asked the Minister of Technology what are now the estimated maiden flight dates of the first and second prototypes of Concorde.

The scheduled dates are 28th February next for the first prototype and September next for the second prototype. There are some stages still to be completed on the first prototype, any one of which might give rise to a delay of the first flight, but the prospects are sufficiently good to justify retaining a date that is still attainable if all goes according to plan.

asked the Minister of Technology whether he will make a statement on the effects of devaluation upon the costs to Great Britain of the Concorde research and development programme.

The sterling cost of the work to be done in Britain will increase slightly owing to the higher costs of certain materials and equipment that have to be imported from third countries.

asked the Minister of Technology what proposals he has for extending and improving research and development facilities in the Northern Region; and if he will make a statement.

The Department is encouraging links between industry and the Universities and Technical Colleges in the region and is in touch with International Research and Development in Newcastle regarding further research contracts. The National Research Development Corporation has authorised expenditure up to £1·4 million in the Northern Region in the last 18 months.

asked the Minister of Technology what discussions he as had with the North Regional Planning Council on a programme of technological development for the region, and in particular the provision of research and development units; and if he will make a statement.

The Council's Report "Challenge of the Changing North" included recommendations on technological development which were discussed with the Chairman and other representatives of the Council at a meeting with Ministers earlier this year.

asked the Minister of Technology how many research stations are in the Northern Region; and how this number compares with the other regions covered by his Department.

There are no research stations of the Ministry of Technology in the Northern Region. The number (excluding out-stations) in other regions are:

Scotland	2
Wales	Nil
North West	Nil
Yorkshire and Humberside	Nil
East Midlands	Nil
West Midlands	1
South West	2
South East	12

asked the Minister of Technology how many grant-aided research associations are in the Northern Region; and what is the comparison with other regions.

The numbers of grant-aided research associations in the various Regions are as follows:

Northern Region	1
Yorkshire and Humberside	9
North West	2
East Midlands	5
West Midlands	5
South West	1
East Anglia	1
London and South East	19
Scotland	1
N. Ireland	1

This analysis refers to the main laboratories or headquarters of the associations. In addition, four of the associations included above (Cast Iron, Wool, Ship, and Production Engineering) have branch laboratories or offices in Scotland, one, Ship, in London, the Iron and Steel R.A. has branch laboratories in Wales, Northern Region and Yorkshire and Humberside, whilst the Timber R.A. has branch offices in Scotland, West Midlands, Yorkshire and Humberside, North West, South West (2) and London.

asked the Minister of Technology what estimate he has made of the number of private industrial laboratories in the Northern Region; and what is the comparison with other regions.

The Ministry has regular contact with some 87 private industrial laboratories in the Northern Region but no comprehensive information on the location of laboratories in Britain is available to provide a basis for comparison with other regions.

asked the Minister of Technology how many independent and sponsored research laboratories there are in the Northern Region; and what is the comparison with other regions.

There is one large independent and sponsored research laboratory in the Northern Region. There are eight smaller laboratories in the South-East Region, one in East Anglia and one in Scotland. One subsidiary company of a large U.S. organisation has an office in London.

asked the Minister of Technology what was the total value of research and development contracts placed in the Northern Region in each of the last five years; and what is the comparison with other regions.

Until this year no figures were kept to make this comparison. In April this year we started to keep a breakdown by geographical regions of all contracts placed by my Department. The figures for research and development contracts for the six-month period April-September, 1967, are:

	£
Northern Region	66,000
Wales	257,000
Northern Ireland	383,000
Yorkshire and Humberside	1,675,000
Scotland	2,256,000
North-West	3,687,000
Midlands	4,109,000
North Midlands	4,185,000
Southern Region	5,655,000
Eastern Region	9,549,000
South-West	20,610,000
London and South-East	25,325,000

asked the Minister of Technology what effects he estimates that devaluation and the concurrent fiscal measures will have on existing plans for capital investment in advanced technological industry.

I would expect an increase in investment to follow from the measures taken.

asked the Minister of Technology what calculation he has made of the effect upon the export prospects for the aviation industry of devaluation combined with the other fiscal and monetary measures announced concurrently.

As my hon. Friend said in reply to the Question by the hon. Member for Woking (Mr. Onslow) on 23rd November, the export prospect of British aviation products have been improved and I am confident that the industry will take full advantage of the additional opportunities afforded.—[Vol. 754, c.430]

asked the Minister of Technology what was the total value of contracts on the order books of British shipyards at the most recent date for which figures are available; and what part of this total related to firms in the Clyde district.

£470 million and £108 million respectively at 30th September.

asked the Minister of Technology if he will make a statement on the progress which has been made in negotiating a merger of firms in the upper reaches of the Clyde; and if it is the Government's intention to acquire an equity stake in the new organisation.

asked the Minister of Technology to what extent it is the Government's policy to hold shares in the new Clyde Shipbuilding Consortium.

Five shipyards on the Upper Clyde have agreed on terms for a merger of their shipbuilding interests. The Shipbuilding Board has agreed in principle to give financial assistance to the new group and my right hon. Friend is now examining, with the Board, both the amount and nature of that assistance.

asked the Minister of Technology what proposals he has for the restructuring of British industry, in the light of the effects of devaluation.

In the new situation, I shall continue actively to encourage and where appropriate to support measures of rationalisation calculated to promote efficiency and increased competitiveness in British industry.

asked the Minister of Technology whether he has commissioned studies of the potential market in desalination plant over the medium and long term throughout the world; and if he will make a statement.

Yes. The United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority have carried out such studies in consultation with industry. In the four years to the end of 1966 installed capacity in the developing countries rose from 17 to 80 million gallons per day. With the urgent need for additional water in both developing and industrial countries, there is every expectation that this trend will continue and, indeed, be accentuated. This is an important and rapidly growing market in which the prospects for British industry, which pioneered its growth, are most promising.

asked the Minister of Technology what study he has made of Mr. de Rothschild's proposals on Water for the Middle East, in relation to desalination plants, details of which have been sent to him; and if he will make a statement.

The Department participated in a detailed inter-departmental study of the proposals. Technically, the proposals were feasible; but they presented substantial economic and political difficulties. For example, the water produced would have been unacceptably dear for most agricultural use.With respect to the political problems involved, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given yesterday to the hon. Member for Rowley Regis and Tipton (Mr. Archer) by my hon. Friend the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.—[Vol. 756, c.

asked the Minister of Technology what proportion of research sponsored by his Department is carried out in Scotland.

Three per cent. of the total cost but excluding the aviation field 14 per cent. This does not include money paid out to other bodies where the proportion spent in Scotland is not available.

asked the Minister of Technology what action he is taking to promote technological research in Scotland.

Recent action has included the setting up of the Institute of Advanced Machine Tool and Control Technology at East Kilbride and the decision to establish an "Industrial Unit" at the University of Strathclyde.

asked the Minister of Technology what representations he has received from local authorities following the sonic boom tests during the summer; and if he will make a statement.

Thirteen local authorities have commented on various aspects of the sonic bang tests.We expect to make a statement about the results of the tests very shortly.

asked the Minister of Technology whether he will indicate what conclusions he has drawn from last summer's sonic boom tests; and whether he will publish a White Paper upon his researches into sonic boom problems.

We hope to make a statement about the July test shortly. I do not think a White Paper is necessary.

asked the Minister of Technology what projects in the field of atomic energy research he is now supporting or sponsoring in conjunction with Euratom at present; if he will tabulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT the total cost, the percentage of British financing involved and in which country or countries research and development work is now being carried out for each respective project; and to what extent any of these joint projects are being delayed pending a decision on finance by Euratom.

We have no atomic energy project with Euratom exclusively. Euratom is a major partner in the Dragon High Temperature Reactor project. That project will continue at least until 31st December, 1968, now that Her Majesty's Government's offer to bear most of the cost next year has been accepted.Detailed information about the Dragon is as follows:

The total budget of the Dragon reactor project for the period 1st April, 1959 to 31st December, 1967, is £26·5 million, of which the United Kingdom and Euratom shares are 40·8 per cent. and 46 per cent. respectively. The extension for the calendar year is expected to cost £2·1 million of which the United Kingdom will provide 86·6 per cent. on the basis described in my reply of 25th July to the hon. Member for Stockport, North. Research and Development work for the Dragon project is now being carried out in Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Holland, Italy, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom and United States of America.—[Vol. 751, c

asked the Minister of Technology whether he is satisfied with the extent of his representation on committees concerned with the teaching of science and technology in schools; and what steps is he now taking with the leaders of the technologically based industries for which he is responsible for encouraging young people to study science, technology and engineering subjects as against arts subjects.

My right hon. Friend's Department is represented on the Consultative Committee of the Schools Council which is concerned with encouraging interest in applied science and technology in schools. He has offered to assist where possible in promoting industrial sponsorship of this important work.

asked the Minister of Technology what work he is doing on desalination under Section 4 of the Science and Technology Act.

On 27th April, 1965, my predecessor asked the Atomic Energy Authority to assume responsibility for research and development into methods of desalination of salt water for civil use. (OFFICIAL REPORT, Vol. 711, C. 214.)The Authority drew up a three-year R. and D. programme with two principal objectives: first, to exploit the development potential of the British multi-stage flash distillation process, and secondly, to explore alternative methods of desalination which might show improvements on the multi-stage flash process in due course.The first objective has been pursued in close collaboration with Weir Westgarth Limited, and significant reductions in cost have been obtained. Many of the benefits of our initial programme have not yet reached the stage of commercial application. But Weir Westgarth's have won three overseas orders this year amounting to a total capacity of more than 5 m.g.d.The second objective has led to work on electro-dialysis in collaboration with William Boby Limited and has resulted in the construction of a new design of pilot plant, which shows promise for commercial exploitation.Simon-Carves Limited, have collaborated with Harwell in a design study for a desalination plant based on a freezing process and a range of experimental facilities is being commissioned at Harwell.The third advanced process studied in collaboration with Yarsley Laboratories and the A. D. Little Research Institute employs reverse osmosis, particularly suitable for brackish waters. Portal Holdings Limited are also collaborating in the development of this system.The R. and D. programme will be completed within its original estimated cost of £1·3 million of public money, of which some 20 per cent. has been used to finance work by the Authority's industrial collaborators.

asked the Minister of Technology whether he is satisfied with the marketing of British hovercraft at home and overseas; what has been the return so far on the capital, both privately and publicly, invested on a joint basis; and what steps he proposes taking to improve the promotion of this method of marine transportation, with particular reference to the licensing of private undertakings in the manufacturing and operational fields.

My right hon. Friend is never satisfied with the marketing of any goods at home or overseas; he thinks we could always do better. I am not in a position to give figures on the returns of invested capital. The Ministry together with the Board of Trade is working continually with the industry to secure exports.

asked the Minister of Technology if he will make a statement on the resignation of Sir Cyril Musgrave from the board of Short Brothers and Harland.

I would refer the hon. Member to the Answer I gave to similar Questions today.

asked the Minister of Technology if he will make a statement about Government changes in the constitution of the board and chairmanship of Short Brothers and Harland.

I would refer the hon. Member to the Answer I gave today to the hon. Member for Londonderry (Mr. Chichester-Clark).

asked the Minister of Technology if he will make a statement about the numbers the Government expects to be employed by Short Brothers and Harland during 1968 in design and production work on aircraft and missiles, respectively, and the expected trend of employment over the next two years.

The numbers at present engaged on aircraft and missile work are some 5,000 and some 1,100 respectively. The Company expects that, provided that the projects now entering production are successful and new work currently under negotiation is obtained, this level of employment will be substantially maintained in 1968 and in the following two years.

asked the Minister of Technology what is his policy in respect of the activities and financing of the National Research Development Corporation; what effects devaluation of the £ sterling and its attendant measures are expected to have on capital expenditure previously authorised; how many industrial contracts will be suspended; and which particular projects have already been and are likely to be affected.

Devaluation in itself is likely to have little effect on the activities of the Corporation except to provide an added stimulus to export promotion and import saving projects. The Corporation may be affected, as may other investing organisations, by the other measures which were taken at the time of devaluation. But I understand that at present they cannot identify any particular projects which would be so affected.

asked the Minister of Technology in which of the aircraft projects now being developed on a European basis the United Kingdom holds the airframe and design leadership.

The United Kingdom holds airframe and design leadership on the W.G.13 helicopter; on the Concord, responsibility is shard; on other projects, leadership is with French companies.

asked the Minister of Technology what is his present estimate of the Government funds which would be necessary to ensure the launching of the British Aircraft Corporation 2–11 aircraft.

£120 million

asked the Minister of Technology what work the programmer Analysis Unit at Harwell is doing to select projects concerned with the development of the marine environment.

The Programmes Analysis Unit is carrying out a study of the benefits which might attend the application of technology in national research and development programmes within those fields of marine science and technology for which the Ministry are responsible.

asked the Minister of Technology what study he is making of more economical methods of gravel production from the marine environment.

My right hon. Friend's Department, in co-operation with the National Ports Council, is now surveying dredging technology, including the extraction of sand and gravel.The report of the survey team will be available early in 1968.

asked the Minister of Technology if he will state his policy in relation to encouraging resources at present involved in research and development to move into the production side of industry.

The problem of achieving the best distribution of the national technological resources between research, development and production is very complex because the needs of different industries vary greatly. In general I am seeking to concentrate effort more on the production side.

asked the Minister of Technology what is the total value of contracts placed by his Department in the Northern Region this year.

In the six months April to September, 1967 inclusive, contracts to a value of £653,000 were placed by my Department in the Northern Region.

asked the Minister of Technology what action he is taking to ensure that the placing of Government contracts help to ameliorate unemployment in the development areas.

In placing contracts my Department gives preference to firms in Development Areas in accordance with the arrangements used by all Government purchasing Departments.

asked the Minister of Technology what proportions of expenditure on aviation contracts were placed in Scotland, England and Wales, respectively in the ten years up to 1966–67.

The information is not available in the form requested by the hon. Member. But expenditure by the Ministries of Supply and Aviation with United Kingdom industry in the 10 years up to 1966–67 on research and development contracts was £1,550 million. Approximately 3 per cent. of this was spent in Scotland, 97 per cent. in England, and less than 1 per cent. in Wales.

asked the Minister of Technology if he will publish the address of the seven buildings used by his Department in Scotland.

The addresses are:—Royal Aircraft Establishment, West Freugh.National Engineering Laboratory, East Kilbride, Glasgow.Torry Research Station, Abbey Road, Aberdeen.and with other Government Departments:—25, Palmerston Place, Edinburgh, 125–6, Randolph Crescent, Edinburgh, 3.Marland House, 40, George Street, Glasgow, C.1.136, Renfield Street, Glasgow, C.1.

asked the Minister of Technology what steps he is taking to co-ordinate the existing and proposed programme of work on marine science development within the sphere of his Department.

Any new arrangements which may prove necessary for co-ordinating the existing and future work on marine science in my Department will be decided in the light of the Report of the Working Party on marine science and technology.

asked the Minister of Technology when he expects to receive the report of the working party making an initial examination of areas of marine science and technology which are likely to be most economically profitable; and if he will make a statement.

The Working Party's Report is expected early in 1968 and my right hon. Friend would prefer to see what it says before making a statement.

asked the Minister of Technology if he will name the firms he has approached with a view to co-operating with them in matters of marine science research

More than 60 firms were invited to send representatives to the Conference on the Technology of the Sea and the Sea-bed, held at Harwell in April. 1967. The representatives are listed in the Proceedings, which are available from Her Majesty's Stationery Office. I will deposit a copy of the proceedings in the Library of the House.Since then, officials of the Ministry have had discussions with many of these firms and others who were not represented at the Conference.

asked the Minister of Technology what co-operation he has had with the firm of Weir Westgarth on marine science development; and if he will make a statement.

The firm of Weir Westgarth are co-operating with the Ministry and the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority in the field of marine science and technology, particularly in the programme of desalination. The firm makes frequent use of the information and facilities available in the National Engineering Laboratory.

asked the Minister of Technology what saving has been made by the creation of a single hovercraft unit covering both defence and civil applications; and if he will make a statement.

A single Hovercraft unit was set up in July this year. It is expected to show savings in intramural and extramural research and development by bringing the civilian and military applications together and ensure a co-ordinated programme of work.

asked the Minister of Technology what progress he is making into research into multi-stage flash distillation; and if he will make a statement on the results so far.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave today to his Question on Section 4 of the Science and Technology Act.

asked the Minister of Technology what grant he has given to the Kraken exercise; and what estimate he has made of the value of the Kraken project.

The Ministry has not made any grant to the Kraken exercise but with the National Environmental Research Council is considering the value of such a structure for underwater scientific and technological investigations.

asked the Minister of Technology what plans he has to increase the 0·9 per cent. spent in Wales of the total sum of £611 million spent by his Department last year.

My Department's expenditure in Wales for 1967–68 is likely to remain about the same as in the previous year. Some important development contracts have been placed this year for the benefit of industry in Wales

asked the Minister of Technology whether he will make a statement on his investigations into Seacat contracts.

With the full collaboration of the firm I have had the Seacat contracts investigated. I have concluded that the emergent profits were acceptable and that, therefore, I should not be justified in seeking a refund.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his latest estimate of the effectiveness of the £50 foreign travel limit in encouraging residents in the United Kingdom to take their holidays in the United Kingdom during the tourist year 1966–67; and if he will make a statement.

I have no doubt that the restriction has had some effect of this kind but it cannot be quantified.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations he has received about the need for a special currency allowance for those wishing to watch the Winter Olympics at Grenoble; and what reply he has sent.

Representations have been made by three hon. Members. They have been told that no additional allowance will be made available.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, in view of the fall of British private investment, in the year since the Voluntary Programme began, from some £50 million to about £33 million in Australia and from £.11½ million to £0·7 million in New Zealand, if he will now, in accordance with his undertaking on 25th May 1966, make a statement on the working of this measure.

The Voluntary Programme has been running for some nineteen months. During that period it has produced a useful saving to our balance of payments. I pay tribute to the co-operation both of the companies concerned with direct investments covered by the Programme, and also to that of the institutions in the field of portfolio investment.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware that the Boeing 747 aircraft which will soon be coming into service will be capable of carrying 500 passengers; and what preparations the Customs authorities are making to be able to handle this number of passengers expeditiously.

Yes. The Customs are well-advanced in their planning which will ensure swift clearance of the increased traffic expected by all means of transport in the next decade.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to aid exporters of goods which will not be available for export till after 1st April, 1968, and the contracts for which were already signed prior to the devaluation of the £ sterling.

I have nothing to add to the reply the Financial Secretary to the Treasury gave to the hon. Member on 8th December.—[Vol. 755, c.411–2]

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to aid British merchants, trading in West African commodities, who are unable to protect themselves from the devaluation of the British £ sterling.

I understand that the Bank of England have now offered loans of up to £5 million to assist those commodity traders who will sustain losses as a result of having bought commodities in the non-devalued currencies of Nigeria, Tanzania and Uganda, and sold in sterling.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the overall effects so far of devaluation.

No. It is far too soon to assess the overall effects.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what proposals he has for dealing with the effects of devaluation on students studying abroad.

The amount remittable for fees for tuition, accommodation, etc., charged by educational institutions abroad in the local currency will be automatically adjusted where the exchange rate is changed. I do not propose any general change in other allowances.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the total by which our gold and dollar reserves, declined in the three days immediately prior to devaluation.

I would refer the hon. Gentleman to the Answer which my right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary gave to 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 plans he has to help exporters of goods having a high import content after the export rebate has been abolished on 1st April, 1968.

Devaluation should in varying degrees improve the competitive position of all exporters. Special help for exporters with a high import content would be impracticable and doubtfully desirable.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will continue the export rebate for those firms which can produce evidence of firm export orders at fixed prices; and if he will make a statement.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the Answer I gave on 8th December to Questions by the hon. Members for Cleveland (Mr. Tinn) and Liverpool, Wavertree (Mr. Tilney).—[Vol. 755,c.411–2]

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what detailed consideration has now been given to an amalgamation of Income Tax and allowances with Social Insurance and benefits.

Consideration has been given to several such schemes.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will seek to make unemployment pay subject to Income Tax.

Unemployment benefit was exempted because of the practical difficulties of collecting the tax, and these difficulties still remain.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will introduce the legislation necessary to prevent British residents from speculating in foreign currency.

Powers are already available under the Exchange Control Act, 1947.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what proposals he now has to encourage private investment by increasing incentives both for companies and for individuals.

The existing incentives are in general adequate and the prospects for private investment, especially in the changed circumstances created by devaluation, are very favourable.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in the interest of more balanced regional industrial development, he will take steps to ensure that all charges for the construction and maintenance of expensive bridges and tunnels in development areas are financed by the Exchequer.

No. There are other, more direct, ways of giving assistance to development areas.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, following devaluation, he will now consider seeking to give hotels Purchase Tax relief on essential equipment and making provision for depreciation on their fixed assets.

My right hon. Friend cannot anticipate his Budget statement.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will press for an emergency meeting of the International Monetary Fund to discuss the demonetisation of gold.

No

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what progress he has made to date in negotiating an offset agreement regarding the British Army of the Rhine for the financial year 1968–69.

There have been some informal preliminary talks on the subject; formal negotiations will be opened in good time before the present agreement expires.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many hours of overtime were worked by the Inland Revenue in the period 1st April to 30th September, 1967; and what remuneration was paid for this overtime.

About 900,000 and £380,000.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will publish the terms of the concession made by the Inland Revenue to the effect that, in cases where Estate Duty and Capital Gains Tax produces a combined tax liability of over 20s. in the £ sterling, the Revenue will not exact more than 20s. in the £ sterling.

I am not clear what type of case the hon. Member has in mind. If he will send me particulars I will look into the matter.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if British subjects were involved in the violation of the regulations regarding sterling which took place on Friday, 17th November.

No evidence has come to light that U.K. residents acted illegally before devaluation by transferring funds through illegal channels. If offences were committed, they are liable to detection and prosecution under the Exchange Control Act.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will give an assurance that the increases in taxation on the motorist, whether private or public, introduced since October, 1964 result in a corresponding increase of Government spending on roads.

Taxation collected from motorists—in common with other tax revenue—goes into the general Exchequer and has no direct relationship with expenditure on the roads.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will order an independent investigation of the burden imposed on Great Britain's balance of payments, directly and indirectly, by the Rhodesian sanctions policy.

No.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what advice he has given to the banks regarding overdrafts to tradesmen in areas affected by the current foot-and-mouth epidemic relating to limits of overdrafting.

None. I am sure that the banks do not need to be asked to deal sympathetically with farmers and with other categories of borrowers in the stricken areas who may find themselves in difficulties as a result of the foot and mouth epidemic.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will give in detail the reasons for the delay in announcing the Government's policy in regard to fixed price contracts; and whether he will now make a statement.

I have been asked to reply. I assume the hon. Member is referring to fixed price contracts for construction work which were the subject of a letter from the National Federation of Building Trades' Employers to the Prime Minister on 22nd November. Replies to that letter were sent by my right hon. Friends the Prime Minister and the Minister of Public Building and Works on 11th and 12th December respectively.

asked the Chan-cellor of the Exchequer which new Gov-

Year site or building acquired or transferred (whichever earliest)	Department, office and location					Approximate numbers
1965	Inland Revenue Schedule E Centre, East Kilbride				…	Building up to 1,300
1966	Post Office Savings Bank, Glasgow		…	…	…	At present 1,10 building up to 5,500
	Board of Trade Investment Grants Organisation, Glasgow					115
	Post Office Philatelic Bureau, Edinburgh		…	…	…	100
	Ministry of Social Security, Cumbernauld			…	…	175
1967	Land Commission, Cumbernauld	…	…	…	…	165
						—[Vol 755,c 354]

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will continue to allow the Selective Employment Tax re-fund for those firms which can produce evidence of firm export orders at fixed prices; and if he will make a statement.

As from the week be-ginning 1st April, 1968, manufacturers outside Development Areas will lose their entitlement to the additional sum in the Selective Employment Premium, but they will continue to be entitled to refund of the tax. Manufacturing establishments in Development Areas will still be en-titled to the full premium, that is refund of the tax plus the additional sum.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what study he has made of the effects of altering the principle of rate assessment by the Inland Revenue so that both lock-up garages and the houses to which they relate are rated on the same basis; what are the results of these studies; and if he will make a statement.

They are assessed for rates on the same basis either separately or as one entity depending on the ernment offices or agencies were sited in Scotland in each year from 1951; and how many jobs were provided in each case.

I would refer the hon. Member to the Answer I gave him on 6th December listing office projects which were considered in relation to dispersal and regional development policies. These offices were sited in Scotland from 1965 onward. There were no comparable projects between 1951 and 1964. Following is the fuller information now requested:—facts. The entitlement of the occupiers of garages to domestic rate relief is however a matter for my right hon. Friend the Minister of Housing and Local Government.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer having regard to the need for public economy, whether he will reconsider the transfer of the Royal Mint to Llantrisant.

No. The interests of economy would not be served by reconsidering this decision.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will name the services for which a separate calculation of public expenditure and central Government expenditure per head of population in Scotland and England, respectively, cannot be made.

The principal services for which separate figures for central Government expenditure in Scotland are not available were listed in reply to the hon. Member for Perth and East Perth-sire (Mr. MacArthur) on 16th November. These are also the services for which separate expenditure figures are not available.—[Vol. 754, c.196]

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will examine the possibilities of setting up a retail sales department of Her Majesty's Stationery Office in Newcastle and other centres in the Northern Region.

Her Majesty's Stationery Office keeps this situation under review, but there is insufficient demand for Government publications in Newcastle or other centres in the Northern Region to warrant the opening of new Government bookshops.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, in view of the high cost of living and lower salaries in Scotland, if he will reject the decision of the National Board for Prices and Incomes published on 2nd November, 1967 to approve higher salary scales for civil servants in the London area.

No. The Government has already accepted the recommendations of the National Board for Prices and Incomes on Civil Service London Weighting, and the new rates have been introduced.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the policy of Her Majesty's Government regarding the provision of further employment opportunities in Government Departments on the Fylde coast.

The choice of location for new or transferred Government offices is limited by operational requirements but subject to that we give priority to places in development areas. The Fylde area already has a good share of Civil Service employment, including the Premium Bond Office, employing some 2,700 at Lytham St. Annes, and a division of the Ministry of Health, employing some 400, which is in process of moving to Fleetwood; but the area is not necessarily ruled out on that account as a destination for further dispersal.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will cause an investigation to be made into the financial stability of the Rotherglen Co-operative Society which, despite the £500,000 financial help received from the Co-operative Wholesale Society, is still unable to repay its depositors their money, as stated in correspondence sent to him by the hon. Member for Louth, a widow in whose constituency is unable to obtain the repayment of £210 1ls. 6d. and accumulated interest on her investment account.

As a result of adverse trading experience in recent years, together with a rapid reduction in members' share capital, and of the impossibility of realising its assets without loss to its members, the Rotherham Co-operative Society suspended the repayment of its shares on 29th August, 1967. The Chief Registrar of Friendly Societies has power to appoint an inspector to inquire into the Society's affairs on the application of not less than 100 members; but it must be doubtful in this case whether an inspector would be able to discover anything not already known. Members of the Society's present Committee of Management, who under a recent amendment of its rules are appointed by the Board of the Co-operative Wholesale Society, its principal creditors, are working to restore its financial position; the Chief Registrar is keeping a close watch on the matter.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware that the dollar premium has risen again to 29 per cent.; and if he will take the necessary steps to transfer £800 million a year resources from the home market to exports, in order to prevent the present sterling rate of 2·40 becoming untenable.

Measures have already been taken which should bring about a substantial shift in resources in the months ahead. It is too early to estimate the eventual amount of resources which will have to be diverted from the home market, but we shall take whatever steps are necessary to ensure that this is made possible.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will make inquiries as to the effectiveness of the arrangements for furthering efficiency in Government Departments and eliminating delays and thereafter state the methods adopted other than by way of suggestion committees.

These arrangements are kept under continuous review and special inquiries are unnecessary. Each Department is responsible for its own efficiency and obtains advice from its Organisation and Methods branch, the Treasury and consultants, as appropriate.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, in view of the continuous and increasing inflation, if he will seek powers to wind up the National Savings Movement, the Post Office Savings Bank, and all fixed interest savings organisations, and replace them with a national equity unit scheme, and so save the small investor from being deprived of the real value of his savings through inflation.

No.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware that small businesmen are having to give longer credits to overseas buyers and are having to pay up to 10 per cent. on bank overdraft, which is more than their normal profit rate; and if he will reduce Bank Rate from 8 per cent. to 6 per cent. in the near future so that exporting is not done at a loss.

I am aware that the rate for some export credit will be above Bank Rate, but not that exporting is in consequence done at a loss. I can make no statement regarding future changes in Bank Rate.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether, in view of the expected inadequacy of water supplies in South-East England by 1980, he will establish a pilot plant in that area for the production of pure water from sea water.

The Water Resources Board have been examining the best ways of ensuring adequate water supplies for South-East England in the 1980's, but, desalination is not at present among the most economical ways.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he is aware that the flooding of the Mill Field Street area of Pateley Bridge could be prevented by the lowering of the level of Gouthwaite Reservoir; and what steps are being taken to prevent flood waters and sewage being carried into the houses and shops in this part of Pateley Bridge.

Flooding would not be prevented by lowering Gouthwaite Reservoir to a greater extent than it is lowered at present in winter months, since substantial amounts of flood water enter the River Nidd below the reservoir. The Rural District Council have already taken steps to prevent flooding and are investigating further measures. They have as yet found no evidence of sewage flooding and have had no specific complaints on this score.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he will reconsider his decision not to make a grant to the Worcestershire County Council in respect of the expenses of £5,674 19s. 3d. incurred by them in connection with the review of county districts, in view of the fact that this expenditure was rendered abortive by his change of policy.

No. My right hon. Friend could not accept that when a change of circumstances makes a piece of work abortive the authority concerned should be reimbursed the cost of it. In any event, the expenditure was not wholly abortive as the Droitwich Order now before the House gives effect to one of the county council's proposals.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he will seek to set up a special national organisation to speed up the clearance and redevelopment of derelict sites; and if he will make a statement.

The local authorities are pressing on steadily with this work, with the help of substantial Exchequer grants, and I am not clear that to form a special organisation for it on a national scale would be helpful to them.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government when he proposes to make a decision about the Southend development plan; whether he is aware that several years have now elapsed without a decision; and what points remain outstanding.

A letter setting out the Minister's proposed modifications to the plan was sent to the Council on 16th May, 1967. Southend's policy on contributions by developers towards the provision of car parks is the final point under review. My right hon. Friend will be able to issue a decision on the development plan as soon as this question is resolved.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government when he expects to announce his decision upon the public inquiry held this year into the proposal of Birkenhead county borough to construct the Rock Ferry by-pass.

The Inspector's report is being considered and my right hon. Friend hopes to be able to reach a conclusion early in the New Year.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he will introduce legislation to make it necessary for local authorities and others responsible for house letting to hand over houses in good condition to incoming tenants.

I have no reason to think that local authorities in general do not hand over their houses in good condition to incoming tenants, but if the hon. Member has a particular case in mind I hope he will send me details. As regards private lettings within the Rent Act, 1965 or the Furnished Houses (Rent Control) Act, 1946, tenants can apply to the rent officer or furnished houses rent tribunal to fix a rent which is appropriate to the condition of the property.Under Section 32 of the Housing Act, 1961 there is an implied covenant by a lessor who grants a lease for less than seven years to keep in repair the structure and exterior of the house and certain installations. In the case of houses let at a low rental, Section 6 of the Housing Act, 1957 makes it an implied condition of the contract that the house is fit for human habitation at the commencement of the tenancy and that it will he kept in that condition by the landlord during the tenancy.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what progress has been made in providing Windmill Cottages, Kirby Hill, near Skelton-on-Ure with a piped water supply; and why it has taken more than three years to provide this supply of drinking water.

I understand that work is practically finished. The Water Board had first to investigate alternative methods of supply; their scheme, when submitted, was deferred by the Department for over a year because of the need to restrict public expenditure; subsequently, time was required for sinking and testing a trial borehole, obtaining statutory approvals, and arranging a contract.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he will state the financial position of the housing revenue accounts as at 31st March, 1966 and 31st March, 1965, of the local authorities whose proposed increases in council house rents are to be sent to the National Board for Prices and Incomes.

Detailed information for all the English authorities in- cluded in the reference (except for those affected by local government reorganisation) is given in Housing Statistics (England and Wales) 1964–65 and 1965–66 published by the Institute of Municipal Treasurers and Accountants.

asked the Secretary of Stale for Commonwealth Affairs whether Her Majesty's Government have set a time limit to negotiations between them and the Rhodesian administration.

No, we are not going to slam any doors. But fruitful discussions are impossible so long as Mr. Smith maintains his present position.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs whether he will make arrangements to issue authentic Rhodesian passports for loyal Rhodesians at present outside Rhodesia.

Arrangements already exist to provide loyal Rhodesians outside Rhodesia with United Kingdom passports.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs if he will give the reasons in detail for his refusal to open a full inquiry into the case of Mr. Aubrey Wilson.

The events complained of took place in Kenya in 1951 and the United Kingdom Government has nolocus standito inquire into a matter which is now the concern of an independent Commonwealth Government.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs what are the terms and tenure of office of the Secretary-General and other officials of the Commonwealth Secretariat.

The Secretary- General was appointed by Commonwealth Prime Ministers, at their meeting in June, 1965, for a period of five years. The tenure of office of other senior officers will normally be from three to five years, in accordance with paragraphs 33 to 38 of the Agreed Memorandum presented to Parliament in July, 1965, as Cmnd. 2713.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs what recent communications he has received from the Australian Government on the subject of the British-Australian project at Woomera; and what reply he has sent.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the Reply which my hon. Friend gave to him on 5th December, to which I have nothing to add.—[Vol. 755, c. 248–9.]

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs what action he proposes to take following the recent resolution passed by the United Nations Fourth Committee on the status of Gibraltar.

In replying to the hon. Member for Brighton, Pavilion (Sir W. Teeling) on 5th December my right hon. Friend said that we expected to start discussions about the constitution early in the New Year. Lord Caradon described the resolution as disgraceful and it has no effect on our intention. More generally, as has been made clear on many occasions, we shall continue to support and sustain the people of Gibraltar as necessary.—[Vol. 755, c. 1119.]

asked the Minister of Power whether he is satisfied that Great Britain has the technological capabilities for building and operating a plant like that to be built by British Petroleum at Lavera refinery near Marseilles to produce protein from gas oil, details of which have been sent to him; and if he will make a statement.

Yes. British Petroleum, inventors of this process for producing protein from gas oil, have the technological capacity to build and operate a plant of nature in Britain or indeed in any part of thse world where an oil refinery is established. The first full-scale plant is being built in France because B.P.'s French Company made the original invention and has carried out the early laboratory experiments and development work.

asked the Minister of Power (1) if, before the House considers the Fuel Policy White Paper, he will publish the average cost per ton at the pithead and cost per therm of the coal mined from the best 20 pits in the country, together with the names of these pits and the information in respect of each pit;(2)if, before the House considers the Fuel Policy White Paper, he will publish the average cost per ton at the pithead and cost per therm of the coal mined from the best 50 pits in the country, together with the names of these pits and the information for each of these pits, other than the best 20;(3)if, before the House considers the Fuel Policy White Paper, he will publish the average cost per ton at the pithead and cost per therm of the coal mined from the best 100 pits in the country,

Cost Range per therm					Number of collieries	Output(m. tons)	Cost per ton	Cost per therm
							s. d.	d.
Up to 3d.	…	…	…	…	14	10	56 4	2·60
3d.–4d.	…	…	…	…	107	51	79 5	3·67
4d.–4½d.	…	…	…	…	81	35	94 1	4·34
4½d.–5d.	…	…	…	…	71	25	104 1	4·80
5d.–6d.	…	…	…	…	100	27	122 9	5·37
6d.–7d.	…	…	…	…	29	7	138 0	6·37
Over 7d.	…	…	…	…	15	3	173 3	8·0
Total	…	…	…	…	417	158	98 1	4·47

Information on individual Collieries is a matter for the National Coal Board.

asked the Minister of Power if he will make a statement on Government policy under the Coal Industry Bill with regard to directions to the National Coal Board about the employment of together with the names of these pits and the information for each of these pits, other than the best 50;(4)if, before the House considers the Fuel Policy White Paper, he will publish the average cost per ton at the pithead and cost per therm of the coal mined from the best 200 pits in the country, together with the names of these pits and the information for each of these pits, other than the best 100;(5)if, before the House considers the Fuel Policy White Paper, he will publish the average cost per ton at the pithead and cost per therm of the coal mined from the best 250 pits in the country, together with the names of these pits and the information for each of these pits, other than the best 200;(6)if, before the House considers the Fuel Policy White Paper, he will publish the average cost per ton at the pithead and cost per therm of the coal mined from the best 300 pits in the country, together with the names of these pits and the information for each of these pits, other than the best 250.

The information is not readily available in the precise form requested but the following analysis of pithead costs, before interest, for all coal other than anthracite will assist the hon. Member. The figures relate to the year 1966–67 but exclude collieries which closed in that year.men over 55 years of age who are displaced as a result of pit closures.

asked the Minister of Power what directions he has given to the National Coal Board about re-employing fit miners over 55 years of age who have become redundant as a result of colliery closures.

I see no need for any direction. The Board already re-employs fit miners over 55 years of age who become redundant to the maximum extent that transfers can be arranged to suitable vacancies in other pits.

asked the Minister of Power what is his estimate of the cost to both the National Coal Board and the coal distributors of the proposed new tax applied to lorries of three tons and above.

For the distributive trade, the Coal Merchants' Federation have estimated that the cost may be about ½d. per hundredweight sack. For the National Coal Board, I would refer the hon. Member to the Answer I gave him on 6th December.—[Vol. 755, c.341]