.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs how many police constables there are per head of the population in Rhodesia.

Figures for the current parade strength of police forces are not published by the illegal regime in Rhodesia. Budgetary provisions suggest that the full-time, uniformed police force may at present number something over 8,400. This does not include reservists, who could bring the total strength to more than 45,000.The population of Rhodesia was estimated in June, 1965, to be approximately 4,260,000.It seems likely, therefore, that including reservists there is approximately one policeman to each 100 members of the population in Rhodesia.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs what information he has as to which countries are at present violating sanctions against the Rhodesian régime.

I am aware of the recent statement in the Annual Report of the Secretary General of the United Nations that certain countries are not complying with Security Council Resolution No. 232. A copy of the Secretary General's Annual Report, together with the reports which he has published on the implementation of the Resolution, have been placed in the Library.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs what action he is taking over Malawi's violation of sanctions against the illegal Rhodesian régime by the provision of false trade documents.

I am not aware that the Malawi Government or its authorities have assisted in the evasion of mandatory sanctions by issuing false certificates of origin.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs what in= formation he has as to whether South African troops or police have recently entered the British territory of Rhodesia; and what action he is taking.

As the House will know the South African Government announced on 8th September that their police were active in Rhodesia. The British Government subsequently protested to the South African Government at this incursion into British territory.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs whether he will make a statement on the situation in Rhodesia.

I have nothing to add to the reply already made by the Prime Minister today.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs what has been the result of Her Majesty's Government's representations to countries which have increased their trade with, and have not fully applied mandatory sanctions against, Rhodesia; and whether he will make a statement.

I am not aware of any Commonwealth country which has increased its trade with Rhodesia since mandatory sanctions were imposed. A number of Rhodesia's African Commonwealth neighbours, because of their economic dependence on continued trade with Rhodesia, have not been able fully to implement mandatory sanctions and have so informed the Secretary-General of the United Nations.Any questions in regard to representations which Her Majesty's Government may have made to foreign Governments which have increased their trade with, and have not fully implemented mandatory sanctions against Rhodesia are, of course, a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs what consultations he has had recently with other Commonwealth Governments on the Rhodesian situation and particularly on the effect of sanctions; and whether he will make a statement.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs what new proposals he has for increasing the effectiveness of sanctions against Rhodesia.

I have nothing to add to the reply which I gave yesterday to the Member for Hampstead (Mr. Whitaker).

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs what study he has given to the extent to which the 31 per cent. increase in exports from the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development member countries to South Africa during the first five months of this year included goods destined for Rhodesia; and with what results.

I have studied these figures with interest and I am satisfied that the increase in South Africa's imports is due mainly to the relaxation in December, 1966 by the South African Government of their import controls.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs if Her Majesty's Government will hold a Referendum in British Honduras so that the people can decide for themselves whether they wish to stay with Great Britain or not.

I would refer the hon. Member to the statement of my hon. Friend the then Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies in the Adjournment Debate on 12th August, 1966.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs whether he will now announce the date of a referendum in British Honduras to enable the inhabitants freely to decide their own political future.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs whether he will make a statement about the constitutional future of British Honduras.

I have nothing to add to the reply given today to the hon. Member for Watford (Mr. Raphael Tuck).

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs what steps have been taken to deal with the case of the 15-year-old girl in Hong Kong who has been required to work a 23-hour shift, and a 71½-hour week, for a wage of less than £2, particulars of which have been sent to him by the hon. Member for Farnworth.

An experienced Labour Inspector visited the factory named in the newspaper article but the girl was not known there by management or workers.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs what progress has been made towards an improvement in the labour laws in Hong Kong, particularly with reference to the hours of work of women and young persons.

My noble Friend the Minister of State discussed these problems in Hong Kong last week, and I am able to say that agreement has been reached, with the support of the Hong Kong employers, on the Governor's proposals for a progressive reduction of the hours of work of all women and young persons in industry to a level of 48 hours a week. The period of adjustment will be four years, with a reduction of half an hour yearly beginning in December of this year. Legislation to improve workmen's compensation benefits and security of employment will also be introduced shortly and the review of other labour legislation is being accelerated. Proposals for strengthening the staffing of the Labour Department are also in train.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs whether he will make a statement on British relations with Nigeria, following the civil war there.

Throughout this difficult period, we have maintained close relations with the Federal Military Government. We have always held that Nigeria would achieve her greatest potential if she could maintain the unity to which she succeeded on independence. The Government and many other people in this country are profoundly hoping for peace and reconciliation between all the peoples of Nigeria.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs how many United Kingdom subjects have been arrested in Zambia during the last year; how many are still held without trial; and how many have been deported.

Since 1st October, 1966, 23 United Kingdom citizens have been arrested in Zambia; of these seven have been deported and seven declared prohibited immigrants. Another 28 United Kingdom citizens have been required to leave Zambia as prohibited immigrants. At present, no United Kingdom citizens are being held without trial.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs on what date a constitutional conference on Gibraltar's political future relationship with the United Kingdom will be held; what will be its terms of reference; and on what basis will the composition of Gibraltar's representatives at such a conference be arranged.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs whether he will make a statement about the constitutional future of Gibraltar.

I have nothing to add to the reply given today to the hon. Members for Haltemprice (Mr. Wall), Brighton, Pavilion (Sir W. Teeling) and Goole (Mr. George Jeger).

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs whether he will make a statement on the recent attacks against British subjects in Uganda; and what compensation has been paid to those British subjects who were beaten with staves for an hour and ill-treated in other ways.

There have been no recent attacks reported. To my knowledge no claims for compensation have been submitted by any of the British subjects involved in incidents, all of which occurred many months ago.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs whether he will make a statement about Francistown radio; and the cost to date of installing, maintaining, protecting and using it.

Francistown radio continues to relay the B.B.C. Overseas and African Services into Rhodesia. Costs to date are as follows:

asked the Minister of Power how many miners will become redundant in Scotland if his recent reviewed target of production for the coalmining industry is put nito effect;(2) what he estimates will be the number of pits in Scotland involved in closure if his recent review of the target of production for the coalmining industry is realised.

It will be for the National Coal Board to determine the number of collieries in Scotland which will have to be closed in the light of the estimated future requirements of coal, to which my right hon. Friend referred in the House on 18th July. The number of miners becoming redundant will depend on the individual closures and the success of the Board in redeploying those affected.

asked the Minister of Power what further pit closures have been notified to him as being expected in the County of Durham in the next three years; and the estimated redundancy in manpower during that period.

The National Coal Board have so far given me the names of 5 collieries which were to be closed in the near future; the closure of 2 of these has been temporarily postponed as a result of the recent agreement with the Prime Minister and the other three are closing as a result of exhaustion.It is too early to give any accurate estimate of redundancy up to the end of 1970 since the number of miners made redundant will depend on which individual collieries have to close and the ability of the Board to redeploy those affected.

asked the Minister of Power what will be the cost to public funds of the keeping open of the coal mines that were due to have been closed this year and next; and what will be the cost per annum for a full year of those retentions.

The question of how much of the cost of deferring closures should be borne by public funds is still under consideration.

asked the Minister of Power whether he will take steps to commission a feasibility study of using waste from mines and tips to reclaim areas such as the Wash.

In consultation with the Hydraulics Research Station the National Coal Board have been making a preliminary investigation into the engineering and cost feasibility of disposing of colliery waste from parts of the East Midlands coalfield on the Wash coastline. Here, combined with suitable deposits of top soil, it could be used for reclaiming land for agricultural purposes. The Report on this investigation has not yet been completed but I understand that from the National Coal Board's point of view such a project is unlikely to be economic.

asked the Minister of Power whether he is aware of the dangers arising from the use of carbon tetrachloride in connection with electrical maintenance cleaning within the coal industry; what steps he is taking to meet these dangers; and if he will make a statement.

Both the Ministry and the National Coal Board are aware of the danger of using carbon tetrachloride for the purposes mentioned. The Board has informed us that they propose to prohibit its use except for specialised chemical processes in coal preparation plants, where strict instructions have been issued about the precautions to be taken.

asked the Minister of Power whether it is his intention to authorise the National Coal Board to recoup the cost of keeping open uneconomic pits in Scotland on Government instructions by a further increase in the differential price.

No.

asked the Minister of Power what provision for health services to the rig crews is included in the licences that he grants to companies to drill for oil and gas in the North Sea; and how many and which members of rig crews have been taken ill and taken ashore for medical or surgical treatment.

All licensees have been instructed to seek advice on this subject from the Port Medical Officer or Medical Officer of Health for the British port or other base from which their operations are conducted.I cannot give information about all men taken ashore for treatment.

asked the Minister of Power if he will give details of the amount and location of production of the rigs which, under licence from him, have been drilling for oil and gas in the North Sea since each of those licences were granted.

Over 5,000 million cubic feet of natural gas have been supplied by the British Petroleum Company to the Gas Council from their West Sole gas field, about 42 miles east of the Humber, since the start of production last March. As least three other important gas fields have been located off the east coast of England, but none of them is yet producing.

asked the Minister of Power, in view of the increased success which companies drilling for oil and gas in the North Sea under licence from him are now having, what steps he is taking to control the prices at which such oil and gas are being sold to British consumers; and if he will state the actual prices at which such oil and gas are being sold to British consumers as compared with imports.

No oil has yet been found in commercial quantities in the North Sea. The only gas at present being delivered on shore is from B.P.'s field off the Humber. This gas, like imported natural gas, is being used by the gas industry mainly to manufacture town gas, which is sold to consumers under the Gas Boards' normal tariffs. Some natural gas is being supplied to consumers direct, at prices slightly below the normal town gas tariffs. But no distinction in the price is made between imported natural gas and North Sea gas.

asked the Minister of Power, in view of the successes achieved by private persons and companies under licence from him in drilling for oil and gas in the North Sea, if he now plans to grant similar licences to the scientific bodies, persons and companies which are supported by the Government to drill for oil and gas in the Shelf in British seas for the national, as distinct from private, benefit.

I have nothing to add to the reply I gave my hon. and learned Friend on 18th July, when I said that my right hon. Friend was not inviting applications for further licences to be issued.—[Vol. 750, c. 218.]

asked the Minister of Power why the increases in electricity charges were not submitted to the National Board for Prices and Incomes.

asked the Minister of Power why the recently announced increases in the price of electricity were not referred to the National Board for Prices and Incomes.

asked the Minister of Power if he will refer to the National Board for Prices and Incomes the proposed increases in the price of electricity and gas.

The proposed increases in gas prices and in the Central Electricity Generating Board's bulk supply tariff have been referred to the National Board for Prices and Incomes. The increases in retail electricity prices have been considered by the appropriate consultative councils under normal statutory arrangements.

asked the Minister of Power why, since the domestic rate for electricity charges is to rise in the North-Western Area and in Merseyside and North Wales more than in most other areas of the country, the Merseyside Consultative Council has not been allowed its statutory procedure of appeal, and, in view of the industrial stagnation in the North-West, particularly the contraction of the cotton and coal industries, whether he will reduce the 13 per cent. increase in revenue required to meet the capital commitments of the North-Western Electricity Board.

The Electricity Boards announced the price increases after consultation with the Electricity Consultative Councils. Several of the Councils, including those for Merseyside and North Wales and the North West, made representations to which replies have now been sent. I know of no limitations on statutory procedures. In recognition of the special problems facing their areas, it was agreed that the increases of certain Boards, including both the North Western and Merseyside and North Wales Electricity Boards, should be less than the amounts required to achieve their financial objectives.

asked the Minister of Power if he will make a statement on the proposed increases in certain areas of the price of gas.

The question of the increases in gas tariffs sought by the gas industry was referred to the National Board for Prices and Incomes on 3rd October. No increases will be made before the Board has reported.

asked the Minister of Power what representations he has had from the, Electricity Council or the Central Electricity Generating Board requesting that the increase in the price of electricity should be referred to the National Board for Prices and Incomes.

None.

asked the Minister of Power what representations he has had from the Gas Council requesting that the proposed increases in gas prices should be referred to the National Board for Prices and Incomes.

None. The question of gas and coke prices was referred to the National Board for Prices and Incomes on 3rd October.

asked the Minister of Power whether he has accepted proposals from the National Steel Corporation for the future of the Consett Iron and Steel works.

The British Steel Corporation have made no such proposal.

asked the Minister of Power what representations he has received objecting to the appointment of the chairman of the newly nationalised steel industry in Wales; and if he will make a statement.

I have received representations from two sources. The appointment of Group Managing Directors is a matter for the British Steel Corporation.

asked the Minister of Power when the report on the inquiry into the disaster of the drilling rig "Sea Gem" will be published; and if he will make a statement.

The report of the inquiry into the loss of the drilling rig "Sea Gem" on 27th December, 1965, is being published today. I am grateful to the Tribunal for their devotion and efficiency with which they carried out their task.The Tribunal's conclusion, which I accept, is that failure of tie bars was the main probable prime cause of the collapse of the "Sea Gem" and that the requirements of the Institute of Petroleum's Code were not observed in several important particulars though none of the failures to observe requirements of the code led to the loss of any life.The Tribunal recommends that there should be a statutory code, supported by credible sanctions, for the management of offshore platforms. I accept the case for strengthening the existing statutory provisions governing safety in offshore drilling operations. This will require legislation. The scope of this has been the subject of preliminary discussion with representatives of the North Sea operators and it is being reviewed in the light of the report.The Tribunal makes certain other recommendations, not entailing legislation, which need to be discussed with the operators before I decide to what extent modifications of current practice and procedure are called for. Meanwhile the Ministry's Petroleum Exploration and Production Inspectors, who regularly visit all offshore platforms, pay close attention to all aspects of safety and take steps, with the collaboration of the operators, to ensure that appropriate precautions are adopted.The report makes a number of criticisms of the design and fabrication of certain parts of the "Sea Gem" structure. Design and construction would be among the matters to be dealt with in legislation. Lloyd's Register of Shipping is currently formulating standards for offshore platforms in respect of their design and construction and other features having a bearing on safety. I welcome this initiative and my officials are in close touch with Lloyd's about their proposals.

asked the Minister of Power if he will give general directions to the gas boards to arrange special terms for pensioners, people in receipt of national assistance and others of small income, in the provision of new cookers or converting old ones to a type suitable for use with North Sea gas, as this change is dictated by the boards and not desired by the consumer.

Under the provisions of the Gas Act 1948 the cost of any alteration or replacement of burners on consumers' appliances which is necessary when North Sea Gas is supplied in place of town gas will be borne by the Area Board concerned.

asked the Minister of Power whether he will announce the price of North Sea gas.

Not yet.

asked the Minister of Technology what are now the Government's proposals for acquiring a shareholding in the aircraft industry.

The Government's proposals were announced in the course of the Aviation Debate on 21st November last year. I am now studying a report on the valuation of the companies concerned.

asked the Minister of Technology if he will give an estimate of the extra cost which would be incurred and the time which would be lost by flying supersonic aircraft between the Continent and the United States of America at a subsonic speed while they are passing over the British Isles, or alternatively routing them round the north of Scotland.

Both factors would vary with different airlines and different supersonic aircraft. Up to 40 minutes could be lost by flying Concord at subsonic speed over the British Isles and up to 20 minutes by rerouting over the sea. The increase in operating costs would be of the order of 5 per cent.

asked the Minister of Technology how much foreign currency is spent on the uranium imported for use in the existing nuclear power stations; what is the total annual cost in foreign currency of supplying the stations now operating; and what will be the total annual cost when the first series of nuclear stations is complete.

It has not been the practice, for defence and commercial reasons, to reveal details of the imports of uranium by U.K.A.E.A. In broad terms, however, the annual cost in foreign currency of supplying the uranium for the nuclear stations now operating is about £8 million; this will rise to about £10 million in 1969–70 when the first series of nuclear stations is complete.

asked the Minister of Technology what is the latest estimate of the research and development, and production costs of the Concord; and whether he will make a statement on the method of production financing to be adopted.

asked the Minister of Technology when a decision on the method of financing production of the Concord will be taken and if he will give an assurance that the Concord will not be cancelled by Her Majesty's Government if the test flying programme of the prototypes is successful.

The latest estimate of the expenditure agreed by the two Governments that they will incur in respect of work done by the Contractors remains at £500 million at 1966 prices. There are many unavoidable uncertainties in an advanced project of this kind and jointly with our French partners we keep progress and costs under continuous review.The sums required to finance production will depend on how many aircraft are eventually produced but a broad estimate is that at peak, in the early 1970s, about £100 million might be needed to cover expenditure in advance of receipts. Discussions on the methods of financing production are continuing with the manufacturers and with our French partners; meanwhile, early production work is going ahead in accordance with the programme.

asked the Minister of Technology whether he is satisfied that the Concord project is certain to make a commercial profit; and if he will make a statement.

Concord is being developed as an aircraft the airlines will want to buy to operate at a commercial profit. The return on Government expenditure on Concord will depend upon the success in selling the aircraft.

asked the Minister of Technology what is the latest estimate of the development costs of Concord; and what consideration is now being given to abandoning the project.

The latest estimate agreed between the two Governments of the expenditure that will be incurred in respect of work done by the contractors remains at £500 million at 1966 prices. Jointly with our French partners we keep progress and costs under continuing review. There are many unavoidable uncertainties in an advanced project of this kind. But far from abandoning the project everything possible is being done to make it a success.

asked the Minister of Technology whether he will make a statement on the European airbus project.

The Memorandum of Understanding, signed by Ministers in Bonn on 26th September, formally launched the first phase of the development of the airbus, extending to mid-1968. Continuation after that date will depend on certain conditions, including in particular a commitment by the three national airlines to buy this aircraft.I believe that the European airbus offers us a chance of breaking into a most important and expanding market; I hope that it will also pave the way for further joint civil aircraft projects and help to lay the foundations for a European as opposed to a purely national approach to future requirements and to the development and production of future civil aircraft.

asked the Minister of Technology what types of new military and civil aircraft will have their airframes designed and developed by the British aircraft industry.

On the military side, the Nimrod and the Harrier, and a share with the French in the Jaguar and in the 330, 340 and WG 13 helicopters. On the civil side, the Trident 2E, BAC 111–500 series, Jetstream and Beagle Pup, together with major participation with the French on the Concord and with the French and Germans on the first phase of the Airbus. There are several further good prospects still at the exploratory stage.

asked the Minister of Technology whether, in order to assist British exports, he will accelerate the process of decimalisation of all British measurements; and whether he will publish the schedule of the process as a White Paper or in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

As I indicated to my hon. Friend in a Written Answer on 8th March, 1967, programmes for change to the metric system in a wide section of engineering industry are now being evolved on the basis of surveys conducted by the British Standards Institution. This is a very complex task which is being tackled as quickly as possible but ultimately the speed of change will depend upon the willingness of individual firms to adapt to metric measurements. I do not think it will be possible to publish a single schedule covering the process of metrication in all sectors over the next eight to ten years but I am considering what publicity will be necessary to keep Parliament and the public generally informed of progress. The effects of metrication outside the manufacturing field, particularly in the retail and educational sectors, are also being examined.—[Vol. 742, c. 311.]

asked the Minister of Technology if he is aware that the guarantees given by United Kingdom motor car manufacturers in respect of their products sold in the United Kingdom are inferior to those given for vehicles they export to certain countries; and whether he will take steps, by legislation or otherwise, to ensure that purchasers at home are treated no less favourably than those abroad.

The guarantees given by U.K. motor car manufacturers for their products are only one element in their marketing policy. It does not seem to me to be unreasonable that they should differ from market to market. I do not believe that legislation of the kind suggested would be desirable.

asked the Minister of Technology what is the estimated cost in foreign exchange in a full year of his recruitment offices in the United States of America.

The hon. Member presumably has in mind the office opened by Management Selection Limited under contract with my Department. It is the general practice to regard specific details of costs are confidential to the contracting company.

asked the Minister of Technology if he will make a statement on the cause of the escape of chemical which caused the closing for a time of Dounreay Experimental Station at the end of July, indicating the extent and nature of the escape and its effect on the work of the station.

The Dounreáy Materials Testing Reactor was shut down for a short period at the end of July because of the failure of a capsule containing specimens of materials under irradiation. This resulted in a small local release of short-lived airborne radioactivity confined entirely to the reactor containment building. There was no significant interruption to the work of the reactor and none at all to the rest of the establishment.Non-essential personnel were evacuated from the building. Essential staff remained wearing breathing apparatus, but there was no necessity for other protective clothing. There was no hazard to the establishment or the immediate district.

asked the Minister of Technology what percentage of tonnage on order for British shipowners is being built abroad.

It is estimated that 69 per cent. of the tonnage on order at 30th September for United Kingdom registration by companies resident in the United Kingdom was ordered abroad.

asked the Minister of Technology what plans he has for channelling more Government contracts to development areas; and if he will state in statistical terms what has teen achieved in this direction in the last two years.

In 1965–66, 3·7 per cent. of the total value of orders placed by my Department was awarded to firms in the old Development Districts. In 1966–67 the figure was 4·3 per cent. including contracts awarded to firms in the new Development Areas from autumn 1966. As part of the Government's overall policy, I intend to pursue vigorously all possibilities for channelling more work into Development Areas, particularly In the research and development field.

asked the Minister of Technology if he has yet completed his discussion on the Industrial Liaison Centre, Aberdeen, with the Scottish Education Department, and if as a consequence he will now make a statement on the future effective development of technology, the organisation and increase of staff there and the Aberdeen industries which will be affected by its plans for the future.

After discussions with the Scottish Education Department, the Ministry of Technology has now assumed the major financial responsibility for the Industrial Liaison Centre in Aberdeen, as well as the Centres at Dundee and Paisley.Ways of increasing the effectiveness of the useful contribution to local technology which the Aberdeen Centre already makes, are to be explored with the Principal of Robert Gordon's Institute.It is not feasible, at this stage, to identify the benefits to particular industries which may result.

asked the Minister of Technology if he will state his plans for developing the computer industry and other modern scientific inventions for the benefit of the trade, industry, commerce and employment of Scotland, with particular reference to North-East Scotland.

My right hon. Friend's plans for encouraging modern technological development will benefit the whole country, including Scotland, where several computer and electronic firms already have factories.

asked the Minister of Technology what steps he has taken and plans to take to implement those parts of the Geddes Report recommending improvements in the ship building industry.

Provision for the implementation of the main recommendations of the Geddes Report was made in the Shipbuilding Industry Act, which established the Shipbuilding Industry Board to assist the reorganisation of the industry and which enabled me to give guarantees in respect of home ship orders placed in British yards. The Board and I are using these powers to help the industry increase its ability to compete on the world market for ships.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his latest estimate of the savings in foreign currency caused by the £50 travel allowance.

Expenditure by United Kingdom residents on travel outside the sterling area is tentatively estimated to be £25-£30 million less in 1967 than in 1966, in contrast to the annual increases ranging between £7 million and £29 million in the previous four years. The exchange control restrictions are not the only factor, but are an important one.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the recent improvement in the balance of payments situation, he will now increase the foreign travel allowance for the forthcoming tourist year above the figure of £50.

Not at present.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the effect on the United Kingdom balance of payments of the imposition of the £50 travel limit; and whether he will make a statement about the future of the limit.

I refer my hon. Friend to the Answer given today to the hon. Member for Bournemouth, East and Christchurch (Mr. Cordle).

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what he estimates would be the cost to the revenue of Surtax payers being allowed to keep the last five shillings in every pound earned.

If in cases of mixed income the earned income was treated as the bottom slice of total income, the answer is about £4 million for a full year.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that his assurance that cash earmarked by close companies for expansion would not be taxed under the provisions of Section 77, Finance Act 1965, is being disregarded by the Inland Revenue, and whether he will now issue instructions that the terms of his assurance must be fulfilled.

Section 77 specifically provides for a company's development requirements to be taken into account in calculating shortfall. I have received no information to suggest that this provision of the law is being disregarded by the Inland Revenue.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if, having regard to the fact that British exports are now at record levels, he will seek a solution to balance of payments problems through a further reduction of military expenditure overseas and prohibition of the export of capital.

I would refer my hon. Friend to my speech in the Economic debate on 24th July, 1967.—[Vol. 751, c. 85–90.]

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will give an assurance that it is not his intention to devalue the £ sterling in the next few months.

Yes.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what progress has been made with his proposal for decimal currency; and if he will make a statement.

The Decimal Currency Act became law on 14th July and the Decimal Currency Board have now started the necessary preparatory work in consultation with interested organisations.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will make a statement on the location of an Inland Revenue Computer Centre in the North-East.

This matter is still under consideration.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the numbers of civil servants employed in Scotland at the most recent date for which figures are available; and if he will give the comparable figure for the same month in each of the previous three years.

58,800 at 1st July, 1967, excluding Post Office employees. Comparable figures for 1964, 1965 and 1966 were 54,000, 55,200 and 55,500 respectively.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many civil servants have been sent on courses to the London and Manchester Business Schools, the Administrative Staff College, other British university management courses, and management courses in either American or European institutions, respectively, during the last 12 months.

The following is the information requested:

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his latest estimate of the revenue from short-term capital gains.

The latest year for which figures are available is 1965–66 in which the yield is estimated to have been £3 million.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many officials are engaged wholly or part-time in opening incoming and outgoing overseas mail; how many letters they open in an average weekly or monthly period; and what sums of money, being illegally imported or exported, have been seized as a result.

Attendance of Customs Officers at the opening of mails forms part of their general duties in connection with imports and exports through the post and no separate figure of staff employed on this duty is available. Records are not kept of the numbers of letters opened. The prohibition applies only to currency exported, and in 1966 the total amount seized was £12,730.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what proportion of the national wealth was owned by the richest 1 per cent., 5 per cent. and 10 per cent., respectively, of the population in each of the last 10 years.

The estimated proportions of the total wealth of individuals owned by the richest 1 per cent., 5 per cent., and 10 per cent. of the population aged 15 and over are as follows:

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his estimate of the amounts by which earned Income Tax could be reduced if there was an annual wealth tax of 3 per cent., if there was an annual wealth tax of 5 per cent., and if unearned Income Tax was doubled.

It is not possible to make a realistic estimate of the yield of a wealth tax at these rates without knowing what exemptions are proposed. As regards the rate of Income Tax on income other than earned income, I am not clear whether my hon. Friend contemplated that the total rate, including Surtax, would be limited to 20s. in the £.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the original cost of the State's share in the British Petroleum Company; what is his estimate of the total national gain in dividends and capital appreciation to date; and whether he will now take steps to restore the national holding to over 50 per cent.

£36,155,000. Dividends up to 31st December, 1966, amounted to £260,753,594. Capital appreciation on paper is about £500 million.The Government have no present intention of restoring their shareholding to over 50 per cent.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether it is now his intention to exercise a waiver on the service payments on the post-war dollar loans due at the end of 1967.

I would refer the hon. Gentleman to my Answer to him on 7th June last.—[Vol. 747, c. 238.]

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his estimate of the total annual amount at present spent on social services, and of the total annual amount of tax allowances of all Income and Surtax payers and of those earning over £2,000 per annum, respectively.

The 1967–68 estimate for expenditure on social services, as defined in the National Income Blue Book, is £6,440 million.To abolish the personal allowances, the allowances for children and other dependants, and the special earned income allowance which is given for Surtax purposes (but not the ordinary earned income relief) would yield about £3,450 million in a full year of which about £3,400 million would come from persons above the present effective tax exemption limit, and about £250 million from persons with total incomes above £2,000 per annum.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has for repayment in whole or in part of the outstanding portions of the International Monetary Fund's loan to Her Majesty's Government during 1968.

The precise phasing of the repayment due to the International Monetary Fund between May, 1968, and May, 1970, will be agreed with the Fund at the appropriate time.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether it is the intention of Her Majesty's Government to support proposals for raising the blocking veto in the International Monetary Fund from 80 per cent. to 85 per cent.

I shall wait to hear what arguments are advanced in the Fund Exective Board before deciding to support changes in rules that have been in force for a number of years.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what would be the cost to the Exchequer in a full year of abolishing all stamp duties on mortgages up to £7,000.

No reliable estimate can be given but it would be between £1½ million and £3½ million.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will set up a Royal Commission or Committee of Inquiry to examine the methods used in the financing of industry by various Government Departments.

I would ask my hon. Friend to await the forthcoming proposals for providing Government finance for industrial projects.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the total finan- cial assistance provided by the Government for private industry in 1964, 1965 and 1966, respectively; and what are the corresponding figures for 1967 to date.

The total financial assistance provided to industry (including investment grants and Selective Employment Tax additional payments) is:

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will now make a statement on Great Britain's present economic situation, to what extent his forecast of a surplus on the balance of payments account during the current calendar year will be raised; whether it is still Her Majesty's Government's intention to maintain the parity of sterling rather than devalue; and whether he will make a statement.

I would refer my hon. Friend to my speech in the Economic Debate on 24th July, 1967 to which I have nothing to add.—[Vol. 751, c. 85–99.]

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will review the current membership of the board of the Bank of England.

This is a continuing process as members of the Court of the Bank of England are appointed by the Crown for fixed terms of office.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer by what authority his Department sold part of Her Majesty's foreshore at Brighton to Brighton Corporation; what price was paid for it and what precautions were taken in the contract to maintain the immemorial public rights of access to that foreshore and the adjacent beach; and in how many other cases and places Her Majesty has been divested of foreshores.

There were two sales by the Crown in 1888 and 1936, for £525 and £806 respectively, under the authority of the Crown Lands Acts. Both conveyances were subject to the public rights of navigation and fishing. The Crown has been divested of foreshore by way of ancient grant or sale in a large number of cases over past centuries.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer on how many occasions since October, 1964, directives have been given to Government directors of public companies regarding the way that such directors should vote at board meetings; how many of such directives related to dividend limitation; how many to price limitation; and in how many cases the votes of directors so instructed secured a change of policy to the company concerned.

The number of directives is very small, and none related to dividend or price limitation, or to the need to secure a change of company policy.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government (1) what steps he is taking to prevent local authorities from selling council houses especially in areas of serious housing need;(2) whether he intends to introduce legislation to prevent local authorities from selling council houses in areas of serious housing need.

I can, under the existing law, modify or withdraw at any time the general consent to the sale of council houses. I regard it as imprudent and irresponsible for local authorities to make such sales, if they significantly deplete their stocks of houses for renting in areas of serious housing need. I keep the situation under continuous review so that I can take action where this is justified.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he will take steps to require local authorities to send him details of any sale of council houses, including the length of their housing waiting list, and the price paid for each house sold together with its replacement cost; and whether he will publish such a list in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Local authorities supply monthly totals of council houses sold and my right hon. Friend does not propose at this stage to require them to submit more detailed information. Quarterly totals for England and Wales are published each quarter in Housing Statistics. The totals of council houses sold in the first eight months of this year are as follows: