asked the Minister of Power (1) is he now in a position to say whether the hydraulic power station at Bucks Mill, North Devon will be built;(2) what compensation will be paid to farmers and others concerned in the delay of a final decision on the building of a hydraulic power station at Bucks Mill, North Devon.

I understand that the Central Electricity Generating Board will be making a statement about this project very shortly.

asked the Minister of Power if he will list in the OFFICIAL REPORT the power stations that are covered by the East Midlands Economic Council; what is the expected life of these and others that are planned for the future; how many of the power stations are coal-burning; and what is the estimated amount of coal that will be needed for the years 1968 to 1975.

The following is a list of Central Electricity Generating Board power stations in commission or under construction in the area covered by the East Midlands Economic Council:—

Castle Donington.	Northampton.
Cottam.	Nottingham.
Derby.	Ratcliffe.
Drakelow.	Spondon.
High Marnham.	Staythorpe.
Leicester.	West Burton.
Lincoln.	Willington.

All except Derby burn coal (or will when completed). Stations are planned with an assumed life of 30 years.The stations used 13½ million tons in the year ended 31st March, 1967, Their consumption is likely to be higher next year, but the trend over the following seven years will depend on a number of factors including particularly the rate of growth of electricity consumption and the commissioning of new plant. It is, however, certain that this region will be a major centre of coal-fired electricity generation for many years to come.

asked the Minister of Power what is his policy on reduced electricity charges for new import saving industrial projects.

In accordance with the recent Government statement, I shall be willing to authorise the C.E.G.B. to negotiate special contracts for long-term supplies to selected new projects which require very large quantities of electricity. Balance of payments considerations will be among those taken into account in deciding whether any particular project should be selected.

asked the Minister of Power by what percentage the average revenue per therm received by the Scottish Gas Board exceeded the average revenue per therm received by Boards in England and Wales in the most recent annual period for which figures are available.

24 per cent. in the financial year 1966–67.

asked the Minister of Power what steps he is taking to implement the recommendation of the Geddes Committee for a reduction in the steel costs of British-built ships.

The British Steel Corporation is currently discussing the whole question of steel prices with the shipbuilding industry.

asked the Minister of Power how many pit closures in Scotland have been delayed as a result of recent policy decisions by the Government; and whether he will consider further delaying such closures until such time as adequate alternative employment opportunities are available.

Closure of six collieries in Scotland has been temporarily deferred. Each will be discussed between the National Coal Board and the Chairman of the Regional Economic Planning Council against the background of local employment prospects before a closure date is finally settled.

asked the Minister of Power when he intends to produce his plan for a national fuel and power policy.

The White Paper on Fuel Policy will be published early next week.

asked the Minister of Power if he will give an assurance that the cost involved in reopening the Michael Colliery in Fife, following the recent accident there, will be borne by public funds and not as a direct charge on the National Coal Board.

No. If the N.C.B. decide to reopen Michael Colliery they will bear the cost. I understand that the Board expect to reach a decision shortly.

asked the Minister of Technology what research he is doing into dangers to civil aircraft resulting from bird-strike by birds such as frigate birds with a seven-foot wing span, soaring above Indian Ocean atolls such as Aldabra.

Investigations into the possible effects of bird strike on both civil and military aircraft have been undertaken at the Ministry's research and experimental establishments for some years. This work is continuing.

asked the Minister for Technology whether, in view of the report of the Comptroller and Auditor-General that the advanced gas-cooled reactor nuclear stations will produce power at costs below those for conventional stations, he will take steps to arrange for the electricity undertaking to pay to the Atomic Energy Authority the full amount of the royalties needed to meet the costs of the work done by the Atomic Energy Authority for these stations.

As the report of the Comptroller and Auditor-General shows, the royalty to be paid on those advanced gas-cooled reactor stations to be brought into operation in the U.K. by 1975 should bring in, over their assumed life, a cash return equivalent to a very substantial part of the Atomic Energy Authority's expenditure on the development of the advanced gas-cooled reactor system.I consider this to be a fair settlement for this first batch of advanced gas-cooled reactor stations.

asked the Minister of Technology whether he will make a statement on the progress of mergers between shipyards on the River Wear.

The Shipbuilding Industry Board is in touch with shipbuilders on the Wear and expects that it will be submitting merger proposals shortly.

asked the Minister of Technology what is the latest estimate of the total costs of producing the European airbus under existing arrangements; and what is the comparative cost of producing an identical aircraft on a purely British basis.

An authoritative estimate of production cost has not yet been established. This is one of the tasks for the first phase of the project which has now been started. No estimate has been made of the costs of producing an identical wholly British aircraft.

asked the Minister of Technology what long-term study he is doing of the disposal of salt wastes from desalination plants.

None is necessary. Salt wastes arising from desalination plants which are normally located on coastal sites are rejected direct to the sea without any difficulty.

asked the Minister of Technology what research he is doing into high-resolution image-making in conditions of turbid water.

Research is being done on increasing the range of optical detection in turbid water, and the National Research Development Corporation, in conjunction with the Ministry of Defence, has patented and is exploiting a non-optical imaging system for underwater viewing.

asked the Minister of Technology what research he is doing into problems of developing tactile manipulators for diving.

None at present. Requirements for diving aids are under consideration. It is expected that it will be possible to adapt instruments that have been developed for use in the atomic field for under-water use if required.

asked the Minister of Technology what research he is doing into problems of developing semi-remote powered tools and support structures for use in the marine environment.

None at present, but I am investigating the need for such devices.The National Research Development Corporation has, together with a group of interested industrialists, for some months been studying in detail the requirements for a technologically based diving activity. This group is now engaged in generating the necessary development work to produce a wide range of aids and equipment for use in undersea working.

asked the Minister of Technology what steps he is taking to promote a co-operative international effort to develop marine resources.

Her Majesty's Government in common with the Governments of other member countries of the United Nations are co-operating in a comprehensive survey of activities in marine science and technology with a view to formulating proposals for an expanded programme of international co-operation in oceanography.

asked the Minister of Technology what study he is making of pollutants in the form of radioactive waste from nuclear reactors.

In England the Ministers of Agriculture and Housing are responsible for authorising the disposal of radioactive waste. In Scotland and Wales these responsibilities are exercised by the respective Secretaries of State. Studies are undertaken by the Departments concerned and by the Atomic Energy Authority, the Agricultural Research Council, the Medical Research Council and various university laboratories. The disposal of radioactive waste is also the subject of continuous international study in which the U.K. plays an active part.

asked the Minister of Technology if he has yet completed his discussion on the Industrial Liaison Centre, Aberdeen, with the Scottish Education Department and the Principal of Gordons College, Aberdeen, on administrative machinery to increase the effectiveness of the useful contribution to technology; and if he will make a detailed statement of the result.

Not yet. I will keep my hon. Friend informed.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will restore the £250 foreign travel allowance to those private individuals who do not purchase foreign motor cars, and make it a requirement for those who do so to have the information concerning the basic price paid for it noted in their passports, so that their allowance is reduced to £10 per year for every £240 so spent.

No.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the estimated annual saving to the balance of payments through the imposition of the £50 maximum personal travel allowance.

Expenditure by United Kingdom residents on travel to all countries abroad is tentatively estimated to be £15–20 million less in 1967 than in 1966, in contrast to the annual increases ranging between £7 million and £31 million in the previous four years. These figures are less than the savings in foreign currency. The exchange control restrictions are not the only factor, but are an important one.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will set up a working party to examine the question of Government expenditure on the purchase of goods and services in the development areas.

Firms in Development Areas are invited to tender for Government contracts whenever possible; if they are not then successful in obtaining the whole order, they are given part of it provided they can meet a specified price and their offer is satisfactory otherwise. The operation of this scheme is being kept under review and I do not think we need a new Working Party.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much of the £50 million to be spent by Germany on British goods in 1967–68 under the Anglo-German offset agreement has been spent so far.

Agreed figures for the first six months of the 1967–68 Agreement are not yet available. Due to the incidence of large purchases, intermediate figures are not necessarily significant, but I believe that the Agreement is being implemented normally.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer on what grounds he calculates that the gross income of £3,000 for the years 1963–64 and 1964–65 became a net income of £3,328 3s. 5d. as shown in his Written Answer of 25th July, 1967, column 103, and an earned income of £20,000 net income of £7,081 17s. 11d.; and whether he is aware that these calculations vitiate the comparisons given for subsequent years.

I would refer the hon. Member to the correction published in column 184 of the OFFICIAL REPORT of 26th July, 1967. —[Vol. 751, c. 184.]

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the Government's declared policy of severe restraint is not being implemented by a number of public companies who have increased dividends and are promising to give large dividend increases on already large dividend payments; and whether he will refer to the National Board for Prices and Incomes this general problem, and in particular, the announcement by Benjamin Brothers Limited that they intend to increase their present dividend of 63½, per cent. to not less than 75 per cent.

The Government's policy on dividends is set out in paragraphs 31 to 33 of the White Paper on Prices and Incomes Policy after 30th June 1967 (Cmnd. 3235). Since 20th July, 1967, publicly announced dividends show as many cases of reductions as of increases.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware that the Derbyshire Miners Holiday Welfare Camp is offering holidays to non-members at cut prices, because it is assessed as a charitable institution; and if he will remove this unfair competition to the hotel and guest house keepers.

I have no power to interfere with action taken by the trustees of this charity under the terms of their trust.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) by what percentage he intends that total public expenditure in 1968–69 shall exceed total public expenditure in 1967–68, valuing both years' expenditure on the same pay and price basis;

I am not yet ready to make a statement on this matter.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he will seek to refer increases in charges of more than 10 per cent. by water undertakings to the National Board for Prices and Incomes.

I am consulting my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Economic Affairs and my right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for Scotland and Wales; but if the hon. Member has a particular case in mind I will gladly look into it.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government in view of the continuing need for wages restraint, what advice he has given to local authorities faced with the necessity of demanding substantial increases in council house rents.

Local authorities are bound by statute to act fairly between tenants and ratepayers, and to balance their housing accounts; rent increases should be made only in so far as they are necessary for this purpose. In giving guidance to local authorities about rent rebate schemes I have emphasised the desirability of phasing rent increases so as to limit the amount of any necessary increase in any one year, and I am keeping the situation under review.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what is the present extent of the housing shortage in England and Wales, including the number of houses required to rehouse people now living in overcrowded or otherwise unsatisfactory conditions.

Nationally there is probably a small excess of dwellings (fit and unfit) over households, but this falls far short of providing the margin of fit houses needed for mobility and the choice of houses of the standard the Government wants to see.About 1·8 million dwellings are unfit, and another 4· million are seriously deficient in amenities or repair. Rather more than 1,000,000 persons are living in households at densities of more than 1½ persons per room. These figures indicate the substantial extent of the programme which will certainly extend well into the seventies.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs what action he is taking to protect the property of non-white Rhodesians threatened by purported legislation enacted without lawful authority by the illegal Rhodesian régime.

The British Government's policy is to strive to bring about an early return to constitutional rule and to ensure that one of the elements of any settlement would be progress towards ending racial discrimination.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs why, despite repeated reminders, he has not yet made a decision in the case of Chu Leung, a former detective staff sergeant in the Hong Kong Police Force, details of whose grievances were sent to his last predecessor but one on 8th September 1966, by the hon. Member for Wanstead and Woodford; and if he will now make a statement.

This is a very difficult case on which consultations are still proceeding with the Governor. The hon. Member will be informed as soon as a final decision has been reached.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs when he expects the 48-hour week will be introduced into industry in Hong Kong.

A considerable proportion of Hong Kong industries including spinning and weaving and the principal public utilities have already adopted a 48-hour week. A four-year phased programme of reduction of hours of work of women and young persons to 48 hours a week in all industries is being brought into operation with effect from December of this year.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence why the hon. Member for Oldham, West, has been told that an enlisted man who had deposited the sum of £150 to pay for his discharge will now have to return on foot a distance of 8,000 miles or pay his passage back home.

Under paragraph 509 of Queen's Regulations for the Army, 1961, any soldier who is permitted to purchase his discharge whilst serving overseas is required to pay the cost of travel to his place of discharge.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what is his policy on resuming the supply of arms to South Africa; and if he will make a statement.

The policy remains as stated by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 17th and 25th November, 1964.—[Vol. 702, c. 199–207; c. 1281–7.]

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what organisation Her Majesty's Government has for the analysis and valuation of reports of flying objects not identified as aircraft.

The Ministry of Defence examines these reports in the light of their possible air defence implications; and it obtains advice, as necessary, from Governmental and other scientific and technical organisations. The adequacy of our arrangements can be judged from the fact that between 1st January, 1959, and 30th September, 1967, 625 reports were examined and 555 were found to have mundane explanations. The remaining 70 reports contained insufficient data for evaluation but there was nothing to suggest that they related to incidents materially different in kind from those which were explained.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will take steps to see that the Oldham man, referred to in the letter from the hon. Member for Oldham, West of 9th October, 1967, is provided with fully qualified psychiatric treatment.

This man is under the care of a consultant psychiatrist, who sees him at regular intervals.My noble Friend the Minister of State has written fully in reply to my hon. Friend's letter.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has for making available to the public a similar apparatus for taking breathalyser tests to that at present used by the police.

This is a matter for the manufacturers, but I understand that they intend to make an approved device available for sale to the public beginning in a few days time.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will take steps to insure that any notice of opportunity to pay a fixed penalty issued under Section (1) of the Road Traffic and Road Improvement Act 1960 states clearly that there is a right of rebuttal, and also the person to whom immediate evidence in rebuttal may be given, to enable travellers to avoid a possibly unnecessary journey to the local court at a later date.

The fixed penalty notice makes it clear that the notice is only an intimation that a constable or traffic warden has reasonable cause to believe that one of certain specified offences has been committed but that proceedings for the offence will not be taken if the fixed penalty is paid within a specified time. A person who does not choose to pay the fixed penalty has the normal remedies if proceedings are taken.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many cases of unlicensed vehicles have been reported in the Metropolitan Police area by the hon. Member for West Ham, North, during the past two years; in how many cases prosecution has ensued; and why prosecutions are still outstanding and vehicles are still unlicensed as long as 12 months after the first report and after as many as six subsequent reports; and what action he proposes to expedite police prosecutions.

My hon. Friend has written to me about apparently unlicensed vehicles at least 50 times during the period he mentions. Information from him has been passed by the Metropolitan police to the vehicle licensing authorities. Subsequent action, as my hon. Friend knows, is a matter for those authorities.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will consult with the Chairman of the Consumers Association with a view to establishing higher safety standards for electric radiant fires.

I am in frequent consultation with the Chairman of the Consumers' Association. But this is a matter in the first place for the British Standards Institution, who are already reviewing the Standard relating to safety guards fitted to heating appliances. I have no doubt that the views of the Consumers' Association, which the Director has already made known to the Institution as well as to my Department, will be taken fully into account.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what plans have been agreed by Her Majesty's Government to mark 1968 as International Human Rights Year; and, in particular, what steps will be taken to improve the status of women in the United Kingdom and the dependent territories in accordance with the standards of equality agreed by the United Nations.

Arrangements on the non-governmental side, are being co-ordinated by the United Kingdom Committee for Human Rights Year. We are making a further contribution of £5,000 to the Committee's expenses, making a total of £10,000 in all. In addition the United Kingdom will be host to a United Nations Seminar in June. A detailed account of activities planned can be found in United Nations document A/6866 which is in the Library of the House. This document contains some plans relating to the status of women and the non-Governmental Committee has chosen as one of its four aims, the elemination of discrimination against women.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is now his policy regarding United States bombing of Hanoi and the proposed mining of Haiphong by United States forces.

We regret the bombing as we regret all the fighting throughout Vietnam. We would like to see it all stopped. We have no information to the effect that Haiphong Harbour will be mined.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on his visit to the United Nations General Assembly in September.

I attended the General Assembly of the United Nations from 20th to 27th September, 1967. I addressed the Assembly on 26th September. A copy of my speech is in the Library of the House. While in New York, I took the opportunity to see a large number of Ministers from other countries and to discuss with them various matters of mutual interest.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what steps he is taking to review the United Kingdom's commitment to the South-East Asia Treaty Organisation.

The policy of Her Majesty's Government was stated in paragraph 7 of Chapter III of the Supplementary Statement on Defence Policy, published in July. 1967, as follows:

"We shall continue to honour our obligations under the South East Asia Treaty Organisation, but the forces assigned to S.E.A.T.O. plans will be progressively altered in nature and size ".

This remains the position.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, in view of Her Majesty's Government's policy that war should not lead to territorial aggrandisement and that the State of Israel should not take any steps in relation to Jerusalem which would conflict with this principle, if he will give an assurance that the appointment of a representative to Her Majesty's Government to attend the Balfour Declaration celebrations in the Israeli-occupied Jordanian city of Jerusalem does not confer ipso facto recognition by Her Majesty's Government of Israel's occupation of Jerusalem; and if he will make a statement.

None of the celebrations at which Her Majesty's Government was represented took place in East Jerusalem. The question of recognition by Her Majesty's Government of Israel's occupation of this part of Jerusalem does not therefore arise.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what representatives from the United Kingdom Government attended the International Seminar on Grain Storage organised by the Food and Agriculture Organisation which ended in, Moscow on 31st July.

The United Kingdom was not invited to this meeting. It was intended primarily for developing countries having problems of grain storage in ecological conditions similar to those of the Union of the Soviet Socialist Republic.

asked the Minister of Health what proposals he has to bring to an end the separation of husband and wife when a family is admitted to Part III accommodation by some local authority.

I assume my hon. Friend has in mind the temporary accommodation of the homeless. I would refer him to the Circulars sent jointly by my right hon. Friends the Home Secretary and the Minister of Housing and Local Government and myself to local authorities on 31st October, 1966 and 26th September, 1967, of which I am sending him copies. Paragraph 9(1) of the first circular and paragraph 9 of the second circular deal with the need to keep families together. Officers of the Departments concerned are, where necessary, discussing with local authorities this and other points arising from their reports on services for homeless families.

asked the Minister of Health what progress has been made in finalising the site for the proposed new district hospital in the Wrekin area; and whether preliminary planning has now been put in hand.

Investigation by the Birmingham Regional Hospital Board of the two sites proposed for the hospital by the Development Corporation for Dawley New Town has shown that neither is entirely suitable. They have accordingly asked the Development Corporation whether they can propose alternatives. Other preliminary planning will proceed when there is greater certainty about the size of overspill population to be received in the area.

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware of the current shortage of nursing staff and hospital beds in the Leicester area; and what steps he is taking to remedy this.

A co-ordinated effort is being made to recruit more nurses. A new maternity unit of 156 beds is under construction at Leicester Royal Infirmary, and further developments are being planned for this and other hospitals in the area.

asked the Minister of Health what is the average delay in the cervical cytology screening service for Leicestershire between the taking of a smear and the reading of the slide; whether he is satisfied with this; and whether he will make a statement.

Six and a half weeks. Some delay has been caused recently by staff resignations at the pathology laboratory at Leicester Royal Infirmary, but new staff have now been appointed. The delay is being progressively reduced and should soon be minimal, thus enabling the service in Leicestershire to expand further.

asked the Minister of Overseas Development what steps he is taking to ensure that the pledge given at the time of the granting of independence to India that those with service in India would receive the pensions to which they were entitled is being fulfilled, as some pensioners entitled to receive payment at the privileged rate of 1s. 9d. a rupee are being paid in devalued currency.

The assurance given by the late Lord Attlee in 1947 was intended to cover the period until the Governments of India and Pakistan concluded agreements with Her Majesty's Government to set aside a capital sum to provide annuities to meet their pension liabilities. Agreements were concluded in 1948. Representations are being made to the two Governments concerned to seek the resumption of pension payments at the privileged rate.

asked the Minister of Overseas Development if he will publish a list showing the value of official aid disbursements in 1966 which were contractually tied to the purchase of British goods and services, broken down in the form appearing on Table 3 of British Aid (Statistics and Official Economic Aid to Developing Countries) published by his Department in June, 1967.

The list of official economic aid disbursements in 1966 which were contractually tied to the purchase of British goods and services is as follows:

Wholly Tied	£ million
Project
E.C.G.D. Loans	17·2
Other Financial Loans	1·1
Non-Project
Current Imports:
(1) E.C.G.D. Loans	18·5
(2) Other	31·5
Total	68·3
Partly Tied
Project
C.D.W. Grants and Loans	8·7
Other Financial Grants and Loans	21·6
Total	30·3

NOTE.—The above figures do not include aid flows which, although not contractually tied, do, because of their purpose, return in part to the U.K., e.g. refinancing, compensation and pensions and technical assistance.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will appoint a Minister within the Department of Economic Affairs with special responsibility for the North of England.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the Answer I gave on 24th October to Questions by the hon. Lady the Member for Tynemouth (Dame Irene Ward) and my right hon. Friend the Member for Sunderland, North (Mr. Willey).—[Vol. 751, c. 451.]

asked the Prime Minister what communication he has had from President Johnson about a British/United States military staging post or base at Aldabra; and what reply he has sent.

None.

asked the Prime Minister what consultations he has had with President Johnson over the bombing of North Vietnam by the United States of America.

As I told my hon. Friend on 26th October, I am in close touch with President Johnson on a wide range of subjects, including Vietnam, but our exchanges are, of course, confidential.—[Vol. 751, c. 555.]

asked the Prime Minister if he will make a statement on the report of the European Commission on Great Britain's application for membership of the European Economic Community.

The House will not expect me to comment in detail on a document which has not yet been fully debated by the Six Governments. But, as my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary told the House in his Statement of 26th October, we welcome the Commission's conclusion that Britain's accession will strengthen the Community; and its firm recommendation that negotiations should begin.—[Vol. 751, c. 1894–1904.]

asked the Prime Minister what are now the essential British and Commonwealth interests which the Government are seeking to safeguard in their negotiations with the Common Market.

I would refer the hon. Member to the Statement made by my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary in the Council of Western European Union on 4th July, which has been published as a White Paper.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government's declared policy of gaining admission into the Common Market now includes the acceptance of the conditions insisted upon by the French of devaluation of the £ sterling and the ending of the international role of the pound; and whether the further condition of the restoration of the balance of payments before negotiations commence is acceptable to Her Majesty's Government.

I would refer my hon. Friend to my speech in the Debate on the Address on 31st October—[Vol. 753, c. 24–51.]

asked the Prime Minister what proposals he has for improving co-ordination between various Government Departments responsible for stimulating the economy of the development areas.

A high degree of co-ordination on regional policy has already been achieved but if my hon. Friend has any particular suggestions to make I would be happy to have them examined.

asked the Prime Minister which Minister is now responsible for the co-ordination and overall planning of the social services.

My right hon. Friend the First Secretary of State has assumed the duties in this field previously undertaken by my right hon. Friend the then Minister without Portfolio (Mr. Gordon Walker).

asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider transferring responsibility for mentally subnormal children from the Minister of Health to the Secretary of State for Education and Science.

Transfer of responsibility for the education of these chidren is under consideration by my right hon. Friends the Minister of Health and the Secretary of State for Education and Science and I would hope that a statement can be made soon.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will appoint a Minister to whom British newspapers may address inquiries about the Government's foreign policy.

No.

asked the Prime Minister to what extent during his discussions with Chancellor Kiesinger the question of the costs of the Rhine Army, and reductions thereof, was raised and with what results.

Only briefly, and we agreed that negotiations to provide satisfactory continuing arrangements after the expiry of the current Anglo-German Offset Agreement on 31st March, 1968 should begin in good time.

asked the Secretary of State for Economic Affairs what proposals he has to make available to the National Economic Development Council a paper on the Government's economic policies and investment decisions; and if he will give an assurance that such a paper will be available to Members of Parliament at a date not later than it will be available to the National Economic Development Council.

Questions of economic policy are constantly under discussion in the N.E.D.C. at the formative stage. Papers submitted to the Council are normally confidential.

asked the Prime Minister what plans the Government have to extend the Queen's Award to Industry scheme to include the tourist industry.

I think that proposals such as this for important changes in the Award scheme can best be considered in the course of the review which the Duke of Edinburgh's Committee recommended should take place after five years' experience.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what steps he will now take in view of Liverpool Education Committee's decision to continue corporal punishment in schools for maladjusted and subnormal children.

The present rules of the Liverpool Education Committee emphasises the Committee's desire that corporal punishment of all kinds shall be discouraged. The decision to continue with these rules is one for the authority to take.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what information he has as to how many educational authorities forbid, and how many permit, corporal punishment of subnormal and maladjusted pupils.

This information is not available.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science (1) what steps he is taking to ensure that adequate provision will be made for primary and secondary education in those areas which are chosen for the siting of 15,000 houses to take overspill from Birmingham;(2) what steps he is taking to ensure that adequate provision will be made for further education in those areas which are chosen for the siting of 15,000 houses to take overspill from Birmingham.

I am aware that my right hon. Friend the Minister of Housing and Local Government is considering a report prepared by the Worcestershire planning authority indicating some possible sites for this Birmingham overspill. If and when there are firm plans for development, I shall consider carefully proposals from the Local Education Authority to meet educational needs.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what research he is sponsoring to study the turbulent microstructure of the main thermocline, with a view to providing an insight into the general circulation of the oceans, global weather, and climatic fluctuations.

Investigation of the thermocline, including its microstructures, is an integral part of research into ocean dynamics and the interaction between oceans and atmosphere.These subjects are an important feature of the programme of the National Institute of Oceanography and of other marine laboratories. In particular the N.I.O. is engaged on a laboratory study of the stability of stratified flow aimed at investigating how instability occurs where current shear is associated with density gradients.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what research is being done on the biological effects of present and anticipated modifications in the marine environment.

The understanding of the biological effects of modifications in the marine environment requires a sound knowledge of the biological régime in the oceans and the factors influencing it. This is the central objective of much of the marine biological research supported by the Natural Environment Research Council at marine laboratories and at universities and also, in the context of fisheries resources, of research carried out at the Fisheries Laboratories of the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, and the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries for Scotland.Particular projects within this general objective include the work of the Marine Biological Association on the biological effects of oil pollution and of the Fisheries Laboratories on the effects of discharge of effluents and radio-active wastes in coastal areas.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what steps he is taking to ensure that adequate provision will be made for community centres in whatever areas are chosen for the siting of 15,000 houses to take overspill from Birmingham.

In the first instance this will be a matter for the local authorities concerned. Any proposal for the inclusion of a community centre in an educational building programme would have to be considered in the light of the competing demands on the resources available.

asked the Minister of Labour why the number of registered premises, inspected to 31st December, 1966 under the provisions of the Offices, Shops and Railway Premises Act, 1963 has fallen by 6,393 compared with the figures of the previous year.

It is expected that as the premises covered by the Offices, Shops and Railway Premises Act receive their initial general inspection, more time will be spent on dealing with matters arising out of the inspections and the number of general inspections will fall. The number of visits, including inspections made to registered premises in 1966 was 673,302 compared with 566,818 in 1965. The decrease in the number of general inspections therefore does not reflect any falling off in the work of enforcing the Act.

asked the Minister of Labour how many employees have changed from service to manufacturing employment in Hertfordshire since the introduction of Selective Employment Tax.

I regret the information is not available.

asked the Minister of Labour what proportion of persons on the Disabled Persons Register was unemployed at the latest date for which statisics are available; and what was the comparable proportion during each of the past five years.

On 9th October, 1967 60,892 registered disabled persons were registered as unemployed. This represents 9·3 per cent. of the total number on the Disabled Persons Register. On 10th October, 1966 the comparable percentage was 7·4, on 11th October, 1965, 7·0, on 12th October, 1964, 7·6, on 14th October, 1963, 9·0 and on 15th October, 1962, 8·6.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT details giving the rise in the cost of all forms of postal, telegraph and telephone services since 16th October, 1964.

No. The information is given year by year in Appendix 4 to the Post Office Annual Report and Accounts which is presented to Parliament. I am sending copies for the years 1964–65, 1965–66 and 1966–67 to my hon. Friend.The following changes have been made in the current financial year:

asked the Postmaster-General what efforts have been made to recruit postmen in the London Borough of Harrow over the last 12 months.

Continuous advertising in the Press and Post Office buildings. The Head Postmaster also maintains close contact with local schools, through the Youth Employment Service, and with the Ministry of Labour, and the Post Office has been represented at recent careers conventions. Applicants for postmen's work who call at the Head Post Office are interviewed and tested there—normally the same day—and if successful put into training locally without delay.

asked the Postmaster General what is the establishment for postmen in the London Borough of Harrow; and how many postmen are at present employed in the Borough.

294 and 276 respectively, plus 15 part-timers: 10 of the full-timers and 11 of the part-timers are women.

asked the Postmaster-General what is the establishment for post and telegraph officers in the London Borough of Harrow; and how many officers are at present employed in the Borough.

135 and 127 respectively.

asked the Postmaster-General what efforts have been made to recruit post and telegraph officers in the London Borough of Harrow over the past 12 months.

Continuous advertising in the Press and Post Office buildings.The Head Postmaster also maintains close contact with the Ministry of Labour and, through the Youth Employment Service, with local schools and the Post Office has been represented at recent careers conventions.

asked the Postmaster-General why it has been found necessary to stamp mail forwarded to hon. Members' homes from the House of Commons, Urgent—Members of Parliament Mail; and what improvements in delivery he expects to result.

To add emphasis to the special arrangements which exist for the prompt delivery of hon. Members' mail redirected from the House.

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works whether he will make a statement on the Anglo-Swedish Building Research Meeting, of which the detailed arrangements were announced by his Department on 27th September, 1967.

The meeting to which the hon. Member refers was organised by the London School of Economics and Political Science and the Swedish Building Industry Work Research Foundation, with assistance from my Ministry and the Construction Industry Training Board. It was held in Cambridge from 25th September to 29th September, 1967, and was attended by a total of 83 research workers, managers, trade unionists and Government officials, drawn principally from the United Kingdom, Sweden and the Netherlands. Those participating were concerned with site management, planning, the structure of the building industry, professional relationships and the efficiency of operatives and management.The objectives of the meeting were:

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will take steps to provide a subsidy to the North of Scotland Hydro-Electric Board to enable them to proceed more rapidly with the provision of electricity supplies in uneconomic areas.

In 1965 I authorised an increase in the Board's expenditure on rural electrification and it can now spend up to £1 million a year on the completion of its programme. The cost of this, along with the Board's other capital requirements, is met by Exchequer loans to the extent that the Board cannot meet it from internal resources.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what proposals he has for reviewing the administrative structure of the health services in Scotland.

I have decided that the time has come to undertake a thorough examination of the administrative structure of the health services in Scotland in order to ensure that it is adequate to ensure the most effective development of these services in future. In the course of this examination I shall seek the views of the associations representing local authority, professional and other interests; and I should propose in due course to publish my tentative proposals as a basis for wider public discussion.In carrying out this enquiry I shall keep in close touch with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health, who yesterday announced his intention of reviewing the administrative structure of the medical and related services for which he is responsible. Like my right hon. Friend I shall be concerned only with the administrative pattern, and there is no question of considering any switch in financing from the public to the private sector.The proposals which emerge from this review will, I hope, be ready for consideration along with the recommendations of the Royal Commission which is at present considering the structure of local government in Scotland. I have informed the Royal Commission of my intentions, and the Royal Commission on Medical Education has also been told what is proposed.—[Vol. 753, c. 643–4.]

asked the President of the Board of Trade what was the value of imports into Great Britain of knitted outerwear for the quarters January to March, April to June and July to September, 1967, and for the similar periods of 1966; if he will identify those countries whose exports to the United Kingdom of knitted outerwear have increased; and what action is contemplated to limit these.

Total imports of knitted outerwear from all sources were as follows:

	£'000
1st Quarter
1966	3,783
1967	4,487
2nd Quarter
1966	3,029
1967	3,356
3rd Quarter
1966	4,837
1967	6,030

Taking the period January to September for both 1966 and 1967, the principal countries whose exports to the United Kingdom of knitted outerwear have increased are Austria, Denmark, Hong Kong, Irish Republic, Israel, Japan, Portugal, Sweden. No action to limit imports of knitted outerwear is contemplated.

asked the Minister of Transport if she will now make a statement on the Manchester Rapid Transit Study.

The Manchester Rapid Transit Study, which was commissioned jointly by the Manchester City Council and myself, is being published today. It makes an important contribution to our knowledge of rapid transit systems generally and of the various ways by which public transport could be improved in Manchester. The detailed analysis of the costs of construction and operation of rail and monorail systems and of their environmental effects will be of great value to all those concerned with urban planning.I agree with the recommendations for further action as a result of this study. This envisages simultaneous progress on two fronts. First, there must be analysis of realistic rail networks as part of a comprehensive transport plan for the whole conurbation; this will be carried out through the land use/transportation study for the SELNEC area. At the same time detailed planning work on a possible underground railway to improve access to the centre of Manchester must go ahead. I am arranging for urgent discussions with Manchester City Council on how to make rapid progress.I shall be seeking powers to pay capital grants towards the cost of new public transport facilities and these would give me power to make grants towards any major new projects in Manchester provided they are justified in the context of a comprehensive transport plan for the whole conurbation.

asked the Minister of Transport what instructions she has issued to the Transport Holding Director sitting on those jointly-owned company undertakings that are engaged in anti-nationalisation propaganda.

None. This is a matter for the Transport Holding Company but I understand that the Directors nominated by them on the Boards of bus companies, in which the Transport Holding Company holds some but not all of the shares, have made it clear that the Transport Holding Company cannot be associated with anti-Government propaganda or action, and that it is the view of the Transport Holding Company that expenditure thereon should not become a charge on revenues attributable to the interests of the Transport Holding Company.

asked the Minister of Transport whether she is aware that many thousands of owners of unlicensed vehicles are awaiting prosecution, and that there is such a back-log of cases that it now takes many months to investigate reports and complete prosecutions; and to what extent her proposals for legislation to enable traffic wardens to make reports of unlicensed vehicles will expediate the prosecution of these motorists.

This is not the case nationally. In London, where about half the total number of reports for the whole country arise, the police operate a different reporting procedure and considerable time is necessary for investigation. Prosecution proceedings depend largely upon Court processes.The use of traffic wardens in reporting offences would not of itself expedite prosecutions. Evasion must be discouraged by making it less profitable, and this is why new provisions regarding penalties have recently been introduced.

asked the Minister of Transport whether the proposed legislation to enable traffic wardens to report apparently unlicensed vehicles will also include the system of the automatic fine, as in the case of parking offences at present.

We are considering with my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary whether non-display of an excise licence should be made a "ticket" offence. But, as my hon. Friend has been informed, a fixed penalty would not be appropriate for the offence of unlicensed use.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales how many planning authorities in Mid-Wales have prepared plans for the industrial development of their areas or part or parts thereof.

All five counties have prepared development plans under the Town and Country Planning Acts and are also active in encouraging new industry to come into their areas.

asked the Secretary of State for Wales how many planning authorities in Mid-Wales have staff equipped to undertake economic planning as opposed to Town and Country Planning.

I am not clear what kind of work my hon. Friend has in mind. For the purpose of encouraging industrial development, the Counties co-operate together in the Mid-Wales Industrial Development Association while general economic planning is a function of the appropriate Government Departments who are advised by the Welsh Economic Council.