asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs what has been the total cost to date of the installation of the transmitter at Francistown, including the cost of the military guard.

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Chigwell (Mr. Biggs-Davison) on 24th October.—[Vol. 751, c. 410.]

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs what steps he is taking, in view of official concern in New Zealand at the increasing disinterest of the United Kingdom, to improve relations with that country.

I have received no such expressions of official concern, but I am constantly mindful of the importance of maintaining our normal close arid cordial relations with New Zealand.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs what reply he has received to representations to the Zambian Government regarding terrorist incursions from Zambia into Rhodesia.

As I stated in the House on 24th October, the Zambian Government's reply is confidential. The Zambian Government have, however, stated publicly on a number of occasions that they do not encourage or assist armed incursions into Rhodesia.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs what were the detailed projects for which aid was promised to Zambia to compensate her for the effects of the unilateral declaration of independence by Rhodesia; what progress has been made on these projects; and how much of the promised aid has been given.

On the first part of the Question I would refer the hon. Member to my predecessor's reply to the hon. Members for St. Albans (Mr. Goodhew) and Antrim, North (Mr. Henry Clark) on 16th March. We are in touch with the Zambian Government about the present state of progress on these projects. Some £9·15 million out of our promised assistance has been disbursed.—[Vol. 743, c. 147.]

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs whether he will now make a statement on the suppression of civil liberties by the illegal régime in Rhodesia.

Her Majesty's Government have made clear their opposition to measures by the illegal régime suppressing civil liberties.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs if he will issue an appeal at Christmas to the rebel caucus in control of state machinery in Rhodesia for the release of political prisoners and the lifting of detention and confinement restrictions.

While I fully share my hon. Friend's concern for those who are being unjustly held in detention in Rhodesia, I fear that the public statements and attitude of the régime indicate that any such appeal would be ineffective.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs whether he will ensure that Judge Edwards, who has been deprived of his pension in Rhodesia because he refused to acknowledge the illegal régime, will receive his full pension rights.

I would refer the hon. Member to the Answer given by the then Commonwealth Secretary on 22nd December, 1965, which made clear that Her Majesty's Government would safeguard the accumulated claims to pension of pensionable Rhodesian public servants whose resigned from their posts on grounds of conscience or who were suspended or dismissed by the present régime in Rhodesia because of their refusal to support it or to carry out unlawful orders. Judge Edwards has been informed that Her Majesty's Government regard him as qualifying under these arrangements.—[Vol. 722, c. 469–70.]

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with other member nations on the impact of devaluation on their economies.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs what consultations took place with Commonwealth Governments holding sterling balances in the 14 days prior to devaluation; and if he will make a statement.

The Governments of all Commonwealth countries were given advance notice of our intention to devalue and there have been exchanges of messages since.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs what he estimates will be the effect of the devaluation of the £ sterling on United Kingdom trade and relationship with Australia, in view of Australia's decision not to devalue.

It is impossible at this stage to forecast exactly what will be the effects of devaluation on our trade with Australia. In general, the competitive position of British exports should be improved. I see no reason why the always close and cordial relationship between the two countries should be in any way affected.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs what extra costs will be borne by his Department as a result of the devaluation of the £ sterling.

The cost of grants and services provided by the Commonwealth Office, and the cost of the maintenance of British High Commissions overseas which is borne from funds provided for the Diplomatic Service as a whole, are now being reviewed in the context of the estimates for 1968–69. Until this exercise has been completed it will not be possible to give an accurate forecast of the cost of devaluation in these fields.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs if he is aware that 30 campers from Guatemala, including President Julio César Méndez, have settled upon Hunting Cay Island, an offshore island of British Honduras; and whether he will give instructions to the Governor that these invaders be expelled.

The Governor has reported that the President of Guatemala and his party arrived at Hunting Cay on 22nd November and left on 25th November. The visit was, I understand, a recreational one but Her Majesty's Government greatly regret that it should have been made without the usual formalities being observed. A protest making our position clear has been conveyed to the Government of Guatemala.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs if he will give an assurance to the Legislative Council of Fiji, that, having noted the resolution passed with regard to the situation which may face Fiji if Great Britain enters the Common Market, the negotiations will ensure that the 67 per cent. of Fiji's total exports which come from sugar will be safeguarded.

It would not be appropriate for me to communicate direct to the Legislative Council of Fiji. However, Ministers have repeatedly stressed the importance we attach to securing safeguards for Commonwealth sugar producers in the event of our joining the E.E.C.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on his talks with the Australian Government on renewing the Anglo-Australian Agreement on Woomera.

Preliminary discussions are currently proceeding at official level with a view to renegotiating the terms of the Joint United Kingdom/Australia Weapons Project between the two countries, which includes Woomera, after its expiry in June, 1968.The responsibility for the details of this Agreement rests with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Technology.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs (1) if he will require the Government of Hong Kong to translate the Public Order Bill, 1967 into Chinese;(2) if he will ensure that the Government of Hong Kong do not make orders designed for dealing with emergencies into laws for protecting the peace in normal times, as is now being done in the case of the Public Order Bill, 1967.

A series of articles in Chinese are to be published explaining the provisions of this legislation in simple language; these will include Chinese translations of important Sections of the Ordinance.The legislation is not designed for dealing with emergencies. It strengthens and brings up to date the law relating to public order on lines to be found for the most part in legislation in other territories.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the present economic situation in Hong Kong, following the recent devaluation and revaluation of the Hong Kong dollar.

The present position is that there has been no very marked effect on the general price level nor on the economy generally. It is too early to assess the full long-term effects.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs what consultations Her Majesty's Government have had with Her Majesty's Governments in Australia and New Zealand about the constitutional future of Nauru; and whether he will make a statement.

While Her Majesty's Government shares with Australia and New Zealand joint responsibility of the United Nations for Nauru as a Trust Territory, the administration has by agreement been conducted by Australia for nearly 50 years. The British Government have been in consultation with the Australian and New Zealand Governments about the Island, since its people expressed a wish for independence. The three Governments have informed the Nauruans that they are agreeable to meeting the request for independence on 31st January, 1968 and, in agreement with them, proposed to the United Nations that the Trusteeship Agreement should be terminated accordingly. On 22nd November the Trusteeship Council recommended this unanimously to the General Assembly.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs by what authority the immigration authorities in Gibraltar grant permits of residence for Moroccans and Spaniards, but refuse such permits to Indian British subjects.

Under the Immigration Control Ordinance, 1962, authority to grant permits of residence in Gibraltar is vested in the principal immigration officer, subject to appeal to the Governor. In practice permits of residence are normally granted only for purposes of employment and when no suitable local person is available. Applications are considered on the merits of each case.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs what is the definition of a Gibraltarian under the colony's ordinances.

A Gibraltarian is defined by the Gibraltarian Status Ordinance as a person who is registered in the Register of Gibraltarians established and maintained under that Ordinance. Since the definition of persons entitled to be so registered is lengthy and involved I will send the hon. Member a copy of the Ordinance.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs, in view of the fact that the Gibraltar Housewives League have decided to continue their work of replacing Spanish women no longer allowed to work in Gibraltar, he will give an assurance that Spanish women will not be allowed to enter Gibraltar for daily work displacing the Housewives League as home helps.

Yes. No employment permits are now issued to Spanish (or other non-Gibraltarian) women unless no suitable Gibraltarian is available.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs how much money he estimates is paid per month to Spaniards who come into Gibraltar to do daily work; and, in view of the fact that Spain will not allow these people to purchase and take back into Spain anything from Gibraltar, how much sterling he estimates is consequently lost to Spain per month.

Spanish daily workers in Gibraltar earn a total of about £170,000 a month. Since 1964 the Spanish authorities have obliged these workers to change all their sterling earnings into Spanish pesetas, and have allowed them to take virtually no purchases out of Gibraltar.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with the Nigerian Government to safeguard the market for Nigerian produce in this country which has been damaged by the devaluation of the British £ sterling.

We recognise that there is a serious problem here and we have had informal discussions with a representative of the Nigerian Government and also with other interests concerned. The issues are complex and are still being considered.

asked the Minister of Power whether he will take stops to control excessive charging on the resale of electricity by landlords and site-owners to the ultimate consumer.

The Electricity Boards fixed maximum prices for electricity resold for domestic purposes in 1965. The Electricity Consultative Councils have been asked to keep a watch on how the control is working in practice and it has been made clear that further action will be considered if the evidence shows this to be necessary.

asked the Minister of Power what action he propses to take on his recent inspection of South Eastern Electricity Board installations on consumers' premises in Abinger Hammer, Gomshall, Peaslake, Abinger Common, Coldharbour, Dorking, Brockham, Betchworth and Shere.

I am consulting the Board about the inspector's findings and will write to the hon. Member. In the meantime the Board have undertaken to correct immediately the installations found to be at fault, and to institute a wider check, particularly of older installations in their area.

asked the Minister of Power if he will give approval to plans to construct, in the Welsh coalfields, coal-burning power stations which can take coal from the mine by belt-conveyor.

The C.E.G.B. have no plans for any new coal-fired power stations in Wales. Aberthaw A (600 MW installed) is in operation; Aberthaw B (2,000 MW installed) is under construction and will be supplied by merry-go-round trains. There is no pit which could support a pit-head station of the size of power stations now being built for C.E.G.B.

asked the Minister of Power whether he will introduce legislation to make provision for an adequate impartial consumer advice service on space heating.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given on 17th November to my hon. Friend the Member for Willesden, West (Mr. Pavitt).—[Vol. 754, c. 210.]

asked the Minister of Power what estimate he has made of the effect on mining manpower in Scotland as a consequence of the White Paper on Fuel Policy.

On the basis of a national annual reduction of 35,000 in coal-mining manpower up to 1970–71 envisaged in the White Paper on Fuel Policy, the annual decline of manpower in the Scottish coal-mining industry is likely to be about 4,000. The decline, although at a lower rate, is expected to continue during the period to 1975.

asked the Minister of Power what was the estimate of the fall in manpower by 1975 on colliery books in County Durham used for the purposes of Command Paper No. 3438.

On the basis of a national annual reduction of 35,000 in mining manpower up to 1970–71 envisaged in Cmnd. 3438, the annual decline of manpower in the Durham coal-mining industry up till then is likely to be about 7,000. I expect a decline, although at a lower rate, to continue during the period to 1975.

			Deaths, Retirements and Medicals	Redundancy and Dismissals	Other Wastage (Excluding transfers to other Collieries)	Total
Men 20 and under 40
1963	…	…	4,755		11,594	16,349
1964	…	…	3,574		17,707	21,281
1965	…	…	1,961	1,563	23,658	27,182
1966	…	…	1,583	1,586	21,188	24,357
1967 (first 9 months)	…	…	917	1,802	11,577	14,296
Men 20 and under 50
1963	…	…	8,040		14,696	22,736
1964	…	…	6,303		23,164	29,467
1965	…	…	3,929	2,204	32,692	38,825
1966	…	…	3,587	2,406	28,341	34,334
1967 (first 9 months)	…	…	2,025	2,697	15,001	19,723

asked the Minister of Power what estimate he has made of the number of pits for closure in the county

asked the Minister of Power what estimate he has made of manpower at collieries for each of the next eight years up to 1975 on the basis that the Central Electricity Generating Board will burn an additional 6,000,000 tons of coal annually, and that the Central Electricity Generating Board will burn the cheapest fuel only, respectively.

The White Paper on Fuel Policy assumes employment in the mining industry of about 295,000 in 1970 and about 190,000 in 1975. The provision in the Coal Industry Bill and the White Paper for limited support for coal consumption only extends to March, 1971. At current levels of productivity, the production of 6 million tons of coal requires the continuing employment of about 15,000 men.

asked the Minister of Power how many juveniles joined the mining industry in the years 1963, 1964 and 1965–66.

The figures are:

	N.C.B. mines Juveniles newly employed
1963	10,804
1964	10,705
1965–66	8,154

asked the Minister of Power how many men between the ages of 20 and 45 years left the mining industry in 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966 and 1967.

Figures for this age group are not available. The wastage figures for the nearest age groups are:of Midlothian, as a consequence of the White Paper on Fuel Policy.

The White Paper on Fuel Policy gave estimates of the likely trends of coal consumption up to 1975, and set out a policy of slowing the run down of coal consumption. The detailed planning of the colliery closure programme consequent on these levels of consumption is a matter for the National Coal Board who have not so far informed me of the names of any collieries in Midlothian which they propose to close.

asked the Minister of Power what representations he has received from the Chairman of the Northern Regional Economic Planning Council on the delay of pit closures in the Northern Region; and what reply he has sent.

The Chairman of the Northern Regional Economic Planning Council sent me a copy of his letter of 31st August to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Economic Affairs about the intended closure of Harrington Colliery. This is one of the 16 collieries whose closures were subsequently deferred following the Prime Minister's Statement on 29th September.

asked the Minister of Power what future use is intended for the land, building and facilities available at Seaton Delaval workshops after they have been given up by the National Coal Board; and what consideration will be given to their use for industrial purposes designed to create new employment in the area.

I understand that the National Coal Board are giving consideration to the renewal of their lease for the workshop premises at Seaton Delaval which expires in May, 1969. Although the former workshop activities have ceased, the Board are continuing to use the premises for a variety of other activities.

asked the Minister of Power what special duties will be allocated to the extra members of the National Coal Board due to be appointed under the terms of the Coal Industry Bill

If Parliament approves the increase in the size of the National Coal Board, the intention is that some members shall have special regional responsibilities. The precise allocation of duties between members is, of course, for the Board to decide.

asked the Minister of Power what study he has made, in consultation with the National Coal Board, of the prospects of increasing exports of coal to Europe, created by the devaluation of the £ sterling.

The National Coal Board hopes, within the next three years or so, to increase exports by perhaps 2 million tons to 3 million tons, to reach an annual rate of 4 million to 5 million tons. The immediate scope is however limited by coal import restrictions in several countries, and by contracts outstanding between overseas buyers and other producers.

asked the Minister of Power if he will give an assurance that, in the promised re-examination of the Government's White Paper on Fuel Policy, arising from devaluation of the £ sterling both sides of industry will be consulted before final decisions are taken on the future of the coal industry.

As I said in reply to a Question from my hon. Friend the Member for Fife, West (Mr. William Hamilton) on 24th November, the main effects of devaluation will be to reduce slightly oil's competitive advantage over coal in the home market and to make British coal cheaper in export markets. I do not expect the White Paper conclusions about the likely future pattern of demand for the various fuels to be more than marginally affected.—[Vol. 754, c. 438.]

asked the Minister of Power (1) how many men are employed in transport in the mining industry;(2) how many winding enginemen are employed in the mining industry;(3) how many persons are employed in catering in the mining industry;

asked the Minister of Power (1) how many men employed in the mining industry are aged 55 years and over;(2) how many men are employed on the surface in the mining industry; and how many underground are aged 55 years and over.

At the annual census of N.C.B. employees, analysed by age groups, taken on the 24th December, 1966, there were 101,671 men on the books at N.C.B. mines who were aged 55 years and over. Of these 73,416 men were employed underground, and 28,255 on the surface. The analysis of the census to be carried out at the end of December this year is expected to be completed about the end of February, 1968, and I am asking the Chairman of the National Coal Board to let the hon. Member have the corresponding figures for the end of 1967 as soon as they are available.

The latest available figures are:

asked the Minister of Power what were the coal stocks on the ground undistributed on the 1st December in the years 1964. 1965, 1966 and 1967.

Total undistributed coal stocks on the ground (i.e., excluding stocks in wagons) at the nearest available dates were:

	Million Tons
21st November, 1964	20·0
20th November, 1965	21·5
19th November, 1966	18·6
21st October, 1967	26·6
	(provisional)

asked the Minister of Power what proportion of coal stocks was opencast on 1st December in 1964, 1965, 1966 and 1967.

Undistributed opencast coal stocks expressed as a percentage of total undistributed coal stocks at the nearest available dates were:

	Percentage
28th November, 1964	10·5
4th December, 1965	13·2
3rd December, 1966	17·4
18th November, 1967	15·3

asked the Minister of Technology when he proposes to act on the recommendation of the Select Committee on Science and Technology that a departmental committee be convened to examine the possibilities of nuclear marine propulsion in the light of the experimental work being carried out in other industrial countries.

I will consider the Committee's recommendation that a departmental committee should be reconvened, but I would point out that the responsibility for the Atomic Energy Authority, for the nuclear industry, for the manufacture of marine engines and for shipbuilding have all been brought together in my Department. My Department is in touch with all the interests closely concerned and I intend to re-examine the position in order to ensure, so far as possible, that we are in a position to embark on a major project as soon as it appears that commercial demand for such ships justifies the considerable cost involved.

asked the Minister of Technology if he will give an assurance that the programme of research on astrophysics undertaken at the Culham Laboratory of the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority will be continued.

Careful consideration has been given to the future of the work on solar and stellar ultra-violet spectroscopy undertaken by the Atomic Energy Authority's Culham Laboratory using rockets provided by the Science Research Council, and of associated laboratory work of astrophysics interest. It is generally agreed that this work, which forms a part of the national space re- search programme, and is of outstanding scientific importance, should be continued. I am informed that, following discussion between the Atomic Energy Authority and the Science Research Council, it is proposed that the Science Research Council should from an early date begin to take over responsibility for the work of this group. Consultation with the staff interests concerned on this matter is now taking place.

asked the Minister of Technology what additional costs will accrue to the British Government in connection with its activities at Woomera, Australia, as a result of the devaluation of the £ sterling.

Additional costs in the financial year 1967–68 are estimated to be about £320,000. As the present Anglo-Australian Agreement on Woomera expires on 30th June, 1968, I cannot make any forecast of additional costs in future years.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what is the effect so far on our balance of payments of the cutting off of oil supplies to the United Kingdom by Middle East countries;(2) what he estimates to be the effect on our balance of payments for each month the Suez Canal remains closed.

For the costs arising from the Middle East situation as a whole I would refer the hon. Member to the Answer given by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister to the right hon. Gentleman the Leader of the Opposition on 26th October.It is not practicable to distinguish between the costs attributable to the closure of the Canal, to the cutting off of oil supplies to the United Kingdom by certain Middle East countries, and to the loss of Nigerian production. The closure of the Canal is certainly by far the biggest factor.—[Vol. 751, c. 1882–4.]

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what funds intended for St. James Mission, Matabeleland, have been blocked; why they have been blocked; and if he will make a statement.

I am not aware of any recent applications to remit funds to the Mission. If a charitable organisation in this country holds funds for the Mission, it may remit them, within its normal limit for charitable remittances to Rhodesia.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what calculation he has made of the percentage reduction in prices feasible for companies exporting capital goods with a high value added content;(2) whether he has considered the effect of the withdrawal of the export rebate, of the Selective Employment Tax premiums and of devaluation, upon companies with a high proportional export turnover engaged in advanced engineering with a long research, development and production lead time; and what conclusion lie has reached.

The effect of devaluation, after taking account of the withdrawal of export rebate and Selective Employment Tax premiums, will be immediately to help such firms to obtain profitable new export orders.It is not possible to give a single figure of the feasible reduction in prices since this will vary between individual firms and individual products.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his estimate of the total cost of speculative operations in sterling during the last four days before devaluation; and how much of this cost is attributable to the activities of British nationals.

I have nothing to add to the Answer which my right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary gave to a Question from the hon. Member for Norfolk, South (Mr. J. E. B. Hill) on 23rd November.—[Vol. 754, c. 417.]

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what decision he has taken regarding the service payments on the post-war dollar loans due at the end of this month.

The payments will be made as usual this year.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) why the White Paper on Freight was not available in Her Majesty's Stationery Office, Bristol, on Friday, 24th November, eight days after publication; (2) what is the normal delay between the date of publication and date of issue in Bristol of Government publications.

Parliamentary papers are available in Bristol either on the day of publication or, more normally, on the morning after. The White Paper on Freight, published on 16th November, was available in Bristol the following morning. Owing to an unexpectedly high demand, stock ran out on the morning of Friday, 24th November and supplies of the reprint reached Bristol on Wednesday, 29th November.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many companies have been asked by the Inland Revenue to produce annual accounts for the period 6th April, 1967 to 5th April, 1968; and what steps he will take to prevent the recurrence of such circulars.

In addition to accounts covering past periods many companies voluntarily provide estimates of their current profits which give up to date information about the state of the economy and are of great help to the Revenue in forecasting the yield of taxes.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many British residents overseas are known to be in receipt of public service or armed forces pensions; and what total loss such pensioners have suffered as the result of devaluation.

This information is not readily available and could not be obtained without disproportionate cost and effort.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer why an official of the Inland Revenue at Whittington, Worcester, in an area infected by foot-and-mouth disease was allowed to call on farms in uninfected areas, leaving behind a buff form, size 4¾ inches by 3¾ inches, thus aiding the spread of the disease, notwithstanding efforts made by the farming community to contain the disease; and whether he will issue instructions to prohibit such behaviour by his officials in the future.

In the time available, I have not been able to identify this call. I will look into it if the hon. Member will let me have further details. Instructions have already been given to Inland Revenue officers to avoid making such calls.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will take steps to relieve from Selective Employment Tax those affected by the official ban on horse racing.

No.

LONG-TERM EXTERNAL INDEBTEDNESS OF H.M. GOVERNMENT
£ million
				1949 devaluation				1967 devaluation
Loan		Date of loan agree-	Sterling Value at date of loan	Change	Value of outstanding amount	Outstanding 25.10.51	Outstanding 15.10.64	Change	Value of outstanding amount
American Line of Credit		Dec. 1945	931	+408	1,339	1,339	1,125	+184	1,287
Lease/Lend	…	Dec. 1945	161	+66	217	216	177	+28	201
Canadian Line of Credit		Mar. 1946	297	+96	393	393	330	+53	376
Economic Co-operation Administration		Oct. 1948	86	+34	120	120	109	+16	115
Mutual Security	…	Mar. 1952	17	—	—	—	17	+2	18
							1,758

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will make void assessments for Income Tax and Surtax levied after a long lapse of time due to inefficiency in the Inland Revenue, and on persons whose circumstances have

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the definition of the word, billion, when used in Government publications.

Because of the differing traditional usages in this country and in the United States of America, it is usual to avoid reference to the term "billion", except where the context makes its sense unambiguous. Applied to United States currency "one billion" means according to the accepted international practice, "one thousand million".

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will publish a table showing the long-term external indebtedness of Her Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom, showing the dates of the various loans, the sterling value when borrowed, the changes in the sterling value as a result of the devaluations of 1949 and 1967, and the amounts outstanding at 25th October, 1951, 15th October, 1964 and the latest available date after the last devaluation.

The table below summarises the long-term external indebtedness of Her Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom as at 20th November, 1967.greatly changed in the meanwhile; and whether he will study the case sent to him by the hon. Member for Lowestoft.

No. But the Inland Revenue pay regard to the taxpayer's circumstances in asking for payment, as they have done in the case referred to.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, in view of the fact that it is almost three years since they were increased, if he will introduce legislation for increasing Civil Service pensions.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which my right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary gave to the hon. Member for St. Albans (Mr. Goodhew) on 21st November, when he drew attention to the Financial Secretary's speech on the Public Service and Armed Forces Commission Bill on 3rd February, and to the limited extent of the change in the cost of living since the Pensions (Increase) Act, 1965 came into operation on 1st January, 1966.—[Vol. 754, c. 1124–25.]

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what amount of revenue was derived in 1966, or the last year for which figures are available, for Income Tax, Purchase Tax, Betting Tax, Capital Gains Tax, and road licence fund tax, respectively.

The information requested is contained in the following table:

	1966
	£ million
Income Tax	4,123
Purchase Tax*	679
Betting duties	43
Capital Gains Tax	4
Motor vehicle duties*	270
*Before deducting export rebate.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will place in the Library a copy of his letter of intent to the International Monetary Fund setting out the undertakings given to the Fund regarding economic policies to be pursued by Her Majesty's Government as a condition for new international support for the £ sterling.

The letter of intent has already been published.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he will define and give examples of the exceptional circumstances in which extra-statutory assistance is given from the Exchequer to local authorities.

No exact definition is possible, but this kind of assistance has been given where as a result of some major disaster local authorities are faced with expenditure which would place an excessive burden on the rates.Examples in which assistance was given to local authorities are the Lyn-mouth disaster, the East Coast floods, the 1962 gales and the stranding of the Torrey Canyon.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government how many schemes for clearing derelict land in the Yorkshire and Humberside Region have been approved for Exchequer grant in the current financial year; and how many schemes are under consideration.

One scheme has been approved. Three are under consideration. Twelve other proposals have been the subject of preliminary discussions with the Department's regional officers and detailed schemes are awaited.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he is aware of the inadequacy of the present legislative provisions enabling adequate compensation to be given to the owners of houses which suffer serious damage from the routeing of highways very close to them; and whether he will introduce an amendment of the law in this respect.

The law of compulsory purchase provides for adequate compensation to owners whose properties are depreciated and part of whose land has been taken for such purposes as highways. My right hon. Friend does not accept that there should be a general right of compensation for depreciation of values to other nearby properties caused by road works or other public activities.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he is satisfied that local authorities are using their discretion sufficiently in purchasing houses from persons who have been adversely affected by planning blight; and what steps he proposes to take to assist local authorities in giving greater assistance in this field.

My right hon. Friend has urged local authorities to use this discretion and he is normally willing to grant loan sanction to cover such expenditure.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government how many rent officers are employed in England and Wales at the latest convenient date; how many were employed six months ago; and how many he expects to be in post on 1st June, 1968.

At 1st December, 1967 there were 335 rent officers in England and Wales, of whom 104 were part-time; 343 were employed six months ago of whom 110 were part-time; it is too early to say how many will be in post on 1st June, 1968, as discussions are still being held with the clerks of the authorities concerned.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the latest developments in the situation in South Arabia.

The formation of a Government was announced in Aden on 1st December. The President and Prime Minister will be Mr. Qahtan al Sha'abi and the Foreign Minister Mr. Saif Dhala'i. Her Majesty's Government have recognised the Government of the new State.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what arrangements he has made to represent the United Kingdom in Aden and South Arabia following the British withdrawal; to what authority or authorities United Kingdom representatives are now accredited; and what British missions, other than diplomatic, it is proposed to retain in the area.

As my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary informed the House on 29th November, the United Kingdom and Southern Yemen have established diplomatic relations and will exchange Ambassadors. At present we are represented by a diplomatic Mission headed by a Chargé d'Affaires. The Ambassador, when appointed, will be accredited to the Head of the new State. No other official British missions will be retained in the area.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how far Portugal has carried out the United Nations resolution on mandatory sanctions against the illegal régime in Rhodesia.

It is for the Secretary-General of the United Nations to report to the Security Council about the implementation of the mandatory resolution of 16th December by member States. In his Annual Report for 1966–67, the Secretary-General said inter alia that the policies pursued by Portugal

"have strengthened the economic position of the illegal régime and fortified it in its defiance of the international community".

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs when he expects that the report of the American mediator on the outstanding issues between British Honduras and Guatemala will be published.

It is for the mediator to disclose his recommendations when he feels ready to do so.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what progress has been made with the British appeal to the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organisation, under article 84 of the Chicago Convention, as regards the Spanish prohibition on air flights in the vicinity of Gibraltar.

On 6th September we filed with the International Civil Aviation Organisation Council in Montreal a Memorial stating our case over the Prohibited Area and setting in motion the appropriate procedure for the settlement of disputes under Article 84 of the Chicago Convention, Spain has been required to file a Counter-Memorial by 1st February, 1968.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what reply he has received from the Russian Government to his demands for the immediate release of Mr. Gerald Brooke; and if he will make a statement.

I regret that the Soviet Government have now made it clear to us that they will not release Mr. Brooke under the terms of the amnesty.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what arrangements he has made for discussions to take place during December in Japan between British and mainland Chinese officials concerning Hong Kong.

None.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs when he intends to visit Japan.

I hope very much to be able to visit Japan early in the New Year.

asked the Minister of Overseas Development what conclusions Her Majesty's Government have reached following their study of the Maxwell Stamp report on the proposed railway link between Tanzania and Zambia which has been in their possession since August, 1967.

The consultants' report was addressed not to Her Majesty's Government but to a Committee of Ministers of the Governments of Zambia, Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda. I have nothing further to add to the replies my right hon. Friend gave to the hon. Member for Antrim, North (Mr. Henry Clark) on the 9th November.—[Vol. 753, c. 1234.]

asked the Minister of Overseas Development what progress has been made with the survey of land resources in Fiji.

Three officers from the Directorate of Overseas Surveys are at present taking part in this survey, and it is expected that a fourth member will join the team next January. Over 80 per cent. of the necessary new air photographs for new mapping have been obtained, despite difficult weather conditions. Enumerators are at work in the field gathering information to be used in land classification. It is expected that they will finish their work towards the end of 1968. Present estimates are that the timber resources survey will occupy three seasons, that is 1967, 1968 and 1969. Land classification data will be processed in Britain by computer.Close liaison is being maintained with officers of the United Nations Development Programme, who at the request of the Government of Fiji are carrying out a study of forestry plantation development and timber processing and marketing.

asked the Minister of Transport if she is aware of the difficulties of potato growers and merchants in Scotland in consigning seed potatoes to customers in England; and if she will issue a general directive to British Railways to provide an adequate number of wagons.

I would refer the hon. Member to the Answer given yesterday to the hon. Member for South Angus (Mr. Bruce-Gardyne).—[Vol. 755, c. 242.]

asked the Minister of Transport (1) on what date British Railways consulted the Minister before issuing the advance notice of the closure of the Wareham-Swanage branch railway line;(2) whether, before agreeing to the issue of an advance notice of the closure of the Swanage branch railway line, she took into account the parking difficulties which face the motor vehicles of residents during the summer season and the mileage covered by double yellow lines in the town of Swanage;(3) whether, before agreeing to the issue of an advance notice of the closure of the Swanage branch railway line, she took into account the number of schoolchildren transported by rail to Swanage railway station.

The British Railways Board requested my right hon. Friend's agreement, on 20th September, 1967, to the use of the medium of two national newspapers for publication of advance notice under Section 54 of the Transport Act, 1962, of their plans to close this line. Her agreement to the method of publication did not involve her in consideration of any of the detailed matters mentioned by the hon. Member.If, after formal publication of the proposal under Section 56(7) of the Act, objections are lodged, closure cannot take place without my right hon. Friend's consent, and all relevant matters will then receive her careful consideration.

asked the Minister of Transport what cuts are proposed in the roads programme following the devaluation of the £ sterling.

I have nothing to add to the Chancellor of the Exchequer's statements of 18th and 20th November.—[Vol. 754, c. 935–52.]

asked the Minister of Transport how much was spent on road construction and road improvements by the Government in each of the years from 1963–64 to 1967–68.

Exchequer expenditure on new construction and major improvement of roads in Great Britain was:

	£ million
1963–64	119·9
1964–65	147·1
1965–66	145·0
1966–67	172·2

A comparable estimate for 1967–68 is not available. From 1st April, 1967, the definition "new construction and improvements", which includes certain former minor improvements, has superseded the previous definition, "new construction and major improvements". On the other hand the introduction from the same date of the rate support grant means that specific Exchequer grant is no longer payable in respect of new construction and improvements on Class II and III roads. Exchequer expenditure on new construction and improvements of motorways, trunk roads and principal roads in 1967–68 is expected to be in the range of £230 million to £235 million.

asked the Minister of Transport how much was spent on road construction and road improvements by local government authorities in each of the years from 1963–64 to 1967–68.

Local authority expenditure on new construction and major improvement of roads in Great Britain was:

	£ million
1963–64	31·2
1964–65	35·8
1965–66	36·3
1966–67	31·8

A comparable figure for 1967–68 is not available.

asked the Minister of Transport what were the totals of Government expenditure on parking in each of the years 1963–64 to 1967–68.

Facilities for car parking are provided by local authorities or by private enterprise. The Exchequer is involved only in so far as the expenditure ranks for Rate Support Grant.

asked the Minister of Transport what were the totals of local government expenditure on parking in each of the years 1963–64 to 1967–68.

local authorities follows:

Financial Year	£ million
1963–64	4·8
1964–65	5·8
1965–66	5·9
1966–67	6·0

The figure for 1967–68 available until after the current financial year.Current expenditures appear to be roughly equivalent to incomes from charges but precise figures are not readily available.

asked the Minister of Transport taking 1st November, 1963, as 100, what would be the indices of the cost of road lighting at 1st November for each year from 1964 to 1967.

Road lighting is mainly the responsibility of local authorities and until this year no grant has been payable for it on non-trunk roads. The information requested is not therefore readily available and could not be obtained without unjustifiable public expense.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will now appoint a controller of foot-and-mouth disease operations whenever it becomes necessary to open more than one local control centre; and if he will seek to give this controller emergency powers in order to apply effective and consistent control measures throughout areas declared infected.

The local foot-and-mouth disease control centres in the West Midlands and in other parts of the country are in the charge of my regional veterinary officers fully supported by my regional controller and all the regional staff. The overall supervision of the work in this epidemic is carried out by my senior veterinary staff at headquarters who are in close touch with my administrative staff.I am satisfied that I have sufficient powers under the Diseases of Animals Act to enable me to take the required measures, and I am also satisfied that effective and consistent control measures are applied throughout the areas declared to be infected.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, in view of the fact that the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease has become so widespread, if he will take steps, by legislation or otherwise, to take over control and to enable him to direct local authorities on the type of disinfectant pads or baths and the type of equipment to be used and to take any other action that he considers necessary for limiting access to roads.

While I understand the reasons that have led to this wish for disinfection on roads, I am advised that such action is unlikely to be of significance on roads away from infected areas; and even in and near these areas, it is best to concentrate manpower and material on disinfection at the farm gate. My officials have had no difficulty in getting local co-operation in closing roads for a short time where the disease situation warranted this action.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will now set up an independent committee to study the problems which will arise for farmers following the termination of the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in this country.

After this epidemic I intend to set up an independent committee to examine both our policy and our arrangements for dealing with foot-and-mouth disease. The problems of rehabilitation and restocking within the areas affected require more urgent consideration, which I have already set in train. I shall be discussing these problems with the National Farmers' Union.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received about the export of live ponies for slaughter; and what he intends to do to stop this trade.

From time to time I receive representations from welfare societies about the export of ponies stated to be for slaughter, and urging control of this.On the question of stopping any such trade I would refer the hon. Member to the Answer I gave to the Member for Bodmin (Mr. Bessell) on 8th November.—[Vol. 753, c.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will make regulations to compel suppliers of animal feedingstuffs to public analyses of the contents.

Under the Fertilisers and Feeding Stuffs Act, 1926, sellers of animal feedingstuffs are already required to declare the quantity of the chief nutrients which the feed contains. The Standing Advisory Committee under the Act has recently recommended that certain additional information should be provided, and my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland and I intend shortly to lay Regulations before the House to give effect to this advice. When these take effect sellers will be required to state the presence of any natural or synthetic hormone, and the amount of any coccidiostat or anti-blackhead drug and of certain minerals which have been introducer in the feedingstuffs during manufacture.

asked the Prime Minister how long Great Britain will wait for a reply to her application for entry to the European Economic Community; and what steps he is taking during this waiting period to further alternative economic and technological links.

I have nothing to add to the Answers I gave to Questions on 28th November.—[Vol. 755, c. 234.]

asked the Prime Minister if he will seek to abolish the development areas and as an alternative concentrate Government help at points where there is already a high level of unemployment or where unemployment is likely to rise due to industrial contraction in the near future.

No. The needs of the present development areas are such that they must continue to receive priority.

asked the Prime Minister when he will announce the special measures to assist the development areas during the winter.

I would refer the hon. Member to the speech of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Economic Affairs in this House on 1st November; to the Answer given by my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade to a Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Rhondda, East (Mr. G. Elfed Davies) on 14th November; and to the speech of my right hon. Friend the Minister of Power in this House on 28th November.—[Vol. 753, c. 293; Vol. 754, c. 84; Vol. 755, c. 245.]

asked the Prime Minister whether he will now take action to strengthen the pressure on the illegal Rhodesian régime.

I have nothing to add to the reply which my right hon. Friend the Commonwealth Secretary gave to a Supplementary Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Fife, West (Mr. William Hamilton) on 14th November.—[Vol. 754, c. 237.]

asked the Prime Minister if it remains his policy not to use force in Rhodesia.

Yes.

asked the Prime Minister what reply he has received from the Chairman of the National Coal Board to his offer to build a coal-powered aluminium smelting plant in the North-East, provided the coal was competitive with alternative fuels; and what answer he has sent.

Consultations between the Government and Chairman of Nationalised industries are confidential.

Noel-Baker asked the Prime Minister which aspects of British policy and which British interests in Aden and South Arabia will be the responsibility of the Commonwealth Office, the Foreign Office, the Ministry of Defence, or of any other Department, respectively, following the British withdrawal.

Since the People's Republic of Southern Yemen is a fully independent state outside the Commonwealth, responsibility for British relations with it is naturally a matter for the Foreign Office. Other Departments are of course consulted as necessary.

asked the Prime Minister on what date he received a letter from the hon. Member for Tyne-mouth on the desirability of establishing a Government undertaking in the North-East; and on what date the letter was acknowledged.

The 9th November, and I replied on 2nd December.