Written Answers

Written Answers To Questions

Wednesday, 17th January, 1968

Roads

Stone Kerbs

1.

asked the Minister of Transport if she will end forthwith the expenditure incurred in putting stone kerbs on country roads in the place of grass verges, which are safer, and cost less to maintain.

No. This matter is best left to be dealt with by local highway authorities in accordance with local circumstances and in the light of the general guidance issued by this Department, with which the hon. Member is familiar.

Departmental Correspondence

39.

asked the Minister of Transport whether she will instruct her Department to deal more expeditiously with correspondence concerning speed limits, pedestrian crossings and other road safety matters.

These questions often involve consultation with local authorities and the taking of detailed measurements over a period of time. The greater administrative decentralisation which has recently been introduced should accelerate matters.

Removable Footbridges

40.

asked the Minister of Transport what assistance she gives to local authorities to hire and erect temporary footbridges at dangerous road crossing points, pending more permanent improvement works.

The Department issues advice and guidance on standard designs of proprietary and other removable footbridges, and specific capital grant is payable on the net cost to the highway authority of providing and erecting them on principal roads, when justified on merits. We are not aware of any demand for hiring them.

Toddington And Watford Gap Service Areas (Petrol)

44.

asked the Minister of Transport why she does not insist that all the star-grades of petrol are available at Toddington and Watford Gap service areas, in view of the fact that they are available at all other motorway service areas in England and Wales.

There is sufficient choice of grades along the motorway and there is no reason to interfere with the commercial judgment of the operators in regard to a particular grade.

A41 (Speed Limit)

48.

asked the Minister of Transport whether she will impose a 15 miles-per-hour speed limit on the A41 through the narrow portion of the road in Tring.

No. Such a limit would not be realistic or enforceable. But we are considering whether conditions in Tring can be improved by additional traffic signs.

Motorways

42.

asked the Minister of Transport if she will place instructions on each motorway access advising drivers about passing on the left on motorways.

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to his Question on 21st December, 1967.—[Vol. 756, col. 536.]

asked the Minister of Transport if she will list the sections of motorway, showing the mileages in each case, which are in use, under construction, for which tenders have been invited, for which schemes have been made, for which draft schemes have been published, and for which a line has not yet been published, showing the actual or estimated completion date and the actual or estimated cost wherever possible.

The following table shows the position at 12th January. Information about local authority motorways is limited to sections in use or for which schemes have been made by the highway authorities concerned and submitted to my right hon. Friend for confirmation.

MOTORWAY MILEAGE (ENGLAND)
Motorways in Use						Miles	Open to Traffic			Actual or Estimated Cost (including land unless otherwise stated)
										£m.
Ml LONDON-YORKSHIRE
North of Fiveways Corner-Brockley Hill					…	4·3	May, 1967	…	…	10·6
Brockley Hill-Aldenham			…	…	…	4·0	October, 1966	…	…	4·5
Aldenham-Crick (including M10 and M45 Spurs)						73·2	November, 1959	…		28·5	(main works only)
Crick-Markfield (including Enderby Spur)					…	26·7	October, 1964 and January, 1965			17·2	(main works only)
Markfield-Kegworth		…	…	…	…	11·0	December, 1965	…		6·5	(main works only)
Kegworth-Sandiacre		…	…	…	…	5·0	May, 1966	…	…	5·2	(main works only)
Sandiacre-Nuthall		…	…	…	…	6·0	August 1966	…	…	5·5	(main works only)
Nuthall-Annesley		…	…	…	…	5·5	May 1967	…	…	3·5	(main works only)
Annesley-Pinxton		…	…	…	…	3·1	July, 1967	…	…	2·7	(main works only)
Pinxton-Barlborough		…	…	…	…	13·9	October, 1967		…	12·0	(main works only)
Barlborough-Morthen		…	…	…	…	7·2	December, 1967		…	4·7	(main works only)
Aston-Tinsley (including part of Thurcroft Link)						6·5	December, 1967		…	5·9	(main works only)
Ossett-East Ardsley		…	…	…	…	2·6	August, 1967	…	…	4·3	(including^* below)
East Ardsley-Stourton			…	…	…	4·5	October, 1967		…	5·4	(main works only)
M2 MEDWAY MOTOR ROAD			…	…	…	25·2	May, July and September, 1963			16·0
M4 LONDON-SOUTH WALES
Chiswick-Langley		…	…	…	…	12·5	November, 1964 and March, 1965			19·6
Slough By-pass		…	…	…	…	5·4	April, 1963	…	…	4·9
Maidenhead By-pass		…	…	…	…	5·9	June, 1961	…	…	3·0
Tormarton-Hambrook			…	…	…	7·9	December, 1966		…	28·0
Hambrook-Almondsbury (including Almondsbury Interchange and Hambrook Spur)			…	…	…	5·5	September, 1966		…
Severn Bridge and Approaches				…	…	6·5	September, 1966		…
M5 BRISTOL-BIRMINGHAM
Twyning-Lydiate Ash		…	…	…	…	26·0	July, 1962	…	…	9·4
Lydiate Ash-Quinton		…	…	…	…	6·	November, 1965		…	6·6
M5 FILTON BY-PASS (Gloucester C.C. Motorway)				…	…	2·25	May, 1963	…	…	·7
M6 BIRMINGHAM-PRESTON-CARLISLE
Darlaston-Shareshill		…	…	…	…	5·9	September 1966		…	12·6
Shareshill-Dunston		…	…	…	…	8·4	March, 1966	…	…	12·6
Dunston-Preston	…	…	…	…		78·5	August, 1962-Novembar, 1963			56·1
Preston By-pass		…	…	…	…	8·1	December, 1958		…	5·2
Preston-Lancaster		…	…	…	…	13·3	January, 1965		…	11·0
Lancaster By-pass		…	…	…	…	11·4	April, 1960	…	…	4·7
Ml8 MORTHEN-DONCASTER BY-PASS (including part of Thurcroft Link)			…	…	…	9·5	December, 1967		…	5·2	(main works only)
M40 HIGH WYCOMBE BY-PASS
Stokenchurch-Handy Cross			…	…	…	7·9	June, 1967	…	…	5·1	(main works only)
M50 Ross SPUR	…	…	…	…	…	21·0	November, 1960		…	6·7
M62 STRETFORD-ECCLES BY-PASS (Lancashire C.C. Motorway)				…	…	5·95	October, 1960		…	5·6
A1(M) STEVENAGE BY-PASS			…	…	…	7·1	July, 1962	…	…	2·2
DONCASTER BY-PASS			…	…	…	15·5	July, 1961	…	…	6·5
DARLINGTON BY-PASS			…	…	…	13·0	May, 1965	…	…	6·5
BALDOCK BY-PASS			…	…	…	6·6	June and August, 1967			4·1
DURHAM MOTORWAY
Aycliffe-Bradbury			…	…	…	5·5	October, 1967		…	4·7
A.20(M) MAIDSTONE BY-PASS			…	…	…	6·8	June and December, 1960			2·6
LEEDS INNER RING ROAD STAGE I (Leeds C.B.C. Motorway)			…	…	…	0·7	January, 1967		…	2·1
501·8

DETAILS FOLLOWING DO NOT INCLUDE LOCAL AUTHORITY MOTORWAYS
Motorways under Construction						Miles	Estimated Completion Date			Actual or Estimated Cost (including land unless otherwise stated)
Ml LONDON-YORKSHIRE
Tinsley Viaduct	…	…	…	…	…	0·75	June, 1968	…	…	4·5	(main works only)
Meadowhall-Tankersley			…	…	…	5·5	June, 1968	…	…	6·0	(main works only)
Tankcrsley-Horbury		…	…	…	…	13·7	August, 1968	…	…	14·0	(main works only)
Horbury-Ossett		…	…	…	…	1·0	August, 1968	…	…	^* See above
M5 BIRMINGHAM-BRISTOL
Quinton-Oldbury		…	…	…	…	3·6	December, 1969		…	5·9	(main works only)
W. Bromwich-Ray Hall			…	…	…	4·7	January, 1970		…	5·8	(main works only)
Strensham-South of Bredon			…	…	…	1·5	February, 1970		…	1·7	(main works only)
Cribbs Causeway-Avonmouth				…	…	4·25	December, 1969		…	5·8
M6 BIRMINGHAM-PRESTON-CARLISLE
Ray Hall-Darlaston		…	…	…	…	2·8	December, 1969		…	10·7
Killington-Tebay		…	…	…	…	9·5	May, 1970	…	…	12·5	(main works only)
Thrimby-Hackthorpe		…	…	…	…	2·34	July, 1969	…	…	1·5	(main works only)
Penrith By-Pass		…	…	…	…	7·9	February, 1969		…	8·9	(main works only)
M40 HIGH WYCOMBE BY-PASS
Handy Cross-Burkes Road			…	…	…	4·83	June, 1968	…	…	4·0	(main works only)
Loudwater Viaduct		…	…	…	…	0·3	November, 1968		…	1·9	(main works only)
M62 LANCASHIRE-YORKSHIRE
Milnrow-Rakewood		…	…	…	…	2·0	April, 1969	…	…	4·4
Moss Moor-Pole Moor			…	…	…	5·87	November, 1969		…	8·2
Al(M) DURHAM MOTORWAY
Bradbury-Bowburn		…	…	…	…	6·6	December 1968		…	4·6
Bowburn-Carrville		…	…	…	…	4·7	May, 1969	…	…	3·9
Carrville-Chester-le-Street			…	…	…	5·5	October, 1969		…	4·5	(main works only)
						87·34

TENDERS INVITED
									Miles
M1 LONDON-YORKSHIRE
Fiveways Corner Flyover	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	0·5
M5 BIRMINGHAM-BRISTOL
Oldbury-West Bromwich	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	2·2
M61 PRESTON-MANCHESTER
Chorley-Westhoughton	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	8·0
									10·7

Schemes made										Miles
M1 LONDON-YORKSHIRE
Stourton-Leeds Extension		…	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	0·06
M3 LONDON-BASINGSTOKE	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	40·73
M4 LONDON-SOUTH WALES
Tormarton-Liddington		…	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	30·5
Liddington-Wickham	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	12·5
Wickham-Theale	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	16·2
Theale-Winnersh	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	12·23
M5 BIRMINGHAM-BRISTOL
South of Bredon-Almondsbury			…	…	…	…	…	…	…	39·5
Avonmouth-Easton-in-Gordano			…	…	…	…	…	…	…	1·0
Easton-in-Gordano-East Brent			…	…	…	…	…	…	…	20·0
East Brent-Edithmead	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	2·25
M6 BIRMINGHAM-PRESTON-CARLISLE
Catthorpe-Ray Hall	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	37·7
Carnforth-Killington	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	15·43
Tebay-Thrimby	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	9·66
Penrith-Carlisle	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	12·3
Carlisle By-pass	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	6·9
M40 BEACONSFIELD AND GERRARDS CROSS BY-PASS
M56 NORTH CHESHIRE MOTORWAY				…	…	…	…	…	…	7·75
Preston Brook-Hapsford		…	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	8·0

M61 PRESTON-MANCHESTER											Miles
Preston-Chorley		…	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	5·1
Westhoughton-Middle Hutton				…	…	…	…	…	…	…	3·6
Middle Hutton-Manchester			…	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	5·6
M62 LANCASHIRE-YORKSHIRE
Worsley-Milnrow		…	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	13·0
Rakewood-County Boundary				…	…	…	…	…	…	…	2·0
Pole Moor-Calder		…	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	6·62
Calder-Gildersome	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	…		7·63
Gildersome-Lofthouse			…	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	5·83
Lofthouse-A1 (Ferrybridge)			…	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	11·3
A20(M) DITTON BY-PASS	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	6·75
											340·14
Draft Scheme published
M1 LONDON-YORKSHIRE
South of Fiveways Corner-North Circular Road						…	…	…	…	…	2·0
M4 LONDON-SOUTH WALES
Winnersh-Holyport		…	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	6·72
M11 LONDON-CAMBRIDGE
Chigwell-Stump Cross			…	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	34·0
M18 Thorne Section	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	2·5
M23 LONDON-CRAWLEY	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	26·0
M25 SOUTH ORBITAL MOTORWAY
Leatherhead-Godstone			…	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	11·56
M52 SOUTH LANCASHIRE
Tarbock-Croft	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	11·84
M53 MID-WIRRAL
Bidston Moss-Hooton (including Moreton Spur)					…	…	…	…	…		11·44
M56 NORTH CHESHIRE MOTORWAY
Princess Parkway-Bowdon			…	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	6·5
M65 GILDERSOME STREET-LEEDS		…	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	3·92
											116·48
LINES NOT YET PUBLISHED											Miles
M11 LONDON-CAMBRIDGE
South of Chigwell section			…	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	3·0
M18 DONCASTER SOUTHERN SECTION			…	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	11·1
M25 SOUTH ORBITAL MOTORWAY			…	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	35·44
M40 LONDON-OXFORD
Stokenchurch-Waterstock Cross Roads					…	…	…	…	…	…	10·0
M52 SOUTH LANCASHIRE
Queens Drive-Tarbock			…	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	3·5
Croft-Eccles	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	8·3
M56 NORTH CHESHIRE MOTORWAY
Bowdon-Preston Brook			…	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	10·4
Sharston By-pass		…	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	3·25
M62 SALE EASTERN AND NORTHENDEN BY-PASS					…	…	…	…	…	…	4·5
A 1 (M) BIRTLEY BY-PASS	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	2·5
											91·99
LOCAL AUTHORITY MOTORWAYS
Schemes made and confirmed											Miles
Black Fell-White Mare Pool (Durham C.C.)				…	…	…	…	…	…	…	3·60
Leeds Inner Ring Road (Stages I and II) (Leeds C.B.C.)							…	…	…	…	1·50
Leeds South-East Urban Motorway (Leeds C.B.C.)					…	…	…	…	…	…	2·49
Eccles By-pass (Lancashire C.C.)		…	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	1·80
Bristol Parkway (Bristol C.B.C. and Gloucestershire C.C.)						…	…	…	…	…	2·75
											12·14
Schemes made and submitted for confirmation											Miles
Aston Expressway (Birmingham C.B.C.)			…	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	1·55
Newcastle Upon Tyne Central Motorway East (Parts II and III) (Newcastle C.B.C.)										…	1·20
Ringway Airport Link (Cheshire C.C.)			…	…	…	…	…	…	…	…	0·40
Ellesmere Port Motorway (Cheshire C.C.)				…	…	…	…	…	…	…	5·20
											8·35

asked the Minister of Transport if she will list those individual lengths of motorway together totalling over 200 miles on which construction will start in 1968.

The following is the list of schemes which should be ready to start in 1968.

Ml Stourton-Leeds	0·06
Fiveways Corner Flyover	0·50
M3 Popham-Basingstoke	9·32
Basingstoke (E)-Hawley	13·01
Hawley-Lightwater	5·68
Thames Bridge (Chertsey)	0·10
M5 South of Bredon-Staverton	8·75
Staverton-Bamfurlong	1·25
Bamfurlong-Eastington	12·5
Eastington-Falfield-Almondsbury	17·0
M6 Queslett Road-Ray Hall (Great Barr)	2·2
Gravelly Hill-Queslett Road(Perry Bar)	3·2
Gravelly Hill Interchange	0·7
Castle Bromwich-Gravelly Hill(Bromford)	2·9
Coleshill-Castle Bromwich (Castle Bromwich)	4·9
Catthorpe-Coleshill	23·8
Birmingham-Preston Skelmerdale Slip Road	1·1
Camforth-Farleton	7·59
Farleton-Killington	7·84
Tebay-Thrimby	9·66
Thrimby-Hackthorpe	2·34
Penrith Carlisle	12·3
Carlisle By-pass (Main Road Works)	6·9
M40 Beaconsfield and Gerrards Cross By-Pass
Burkes Road-B473 (Beaconsfield By-Pass)	1·05
M53 Bidston Moss	0·82
M56 Wythenshawe-Bowdon	6·5
North of Preston Brock-West of Hapsford	8·0
M61 Manchester-Preston Main Works Preston-Chorley	5·0
Chorley Link-Horwich Link	8·1
Horwich Link-Watergate Lane	3·6
Watergate Lane-A580	5·6
M62 Warsley-Whitefield	4·0
Main Road Works (A580-Besses Contract 6)
Whitefield-Milnrow Main Works	9·0
Works: Rakewood-County Boundary	2·0
(Contract 7)
Gildersom-Lofthouse Main Works	5·83
A1(M) Birtley By-Pass	2·5
	215·6

Sevenoaks By-Pass

59.

asked the Minister of Transport when the work on the Sevenoaks by-pass will be completed.

It is understood that Kent County Council, the highway authority, hope to open the entire length of the northbound carriageway by the end of April this year and to complete the whole scheme by mid-summer.

Temporary Bridge (Thorne)

60.

asked the Minister of Transport whether she is now in a position to make a statement on the provision of a temporary bridge over the canal at Thorne.

We have decided that it would be appropriate to provide a temporary bridge over the canal at Thorne. Work is now proceeding as quickly as possible on the detailed design of the bridge and on the preparation of drafts of the statutory Orders necessary for the provision of the bridge and for the introduction of a related one-way system to relieve congestion on the trunk road in Thorne.

Road Programme

62.

asked the Minister of Transport what alterations are being made in the roads programme because of financial stringency; and whether the construction of M11 is to be deferred.

Public expenditure on major English roads will be reduced by £15 million in 1968–69 and £25 million in 1969–70. It is not possible to specify in advance what alterations to the dates of individual schemes in the road programme will be necessary to keep total expenditure within the new ceilings. There will be a continuing review of starting dates throughout the period so as to take account of the progress of individual schemes and minimise delays to the more important ones.

asked the Minister of Transport if she will list the 81 major road projects due to start between August, 1965 and January, 1966 and deferred for six months, giving the dates on which work was originally scheduled to start and be completed, on which each project was started or is now planned to start, and on which each will now be completed or has been completed, indicating in each case the estimated cost at the time of deferment and the current estimate of the cost.

The following is the list:

MOTORWAY AND TRUNK ROAD SCHEMES
											Estimated Cost
							Target Starling Date at Time of Deferment	Target Completion Date at Time of Deferment	Actual or Revised Target Starting Date	Revised Target Completion Date	At Time of Deferment	Current
											£000
Ml Tankersley-Darton		…	…	…	…	…	12.65	12.67	8.66	8.68	7,320	6,731
Darton-Horbury		…	…	…	…	…	1.66	1.68	8.66	8.68	7,210	7,268
Lowering of A580		…	…	…	…	…	10.65	3,67	3,66	12.67	1,500	1,246
M4 Chiswick-Langley Lighting			…	…	…	…	9.65	2.66	8.66	11.67	120	l00
A66 Crackenthorpe Diversion, Westmorland					…	…	9.65	6.67	5.66	2.68	142	154
A5 Newton Bridge, Brownhills, Staffordshire						…	9.65	9.66	8.66	3.68	135	111
A46 Syston to Thrussington, Leicestershire					…	…	9.65	6.67	6,66	1.68	420	351
A38 Blue Linhay Hill to East Caton Cross, Ashburton.Devon	…	…	…	…	…	…	10.65	5.67	4.66	4.67	275	235
A38 Lee Mill-Westover, Ivy bridge, Devon					…	…	9.65	9.66	4.66	4.67	169	190
A31 Tricketts Cross to Hampshire County Boundary,Dorset	…	…	…	…	…	…	10.65	10.66	5.66	5.67^*	111	150
A34 Newcastle-under-Lyme By-Pass, Southern Section,Staffordshire		…	…	…	…	…	10.65	5.67	8.66	2.68	380	380
A56 Daresbury Diversion, Cheshire				…	…	…	9.65	1.67	6.66	8.67^*	429	355
A63 Widening through Garforth, West Riding						…	10.65	1.67	8.66	12.67^*	124	128
A12 Woodbridge Road/Heath Road, Ipswich Suffolk						…	11.65	11.66	8.66	12.67	100	94
A10 Mitcham's Corner, Cambridgeshire					…	…	1.66	7.66	8.66	5.67^*	104	106
A38 Red Cross Hill-Trehill Lodge Kenn, Devon						…	11.65	6.66	7.66	6.67^*	368	340
A38 Drumbridge-Chudleigh Knighton Bridge, Devon							11.65	5.67	2.67	10.68	346	472
A6 Cat Row to Oakfield Drive, Bolton, Lancashire						…	11.65	11.66	7.66	2.68	103	114
A127 Hall Lane Cross Roads, Essex				…	…	…	11.65	11.66	6.66	3.67^*	238	256
A38 Staffordshire Boundary to Mickleover Link, Derbyshire	…	…	…	…	…	…	12.65	12.67	5.66	5.68	1,546	1,478
A6 Blackrod By-pass to Dog Holes Farm Lancashire							12.65	9.66	under review	under review	100	102
A64 Malton By-pass (Eastern Section) North Riding						…	12.65	12.67	Scheme abandoned.
A38 Cutwell Cross to Carew Arms, Ugborough, Devon							11.65	11.66	11.66	11.67^*	134	164
A38 Ashburton By-pass, Devon				…	…	…	11.65	11.66	6.67	5.68	134	220
A6 Dicconson Lane to St. John's Avenue, West-houghton, Lancashire			…	…	…	…	1.66	1.67	10.66	6.68	120	125
A1 Long Bennington By-pass, Kesteven, Lincolnshire							12.65	12.67	1.67	9.68	779	906
A6 Stoughton Drive, Leicester City Boundary, Leicestershire		…	…	…	…	…	8.65	8.66	4.66	12.66^*	92	76
A34 Stone Road/Eccleshall Road Roundabout, Stafford							10.65	10.66	8.67	4.69	100	147
A27 Diversion at Crocken Hill, West Sussex					…	…	10.65	1.67	4.66	4.67^*	98	102
A127 Rayleigh Weir Roundabout, Essex					…	…	11.65	8.66	12.66	9.67^*	98	120
A3 Hogslodge to Gravel Hill, Hampshire					…	…	11.65	6.67	4.68	8.69	99	132
A33 South of Popham, Hampshire				…	…	…	12.65	12.66	8.66	8.67^*	99	98
Al Westmains Diversion, Belford, Northumberland						…	12.65	12.66	2.68	2.69	77	96
A4 Rosedale Crescent to Reading Boundary, Berkshire							1.66	10.66	10.67	3.69	170	420
							(Scheme revised and extended)
A38 Beare Diversion, Devon			…	…	…	…	1.66	1.67	9.66	9.67^*	99	111
A69 Scarrow Hill Improvement, Cumberland					…	…	12.65	5.67	11.66	4.68	150	139
A583 Ribby Corner, Lancashire			…	…	…	…	11.65	11.66	12.66	1.68	151	186
High Wycombe By-pass Contract II					…	…	8.65	10.67	6.66	6.68	4,156	3,994
^* Date road opened to traffic.

PRINCIPAL ROAD SCHEMES
												Estimated Cost
								Target Starling Date at Time of Deferment	Target Completion Date at Time of Deferment	Actual or Revised Target Starting Date	Revised Target Completion Date	At Time of Deferment	Current
£000
Surrey	…	…	Maidstone-Guildford (A25) Bletchingley and Nutfield			…	…	12.65	4.67	11.67	12.69	109	140
Coventry	…	…	A4114 Binley Road			…	…	10.65	10.66	3.66	11.66	100	94
Bolton, Lancashire			Farnworth and Kearsley By-pass				…	10.65	10.67	7.66	5.68	1,958	2,102
Northumberland		…	A697 Weldon Bridge Diversion				…	11.65	11.67	10.66	12.68	308	308
West Riding		…	Horbury By-pass		…	…	…	9.65	6.67	8.66	2.68	252	268
Loughborough		…	New Road between A6 Derby Road and A60	…	…	…	…	9.65	7.66	1.66	12.66	93	128
Southend-on-Sea		…	I.R.R. Northern Section			…	…	9.65	9.67	2.66	2.68	731	870
Southend-on-Sea		…	Ring Road, Part Eastern Section				…	9.65	9.67	2.66	2.68	141	870
Ashford	…	…	A292 Diversion of East Hill				…	8.65	6.66	4.66	10.67	111	114
Hertfordshire		…	Southern Link Road Hatfield New Town	…	…	…	…	10.65	7.67	5.66	5.68	312	410
Greater London Council			High Street, Feltham			…	…	12.65	9.66	11.66	3.68	187	205
Hillingdon		…	Cowley Road, Uxbridge			…	…	12.65	3.67	1.67	12.68	240	218^*
Richmond		…	Heath Road, Twickenham				…	9.65	9.66	8.66	10.67	96	96
Hampshire		…	Ringwood to Bournemouth Spur					9.65	9.67	10.67	10.69	1,065	1,225
Surrey	…	…	A24 Dorking By-pass to Folly Lane					1.66	12.67	7.66	4.68	409	383
Surrey	…	…	A31 Farnham By-pass Extension				…	11.65	5.67	8.66	8.68	360	360
Plymouth	…	…	Crownhill junction		…	…	…	1.66	1.68	5.67	5.69	580	730
Reading	…	…	A33 Bridge St. Bridges			…	…	12.65	2.68	1.67	8.67	120	131
Birmingham		…	Coventry Road. Clay Lane-City Boundary		…	…	…	11.65	12.67	4.68	4.70	401	793
								(Scheme Revised)
Dudley	…	…	A461 Stourbridge Road			…	…	1.66	9.66	8.67	11.68	152	184
Warley	…	…	Relief Road-Route-A457 Stage II					1.66	7.66	1.68	11.69	77	72
Wolverhampton		…	I. R. R. Section III Salop St.Waterloo Road		…	…	…	1.66	1.68	10.66	8.68	970	1,047

												Estimated Grant Value
								Target Starling Date at Time of Deferment	Target Completion Date at Time of Deferment	Actual or Revised Target Starting Date	Revised Target Completion Date	At Time of Deferment	Current
												£000
Cheshire	…	…	Wilmslow By-pass		…	…	…	11.65	11.67	Scheme superseded		220
Lancashire		…	Higham Diversion		…	…	…	12.65	12.66	9.66	4.68	77	93
Preston	…	…	I. R. R. Stage I		…	…	…	1.66	1.68	10.66	12.68	764	708^*
St Helens		…	A570 Impt. of Marshalls CrossRailway Bridge		…	…	…	12.65	5.67	5,68	11.69	105	110
West Riding		…	Cinder OvenBridge			…	…	1.66	1.67	Scheme superseded		151
Hertfordshire		…	Watford-Rickmansworth, Cassio Bridges	…	…	…	…	11.65	5.67	4.68	10.69	112	195^*
Hampshire		…	Basingstoke Development Worting Rd Diversion		…	…	…	11.65	5.67	11.66	5.68	72	70
Hampshire		…	Basingstoke Development West Tangential Rd North			…	…	11.65	5.67	11.66	5.68	422	417
G L C	…	…	Strand Subway		…	…	…	1.66	10.66	Under review		325
G L C	…	…	Streatham Place		…	…	…	1.66	3.67	3.67	11.67	195	151
G L C	…	…	Finchley Road (A41)			…	…	12.65	6.69	7.66	7.69	2,258	2,651
Newham	…	…	Barking Rd/Green St to Town Hall	…	…	…	…	12.65	12.66	4.69	9.70	200	253
London	…	…	Upper Thames Street (Bush Lane-Arthur St.)		…	…	…	1.66	1.67	12.66	12.67	360	287
G L C	…	…	Beckenham Road Railway Bridge					10.65	10.66	3.67	3.68	80	109
G L C	…	…	Holloway Road Railway Bridge				…	9.65	5.66	11.68	5.70	120	118^*
Hounslow		…	Gunnersbury Station Railway Bridge	…	…	…	…	1 66	7 67	6 67	6 69	130	151^*
G L C	…	…	St John's Hill, Battersea			…	…	12.65	4.66	10.66	10.67	250	146
Buckinghamshire		…	Black Horse Canal Bridge				…	8.65	8.66	8.66	6.67	90	87
Birmingham		…	Paradise Circus		…	…	…	11.65	11.68	3.67	12.70	2,670	2,845
Brownhills		…	Walsall-Lichfield Road			…	…	12.65	12.66	8.68	8.70	225	240^*
West Riding		…	Haigh Cottages-Oulton			…	…	10.65	11.67	5.68	2.70	375	342
West Riding		…	Stanningley By-pass			…	…	9.65	9.67	8.66	8.68	992	1,004
^* Grant value being reviewed.

East Cleveland (Communications)

50.

asked the Minister of Transport what measures she is considering to improve road communications with East Cleveland.

All roads in this area east of trunk road A19, which is being comprehensively improved, are the responsibility of the local highway authority. The principal road programme includes the Tees-side Parkway, which will improve communications between A19 and East Cleveland; a number of smaller improvements on the A171 and A1042 have recently been grant-aided or are programmed.

Level Crossings

68.

asked the Minister of Transport whether she is aware of the constant delays and congestion of road traffic caused by the railway level crossing in Goole; and whether she will, in the public interest, discuss with the Railways Board the feasibility of eliminating the level crossing by lowering the track and the station platforms under the road level.

The main cause of traffic delays at Boothferry Road level crossing is right-turning traffic on each side of it. It is for the highway authority to consider possible traffic control improvements. Whether the crossing could be eliminated is a matter of discussion between the highway authority and British Railways Board.

asked the Minister of Transport what investigation she has made into the danger caused by the modern automatic half-gates installed at level crossings; and what steps she is taking to alter such crossings and make them safer for the travelling public on both rail and road.

My right hon. Friend has ordered a formal investigation into the recent accident at Hixon, Staffordshire, and into the general safety of automatic half-barrier protection at level crossings. The investigation will be carried out by Mr. E. Brian Gibbens, Q.C., who will be assisted by Mr. Granville Berry, M.I.C.E., M.I.Mun.E., F.I.E.S., A.M.I.W.E., and Brigadier Richard Gardiner, C.B., C.B.E., M.Inst.T., as assessors.

asked the Minister of Transport if she will give the number of accidents during the past 12 weeks involving level crossings of the old type and of the modern automatic half-gate type, respectively, and the numbers of people killed and injured, respectively, in such accidents.

I append a table showing the number of accidents and casualties which were reported to the Minister for the period of 12 weeks ending 13th January which occurred at automatic half-barriers, manned and unmanned level crossings. These figures include the accident at Hixon level crossing on 6th January in which 11 people were killed and 51 injured. The information in the table is provisional.

		Casualties
Type of Crossing	Accidents	Killed	Injured
Automatic Half-Barriers	3^*	13^*	52^*
Manned	21	3	4
Unmanned	7	2	5
Note
^* Figures include accident at Hixon which resulted in 11 fatalities and 51 injuries.

A20 (Improvement)

69.

asked the Minister of Transport when she expects to make public her proposals for a motorway designed to relieve the A20.

The improvement of the A20 east of Maidstone was included in the list of trunk road schemes for preparation announced on 21st February, 1967. An aerial survey of possible alignments for the improved route has now been completed. Decisions on the standard and timing of this improvement must await a report from the County Council when designs based on the aerial survey are completed.

Rye By-Pass

asked the Minister of Transport what progress has been made in her consideration of the proposed by-pass relief road at Rye.

Agreement in principle on the main road framework for the Town Map has been reached between the Divisional Road Engineer and officers of the East Sussex County Council. It makes provision for a relief road north of the town centre, but the proposals as a whole have yet to be formally considered by the County Council.At this stage it is not considered that an outer by-pass can be justified for the near future, but it is accepted that this question should be reconsidered in future reviews of the Town Map.

London-Andover Route

asked the Minister of Transport in view of the proposal to stage Goodwood car race meetings at Thruxton, near Andover, what steps she is taking to prevent traffic chaos at times of peak holiday traffic on the London/ Andover west country route.

No specific road improvements are proposed at the present time but the Department will co-operate fully with the Chief Constable of Hampshire in any traffic control measures he may consider necessary. If a long-term requirement emerges the necessity for road improvements will be examined.

Transport

Breath Tests

15.

asked the Minister of Transport what representations she has received from the National Consultative Council of the Retail Liquor Trade regarding the breathalyser tests: and what answer she has sent.

We have received no direct representations. Our answer to the Council's printed letters, which are intended to be signed by customers of public houses and sent to hon. Members, is that we do not accept that breath testing is an unwarranted interference with individual liberty, that we are satisfied that alcohol has been responsible for a large number of road accidents, and that we cannot accept the relaxation in the law which the Council proposes.

45.

asked the Minister of Transport. in view of the fact that in eight of 33 test cases the breathalyser gave false positive readings on persons whose alcohol /blood ratio was less than 80 milligrammes/ 100 millilitres, if she will raise the acceptable level to 100 milligrammes/ 100 millilitres.

No.

71.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the fact that in Germany 150 milligrammes of alcohol are permitted in the blood stream before arrest due to a breathalyser test, and that 130 milligrammes are proposed for the Republic of Ireland, she will reconsider the 80 milligrammes now being permitted in the United Kingdom.

No.

asked the Minister of Transport if she will seek to provide a system of redundancy pay or other form of compensation for those publicans forced out of business due to the effect of the breath test on their customers.

No.

Coach Fares (London Airport)

21.

asked the Minister of Transport if the 40 per cent. increase over the last 17 months in coach fares from West London Terminal to London Heath row Airport is in accordance with the Government's prices and incomes policy

The proposal to increase this fare from six shillings to seven shillings was carefully examined last year and was considered to be consistent with the prices and incomes policy.

British Electric Traction

30.

asked the Minister of Transport how the £35 million now offered to British Electric Traction by Transport Holding Company for their bus interests is to be raised; and what will be the eventual cost to public funds.

The Transport Holding Company Bill provides for an extension of the company's borrowing powers which will enable them to finance this acquisition. Subject to the passage of this legislation, my right hon. Friend would propose to make the required loan at normal Government lending rates, which cover all costs to the Exchequer.

Quantity Licences

38.

asked the Minister of Transport why she proposes that the quantity licensing authority, as set out in her White Paper on the Transport of Freight, is to be under statutory obligation to tip the balance towards the railway objector, in view of the inequity which this will involve.

Quantity licences will only be refused where the railways can offer a service equal or superior to that of road transport, judged on the strict economic criteria of speed, reliability and cost. This means that spare rail capacity can be used to the national advantage and without any loss or inequity to the consignor.

Car Commuting (London)

46.

asked the Minister of Transport what action she is taking to discourage commuting by car into London from the inner suburbs.

The Greater London Council, as the traffic authority for London, recognises that the provision and control of parking is an essential element in a comprehensive transportation policy, and in co-operation with the London Boroughs concerned it is implementing as rapidly as possible its scheme for an Inner London Parking Area.

Remoulded And Retreaded Tyres

51.

asked the Minister of Transport whether she will take steps, by legislation or otherwise, to ensure that manufacturers or retailers of remoulded or retreaded tyres inform purchasers of the limitations of these tyres regarding speed.

When work at present in hand in the British Standards Institution establishes the limitations to which remoulded or retreaded tyres are subject, we will consider what action to take.

Underground Stations(Parking Spaces)

54.

asked the Minister of Transport how many additional parking spaces are expected to be provided by London Transport at Underground stations during 1968.

I am informed by the London Transport Board that the number is about 2,500.

Fare Increases, London (Report)

61.

asked the Minister of Transport what advice she has received about fare increases in the London area from the committee set up to review the financing of public transport in this area; and if she will make a statement.

The Report of the Joint Review of the London Transport Board will be submitted within the next few days to my right hon. Friend and to the Board. It contains recommendations of principle, not detailed proposals, on the wide range of subjects covered by its terms of reference.

Transport Bill

63.

asked the Minister of Transport, if she will state her plans for the procedure of and evidence to be adduced before the licensing authorities to be set up by her under the new Transport Acts; and whether they will have power to award compensation to persons and firms for loss of trade, and to workers in those firms for loss of employment and income resulting from the limitation or deprivation of licences to carry their usual foreign cargoes.

Where not specifically set out in the Bill, details of the conduct of inquiries by licensing authorities will be a matter for later Regulations. In general, we expect the procedures to follow licensing authorities' existing practices.I cannot agree that the Bill will have results such as to call for compensation in the circumstances envisaged by my hon. and learned Friend.

asked the Minister of Transport if, in view of the economic crisis, she will withdraw the Transport Bill.

Withdrawal of the Bill would have the contrary effect to that implied by the hon. Member, since its effect on the economy will be beneficial.

Fish Hauliers (Compensation)

64.

asked the Minister of Transport what plans she has to compensate hauliers of fish sent from north-east Scotland for the loss of trade which her proposed deprivation of transport facilities by road will impose on them.

These proposals are not designed to encourage any uneconomic transfer of traffic from road to rail. The present licensing system gives no right to a new carrier licence when an existing one expires. The position will be no different under the new system.

Departmental Vehicles (Reflectivenumber Plates)

65.

asked the Minister of Transport if she will ensure that all vehicles in her Department are equipped with reflective safety number plates in the interest of road safety in accordance with the Road Transport Lighting Act, 1967.

My right hon. Friend will consider this proposal in relation to the public expenditure involved and in the light of experience in the use of these plates on the road.

Road Accidents

72.

asked the Minister of Transport whether she will give the breakdown of accident figures giving percentage due to carelessness, deficiency of the vehicle, human mistakes, drunkenness and other causes.

Few accidents have a single cause, and information is not available in this form. Published statistics show the number of occasions on which drivers involved in fatal or serious accidents lost control of their vehicle, or were guilty of particular breaches of the Highway Code, whether or not this was a contributory cause of the accident. As the House knows, research allows us to estimate that before the introduction of the Road Safety Act, 1967, between 5 and 9 per cent. of accidents could have been attributed to alcohol.

asked the Minister of Transport what were the number of road accidents in Nottingham city and county during the Christmas holiday period; how many casualties resulted; and how many of these occurred during the hours of 10 p.m. and 12 midnight.

The number of road accidents in Nottingham city during the five days beginning 22nd December was 14. The figure for the county was 37. Of these accidents, 4 and 7 respectively occurred between 10 p.m. and 12 midnight.

The accidents in the city resulted in 6 serious and 12 slight injuries, of which 1 serious and 3 slight injuries occurred between 10 p.m. and 12 midnight.

The accidents in the county resulted in 2 fatalities, 5 serious injuries and 37 slight injuries, of which 1, 1 and 8 respectively were between 10 p.m. and 12 midnight.

asked the Minister of Transport whether she will make a statement as to the road fatality and accident rates from the date of the introduction of the breathalyser to the latest convenient date, including the Christmas period, compared with the average rate for the same period in previous years, corrected to allow for any change in the quantity of traffic.

The only period for which final figures are available is 9th-31st October, 1967. In this period the fatal casualty rate per hundred million vehicle miles was 6·8, compared with 8·6 in the comparable period in 1966.The number of accidents in October as a whole which involved death or injury was 9 per cent. lower than in October, 1966, al though traffic increased by 4 per cent.

asked the Minister of Transport how many road accidents are known to have occurred during 1967 on the A62 at Marsden between its junction with Stanley Road and its junction with Stubbin Road at Cellars Clough; how many were fatal; how many resulted in other injury; and how many involved persons under 15 years of age.

Nine accidents are known 10 have occurred on this length of the A62 in the eleven months to the end of November, 1967. One of these was fatal, three resulted in other injury, and none involved persons under 15 years of age. Information for December, 1967, is not yet available.

Exhaust Fumes

74.

asked the Minister of Trans port, in view of the progress being made in the United States of America in reducing air pollution from motor vehicles, what plans she has to ensure that motor vehicles produced in Great Britain conform to similar standards; and when she expects her proposals to take effect.

The main American problem is a distinct one arising from exceptional conditions there. Medical research has not so far shown need for new regulations in this country. It is already unlawful for a vehicle to discharge excessive smoke or vapour.

Passenger Transport (Scotland)

asked the Minister of Transport what estimate she has made of the profit or loss of passenger road and passenger rail transport in Scotland.

The estimated profit of road passenger transport was about £2¾ million before tax in the latest annual accounting periods for which accounts of the various undertakings are available. Figures in respect of rail transport are not available.

Freight Transport (Scotland)

asked the Minister of Transport how many representations she has received from Scottish interests in favour of her proposals for the reorganisation of freight.

We have received many representations from Scotland supporting or opposing different aspects of the freight transport policy.

Departmental (Televisionadvertising)

asked the Minister of Transport what was the cost of television advertising by her Department during the Christmas and new year period.

The cost of paid television advertising time from 20th December, 1967, to 2nd January, 1968, was £33,944. All this advertising publicised the drinking and driving provisions of the Road Safety Act, 1967.

Lorry Drivers (Hours Ofwork)

asked the Minister of Transport what consultations she has held with representatives of the lorry drivers in connection with her proposals to alter permitted hours of driving.

We have been in close touch with the appropriate trade unions since October, 1966, when my right hon. Friend first announced her intention to review the statutory limits on drivers' hours of work.

Abnormal Load Charges(Scotland)

asked the Minister of Transport if she will exempt commercial vehicles based in Scotland from the new tax on lorries proposed in her White paper on the Transport of Freight.

No, but as my right hon. Friend said in the debate on the Transport Bill on 20th December, she is prepared to consider whether the effects of the abnormal loads charge could be mitigated on firms in development areas.

Abnormal Load (Definition)

asked the Minister of Transport what constitutes an abnormal load as referred to in her White Paper on the Transport of Freight.

When the vehicle and its load are more than 9½ feet wide or 85 feet long, or 75 tons in weight.

Railways

British Railways (Chairman)

29.

asked the Minister of Transport what salary was offered to Mr. Peter Parker when he was offered the post of Chairman of British Railways: and what salary is now offered to the new Chairman.

I have nothing to add to the Answer given to my hon. Friend the Member for Loughborough (Mr. Cronin) and the hon. Members for Cirencester and Tewkesbury (Mr. Ridley) and for Twickenham (Mr. Gresham Cooke) on 20th December, 1967.—[Vol. 756, c. 1256.]

56.

asked the Minister of Transport if it was with her authority that officials of her Department gave to the Press the name of Mr. D. A. C. Dewdney, Managing Director of Esso Petroleum, as one of those approached in connection with the appointment of a new Chairman of British Railways.

The Ministry did not give anyone's name to the Press in this connection.

Ultra-Sonic Rail Flaw Dectectors

41.

asked the Minister of Transport if the Research Department of British Railways have now succeeded in developing ultra-sonic testers to detect rail cracks.

Ultra-sonic rail flaw detectors have been in use on British Railways since 1954. A new type of detector of greatly increased efficiency has been modified and tested by the Research Department of British Railways over the past year and it is now being introduced.

Railway Workshops (Accessories Andcomponents)

43.

asked the Minister of Transport what general direction she has given to British Railways workshops regarding the manufacture and assembly of accessories and components which hitherto have been purchased from the private sector of industry.

None. In accordance with the proposals submitted under section 13 of the Transport Act, 1962 and approved by my right hon. Friend's predecessors as Minister of Transport, the Board's primary policy is to place available manufacturing work with the most economical source.—[Vol. 690, c. 90: Vol. 704, c. 82.]

Machynlleth-Pwllheli Line (Study)

49.

asked the Minister of Transport what progress has been made on the special costs benefit study which she announced for the Machynlleth-Pwllheli railway line.

Among those consulted have been local authorities and other users and the three railway unions. Possible modifications to the service and economies in its operation have been examined with the Railways Board and an assessment of alternative means of transport has been made. Two train surveys— one during the holiday period and one during the autumn—were carried out by an independent firm of consultants in collaboration with the Social Survey Department. The information derived from these enquiries is now being processed by the Ministry's Economic Unit and Statistics Directorate.

Southern Region

52.

asked the Minister of Transport what report she has received from the appropriate transport users' committee about the present failure of the Southern Region of the British Railways to provide a punctual and reliable service.

55.

asked the Minister of Transport what recommendation she has now received from the Transport Users' Consultative Committee following its consideration of representations regarding the continuing delays and disorganisation on the Southern Region of British Railways.

I have nothing to add to the Answer given on 20th December to the hon. Members for Worthing (Mr. Higgins), Bournemouth East and Christchurch (Mr. Cordle) and Bournemouth, West (Sir J. Eden).— [Vol. 756. c. 413–14.]

Advertising

53.

asked the Minister of Transport whether she will give a general direction, in the national interest, to British Railways to stop distributing literature containing photographs of girls in bathing costumes to passengers whose trains are delayed because of cold weather.

No. Advertising is essentially a matter of management for the Railways Board.

Weaver Junction—Glasgow Line(Electrification)

57.

asked the Minister of Transport what is her estimate of the delay tha: will result to British Railways' electrification programme from Weaver Junction to Glasgow, caused by the recent investment cuts.

I would refer the hon. Member to the Answer given to the hon. Member for Bromsgrove (Mr. Dance) on 20th December.—[Vol 756, c. 408.]

British Railways Board(Members)

70.

asked the Minister of Transport which former members of the British Railways Board have been retained in a consultative capacity; and at what salaries.

This is a matter of management for the British Railways Board.

asked the Minister of Transport whether she will appoint to the Railways Board a man with experience of large scale industrial organisation for the purpose of securing a review of the higher executive personnel and methods of administration of the Southern Region of British Railways.

My right hon. Friend has in mind the need for such experience in selecting Board members but it would not be appropriate to give any member such a specific remit. The organisation and administration of railway regions are the responsibility of the regional management and the Railways Board as a whole.

Foreign Equipment

75.

asked the Minister of Transport how much British Railways spent on the purchase of foreign equipment last year; what proportion this was of the total cost of all purchases; and if she will issue a directive to the Board to increase their purchases of British-made equipment.

I understand that such expenditure last year is estimated to have been some £2 million out of a total of about £45 million. I know that the Railways Board have in mind the need to save foreign exchange and only buy abroad where there is real advantage. It would not be in the national interest to restrict this.

Freight Containers (Tenders)

76.

asked the Minister of Transport whether she is aware that the British Railways Board is anticipating Parliamentary approval of Clause 45 of the Transport Bill by tendering for the supply of freight containers to firms other than those for which they are permitted to manufacture by the Transport Act, 1962; and if she will give a general direction to stop this.

We are aware that the British Railways Board has tendered for the supply of, and has manufactured, containers for firms with which they are in business association. We have no reason to suppose that this is contrary to the provisions of the 1962 Transport Act.

Derailments

asked the Minister of Transport if she will state the numbers of derailments which have taken place on British Railways during each of the past 10 years, and the numbers of people killed and injured, respectively, in such derailments.

The information is as follows:

The following proposals in the Reshaping Report to withdraw passenger services in Scotland have been wholly or partly refused consent since 1964.
Inverness-Wick/Thurso		…	…	…	Consent refused	…	…	…	15th April, 1964
Ayr-Stranraer	…	…	…	…	Consent refused	…	…	…	31st July, 1964
Glasgow (Central)-Edinburgh (Princes Street) via Shotts (now running between Glasgow (Queen Street) and Edinburgh (Waverley))					Consent refused	…	…	…	29th December, 1964
Dingwall-Kyle of Lochalsh			…	…	Consent refused	…	…	…	15th April, 1964
Ayr-Kilmarnock (a fresh proposal being considered)					Consent refused	…	…	…	28th February, 1964
Glasgow (St. Enoch)-Kilmacolm			…	…	Consent refused	…	…	…	22nd December, 1965
Glasgow (St. Enoch)-Lugton-Kilmarnock			…	…	Consent Barrhead-Kilmarnock Decision reserved Barrhead-Glasgow	…	…	…	22nd December, 1965
Glasgow (St. Enoch)-East Kilbride				…	Consent refused	…	…	…	22nd December, 1965
The following proposals were not in the Reshaping Report: —
Tayport-Newport (East)		…	…	…	Consent given	…	…	…	14th January, 1966
Perth-Montrose	…	…	…	…	Consent given	…	…	…	30th November, 1966
Leven-Crail-Dundee		…	…	…	Consent given	…	…	…	11th February, 1965
Grangemouth Branch Junction-Grange-mouth					Consent given	…	…	…	24th December, 1967
Wormit-Newport East		…	…	…	Published under Section 56			…	15th November, 1967
Drem-North Berwick		…	…	…	Published under Section 54			…	25th August, 1967
Ayr-Heads of Ayr	…	…	…	…	Published under Section 56			…	21st December, 1967
Leuchars Junction-St. Andrews			…	…	Published under Section 56			…	30th June, 1967
Dunfermline-Stirling		…	…	…	Published under Section 56			…	22nd March, 1967
Larbert-Alloa	…	…	…	…	Consent given	…	…	…	3rd November, 1967
Corstorphine-Edinburgh		…	…	…	Consent given	…	…	…	25th October, 1667
Thornton Junction-Leven		…	…	…	Published under Section 54			…	25th August, 1967

Suburban Rail Services (Losses)

asked the Minister of Transport if she will publish a breakdown of the £10 million estimated The figures for 1967 are provisional.

		Casualties
Date	Number of Derailments	Killed	Injured
1958	232	—	28
1959	215	—	38
1960	213	—	20
1961	226	3	88
1962	212	3	162
1963	232	1	45
1964	236	3	45
1965	260	3	60
1966	289	—	42
1967 (provisional)	308	56^*	153^*
Note
^* Includes 49 killed, 92 injured in Hither Green derailment.

Reshaping Report (Scotland)

asked the Minister of Transport to what extent the Beeching proposals have been amended in relation to Scotland since 1964; and if she will set out the details.

The information is as follows:loss of suburban rail services in the Merseyside, West Midlands, Manchester and Tyneside areas, as estimated in her White Paper, to show how much of this figure relates to each of those areas.

The White Paper on Public Transport and Traffic (Cmnd. 3481) said that present suburban rail services in the main conurbations outside London are losing in total several millions a year. The difficulty in defining the boundaries of these conurbations means that we cannot give a precise breakdown of where the losses fall.

Shipping

Irish Sea Shipping Services(Review)

58.

asked the Minister of Transport when she expects to receive the report of the McKinsey group on traffic to Northern Ireland.

I understand that McKinsey and Company, Management Consultants, have been commissioned by the British Railways Board to review their Irish Sea shipping services. Their report will be made to the Board, not to my right hon. Friend.

Ports

Bulk Carriers

73.

asked the Minister of Transport how many berths are in preparation to accommodate bulk carriers of up to 200,000 tons, which can be done at Rotterdam; and in how many British ports 500,000 ton tankers will be able to discharge oil.

Provision for tankers of 200.000 tons is being made at Milford Haven and on the Clyde, and we understand that the latter could provide for 500,000 ton tankers if necessary. The new harbour at Port Talbot will be able to handle 150,000 ton ore carriers; studies have confirmed the feasibility of providing for bulk carriers of 200.000 tons at other ports when industrial demand justifies it.

Board Of Trade

Industrial Development Certificates(East Anglia)

77.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if in view of the need for industrial expansion in East Anglia, he will take steps to facilitate the granting of industrial development certificates in that area.

Subject to the needs of development areas, I am prepared to consider applications for industrial development certificates in East Anglia suited to the needs and resources of the area.

Concorde Aircraft (Airports)

78.

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) what consideration he is giving to the airports to be used by Concorde when in service; and if he will make a statement;(2) to what extent he has considered the use of Liverpool Airport as a base for the transatlantic operations of Concorde; and if he will make a statement.

It is for the airlines purchasing the Concorde to decide which of the airports they are authorised to serve they wish to use for operations with this aircraft, taking into account the facilities which are or can be made available. So far as I am aware no airline is proposing to operate Concorde from Liverpool Airport.

Rhodesia (Tobacco)

80.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what stocks of Rhodesian tobacco are still available; what is the quantity, and the value of dollar tobacco which has been, and is expected to be, imported to replace Rhodesian tobacco excluded by sanctions; what is the estimated extra cost of such imports; and what is the estimated effect on the balance of payments.

At the end of October, 1967, 47 million pounds of Rhodesian tobacco were in stock in the United Kingdom. It is not possible to estimate either the quantity of dollar tobacco which is being used in place of Rhodesian or the extra cost of using it. With the substantial Rhodesian tobacco crop no longer freely available in world commerce, there is no valid basis for comparison.

Comet 4 Airliner (Accident)

81.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what conclusion he has formed about the cause of the disaster to the Comet 4 airliner off the Turkish coast three months ago, as a result of the investigation carried out by his Department; and if he will make a statement.

As a result of his investigation, in which the Royal Armament Research and Development Establishment has taken a leading part, the Chief Inspector of Accidents is satisfied that there is now conclusive evidence of the detonation of a high explosive device within the aircraft cabin. It appears that the damage caused by the explosion created an out-of-control condition and subsequent break-up of the aircraft. Because of the complicated and protracted nature of some of the work which has been necessary, reports on which are still being prepared, the final report of the investigation of the accident is unlikely to be available before the spring.

Insurance Companies (Scotland)

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many cases involving disputes with insurance companies his Department has received from Scotland in the years 1966 and 1967.

This information is not readily available and its extraction would entail a disproportionate amount of time and expenditure.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many insurance companies or their subsidiaries went into liquidation in Scotland in the years 1965, 1966 and 1967; and if he will state the names of the companies.

No insurance companies, whether holding or subsidiary companies, went into liquidation in Scotland in 1965, 1966 or 1967.

Industrial Closures (Midlothian)

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many industrial undertakings were affected by closure in the years 1964, 1965, 1966 and 1967 in the county of Midlothian; what was the total labour force involved; and what are the total new jobs created in the same period, giving male and female jobs, separately.

The number of industrial undertakings (standard Industrial Classification Orders I-XIX) affected by closure in the county of Midlothian (employment exchange areas of Dalkeith, Loanhead, West Calder, and Musselburgh excluding Prestonpans, together with the parishes of Ratho and Currie) in the years indicated is as follows:

		Total Labour Force affected
Year	Number of under takings	Males	Females	Total
1964	3	694	24	718
1965	3	646	32	678
1966	4	799	90	889
1967	3	704	57	761
Notes:

(i) The figures are not fully comprehensive as there may be a number of very small concerns which closed without coming to the notice of the Ministry of Labour.(ii) Closures of sections or departments within firms, and jobs lost for other reasons are not included.2. The total number of new jobs created in the same period, including new employment arising in existing establishments, is not known. The employment expected to arise from new industrial buildings, over 5,000 square feet, completed for manufacturing industry (standard Industrial Classification Orders III-XVI) in the employment exchange areas of Dalkeith, Loanhead, West Calder, and Musselburgh is as shown below:

			Estimated additional employment^*
Year	Number of Schemes	Area '000 sq. ft.	Males	Females	Total
1964	8	275	320	130	450
1965	4	153	100	310	410
1966	5	70	50	150	200
1967†
^* Employment expected to arise when schemes are fully manned, as estimated by the applicants for industrial development certificates.
† Because of a time lag in notifying completions details for 1967 are not yet known.

Aluminium Ingots (Imports)

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will state the tonnage, value and countries of origin of aluminium ingots imported into the United Kingdom at less than the published price in the year 1966 and in 1967 to the latest convenient date, respectively.

This information is not available because the statistics of imports from a particular country do not show how much of such imports were at the quoted prices or at some lower prices.

Industrial Development (Scotland)

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many firm inquiries he has received from private industry in the last two months in regard to developing in Scotland.

The Board of Trade Office for Scotland received 58 inquiries in November and December, 1967, from firms considering developing in Scotland.

Industrial Estates

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will state in respect of each of the 29 factories on Board of Trade industrial estates which have been occupied and which are now unoccupied the name of the occupier, the date when the occupation began and ended, the maximum employment provided during this period and the cost to public funds.

Some of these buildings were completed before or during: the 1939–45 war and will have had several occupants; and the information is not readily available. In any case I could not reveal the employment figures of individual firms.

Apple Imports (Northern Ireland)

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will state the apple quota for Northern Ireland for the years 1965, 1966, 1967 and 1968.

There is no separate quota for imports of apples into Northern Ireland. From January, 1965 to June, 1967 the half-yearly quotas for imports into the United Kingdom remained unchanged at 68,750 tons for January to June and 15,200 tons for July to December each year. The quota for the second half of 1967 was increased by 50 per cent. and that for the first half of 1968 by 33⅓ per cent. on account of the short home crop. The quota for the second half of 1968 has not yet been fixed.

Prestwick And Glasgow Airports

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) what plans he has to safeguard and develop the position of Prestwick Airport as an international airport; and if he will now make a statement;(2) if he will give guidance regarding the clarification of the respective roles of Prestwick and Glasgow Airports by the end of February, 1968.

With the agreement of the Secretary of State for Scotland, my right hon. Friend hopes to make a statement shortly giving the Government's views both on the future of Prestwick Airport and on the respective roles of Prestwick and Glasgow (Abbotsinch). The responsibility for the development of Prestwick rests with the British Airports Authority.

Aircraft Carrier "Leviathan"

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) what study he has made of the proposals put to him by Mr. Tom Bowers that the aircraft carrier "Leviathan" be used as an exhibition ship for the purpose of carrying potential British exports to foreign ports for demon. stration purposes; and if he will make a statement;(2) what consideration he has given to the representations made to him by the hon. Member for West Lothian on the desirability of using an aircraft carrier for the purpose of a demonstration ship for British exports; if he has made any estimate of the annual running cost of such a project; and if he will approach firms with a view to financing a pilot scheme on a joint consortium basis.

Mr. Bowers put his proposals to the Board of Trade for the first time in a letter received on the 15th January. They are being considered, but as my noble Friend the Minister of State has explained to my hon. Friend it seems unlikely, from past consideration of similar proposals, That it would be economic to convert and run an aircraft carrier as a demonstration ship for British exports.

Footwear (Imports)

asked the President of the Board of Trade what representations have been made to him regarding the dumping of footwear in the United Kingdom; what reply he has sent; and what further evidence he requested in support of those representations.

Representations have been received from the Federation of British Rubber and Allied Manufacturers, and we have received other complaints. Following discussions with the Federation, they have provided further information regarding certain grades of rubber footwear imported from certain East European sources, and this is under consideration.

Welsh Industrial Estates Corporation

asked the President of the Board of Trade what are the administration expenses of the Welsh Industrial Estates Corporation; what is their staff; and what percentage of annual expenses is covered by administration.

In the financial year ending 31st March, 1967, the administration expenses totalled £216,357 which were 5·8 per cent. of annual expenses. At 1st January, 1968, the staff totalled 341.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what capital is employed by the Welsh Industrial Estates Corporation; how this capital is made up; and what interest charges are made against it.

The figure appearing in the Corporation's own balance sheet at 31st March, 1967, was £16,491,282; this represents the value of fixed assets, as depreciated, plus the balance of current assets over current liabilities. Notional interest is charged only in the Board of Trade account; it is calculated on an annual weighted average rate which for the year 1966–67 was less than 5 per cent.

Advance Factories

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will name the location and square footage available in all advance factories currently without a tenant, and give cost estimates in any convenient form.

Untenanted advance factories are listed below. They cost about £2·9 million to build:

SCOTLAND
Location	Area(sq. ft.)
Aberdeen	12,500
Blantyre	27,500
Campbeltown	6,250
Cowdenbeath	18,750
Cowdenbeath	18,500
Douglas	18,750
Douglas	12,500
Girvan	12,500
Inverness	6,250
Kilsyth	12,000
Kilwinning	27,500
Kirkcaldy	27,500
Leven	12,500
Leven	18,500
Port Glasgow	12,000
Sanquhar	12,500
Sanquhar	18,500
ENGLAND
Location	Area(sq. ft.)
Ashington	25,000
Brandon	25,000
Cleator Moor	10,000
Consett	25,000
Houghton-le-Spring	25,000
Newburn	25,000
Stanley	25,000
Sunderland	50,000
Teesside	25,000
WALES
Location	Area (sq. ft.)
Fforestfach	25,000
Fforestfach	25,000
Kenfig	25,000
Maesteg	10,000
Maesteg	10,000
Merthyr Tydfil	25,000
Merthyr Tydfil	25,000
Milford Haven	10,000
Pontardawe	10,000
Pwllheli	10,000
Ynyscedwyn	10,000
Ynyscedwyn	10,000

Employment (Humberside)

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware of the growing unemployment in Hull and district due to the cancellation of orders for the Buccaneer aircraft at Hawker Siddeley Works, Brough; and what steps he is taking to introduce new industries into Humberside.

I am aware of the recently announced redundancy at the Hawker Siddeley works, Brough. My Department will continue to operate a liberal policy in respect of industrial development certificate applications in the area. During 1967, thirty-nine certificates were approved for an area of 855,000 sq.ft., which developers estimated, when fully manned, would lead to additional employment for 940, including 710 men.

Hearing-Aid Batteries

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will now refer the manufacture of mercury hearing-aid batteries to the Monopolies Commission in the light of the 50 per cent. increase in prices announced by Mallory Batteries Limited to operate after three days' notice on 1st January, 1968.

I will bear my hon. Friend's suggestion in mind when considering future references to the Commission, but the immediate price increase is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Minister of Technology.

Cinematograph Film (Import Duty)

asked the President of the Board of Trade in view of the fact that he informed the honourable Member for Wandsworth, Putney, last une that there was a case of imposing an import duty on certain cin6 film, when it is proposed to impose the duty.

The Board of Trade were satisfied last June that there was a prima facie case for reviewing the position and the application was subsequently advertised. Representations have since been received against making any change and the matter is under consideration.

British European Airways (Aircraft)

asked the President of the Board of Trade what correspondence he has had with British European Airways regarding its requirement for civilian aircraft; and when a decision will be made about the order of the Hawker Siddeley Trident 3-B aircraft.

My right hon. Friend's statement of 15th December last recounted his discussions with British European Airways about its aircraft requirements, and reported the Government's readiness to meet a share of the launching costs of the Trident 3-B and to approve the purchase of that aircraft by B.E.A., should it so decide. It is now for B.E.A., in the light of that statement, to review its requirements and to formulate firm proposals as to the type and numbers of aircraft it wishes to order. My right hon. Friend has expressed to B.E.A. the hope that it will be able to do this very soon.—[Vol. 756, c. 779–784.]

Non-Ferrous Metal Mining (Wales)

asked the President of the Board of Trade what plans he has for a revival of the non-ferrous metal mining industry in Wales in the foreseeable future.

I welcome any proposals for the economic extraction of indigenous metal ores. Nonferrous mining enterprises in development areas are able to take advantage of the substantial assistance the Government makes available to industry there.

Fishing Vessel "Refleurir"

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement on the loss of the Gardenstown motor fishing vessel "Refleurir" with all hands on Wednesday, 3rd January.

When the search for this vessel proved to have failed. I ordered a preliminary inquiry into the cause of the casualty. When I receive the report of the inquiry I shall consider what further action is necessary. I should like to take this opportunity of expressing my deep sympathy for the relatives of those lost.

Agriculture, Fisheries Andfood

Coarse Fishing Close Season

82.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether, in view of the standstill in sales of fishing tackle resulting from a virtual ban on angling due to the foot-and-mouth epidemic, he will consider suspending the close season for coarse fishing in 1968.

Any change in the coarse fishing close season would need to be based on fisheries considerations. Under the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Act, changes. on a local basis, may be made only upon application from certain specified bodies, including river authorities.

Food (Import Prices And Homeproduction)

83.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what progress has been made in reviewing the consequences of devaluation on food import prices; and what decisions have been reached on future levels of home production in cereals, livestock and horticulture.

Import prices for food are determined by many factors and although some prices will inevitably rise as a result of devaluation, it is impossible to isolate this factor with any degree of accuracy. I shall, of course, be discussing the production of cereals and livestock required from home agriculture with the Farmers' Unions at the Annual Review and I cannot anticipate the outcome. The Government do not determine levels of production for horticultural crops: our policy for horticulture continues to be directed towards improving the industry's competitive efficiency.

Meat And Livestock Commission

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what has been the reply of the Meat and Livestock Commission to his request for its proposals on how extra output can be obtained from the livestock sector following on devaluation.

The Commission has of course been charged with a wide range of responsibilities designed to bring about improvements in livestock and meat production. I have no doubt that in considering this matter in terms of increased productivity it will take account of any relevant possibilities arising from devaluation. But priorities amongst their responsibilities are for the Commission themselves to determine in consultation with the industry.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether in the new circumstances following on devaluation, he will seek to amend the powers of the Meat and Livestock Commission in order to make it into a marketing authority capable of controlling imports and with support-buying powers.

No. Devaluation does not affect the validity of the conclusions on these two matters which were reached, after full consultation, in the White Paper "Marketing of Meat and Livestock" (Cmnd. 2737), and which the House subsequently considered during the passage of the Bill for the Agriculture Act, 1967.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what procedure was followed in appointing the members of the Distribution Committee of the Meat Commission.

The procedure followed is fully set out in paragraph 2 of Part III of Schedule 1 to the Agriculture Act, 1967.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will consider appointing a member to the Distribution Committee of the Meat Commission who has personal experience of running an abattoir.

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland and my right hon. Friend consider that the 23 members they have already appointed to this Committee, as part of the machinery of the Meat and Livestock Commission, are able to represent adequately all the interests concerned, including slaughterhouse interests.

Ploughing-Up Grant

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether the £10 an acre ploughing-up grant for farmers who have lost their stock in the foot-and-mouth epidemic is available only before ploughing is commenced; whether farmers are entitled to plough now and claim later; and whether farmers have been informed as to how and when to make their claims.

I shall very shortly be laying before Parliament a draft Order to make provision for this special £10 per acre grant for ploughing up grassland. Meanwhile I have written to all farmers who have had livestock slaughtered because of the epidemic of foot-and-mouth disease, explaining the details of the proposals, and where application forms may be obtained. Eligible farmer: will not be required to obtain prior approval before operations are begun. Subject to the approval of Parliament, grant will be payable after ploughing and completing a further operation: the ploughing itself must have been done since the date on which the farmer's animals had been slaughtered and by 31st May, 1968, and the claim for grant must be received by 31st March, 1968, or by the last day of the month following that in which ploughing is completed, whichever is the later.

Foot-And-Mouth Disease

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether, in view of the fact that he has decided to have a post-outbreak investigation concerning the present epidemic of foot-and-mouth disease, he will now set up a secretariat to receive evidence which may be of value to the committee appointed to carry out the investigation.

I have undertaken that when the present epidemic is over, I will set up an independent Committee to examine our policy and arrangements for dealing with foot-and-mouth disease and to report on possible improvements. I am, of course, making all necessary preparations now.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will consider making supplemental compensation payments to farmers who have had their livestock slaughtered and who, at the end of this epidemic, find that their compensation is below the cost of replacements, such cost of replacements to be calculated over a period of six months following the termination of this outbreak.

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Shrewsbury (Sir J. Langford-Holt) on 20th December. I hope to make a statement soon.—[Vol. 756, c. 437–8.]

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is his estimate of the daily cost of the foot-and-mouth epidemic calculated over the period mid-November to mid-December showing direct and indirect costs separately, including the direct cost of compensation and additional departmental costs, indirect costs to the farming and allied communities, to the housewife in higher prices, and costs attributable to the loss of international trade and to the losses to the shipping and transport industries.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what estimate he has made of the cost to the country of the present outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the cost to date of the recent outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease; and if he will make a statement.

Such an estimate could only be made on assumptions about the effects of the foot-and-mouth disease epidemic on general economic matters, and these effects would have to be distinguished from changes due to entirely different factors. In situations which are constantly changing a meaningful estimate cannot be provided.Up to midnight 16th January, £21,368,000 has been paid in direct compensation for animals slaughtered. An estimated £3,774,000 has yet to be paid.

Slaughterhouses (Standards)

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he is taking to ensure that abattoirs which have a poor standard of efficiency improve their methods.

Standards of construction and practice laid down in 1958 are now in operation for virtually all local authority areas in England and Wales. The new Meat and Livestock Commission has, moreover, been given the function of advising those concerned with slaughterhouses on matters of efficiency.

Forestry Commission

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what acreage has been brought into cultivation by the Forestry Commission in Scotland, England and Wales, respectively, in each of the last 10 years; and what future acreage has already been authorised.

The following areas were planted by the Forestry Commission in England, Scotland and Wales in each of the last ten years:

Acres
Year	Great Britain	England	Scotland	Wales
1958	52,400	17,200	24,900	10,300
1959	55,100	17,800	25,600	11,700
1960	61,700	18,800	29,800	13,100
1961	63,700	17,900	33,300	12,500
1962	61,900	15,500	34,700	11,700
1963	55,600	12,500	33,100	10,000
1964	54,300	13,200	30,800	10,300
1965	53,700	13,500	30,500	9,700
1966	53,900	13,200	32,700	8,000
1967	52,500	11,200	34,500	6,800
New planting in Scotland is planned to increase to 50,000 acres a year by 1976. The planting programmes for England and Wales are under review.

Farm Incomes (Wales Andmonmouthshire)

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make arrangements to show the average farm incomes separately for farmers in Wales and Monmouthshire in future.

I would refer the lion. Member to the reply my hon. Friend gave to his hon. Friend the Member for Cardigan (Mr. Elystan Morgan) on 3rd May, 1967.—[Vol. 746, c. 537.]

Scotland

Public And Private Expenditure

84.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will publish a White Paper on the proposed cuts in public and private expenditure as they will affect Scotland.

I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT, as soon as possible, approximate figures relating to the public services for which I am responsible. I have no figures relating to private expenditure.

Motorways

85.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what length of motorway is now in use in Scotland; how much is under construction; what length will be completed during 1968 and 1969; and how much of this will be in the Highlands.

21 miles of trunk road motorways are now in use. 31 miles are under construction of which 16½ miles are expected to be completed in 1968 and 7½ in 1969. None of this is in the Highlands.

Cameron Committee (Report)

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when he expects to receive the report of the Cameron Committee on fishing laws; and if he will give an assurance that he will publish the report.

It is too early yet to say when the Committee, which was appointed as recently as last month, will complete its report. It is my intention, however, that the Committee's report should be published in due course.

Glasgow Police Force

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the total number of police and civilian personnel employed by the City of Glasgow Police Force at the latest convenient date, and five and 10 years earlier, respectively.

At 31st December, 1967, the total number of police and civilian personnel (excluding cadets and domestic staff) was 3,008. Corresponding figures for 1962 and 1957 were 2,893 and 2,445, respectively.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the ratio of numbers of police to total population in the city of Glasgow at the latest convenient date; and how this ratio compares with the ratios for five and 10 years previously.

At 31st December, 1967. the population per police officer was 374. Corresponding figures for 1962 and 1957 were 380 and 477, respectively.

Hunterston B Nuclear Powerstation

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how far advanced is the building and preparation of Hunterston B nuclear power station; and how many men are employed at present on the project.

Soil stripping of the main construction area and excavation to rock on the main station site are now well advanced.At the beginning of this month the construction site labour force numbered 138 men.

School Meals

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will state the amount spent on average by each education authority in Scotland per child on providing school meals; and how many days in the week they supply meat as a main dish.

The gross costs per meal and the net costs after deducting payments by pupils are given below for 1966–67 Education authorities have been advised to serve meat as the main dish at three or four meals a week and other protein foods on the remaining day or days.

Education Authority	Gross Cost	Net Cost
Cities	d.	d.
Aberdeen	31·50	22·83
Dundee	29·80	21·06
Edinburgh	27·88	19·20
Glasgow	31·46	24·53
counties
Aberdeen	27·41	17·23
Angus	25·50	15·69
Argyll	35·74	26·65
Ayr	30·18	20·97
Banff	30·76	21·20
Berwick	31·90	22·08
Bute	30·22	20·53
Caithness	34·25	25·75
Clackmannan	29·06	19·35
Dumfries	27·76	19·33
Dunbarton	28·72	19·28
East Lothian	32·53	22·27
Fife	26·28	17·08
Inverness	35·35	26·54
Kincardine	29·38	18·91
Kirkcudbright	29·54	19·55
Lanark	29·81	20·91
Midlothian	29·79	19·93
Moray and Nairn	28·53	18·50
Orkney	31·26	21·73
Peebles	35·11	25·27
Perth and Kinross	27·22	17·28
Renfrew	30·57	21·06
Ross and Cromarty	33·00	24·56
Roxburgh	29·48	19·03
Selkirk	26·66	17·95
Stirling	27·89	17·93
Sutherland	35·28	25·45
West Lothian	27·60	18·33
Wigtown	29·13	20·26
Zetland	39·06	29·38

Crimes Of Violence

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) what is the annual rate of crimes of violence in the city of Glasgow and in each police authority area in Scotland;(2) what is the detection rate for crimes of violence in the city of Glasgow and in each police authority area of Scotland.

The table below sets out the number of crimes of violence made known in each police authority area in Scotland in 1966 and the detection rate for such Crimes.

Police authority	Crimes made known	Percentage detection rate
Aberdeen City	102	68
Dundee City	53	66
Edinburgh City	170	64
Glasgow City	1,054	75
Airdrie Burgh	21	29
Ayr Burgh	42	83
Coatbridge Burgh	26	88
Greenock Burgh	74	77
Hamilton Burgh	59	85
Inverness Burgh	53	81
Kilmarnock Burgh	23	100
Motherwell and Wishaw Burgh	13	92
Paisley Burgh	47	53
Angus	38	92
Argyll	8	100
Ayr	192	76
Berwick, Roxburgh and Selkirk	10	100
Caithness	8	100
Dumfries and Galloway	44	100
Dumbarton	115	83
Fife	62	90
Inverness County	11	100
Lanark	142	78
Lothians and Peebles	107	84
Orkney	2	100
Perth and Kinross	44	82
Renfrew and Bute	176	65
Ross and Sutherland	48	98
Scottish North Eastern Counties	83	96
Stirling and Clackmannan	94	95
Zetland	8	88

Note: This table relates to eight crimes against the person, viz. murder, attempts to murder, culpable homicide, serious assault, threats, rape, assault with intent to ravish, and indecent assault. About 70 per cent. of the crimes in this group are serious assault.

Third Lanark Football Club(Report)

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if the Lord Advocate has completed his consideration of the report by the Board of Trade into the affairs of the Third Lanark Football Club sent to him on 23rd November; and if he will make a statement.

Not yet.

Police Service (Grant)

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the expenditure per head of population in the city of Glasgow on police services; and in Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Dundee, respectively.

The net expenditure approved for police grant for 1966–67 per head of population was:

	£	s.	d.
Glasgow	5	13	10
Edinburgh	4	11	10
Aberdeen	3	5	2
Dundee	3	11	0

These figures exclude expenditure common police services.

Epileptics (Report)

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has yet received the report of the Medical Advisory Committee relating to the treatment and care of epileptics in Scotland; whether the report will be published; and if he will make a statement.

Yes. This report will be published in the spring, and thereafter I shall consult those concerned with the health and welfare of epileptics about the implementation of its recommendations.

Four-Apartment Houses (Cost)

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the average cost of building a four-apartment local authority house in Scotland in 1966 and in 1956.

In 1966 the average cost of all types of four-apartment houses inclusive of land, site preparation and fees, was about £4,000. I regret that for 1956 no comparable figure is available.

Council Houses (Heating Standards)

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what advice is given by his Department to local housing authorities about the standards of heating required in council housing.

The basic requirements are specified in Regulation 193 of the Building Standards (Scotland) Regulations 1963, and further guidance is given in the Scottish Housing Handbook, which is now being revised. Local authorities are also sent periodically lists of heating appliances approved by the Domestic Solid Fuel Appliances Approval Council, the Electricity and Gas Councils, and the British Electrical Approvals Board for Domestic Appliances.

Scottish Universities (Economicstudies)

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will commission, and make funds available to, Scottish university departments for studies on the Scottish economy, an integrated transport plan for Scotland, a fuel policy for Scotland, Highland development, or any pf these.

I have already made funds available to Scottish universities for studies of various aspects of the Scottish economy; and I will continue to make such arrangements when they appear the best way of having the necessary work done.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what efforts are being made by the development councils to bring about closer co-operation between Scottish universities and industry.

The Scottish Economic Planning Council, and its associated local consultative groups, have encouraged co-operation between Scottish universities and industry in various studies and will continue to give such encouragement.

Hospitals (Waiting Time)

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the average waiting time for admission to hospital of patients in Scotland under the National Health Service; and what steps he proposes to take to cut down the waiting time and the number on the waiting list.

The average waiting time for admission to hospital (other than to mental, mental deficiency and maternity beds) was just over 10 weeks for patients who were discharged from or died in hospital during 1966 following admission from a waiting list. This covers only about one third of hospital patients: two thirds are admitted other than from waiting lists. Regional hospital boards regularly review their waiting lists and take such steps, long-term and short-term, as seem to them to be appropriate.

Lords Of Appeal (Scottishdivision)

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will introduce legislation to set up a Scottish division of the Judicial Committee of the House of Lords and to provide that only judges trained in Scots law should act as the final appeal judges in Scottish civil cases.

It is established practice that two of the nine Lords of Appeal in Ordinary are appointed from the Scottish Bench or Bar. It would not be practicable to maintain a separate Scottish division to deal with the small number of Scottish appeals presented to the House of Lords—12 and 5 in 1966 and 1967, respectively.

Civil Servants (Administrative Staffcollege)

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has for the establishment in Scotland of an administrative staff college for the training of civil servants.

As the hon. Member will be aware, there is no administrative staff college for civil servants as such in the United Kingdom at present, and, since the terms of reference of the Fulton Committee on the Civil Service include training, I think it would be wise to wait and see what it has to say.

Civil Defence And Regionalgovernment Bunkers

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many Civil Defence and regional government bunkers there are in Scotland; and where these are located.

Four. It would not be in the public interest to reveal their location.

Scottish Lawyers (Internationalconferences)

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will seek to implement the recommendation from the Scottish Law Commission that Scottish as well as English lawyers represent the United Kingdom at international conferences.

The Government share the Commission's view that the Scottish legal system has much to contribute to the solution of international legal problems; and this is already recognised in the arrangements made for United Kingdom participation in international conferences.

Highlands And Islands Developmentboard

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will appoint a member to the Highlands and Islands Development Board who is both a Gaelic speaker and a resident of a Gaelic-speaking area.

Members are chosen for their general suitability and not on a representative basis. The Board's Consultative Council contains several representatives who speak Gaelic and reside in Gaelic-speaking areas.

Scottish Economy

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what are his present proposals to develop the Scottish economy; and if he will make a statement.

I have nothing to add to the reply I gave to the hon. Members for North Angus and Mearns (Mr. Buchanan-Smith) and Aberdeenshire, East (Mr. Wolrige-Gordon) on 6th December.—[Vol. 755, c. 1424–51

Regional Water Boards(Constitution)

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what considerations are taken into account by his Department in determining the membership of regional water boards other than population and rateable valuation.

In making the Orders relating to the constitution of each regional water board I had regard to the rateable valuation and the population of the district of each local authority affected by the Order, as required by Section 8 of the Water (Scotland) Act, 1967, and to the views expressed to me by those authorities, whom I was required by Section 33 of the Act to consult.

Murders

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many murders were committed in Scotland in 1967 and in each of the 10 previous years; and of this number how many would have been capital offences under the Homicide Act, 1957.

The information for the years 1957–66 is as follows. Figures for 1967 will not be available for some weeks.

MURDERS MADE KNOWN TO THE POLICE IN SCOTLAND 1957–1966
Number (or estimated number) of capital and non-capital offences
Year	Capital	Non-capital	Total
1957	4	8	12
1958	7	11	18
1959	2	11	13
1960	3	12	15
1961	2	10	12
1962	4	23	27
1963	4	12	16
1964	2	25	27
1965	1^*	31	32
1966	2^*	28	30
^* Estimated to be capital murders.

Life Prisoner(Further Sentence)

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if his attention has been directed to the recent case in the High Court in which the present law prevented the judge from imposing any meaningful sentence on a prisoner serving a life sentence who had pleaded guilty to assaulting a prison officer; what steps he will take to deal with such situations arising in the future; and if he will make a statement.

The fact that a further sentence has been imposed on a life prisoner will be given full weight when the Secretary of State is considering how long he should serve. I cannot agree, therefore, that such a sentence has no meaning.

Criminal Injuries Compensationboard (Applications)

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many claims were presented to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board in the year 1967; and, of these, how many were made by men who were themselves convicted criminals.

1,133 Scottish applications were received by the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board in 1967. I regret the information asked for in the second part of the Question is not available.

Criminal Offences (Convictions)

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what were the number of criminal convictions in Scotland for each year since 1957; and, of these, how many in each year were of people in the age-group 17 to 21 years.

The information is set out in the table below. Figures for 1967 are not yet available.

PERSONS CONVICTED OR FOUND GUILTY OF CRIMINAL OFFENCES
	Scotland
Year	Total number	Number aged 17and under 21
1957	122,487	15,303
1958	134,910	17,988
1959	148,224	19,728
1960	156,800	21,505
1961	151,094	22,230
1962	156,563	23,506
1963	162,862	24,034
1964	168,759	27,855
1965	173,061	30,446
1966	182,831	34,781

Rent Registration, Edinburgh(Applications)

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many applications have been made to the rent officer in the City of Edinburgh for revision of rent, by tenants, landlords and by joint applications, respectively, in 1966–67.

Between 1st March, 1966, when rent registration began in Edinburgh, and 31st December, 1967, 397 applications were received from landlords and 137 from tenants; there were no joint applications.

Highlands (Technological Industry)

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will state his policy with regard to bringing modern technological industry to the Highlands in view of their importance to the economy of Scotland; and what preparatory steps he is taking to this end.

As I explained in my reply to my hon. Friend on 25th October, 1967, it is an important objective of the Highlands and Islands Development Board to secure the development of industry of this kind in the Highlands and Islands. In its pursuit of this aim, the Board has my full support.—[Vol. 751, c. 1720.]

Ministry Of Defence

Aircraft Carriers

asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he will take action to convert tankers and other suitable vessels into aircraft carriers for use by both the Fleet Air Arm and the Royal Air Force.

No.

Aircraft Carrier "Leviathan"

asked the Secretary of State for Defence how much money has been spent each year, individually, on H.M. aircraft carrier "Leviathan", including the costs of design and construction.

Following are the figures:

	£
1942 to 1953–54	1,665,204
1954–55	4,205
1955–56	23,854
1956–57	5,422
1957–58	3,218
1958–59	1,259
1959–60	13,079
1960–61	11,444
1961–62	5,290
1962–63	17,140
1963–64	835	Less Credit for Material Issues £6,156
1964–65	68	Less Credit for Material Issues £949
1965–66	97
1966–67	4,460
Net	£1,748,470
Details of design costs and annual expenditure before 1954–55 cannot be provided without disproportionate effort.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence, what proposals he has for the future of H.M. aircraft carrier "Leviathan".

As I told the hon. Member for Gosport and Fareham (Dr. Bennett) on 25th October, 1967, "Leviathan" will be scrapped this spring unless a firm and acceptable offer is made for her. To date, I have not received one.—[Vol. 751; c. 483.]

Hong Kong

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what effect Her Majesty's Government's defence cuts will have on Great Britain's commitments to Hong Kong; how reinforcements will be sent to the Colony at short notice in an emergency following the dismantling of the bases in Singapore and Malaysia; and if he will make a statement.

There is no question of reducing the strength or effectiveness of the Hong Kong garrison. Following our withdrawal from Singapore and Malaysia, we shall retain the capability to reinforce Hong Kong, if the need should arise, from the United Kingdom, using one of the route options that will be available to us at that time.

Recruitment

asked the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what are the recruiting figures for the Air services for the six months to the latest available date; and if he will make a statement of future policy;(2) what are the Army recruiting figures for the six months to the latest available date and if he will make a statement of future policy;(3) what are the recruiting figures for the Royal Navy for the six months to the latest available date; and if he will make a statement.

Estimated figures for male recruits to the three Services during the period 1st July to 31st December, 1967, are as follows:

Royal Navy including Royal Marines	4,158
Army	10,091
Royal Air Force	3,522

Recruitment targets will be reviewed in the light of my right hon. Friend's statement on Tuesday.

Military Medal (Gratuity)

asked the Secretary of State for Defence when the £25 gratuity is to be paid to personnel awarded the Military Medal in the First World War.

No gratuity is to be paid to personnel awarded the Military Medal in the First World War.

Gratuities

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what progress has been made in extending to the Army and the Royal Air Force the scheme operated by the Navy Department whereby men serving a pensionable engagement may be advanced their ultimate gratuity as a deposit on a house.

I am still studying the possibility of introducing a scheme for the Army and Royal Air Force.

Departmental Budget (Allocations)

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the size of his Department's budget in 1967–68 devoted to public relations, recruiting and cadet forces.

About £12½ million, made up as follows:

Public Relations	£0·8 million
Recruiting	£17·0 million
Cadet Forces	£4·7 million

Additionally about £3 million in respect of recruiting is provided for by the Central Office of Information and Her Majesty's Stationery Office as an allied service.

Departmental Information

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what factors he takes into account when deciding that disproportionate effort and expense would be required to complete information about his Department; and whether this includes a costing based on the number of civil servants to be engaged and the hours of and salaries to be spent.

The main considerations are the numbers and cost of staff involved, for which factors a broad estimate is made.

Scottish Pipers (Zurich)

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what was the amount of the expenses not describable as extra expenses incurred by the playing of two pipers of the Royal Scots Grays at a Scottish store in Zurich in October 1967.

The visit of the two pipers to Zurich did not give rise to any extra charges to Ministry of Defence funds. Their travel, food and accommodation were paid for by the store. Both soldiers were, of course, paid their normal pay and allowances for the period by the Army. These amounted to about £32.

Scottish Servicemen

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the total number of Scots serving in each of the Services; and how many of them are stationed in Scotland.

I regret that this information is not available.

Naval Contracts(Scottish Shipyards)

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what proportion of the £85 million contracts for the Royal Navy placed with Scottish shipyards excluded orders for Commonwealth and foreign navies placed on a Government to Government basis.

£63 million.

Departmental Staff, London(Dispersal)

asked the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what plans he has to review the need to employ in London the 19,047 persons who are employed by his Department in London headquarter offices;(2) what plans he has to reduce the 2,084,807 square feet of office space at present occupied by his Department in London and to reduce the number of the 33 buildings also occupied by his Department.

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Cardiff, North (Mr. E. Rowlands) on 22nd November, 1967. When the moves to which I then referred are completed approximately half of the Headquarters staff of the Ministry of Defence will be based outside Central London. No other major dispersal of Ministry of Defence staff from London is at present contemplated.The amount of office space occupied by the Department in London is directly related to the numbers of staff employed there and is governed by space standards approved for all civil servants.—[Vol. 754, c.

368.]

Departmental Vehicles(Number Plates)

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will instruct all the Departments under his control to fix reflective safety number plates to all their vehicles in the interest of road safety in accordance with the Road Transport Lighting Act, 1967.

No. The present form of the number plates used by the Ministry of Defence complies with Statutory Instruments 1967 No. 1844.

Royal Air Force, Kinloss

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what has been the total capital investment at Royal Air Force, Kinloss, in each of the last 10 years.

The information is as follows:

	£
1957–58	52,000
1958–59	292,000
1959–60	339,000
1960–61	309,000
1961–62	220,000
1962–63	287,000
1963–64	455,000
1964–65	470,000
1965–66	375,000
1966–67	228,000
Total (including £760,000 for married quarters)	£3,027,000

Officer Cadets Kalani And Ugba(Deaths)

asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he has now completed his investigation into the deaths of two officer cadets from Mons on an exercise on Dartmoor; and if he will now make a statement on the precautions he will take to ensure that such an incident does not occur for a third time.

I have now made full enquiries into the deaths of Officer Cadets Kalani and Ugba who died during the night of 1st/2nd November, 1967, while taking part in a patrolling and map-reading exercise on Dartmoor.2. The exercise takes place after officer cadets have had six weeks' training at Mons Officer Cadet School. During this initial period of instruction cadets' training is devoted very largely to building up their military skills and physical fitness. The physical training syllabus has, in fact, been recently revised to give cadets an even better balanced and more methodical physical preparation than hitherto and the intake, of which Officer Cadets Kalani and Ugba were members, was the first to receive the new training.3. On the exercise cadets are divided into 3 or 4 men patrols, which are equipped with wireless sets, maps, compasses, binoculars, Verey pistols, torches and field dressings. Each patrol is given a different route. The distance to be covered is about 20 miles and the normal time taken is between 9 and 10 hours. The exercise has been held repeatedly over the last six years in all weather conditions and without serious injury or incident. During this period 2,171 cadets have taken part in it, of whom 646 were from overseas.4. Officer Cadets Kalani and Ugba were both in good health before the exercise. Officer Cadet Ugba came from Nigeria. He was aged 28, was a sergeant with 10 years' service and had served in the Congo. Officer Cadet Kalani came from Kenya. He was aged 22 and had had seven months' previous training at the Kenya Military Training College. During this period he completed an Outward Bound Course, which included expeditions to the snowline of Mount Kilimanjaro.5. The weather conditions were satisfactory at the start of the exercise, although there was a slight drizzle. During the day, however, it became colder and more windy, and the rain heavier.6. During the exercise Officer Cadets Kalani and Ugba, who were members of different patrols, slowly became more tired and weak, until despite being assisted by other members of their patrols, they could not continue. Their patrols summoned help, but rescue operations, which were begun immediately, were hampered by darkness and the difficult terrain. Officer Cadets Kalani and Ugba were taken to Okehampton Hospital with all the speed the rescue parties could achieve, but both were found to be dead on arrival. The cause of death in both cases was cold and exhaustion.7. My inquiries have shown that there were a number of factors which contributed to the deaths of the two cadets. First, the exposure from which they suffered was caused by being wet in chilling conditions for too long. The combat dress, which all cadets were wearing and which has been in general use in the Army since 1960, is intended to be only showerproof. It did not, of itself, provide sufficient protection against the heavy rain and cold wind on Dartmoor on 1st November, 1967. So far no country in the western world has succeeded in producing a combat suit which is waterproof and yet which allows the soldier to work freely without perspiring to such an extent that he is liable to become a casualty through exhaustion.8. For protection against rain the current garment is the poncho or the groundsheet, and each cadet carried a groundsheet cape on this exercise.9. An improved range of combat clothing is being developed with better water repellent characteristics. It will not, however, be completely waterproof for the reasons I have already given. In the meantime I have given instructions that commanders at all levels should be aware of the part which clothing plays in the onset of exhaustion and exposure and should seek medical advice, if necessary, for any particular exercise.10. Second, the symptoms of exposure in Officer Cadets Kalani and Ugba were not recognised in time because cadets had been given no instruction in this subject at that stage in their course. The British Mountaineering Council's pamphlet on exposure was issued throughout the Army during the Summer of 1967 but most unfortunately the copies which were sent to Mons Officer Cadet School were not received. Copies have, of course, been obtained since the exercise. Instructions have now been given that all officer cadets are to receive train ing in the recognition and treatment of exposure before they undertake an exercise on Dartmoor, in addition to their normal first-aid training which they carry out now under normal regulations. An up-to-date and comprehensive military training pamphlet on exposure is now being prepared by the Army authorities.11. Finally, there were lapses, small in themselves, in map-reading and the use of wireless which affected the course of events. Although I am satisfied that the general standard of training in military skills at Mons was at this stage of the course adequate for the cadets to undertake such an exercise, I have nevertheless given instructions that the training syllabi leading up to the exercise and the equipment provided for it are to be re-examined and revised where necessary.12. I have considered whether this exercise should no longer take place in its present form. It does, however, form an essential part of the officer cadet's training. During the past years some cadets have been posted direct to battalions on active service in Borneo or carrying out internal security duties in Cyprus or Aden. Training in the Army should not involve unnecessary hazard but it must, of course, be tough and realistic and be carried out under conditions as near to operations as possible. For this reason, I have decided that the exercise should continue.13. As a result of my inquiries, I am satisfied that, although the deaths of two cadets have pointed to the need for some improvement in the pattern of training at Mons Officer Cadet School, the instruction given to the intake of which Officer Cadets Kalani and Ugba were members, was as good as it could be at the stage of training which they had reached and within the limits of the knowledge and experience then available at the school. Equally, I am satisfied that the overall conduct of the exercise itself was satisfactory. As regards efforts to rescue the cadets, the measures taken by the officer directing the exercise and his staff, once the seriousness of the cadets' situation had been conveyed to them, were fully adequate, and indeed praiseworthy.14. A number of factors combined to cause the deaths of Officer Cadets Kalani and Ugba. I have considered most carefully whether any individuals should bear personal responsibility for any of these factors. I have concluded that there is no evidence to show that any individuals were culpably negligent. But there is no doubt that: there are important lessons to be drawn from this tragic accident. I believe that the changes which will now be made following my inquiries will greatly reduce the chances of a similar accident occurring again.

F111 Purchase (Interest)

asked the Secretary of State for Defence, what is the cost inclusive of interest on deferred payments of the F111 purchase to Great Britain; and what he estimates to be the foreign exchange loss to Great Britain of not supplying the arms recently ordered by the South African Government.

As regards the first part of the Question, I would refer to the statement made yesterday by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister. As regards the second, it is not the practice to give details of arms orders and enquiries.

Technology

Aircraft Noise (Research)

90.

asked the Minister of Technology if he will issue a White Paper setting out details of the research being made into the reduction of aircraft noise, both by Government agencies and by industry.

I will consider with my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade the possibilities of making public much fuller information on this important subject as soon as we have made further progress in our discussions with the United States and French Governments on the related question of aircraft noise certification.

Hearing-Aid Batteries

91.

asked the Minister of Technology if he will refer the increase in the price of mercury hearing-aid batteries from 1 s. 10d. to 2s. 9d. to the National Board for Prices and Incomes.

I am considering this possibility.

asked the Minister of Technology if he will take steps to open a Government factory in a development area to manufacture mercury hearing-aid batteries, in view of the need for competition to restrain excessive increases in the price charged to people suffering from hearing disability.

My right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade would be prepared to consider an application under the local employment acts for assistance towards the establishment of such manufacture in a development area but I do not consider that a Government operated factory for this purpose would be justified.

asked the Minister of Technology what was the date when the price of 1·4 volt-RM675H mercury batteries for hearing aids was last increased; and what was the percentage of that increase.

The retail price of these batteries was increased by 50 per cent. on 1st January, 1968.

Brain Drain

asked the Minister of Technology what steps the Government are taking to make a survey of the brain drain from Scotland to England following the principle established by the recent survey on the drain out of England to the United States of America.

No plans for such a survey are under consideration at present, and it would not fall to me to commission one.

Research And Developmentcontracts (Scotland)

asked the Minister of Technology what are his plans to increase the percentage of expenditure on research and development contracts to be spent in Scotland to raise the Scottish proportion from three per cent. spent in the 10 years to 1966–67.

I am examining ways and means of encouraging research and development contracts for Scotland and for development areas in other parts of the United Kingdom.

Departmental Accommodation(Scotland)

asked the Minister of Technology with what other Government Departments he shares the buildings at 25 Palmerston Place, Edinburgh, 5–6 Randolph Crescent, Edinburgh, Marsland House, 40 George Square, Glasgow, and 136 Renfield Street, Glasgow, respectively; how many square feet of office space he has at each of these buildings;

Premises			Other Government Departments					Mintech Office space sq. ft.
25 Palmerston Place, Edinburgh	…	…	Scottish Education Department			…	…	622
			Ministry of Social Security
5/6 Randolph Crescent, Edinburgh		…	Inland Revenue	…	…	…	…	2,130
Marland House, 40 George Street, Glasgow			Inland Revenue	…	…	…	…	3,331
			Ministry of Defence
			Ministry of Social Security
			Ordnance Survey
136 Renfield Street, Glasgow	…	…	Ministry of Defence		…	…	…	337
			Customs and Excise
			Inland Revenue
			Forestry Commission

The amount of office space occupied by my Department at R.A.E., West Freugh, N.E.L. East Kilbride and Torry Research Station, Aberdeen, is 6,320, 53,000 and 6,255 square feet respectively.

Sonic Bang Tests

d the Minister of Technology whether he will now make a statement on the results of the sonic bang tests carried out in the summer of 1967, and as to what value they have in evaluating the likely noise of the Concorde.

We hope to make a statement shortly on the tests held in the summer of 1967.These tests however were naturally not designed to evaluate the sonic bangs Concorde is expected to make.

Nucear Power Reactors (Tenders)

asked the Minister of Technology what progress has been made in promoting exports in advanced gas-cooled reactor power equipment.

Tenders for advanced gas-cooled power reactors have been submitted in the Argentine and Belgium, and will shortly be submitted in the Netherlands and Italy. A licensing agreement has been reached with a German firm.

how many square feet of office space his Department occupies at the Royal Aircraft Establishment, West Freugh, National Engineering Laboratory, East Kilbride, and Tolly Research Station, Aberdeen, respectively.

The other Government Departments with which my Ministry shares premises in Scotland and the amount of office space occupied by my Department in these premises is set out in the table below:Discussions have been held with firms and generating organisations in a number of other countries and in some instances indicative prices have been quoted to the latter.

Nuclear Power Programme

asked the Minister of Technology what discussion he has had since the publication of Fuel Policy, Command Paper No. 3438, particularly relating to the spur expected to result from the expansion of nuclear power to the wide range of engineering industries involved in research development and construction of nuclear plant and equipment for the home and export market; and what estimates he has made of the effects on these industries should the expansion be deferred or modified.

My Department is discussing with the manufacturing industry, the A.E.A. and with other Government Departments the implications for industry of the second nuclear power programme and of any deferments in power station ordering that may result from the latest assessment of electricity demand.

Anglo-French Aircraft Projects

asked the Minister of Technology if he will name the Anglo-French aircraft projects in the past 10 years which have been negotiated on the basis of binding legal obligations upon the parties thereto.

All the Anglo-French aircraft projects which have been entered into over the last 10 years—that is to say the Concorde, Jaguar, Variable Geometry aircraft, and the three military helicopters—have been on the basis of arrangements which define the obligations falling upon both parties. The same applies to the Airbus, which is a joint Anglo-French-German project.

Concorde Aircraft (Cost)

asked the Minister of Technology if he will make an up-to-date estimate of the cost to Her Majesty's Government of the Concorde project.

On the basis of the figures agreed with the French Government, the cost to Her Majesty's Government is estimated to be £250 million (at January, 1966 prices) in respect of work by British contractors, plus about £30 million for supporting work at British Government Research and Development Establishments.

Industrial Research Stations (Scotland)

asked the Minister of Technology what reductions in planned expenditure on industrial research in his Department's civil establishments in Scotland will result from the decisions announced in Command Paper No. 3515.

The reduction in planned expenditure other than on staff at the Ministry's industrial research stations in Scotland in 1968–69 will be less than 2 per cent. Within the overall standstill referred to in Command 3515, the number of staff at the Scottish establishments will in fact increase slightly.

Hospitals

Paging Instruments (Mercury Batteries)

92.

asked the Minister of Health what is his estimate of the increase to hospital costs caused by the 78 per cent. increase in the price of mercury batteries used in the paging instruments calling hospital doctors.

I regret that this information is not available.

asked the Minister of Health if he will, under Section 46 of the Patent Act, import mercury batteries for use in the hospital bleep system of contacting doctors, in view of the recent 78 per cent. increase in price.

The patent rights affecting the manufacture of mercury batteries have expired and hospital authorities are free to purchase from the most favourable source.

Foreign Thermometers

asked the Minister of Health what is his policy with regard to the use of thermometers of foreign manufacture in National Health Service hospitals.

I have advised hospitals to buy clinical thermometers which bear the British Standards Kitemark. No foreign manufacturer is at present licensed to use this Kitemark.

Ministry Of Health

Dentists (Nhs Payments)

asked the Minister of Health what are the average total annual payments made to dentists in England and Wales in respect of National Health Service work for each year from 1962 to 1966 inclusive.

The average gross payments for General Dental Services to principals in contract with an Executive Council throughout the relevant years were:

1962	£6,068
1963	£6,083
1964	£6,339
1965	£6,308
1966	£6,976

These totals include charges paid by patients and practice expenses.

Dental Estimates Board (Cost)

asked the Minister of Health what was the total annual cost of the dental estimates boards in England and Wales for each year from 1962 to 1966, inclusive.

Total cost, including capital expenditure, was:

	£
1962	902,263
1963	991,564
1964	1,047,478
1965	1,274,912
1966	1,348,583

Births, Marriages And Deaths(Registration In Welsh)

asked the Minister of Health if he will seek, whenever possible, to have at least one person proficient in the Welsh language employed in every births, marriages and deaths registry in Wales, so that any person wishing to register the birth of a child in the Welsh language within his or her own registration district is enabled to do so.

No. Births may be registered only by a registration officer

						England and Wales
					1963	1964	1965	1966
					£000	£000	£000	£000
Statutory charges paid by patients, excluding payments for dentures^*		…	…	…	3,880	4,235	4,412	4,550†
Fees paid to dentists in respect of all treatments other than dentures and orthodontic treatment (inclusive of charges paid by patients where applicable)	…	…	…	…	38,189	40,587	41,354	46,668
^*Charges for orthodontic treatment cannot be isolated but the totals would be very small.
†Estimated.

Commonwealth Affairs

Hong Kong

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs if he will give an assurance that, in view of Hong Kong's benefit to the free world, Her Majesty's Government will continue to defend Hong Kong and safeguard its trade and people from internal and external threat.

Yes. As my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister said to the House yesterday, there is no question of reducing the strength or the effectiveness of the Hong Kong garrison. Her Majesty's Government remain unchanged in their determination to maintain their authority in the Colony and to discharge their full responsibilities towards Hong Kong and its people.

appointed in accordance with the relevant Act and regulations. Under these enactments the power of appointment is vested in county and county borough councils, which have complete discretion within the prescribed qualifications. I should regard it as wholly unreasonable to add proficiency in the Welsh language to these, but any parent in Wales who wishes for bilingual registration of a birth can make a declaration to any Welsh-speaking registrar in Wales.

Dental Treatment(Patients' Contributions And Fees)

asked the Minister of Health what was the total amount paid by patients in the form of statutory contributions for dental treatment, excluding payments in respect of dentures and orthodontics, for the years 1963, 1964, 1965 and 1966; and what was the amount paid to dentists in each of the above years in respect of these treatments.

Honiara

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs what is the estimated expenditure in 1968 on the provision of housing in Honiara by the Public Works Division, British Solomon Islands Protectorate, other than on staff quarters for Government establishments including schools.

Provision has been made in the Housing subhead of the Works Extraordinary Vote for expenditure of $A 185,800 (£86,822) in Honiara in 1968. With this amount, which is subject to further review 110 houses for junior staff (including labourers) and 6 houses for senior staff can be completed. Separate provision is made for staff quarters attached to Government establishments.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs what is the cost of the new Government House in Honiara, British Solomon Islands Protectorate.

The estimated total cost is $A.300,000 including offices, staff housing, furnishings and fittings. The staff housing has already been completed. Expenditure on Government House itself is estimated at $A.237,000 and will be spread over 1967 and 1968.

British Solomon Islands Protectorate(Pidgin English)

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs whether he will take steps to encourage the use of Pidgin, the lingua franca of the peoples of the British Solomon Islands Protectorate, by the members of Her Majesty's Overseas Civil Service serving in the Protectorate.

Those members of Her Majesty's Overseas Civil Service whose duties bring them into contact with the people at the village level are expected to be able to converse in "Pidgin English". All expatriate officers of permanent status or on long-term contracts are required to pass an examination in Pidgin English within three and two years respectively of being appointed to the Protectorate, unless at that time they have attained the age of 40. It is not considered practicable to require short-term contract officers to sit such an examination but in considering renewal of contracts of officers whose duties involve regular contact with the public, the ability of the officer to communicate with Melanesians is specifically considered.As knowledge of English increases, the importance of Pidgin English is expected to decline, and in consequence further measures to encourage the use of Pidgin English by expatriated officers are not considered necessary.

Malta

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs what additional assistance is to be given to Malta, owing to the continued closure of the Suet; Canal; and whether he will make a statement on his recent conversations with the Prime Minister of Malta.

On the first part of the question I have nothing to add to the Answer given by my predecessor to the hon. Member for Harrow, West (Mr. John Page) on 17th July, 1967.Malta's economic problems, including the Dockyard, were discussed by my hon. Friend the Minister of State when he saw the Prime Minister of Malta in my absence on 5th January.He assured the Prime Minister of Malta of our urgent concern to make progress on the recommendations of the Report of the Joint Mission for Malta. —[Vol. 750, c. 189–190.]

Fiji (Un Resolution)

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs what action Her Majesty's Government propose to take upon the resolution adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations on Fiji and, in particular, upon the decision that a United Nations mission should visit the island.

None. The United Kingdom voted against this Resolution. We do not consider that a United Nations mission would serve any useful purpose.

Telephone Service

Exchanges (Manning)

94.

asked the Postmaster-General if he will make a statement on the manning of telephone exchanges on Sundays and public holidays.

I understand that my hon. Friend is mainly concerned with Directory Enquiries. Operators are provided to meet the expected average levels of traffic. This is, however, more variable on Sundays and public holidays than on weekdays, and it is, therefore, more difficult to give a consistent service.

Wireless And Television

Radio 2 (Scotland)

asked the Postmaster-General if he will afford special facilities to old age pensioners in Scotland who cannot obtain good reception on Radio 2 and who cannot afford very high frequency.

I take it that the hon. Member has in mind the reception of the long wave (1500 metres) transmitter of Radio 2, formerly the Light Programme.A large area of Scotland, as of the United Kingdom generally, has always depended for reception of Radio 2 on the long wave transmission, or where this was unsatisfactory on VHF. Because reception of the long wave in Edinburgh and Glasgow is particularly prone to electrical interference and because people living there may have difficulty in providing outdoor aerials, the B.B.C. have opened low power stations there on the intenational common medium wavelength. 202 metres. This will benefit all classes of listeners there.

Post Office

Envelopes (Preferred Range)

asked the Postmaster-General whether all Post Office envelopes are in conformity with the new regulations as to size.

As my right hon. Friend told the House on 13th December, 1967, in reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Middleton and Prestwich (Mr. Coe) he expects to introduce the surcharge on minimum rate letters and printed papers which do not conform to the preferred range of sizes in the autumn of this year.All envelopes used by the Post Office for general correspondence will be within the Post Office preferred range by the summer of this year.There will always be a need for envelopes larger than the Post Office preferred range to transmit bulky items of correspondence.—[Vol. 756, c. 183–4.]

Free Post

asked the Postmaster-General what changes he proposes to make in the regulations concerning the free post before the next General Election.

I propose to bring the permissible dimensions for envelopes into line with the Post Office preferred range by increasing the minimum from 4 ins X 2¾ ins to 5½ ins X 3½ ins and the maximum from 9 ins X 4½ ins to 9¼ ins X 4¾ ins. Details of other changes are not quite ready, but I shall put full proposals to the headquarters of the three main political parties within a week or two.

Electricity

Power Stations

asked the Minister of Power what estimate he has now made of the likely effects of devaluation on the operating costs of coal-fired power stations.

The direct effects are likely to be negligible.

asked the Minister of Power (1) what is the estimated increase caused by devaluation over the next 12 months in costs of oil and oil products used for electricity generation(2) what is the estimated increase caused by devaluation over the next 12 months in costs of oil and oil products used as a feedstock for town gas reforming.

asked the Minister of Power what estimate he has made of the likely effects of devaluation on the operating costs of oil-fired power stations.

The effect of devaluation on the cost of oil products used as a feedstock for town gas reforming and for electricity generation will depend to a large extent on the terms of individual contracts, the interpretation of which is a matter to be resolved between the supplier and the purchaser.

asked the Minister of Power (1) if he can now estimate how many collieries in the Durham area are rated as economic but are likely to be closed if the power station at Hartlepool is nuclear-powered;(2) if he can now estimate how many collieries in the Durham area rated as uneconomic are likely to remain open should the power station at Hartlepool be coal-fired;(3) what is the cost of producing electricity per unit with a base load advanced gas-cooled reactor nuclear power station at Hartlepool, and the latest estimate per unit for a similarly loaded coal-burning station; and what would be the total costs per year in each case;(4) what steps he has taken to examine the proposal of the National Coal Board to supply cheap coal for the Hartlepool power station; and what assurances he has received that the proposed price level can be maintained.

The Government are examining the many factors affecting a decision on the method of firing the power station, and I shall make a full statement on the main points relevant to the decision later.

asked the Minister of Power how many power stations are equipped with dual-firing apparatus to use coal and oil; what tonnage of coal he estimates to be required to fire these stations; and what proposals he is considering for switching them back permanently to the use of coal.

None.

asked the Minister of Power what power stations are fired by oil; what power stations are proposed to be fired by oil; and what steps he has taken to control dependence on foreign supplies of fuel in favour of coal.

The type of firing at all existing C.E.G.B. power stations is given in the Board's Statistical Year Book, 1967. Stations under construction are listed in Appendix 3 to the Board's Annual Report for 1966…67. These publications are available in the Library. The question of security of foreign supplies of oil generally was dealt with in the Fuel Policy White Paper Cmnd. 3438.

asked the Minister of Power which of the three power station sites proposed, the Isle of Grain, Heysham, and Hartlepool, is ready for development; and what expenditure has been incurred on each site.

I have not yet given my decision on the C. E. G. B. 's applications for permission to develop these sites. The degree or preparation and consequent expenditure in advance of my decision are matters for the Board's commercial judg- ment in agreement with the site owners. The site at Hartlepool is already owned by the C.E.G.B.

asked the Minister of Power what discussions he has had with the Central Electricity Generating Board on the future power station programme; and what are the priorities of construction of power stations which have been recommended to him.

I have frequent discussions with the C.E.G.B. on their future power station programme as part of their capital development programmes which are subject to my approval. Priorities of construction depend on the balance of a number of factors which have to be taken into account before a decision is reached.

asked the Minister of Power how many kilowatts of coal-burning plant is now in use to provide power in the United Kingdom; what percentage this is of the total power production; and what is the cost of the plant including other coal-burning plant under construction and planned.

About 35 million kilowatts which is nearly 75 per cent. of all plant generating for public supply. To ascertain the cost of the plant would mean a great deal of expenditure which would not be justified as much of it has been built over a long period during which costs have varied considerably. The cost of coal-burning plant under construction is of the order of £1,000 million.

asked the Minister of Power what is the nuclear cost per unit of electricity at Hinkley B Power Station; what is the nuclear fuel cost per unit at that station; and how this compares with the cost per unit of coal.

The estimated baseload generation cost for Hinkley Point B nuclear power station is 0·52d./kWh of which the fuel cost accounts for 0·11d./ kWh. Both figures allow for the effect of devaluation. The coal-fired power station at Drax has an estimated base-load generation cost of 0·60d./kWh of which fuel cost accounts for 0·38d./kWh.

asked the Minister of Power what is the latest calculated cost per unit of electricity at the Dungeness B nuclear power station; and how this compares with the best coal-fired station which can be built sited on a coldfield producing the cheapest coal.

The latest estimate of the base-load generation cost for Dungeness B is 0·57d./kWh including the royalty payable to the U.K.A.E.A. and an allowance for the effect of devaluation. The latter was not included in the estimate in the reply I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Mansfield on 13th December. [Vol. 756, c. 185]The estimate for Drax, the latest coal-fired station ordered, is 0·60d./kWh.

asked the Minister of Power what representations have been submitted to him by the Central Electricity Generating Board on the tenders received for the construction of the nuclear power station at Hartlepool.

None.

asked the Minister of Power if he has completed his cost-benefit study on the issue of a coal or nuclear power station at Hartlepool; and if he will make a statement.

The study is not yet complete.

asked the Minister of Power to what extent in drawing up the nuclear power generating programme he made a comparison with the programme in the United States of America in terms of numbers of stations, operating, under construction, on order and planned.

Conditions in the United States were fully appreciated when the nuclear power programmes were drawn up. However, those conditions are not necessarily relevant to a United Kingdom programme. The rate of ordering new power stations must be related to the rate of growth of demand of electricity and the total size of the system.

Bulk Transmission (Cost)

asked the Minister of Power what is the cost of bulk transmission of electricity per 100 miles; and what estimate he has made of the effect of this cost on the cost of supply of electricity to the Teesside area in the event of no power station being built at Hartlepool.

The cost of bulk transmission of electricity per 100 miles is about £11/ kW.The answer to the second part of the Question would depend on the siting of any alternative to a station at Hartlepool.

Coal

National Coal Board

asked the Minister of Power how much of the National Coal Board debt has been written off in the past five years.

£415 million was written off under the Coal Industry Act, 1965.

asked the Minister of Power by how much the National Coal Board fell short of supporting its own capital investment programme in the years 1960 to 1967, inclusive; and how any deficiency has been met.

The information is as follows:

Year	Capital Expenditure(net)^*	Internal Finance†	Balance Financed by Exchequer borrowing
1960	83·3	51·1	32·2
1961	91·4	51·3	40·1
1962	84·3	83·0	1·3
1963–64 (15months)	109·2	109·2	—
1964–65	88·6	75·0	13·6
1965–66	89·1	40·0	49·1
1966–67	89·9	65·3	24·6
^*Figures for capital expenditure are net of sales.
† Internal finance mainly comprised depreciation plus revenue surplus or minus revenue deficit.

Central Electricity Generating Board

asked the Minister of Power what directions have been given to the Electricity Generating Board to take more coal than would be economic for the Board to use; and how the extra cost is to be met.

I have asked the C.E.G.B. to use as much extra coal as practicable in the current financial year and I am discussing with them how much extra they will use next year. The extra costs involved will be reimbursed in accordance with the provisions of the Coal Industry Act, 1967.

asked the Minister of Power what is his estimate of the extent to which the demand for coal by the Central Electricity Generating Board is likely to increase or decrease during the next 10 years.

The trend of demand for coal by the C.E.G.B. over the next 10 years will depend on a number of factors including particularly the growth of electricity consumption and the commissioning of new plant, but my hon. Friend may find it helpful to refer to Chapter 3 and Appendix 1 of the Fuel Policy White Paper (Cmnd. 3438).

asked the Minister of Power what is the cost to the Central Electricity Generating Board arising from the increase in the price of coal in April, 1966.

The C.E.G.B. indicated in its annual report for 1966–67 (page 4) that increases in the prices of coal during 1966–67 caused heat costs to rise by nearly £30 million compared with 1965–66.

Production (1962–67)

asked the Minister of Power what was the total production of coal for the years 1962 to 1967, inclusive; and to what extent the demand for coal by the Central Electricity Generating Board was responsible for any fall in any year.

The information is as follows:

(million tons)
	Total coal production	Change on previous year	Coal consumption by the C.E.G.B	Change on previous year
1962	199·4		55·3
1963	197·3	-2·1	60·9	+5·6
1964	194·9	-2·4	62·5	+1·6
1965	188·6	-6·3	63·8	+1·3
1966	176·1	-12·5	62·6	-1·2
1967(provisional)	174·6	-1·5	62·0	-0·6

Consumption

asked the Minister of Power what consumers of coal have reduced their use of coal since 1960; and what are the reasons for the fall in demand.

As shown in Chart 9 on page 28 of the White Paper on Fuel Policy (Cmnd. 3438), all the main groups of consumers, except power stations, have reduced their consumption of coal since 1960. The factors affecting the demand for coal and for other fuels are discussed at some length in the White Paper.

Prices

asked the Minister of Power what steps he has taken to ensure that any price reduction offered to any coal consumer will not be offset by an increase to another consumer.

The National Coal Board have a statutory duty to make supplies of coal available at such prices as may seem to them best calculated to further the public interest in all respects, including the avoidance of any undue or unreasonable preference or advantage.It has been the practice of the Board to consult the Government about any intended changes in the relationship between prices charged to the main consumer groups.

Durham Collieries (Wage Earners)

asked the Minister of Power how many wage earners were employed in the collieries of the Durham area 10 years ago; and how many are employed today.

At the end of 1957, there were approximately 101,400 wage earners on colliery books in the Durham Division (including licensed mines). At the end of 1967, the corresponding number was approximately 48,400.

Wilson Committee (Recommendations)

asked the Minister of Power what steps have been taken to review the recommendations of the Wilson Report on Coal Derivations 1960 relating to the Lurgi process.

Methods of producing gas, and the use of different feedstocks, have been examined in successive reviews of fuel policy. The new oil-based processes produce gas more cheaply than does the Lurgi process and will themselves be superseded by natural gas supplied direct. When conversion to direct supply is complete the manufacture of gas, either from coal or oil, will cease, except possibly of substitute natural gas on a limited scale at times of peak load.

Fuel Policy Conference

asked the Minister of Power what conclusions were drawn at the Fuel Policy Conference in May, 1967, on the effect of the level of contraction of the coal industry for the period ending 1975; and what recommendations were made by the National Coal Board to him for the period ending 1971 as part of any acceptance of the 1975 levels of contraction.

The detailed proceedings of the Fuel Policy Conference are confidential. As stated in the White Paper on Fuel Policy (Cmnd. 3438), the Government concluded, following discussion at the Conference, that the contraction of the coal industry to the level for 1975 envisaged in the trend of primary fuel use shown in Table A on Page 36 of the White Paper, should be manageable; and for the period up to 1970–71 the Government accepted the advice of the National Coal Board that a rundown of about 35,000 men a year would be manageable and decided that planning for the industry's contraction up to 1970–71 should be based on that figure.

Gas

Production Methods

asked the Minister of Power what proposals he has to examine the economic advantages of controlling the importation of liquid methane limiting the production of gas from oil, and increasing the gas supply through the gasification of low grade coal.

The relative economics of different methods of meeting the demand for gas have been studied in the recent review of fuel policy. The gas industry is giving assistance to the coal industry by using more coal in place of the oil feedstocks it would otherwise use in its existing plant. The case for extending the gasification of low grade coal by the Lurgi process has been reviewed on a number of occasions and even before the advent of North Sea gas there was no economic justification for building more plants. Imported liquefied natural gas, which can be stored, provides a valuable means of meeting peak winter demands.

Explosion (Congresbury)

asked the Minister of Power when he expects to receive the report of the inquiry into the explosion at Congresbury, Somerset, on 17th December, 1967, in which one person was killed and another seriously injured.

The South Western Gas Board are preparing the report of their inquiry into the cause of this accident in readiness for the Inquest which has been adjourned until 7th February. My right hon. Friend expects to receive the report at that time.

asked the Minister of Power if he will publish the report of the inquiry into the Congresbury gas explosion on 17th December, 1967.

The South Western Gas Board will make the report of their inquiry into this accident available for study by all concerned.

asked the Minister of Power when the six-inch medium-pressure gas pipe main from which escaping gas caused an explosion in Congresbury on 17th December, 1967 was laid; and when the last inspection of that gas main took place.

I am informed that this main was laid in 1947–48. The report of the inquiry which the South Western Gas Board are now preparing will include information concerning the inspection of this main.

asked the Minister of Power which of his regulations control the proximity of gas main pipes and sewerage systems; and whether he is satisfied that they were complied with in the siting of the gas main in Congresbury.

My right hon. Friend has made no regulations controlling the proximity of gas mains and sewerage systems. Area gas boards, including the South Western Gas Board, have codes of practice governing mains distribution work which incorporate the Recommendations for Mainlaying prepared by the Institution of Gas Engineers. Furthermore, details of all mainlaying work planned to be carried out by an Area Board are required by the Public Utilities Street Works Act, 1950 to be notified in advance to local authorities and other utilities (including sewer authorities) and the work must be performed so as to avoid any risk of damage to or from other plant on or near the route of the main.

Scottish Law Lords

asked the Attorney-General if he will seek to amend the Appellate Jurisdiction Act 1876 to provide for the appointment of a larger number of Scottish Law Lords.

The Appellate Jurisdiction Act, 1876 does not distinguish between the number of English and of Scottish lawyers who may be appointed Lords of Appeal in Ordinary and my noble Friend the Lord Chancellor is satisfield that present arrangements ensure full representation in the House of Lords of the Scottish legal system.

Economic Affairs

Early Warning List

asked the Secretary of State for Economic Affairs what further items were added to the early warning list published on 27th July, 1967, as a result of the conclusion of discussions which were then in course with various trade associations with a view to confirming a voluntary system of price control.

The following is the information.

Iron and steel products.
Household electrical wiring components
Asbestos cement.
Cement.
Bricks.
Plaster and plaster board.
Pitch fibre pipes
Roofing felt.

Woven wire gauze has been deleted.

asked the Secretary of State for Economic Affairs what items he ex- pects to add to the list of goods and services where a voluntary system of early warning of proposed price increases exists, in view of the promise to strengthen price vetting contained in the recent letter of intent to the International Monetary Fund.

I have nothing to add to my reply on 21st December last to a Question by my hon. Friend the Member for The Hartlepools (Mr. Leadbitter).—[Vol. 756, c.472]

Education And Science

School-Leavers

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is the percentage of school-leavers, at the latest available date, who go to universities, colleges of education, technical colleges for advanced courses, and technical colleges for non-advanced courses, respectively.

Of school leavers in the year 1965–66, 5·5 per cent. went into universities, 3·1 per cent. to colleges of education, 1·1 per cent. to full-time (and sandwich) degree and HND/HNC courses in further education establishments, and 8·1 per cent. to other full-time and sandwich courses at further education establishments. Most of the latter courses were non-advanced.

Further Education Andtechnical Colleges

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what proposals he has for reducing the duplication of small classes in various subjects at area and regional colleges of further education and technical colleges.

I have arranged for all courses requiring my approval to be reviewed during the current session in the light of the recommendations in the report on "The Size of Classes and Approval of Further Education Courses" submitted to my predecessor last year by the National Advisory Council on Education for Industry and Commerce. I have asked local education authorities to take similar action in respect of other courses.

Further Education(Gce Students)

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many students aged 15 to 18 years were studying full-time for General Cer-

FULL-TIME STUDENTS IN FURTHER EDUCATION ESTABLISHMENTS TAKING COURSES LEADING TO THE GENERALCERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION
				November
				1961	1962	1963	1964	1965	1966
Ordinary Level:
Aged 15–17	…	…	…	14,981	19,728	22,988	22,587	20,135	19,186
18–20	…	…	…	1,004	1,254	1,327	1,816	2,150	2,432
of whom: aged 18		…	…	N.A.	N.A	N.A	N.A	1,475	1,554
Advanced Level:
Aged 15–17	…	…	…	3,692	4,072	5,499	6,861	7,143	8,153
18–20	…	…	…	4,711	5,780	5,892	6,923	8,657	9,787
of whom: aged 18		…	…	N.A	N.A.	N.A	N.A.	5,311	5,685

School Pupils (Voluntary Stay)

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will give an estimate, to the nearest 5 per cent., of the proportion of boys and girls expected to remain at school voluntarily, in the academic year 1969–70, for a full year beyond the minimum statutory school-leaving age.

Between 50 per cent. and 55 per cent.

Arts Council (Expenditure)

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is the expenditure on the administration of the Arts Council in Scotland and England, respectively, for the current year to the last convenient date; and how much other expenditure on the arts was authorised by his Department in Scotland and England, respectively.

The total grant to the Arts Council for 1967–68 is £7,200,000 which has been allocated by the Council as follows:—

£
England	5,840,000
Scotland	630,000
Wales	430,000
Housing the Arts (for England,Scotland and Wales)	300,000

Administration costs are estimated at £355,380 (England—£250,000; Scotland —£67,500; Wales—£37,880). Actual expenditure on administration between 1st April and 31st December, 1967, amounted to £157,000 in England and £33,000 in Scotland.

tificate of Education "O" level and "A" level courses in colleges of further education in 1966–67, and in each of the five previous years.

The available information is set out in the following table:

School Buildings(Works Allocations)

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science (1) if he will set out in tabular form the major works allocations for primary schools for each of the years 1965–66 to 1969–70, divided into basic needs and improvements and replacements, respectively;(2) if he will set out in tabular form the major works allocations for primary and secondary schools for each of the years 1965–66 to 1969–70, excluding allocations for raising the school-leaving age, at present cost limits.

The allocations at present cost limits are:

	Basic Needs	Primary Improvement/replacement^*	Total	Secondary
	£m	£m	£m	£m
1965–66	27·1	6·3	33·4	53·3
1966–67	28·6	8·2	36·8	48·8
1967–68	35·3	14·7	50·0	51·5
1968–69†(to date)	28·1	8·3	36·4	43·8
1969–70†(to date)	23·4	7·8	31·2	41·0
^*The figures for the first two years are the full value of projects devoted mainly to the improvement or replacement of existing schools. For the remaining years they cover the improvement value only of all projects which combine basic need with improvement.
†Sums amounting to £1·3m. and £9·3m. for 1968–69 and 1969–70 respectively have yet to be allocated to specific projects. The figures for these years will be further increased by the proportion of the £16m. for building in educational priority areas which is allocated to major projects.

Council For Scientific Policy(Working Group)

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will place in the Library a copy of the documents made available to the Working Group of the Council for Scientific Policy on Liaison between Universities and Government Research Establishments.

No. The evidence from universities was printed in full in Appendix C to Cmnd. 3222 and a summary of evidence from Government Departments, Research Councils and their establishments is in Chapter 2 of the Report. I do not propose to make available detailed evidence which was provided in confidence.

Surplus Military Equipment

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will make a statement on the outcome of his study into the potential use of surplus military equipment in school classes taking technical subjects.

These studies are not yet completed. I will write to my hon. Friend as soon as any definite conclusions are reached.

Sutherland Report

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what action he has taken as a result of the Sutherland Committee Report to promote a closer relationship between universities' science research organisations and defence research establishments; and if he will make a statement.

The Sutherland Report's recommendations have been accepted by the Committee of Vice-Chancellors and Principals of Universities. The Research Councils are aware of the Report and its recommendations. Questions involving defence establishments are for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence.

United Nations Resolctions

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will list the occasions during the last two sessions of the United Nations when Her Majesty's Government have refused to accept the resolution or other decision of the United Nations agencies such as the Trusteeship Council on the grounds that the Charter forbids, or does not recognise action of the kind contemplated.

Her Majesty's Government's attitude to each resolution is governed by a number of considerations, but a main reason for our not accepting the following resolutions and decisions was incompatibility with the Charter:

(a) General Assembly Resolutions 2160 (XXI) on the use of force and self-determination; 2238 (XXI) and 2302 (XXII) on Oman; 2353 (XXII) on Gibraltar; 2189 (XXI) and 2326 (XXII) on Granting of Independence to Colonies.

(b) Committee of Twenty Four Resolution on Gibraltar (1st September 1967) and decisions about the suppression of petitions (8th and 15th March and 23rd October, 1967).

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how Her Majesty's Government voted on 13th December when the United Nations General Assembly adopted, by a large majority, a resolution recommending that severe economic measures be taken against South Africa because of apartheid.

The United Kingdom was amongst those member States which abstained from voting on this resolution. Copies of the text of the resolution are available in the Library of the House.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what action Her Majesty's Government are taking upon the resolution adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on 12th December which deplored United Kingdom policies in Oman and called for the removal of British troops; and if he will make a statement.

The General Assembly Resolution of 12th December, 1967, was in the same terms as the resolution in December, 1966, about which the hon. Member asked early last year. It embodied a completely false view of Her Majesty's Government's relations with the Sultanate of Muscat and Oman (of which Oman is an integral part) which are those normal between sovereign and independent states. We have explained to the United Nations that these resolutions deal with matters essentially within the domestic jurisidiction of the Sultanate and that we cannot comply with them.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is his estimate of the cost of ascertaining how many resolutions adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations since 15th October, 1964, have not been accepted by Her Majesty's Government.

The cost would be above £50.

Foreign Secretary(Washington Talks)

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on his talks in Washington.

When I was in Washington on 11 th January I had talks with Mr. Dean Rusk, the United States Secretary of State, on a wide range of subjects, dealing with the situation in various areas of the world and related matters of defence. These talks were frank and went deep but they are of course confidential and I cannot therefore go into detail on the subjects discussed.

Foreign Secretary(Visit To Japan)

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on his visit to Japan.

During my visit to Japan from 7th to 10th January for the sixth round of the regular Anglo-Japanese consultations, I had valuable talks with the Japanese Prime Minister, Mr. Sato, and the Foreign Minister, Mr. Miki. The joint communiqué, issued after the talks, a copy of which has been placed in the Library of the House, records the topics discussed. I believe the meetings and the other contacts I made on this my first visit to Japan have helped to deepen the friendship between the two countries and to promote close co-operation between us in dealing with many important world problems, particularly in Asia.

Anglo-Soviet Agreement

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what arrangements have been made to pay to the Soviet Government the sum of£500,000 referred to in the Anglo-Soviet Agreement concerning the settlement of mutual financial and property claims arising after 1st January, 1939, reached during Mr. Kosygin's visit to London.

The formulation of the agreement signed on 5th January, 1968 provided for the payment to be made on 12th January into a special account to be opened in the name of the State Bank of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics at the Bank of England for the purchase of British-manufactured consumer goods. An advance has been made for this purpose from the Civil Contingencies Fund and the House will be asked to approve a Supplementary Estimate in due course. It is the intention of Her Majesty's Government that an equivalent sum should accrue to the Exchequer by recovery from assets held in the United Kingdom.

Home Department

Police (Population Ratio)

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the ratio of police numbers per head of population in the cities of Liverpool, Manchester and Birmingham, respectively.

The ratio of male police to population, based on population figures for 1966 and the latest available figures for police strengths, is 1:412 for Liverpool and Bootle, 1:353 in Manchester and 1:486 in Birmingham.

Crimes Of Violence (Detection Rate)

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the detection rate for crimes of violence in the cities of Liverpool, Manchester and Birmingham, respectively.

Information is not available in the form asked for by my hon. Friend. In 1966 625 offences of violence against the person were known to the police in Liverpool. In the same year 406 such offences, 65 per cent. of the first figure, were cleared up; some of these offences may have been known to the police before 1966. The corresponding figures for Manchester were 518, 481 and 92·9 per cent.; and for Birmingham 582, 404 and 692·4 per cent.

Police Services (Expenditure)

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the expenditure on police services per head of population in the cities of Liverpool, Manchester and Birmingham, respectively.

Expenditure in the financial year 1966–67 was: Liverpool £5 18s. 6d.; Manchester£5 18s. 2d.; and Birmingham£4 18s. 6d. Forecast expenditure for the current year is£6 11 10d.,£6 13s. 10d. and£5 8s. 0d., respectively. Expenditure on common police services is excluded in each case. The figures for Liverpool include Bootle which was amalgamated with it for police purposes on 1st April, 1967.

Housebreaking And Shopbreaking(Wembley)

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is aware of the number of houses and shops in Wembley which have been broken into in recent weeks; and if he will instruct the Metroplitan Police to give advice to residents and shopkeepers to enable them to help the police in catching the burglars and in making their premises more burglar-proof.

In December, 1967, 40 crimes of housebreaking and shop-breaking were recorded in the Wembley sub-division, 30 less than in December, 1966. Last October the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis extended the advisory service available to the public by appointing to each sub-division in the force a specialist crime prevention officer whose duties include giving advice on the protection of premises.

Housing

District Heating

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government how many applications for loan sanction in respect of district heating schemes he has received since the beginning of the financial year 1967–68; and if he will circulate a list in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Since 1st April, 1967 10 applications for loan sanction for district heating (i.e. heating of a number of separate buildings from a single heat source) as part of local authority housing schemes have been received.The schemes are:

Ashby-de-la-Zouch U.D.—Tamworth Road, Measham.

Camden L.B.—Oakley Square.

Haringey L.B.—Park Lane Development.

Hereford R.D.—Clehanger Site.

Hounslow L.B.—Brentford Water Works Site.

Nottingham C.B.—Hyson Green, Phase II.

Southwark L.B.—North Peckham Scheme.

Wandsworth L.B.—Doddington Grove.

Washington U.D.—Sulgrave Village.

Wolverhampton C.B.—Heath Town Redevelopment.

Tenant Rights

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government, in view of the fact that many tenants are unaware of their rights, whether, under the Rent Act 1964 and Protection from Eviction Act, 1964, he will take steps to require that a summary of these rights is printed in every rent book.

Notes on the rights of tenants are contained in the forms of notice which must be inserted in rent books by virtue of the Rent Book (Forms of Notice) Regulations 1965. I am sending a copy of these regulations to my hon. Friend.

Harassment Of Tenants

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what was the number of prosecutions for harassment of tenants that were undertaken in 1967; in how many cases these were successful; and how many acquittals obtained.

Figures for the last quarter of 1967 are not yet available. Between 1st January and 30th September, 1967, 113 summonses on a charge of harassment had been dealt with and in 63 of these convictions had been obtained. One person was imprisoned (for two offences), 57 fines were imposed and there were 3 conditional discharges and one absolute discharge.

Under-Occupation

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what is the incidence of under-occupation of local authority housing, expressed both numerically and as a percentage of the total stock of local authority dwellings.

There is no recognised standard measure of under-occupation. The 1961 Census and the housing survey undertaken by the Ministry in 1964 (Housing Survey in England and Wales, 1964, H.M.S.O.) showed however, that many more owner-occupiers or tenants of unfurnished privately rented accommodation had a relatively low ratio of persons to rooms than local authority tenants.

Compulsory Purchase Order(Kingston Upon Hull)

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government when he will announce his decision on the Kingston upon Hull Marlborough Terrace, Pryme Street/Wright Street compulsory purchase order.

This compulsory purchase order was confirmed, with some small modifications, on 1st January, 1968.

Local Government

Betterment Levy (Minerals)

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he will ensure that betterment levy is not payable at the start of mineral development in cases where mineral operators have acquired the land bona fide in circumstances comparable with those covered by the Betterment Levy (Minerals) (No. 2) Regulations, 1967.

The Betterment Levy (Minerals) Regulations already give a wide exemption from betterment levy where mineral operators start development of mineral resources. But I accept that there are some circumstances where, in equity, an exemption ought to be given which are not covered by the regulations. The hon. Member is aware of the two sets of circumstances which have been r brought to my notice which fall into this class. These are:—

(1) where land was bought by a member of a group of companies before 22nd September, 1965 and subsequently transferred to another member of the group who is an established mineral operator who develops the land after 6th April 1967; and

(2) where land was brought by a member of a group of companies and is transferred after 22nd September, 1965 to a mineral operating company which is a member of the group but which has been founded since September, 1965 as part of a scheme of reorganisation of the group.

In these two cases the Commission will not collect levy on the start of the mineral development. If further cases involving the start of mineral development where it is claimed that, in equity, levy should not be collected are brought to my notice I will consider them. Amending Regulations will be laid in due course.

Ministry Of Labour

Staff Complement, Midlothian

asked the Minister of Labour what is the total staff complement of his Department in the county of Midlothian; and how many males and females there are in the total.

The total staff complement of my Department in the county of Midlothian is 44, of whom 18 are men and 26 women.

Industrial Refraining (Scotland)

asked the Minister of Labour how many persons over 45 years of age in Scotland have been accepted for industrial retraining boards situated in Scotland.

I assume that the hon. Lady's Question relates to Government Training Centres. At the end of last year 73 (8 per cent.) of the 919 trainees at Scottish Centres were over 45 years of age.

asked the Minister of Labour if he will give an assurance that retraining facilities in Scotland will be available for every single worker fit to take advantage of them who is made redundant by Government action in the running down of the nationalised industries in Scotland.

Accelerated training for skill is available to redundant workers who want and are suitable for it at eight Government Training Centres in Scotland. A ninth centre is planned to open at Bellshill in North Lanarkshire this summer.The retraining of redundant workers at semi-skilled level is best undertaken by their new employers with financial assistance from the Industrial Training Boards and from the Government grants available to firms in development areas. The extent to which these facilities meet the needs of redundant workers will be kept under review.

Employment Exchanges (Facilities)

asked the Minister of Labour what facilities employment exchange, offer Scottish workers transferring to jobs in England.

Employment exchanges can help workers who wish to obtain jobs in any other part of Great Britain by bringing to their notice particulars of suitable vacancies elsewhere or sending particulars of individuals for consideration by the appropriate exchange in the area of the worker's choice.Financial assistance under the Ministry's Resettlement Transfer Scheme is available to an unemployed worker (or a worker in employment who will be involved in redundancy within six months) who has no early prospect of obtaining employment in his home area and who obtains employment, approved by my Department, in any other area beyond reasonable daily travelling distance.

Industrial Training Boards(Scotland)

asked the Minister of Labour what are the names and addresses of the eight industrial training boards in Scotland; and how many persons have been retrained in each of the years since their inception to the last convenient date.

The names and addresses of the eight Government Training Centres in Scotland are:

Dumbarton: Castlegreen Street, Dumbarton.

Dunfermline: Townhill, Dunfermline, Fife.

Edinburgh: West Granton Road, Edinburgh 5.

Glasgow: (Hillington): Industrial Estate, Queen Elizabeth Avenue, Hillington, Glasgow S.W.2.

Glasgow: (Queenslie): Blairtummoch Road, Industrial Trading Estate, Queenslie, Glasgow E.2.

Irvine: Ayr Road, Irvine, Ayrshire. Motherwell: Java Works, Java Street, Motherwell, Lanarkshire.

Port Glasgow: Industrial Trading Estate, Port Glasgow.

Information about the number of persons completing training at the Centres is readily available only for the last 10 years. Following is the information:

Year Number of Govern- Number of Persons Training Centres completing training
1958	1966	152
1959	1	147
1960	1966	132
1961	1966	140
1962	1966	149
1963	1966	167
1964	3	530
1965	5	715
1966	7	1,147
1967	7	1,506

(No trainees have yet completed training at the Edinburgh G.T.C., which opened in October, 1967).

Industrial Training (Overseasstudents)

asked the Minister of Labour what response has been received by his department with regard to the joint ODM/MOL scheme for 500 extra places for the practical training of overseas students in industry; and if consideration has been given to the invocation of section 14 of the Industrial Training Act.

Of the applicants referred to my Department 24 have received offers of practical training; 19 of these offers have been accepted by the overseas Governments concerned and in 16 cases training has started. 18 further applications are under consideration. The response from industry to requests to provide practical training for overseas students has been satisfactory; the demand from overseas has not yet reached the level expected. At this stage I do not think it necessary or desirable to invoke section 14 of the Industrial Training Act.

W And T Avery Limited(New Wage Structure)

asked the Minister of Labour what is the estimated percentage increase in rates and earnings expected to arise from the recent new wages structure proposed for the Smethwick factory of W. and T. Avery Limited; and whether such an increase falls within the indicated wishes of the Government's incomes policy in a period of post-devaluation extreme moderation.

The company has now revised its proposals and no changes are at present contemplated apart from those made necessary by the last stage of the three-year Engineering Agreement.

Additional Washing Facilities

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will give an estimate as to the extent to which additional sanitary conveniences and washing facilities have been provided in shops and offices under the provisions of Sections 9 and 10 of the Offices, Shops and Railway Premises Act since that Act came into force; and whether he is satisfied with the progress that is being made in that connection.

I regret that the information asked for by the hon. Member is not available. From the reports of enforcing authorities, however, I am satisfied that compliance with these two sections of the Act is generally satisfactory.

Overseas Development

Industrial Training Scheme

asked the Minister of Overseas Development what response has been received by his Department with regard to the joint ODM/MOL scheme for 500 extra places for the practical training of overseas students in industry, the number of places that have already been taken up and from which countries, respectively.

There have been 128 applications under the Industrial Training Scheme since the scheme came into operation in April, 1967. Twenty-two have so far been placed. They came from the following countries:

Afghanistan	1
Bahamas	2
Ceylon	1
Cyprus	1
Gambia	1
India	1
Kenya	2
Korea	1
Malta	1
Nigeria	4
Pakistan	2
Sudan	2
Turkey	1
Uganda	2

Twenty-one applications have been withdrawn and 31 applications did not come within the scheme. The remaining 54 applications are still under consideration.

Defence Research Establishments

asked the Minister of Overseas Development what study is being made of the potential contribution of existing British Defence Research Establishments to the British aid programme to developing countries; and if he will make a statement.

The Scientific Units maintained for aid purposes by the Ministry of Overseas Development are aware of the fields of interest and relevant capacity of the Defence Research Establishments and any useful contacts can be made on a scientist to scientist basis. No formal study of the potential contribution of the Defence Establishments to the aid programme has been made or is contemplated.

Public Building And Works

Government Departments(Accommodation)

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works if he will give figures showing the extent, to the nearest 100,000 square feet, and the annual cost, to the nearest £100,000, of additional office space taken into use by Departments of the Civil Service since 1964.

Information for the period up to October, 1967, was given in my reply to the Hon. Member for Gillingham (Mr. Burden) on 23rd October, 1967. More up-to-date information is not readily available.—[Vol. 751, c. 370.]

Social Security

Age Pensions

asked the Minister of Social Security if she will seek to increase old age pensions to assist old age pensioners in the winter following on devaluation and consequent price increases.

I would refer the hon. Member to the statement made to the House yesterday by my right hon. Friend, the Prime Minister.—[Vol. 756, c. 1577–1618.]

National Finance

Local Authority Loans (Scotland)

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the total sum of interest on loans to Scottish local authorities from the Government last year.

In 1967 Scottish local authorities paid £24·8 million to the Public Works Loan Board in respect of interest on their outstanding debt to the Board. In addition, £632,000 was paid by way of interest on loans from the Secretary of State for Scotland, nearly all of which was in respect of interest on advances towards the cost of the Forth and Tay road bridges and was met from tolls.

Civil Servants (Scotland)

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will take steps to give a supplement to civil servants in Scotland to their salaries to enable them to meet the higher cost of living in Scotland.

No. Except for the addition of London Weighting, which was recently the subject of a report by the National Board for Prices and Incomes, civil servants throughout Great Britain are paid common rates of salary, based on a comparison with the pay of outside staffs doing comparable work.

Tax Receipts (Scotland)

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the amount of tax receipts from English firms operating in Scotland.

I regret that this information is not available.

Adult Workers (Taxation)

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will give a breakdown of tax per adult worker for Scotland and England.

I regret that this information is not available.

Decimal Coinage (Scotland)

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will seek to introduce a distinctively designed Scottish 50 penny decimal piece.

Scottish interests. together with all other considerations, are being borne in mind in the new decimal coin designs.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the new decimal coin designs have already been approved by the Royal Mint Advisory Committee: whether these coins are already being produced; and whether there are distinctive designs for Scottish coins among these.

I hope shortly to make a statement about the new decimal coin designs and I have nothing at present to add to the answer given to the hon. Member on 8th December, 1967. —[Vol. 755, c.412.]

Overseas Investment

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his estimate of the total reduction in overseas investment which has resulted from the Government's measures of restriction on such investments, including direct restrictions on foreign overseas investment, the voluntary restraint on investment in the Commonwealth, the effects of the 25 per cent. remission levy on overseas investment realisations and the effect of corporation tax in making overseas investment less attractive.

The 25 per cent. scheme contributed foreign currency to 563 million dollars to the official reserves to the end of November last year. There is no reliable estimate of the overall effect of exchange control, the Voluntary Programme and the corporation tax. The pace of direct investment abroad, excluding oil, has fallen sharply since mid-1966. But the main aim has been to reduce the burden imposed by such investment on the reserves. Total figures obscure the substantial volume of investment now financed with funds borrowed abroad and the fact that, except for oil, official exchange is no longer used for projects in the non-sterling area.

Inspectors Of Taxes (Powers)

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what instructions have been given to inspectors of taxes with regard to the exercise of their powers under Section 28 of the Finance Act, 1960.

The powers under this Section are exercised by the Commissioners of Inland Revenue and not by Inspectors of Taxes.

Intestacy (Crown Acquisitions)

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the value of property, including both personalty and realty, acquired by the Crown as bona vacantia under the provisions of the intestacy laws during the years 1956, 1966 and 1967.

I would refer the hon. Member to the Crown's Nominee Accounts and the Ultimus Haeres Accounts which are presented annually to the House. The Accounts for 1967 are not yet available.A small proportion of the total amount relates to bona vacantia accruing from sources other than intestate estates such as sums arising from the realisation of property which belonged to dissolved companies and failed trusts. To determine the precise amount would require a disproportionate amount of work.

Sanitary Facilities (Purchase Tax)

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what items for use in the provision of sanitary and washing facilities are still subject to Purchase Tax, and at what rates; and whether, in view of the obligations imposed under Sections 9 and 10 of the Offices, Shops and Railway Premises Act, he will remove the tax on these items at an early date.

The following are subject to Purchase Tax at the rate of 27½per cent.:

Toilet soap.

Most fittings and lamps for lighting.

Ventilating and water heating units if of a kind used domestically.

The answer to the second part of the Question is "No".

Non-Ferrous Metal Mining

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) if he will provide any tax incentives similar to those now in force in the Republic of Ireland, with a view to encouraging the development of the non-ferrous mining industry in the United Kingdom;(2) if he has any plans to liberalise and reform the current tax laws on nonferrous mining in such a way as to encourage non-ferrous mining in the United Kingdom.

I have nothing to add to what was said during the debate on last year's Finance Bill.—[Vol. 748, cols. 852–882.]

Government Expenditure (Cuts)

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will specify the existing Government programmes, in constant prices, against which the Government expenditure cuts, including the £400 million already announced, are to be measured; and what pay and price adjustments are expected in them due to general factors and devaluation, respectively.

I would refer the hon. Member to the table published yesterday in the White Paper "Public Expenditure in 1968–69 and 1969–70". The figures n the Table are expressed in 1967 prices; it is not customary to publish any forecast of pay and price adjustments which may effect the estimates of public expenditure in future years.

Nationalised Industries (Investment)

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will specify the future years to which reductions in the nationalised industries' planned programmes for 1968–69 have been deferred, and the amounts by which each future year's programme will be correspondingly increased.

The reductions which my right hon. Friend announced on 21st December apply to capital investment in 1968–69; and similar reductions will be made in 1969–70. The success of the economic measures of which these are a part will determine the level of demand and hence the level of investment in future years.—[Vol. 756 col.488.]

Per Capita Income (Wales)

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the average income per head of working population in Wales, including Monmouthshire.

I regret that this information is not available.

Selective Employment Tax

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will state, in respect of the first year of the operation of the Selective Employment Tax, the total amount collected, the total amount refunded the total amount of premiums paid, and the total cost to the Government of administering this tax.

I estimate that in the first full year, i.e. 1967–68, the figures will be approximately as follows:

	£ million
Total amount collected	1,100
Total amount refunded	779
Additional payments to Manufacturers	129
Cost of administration	2

Regional Employment Premium, introduced with effect from September, 1967, will cost approximately £34 million in 1967–68.

Television (Government Advertising)

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the total cost of advertising on television by Government Departments during the Christmas and new year period.

Television advertising for only two Departments was undertaken by C.O.I. during the period 20th December, 1967 to 2nd January, 1968:

	£
Transport—Drink and Drive	33,944
Defence—Army Recruitment	13,591
	£47,535

Volume 756: debated on Wednesday 17 January 1968

Written Answers To Questions

Roads

Stone Kerbs

Departmental Correspondence

Removable Footbridges

Toddington And Watford Gap Service Areas (Petrol)

A41 (Speed Limit)

Motorways

Sevenoaks By-Pass

Temporary Bridge (Thorne)

Road Programme

East Cleveland (Communications)

Level Crossings

A20 (Improvement)

Rye By-Pass

London-Andover Route

Transport

Breath Tests

Coach Fares (London Airport)

British Electric Traction

Quantity Licences

Car Commuting (London)

Remoulded And Retreaded Tyres

Underground Stations(Parking Spaces)

Fare Increases, London (Report)

Transport Bill

Fish Hauliers (Compensation)

Departmental Vehicles (Reflectivenumber Plates)

Road Accidents

Exhaust Fumes

Passenger Transport (Scotland)

Freight Transport (Scotland)

Departmental (Televisionadvertising)

Lorry Drivers (Hours Ofwork)

Abnormal Load Charges(Scotland)

Abnormal Load (Definition)

Railways

British Railways (Chairman)

Ultra-Sonic Rail Flaw Dectectors

Railway Workshops (Accessories Andcomponents)

Machynlleth-Pwllheli Line (Study)

Southern Region

Advertising

Weaver Junction—Glasgow Line(Electrification)

British Railways Board(Members)

Foreign Equipment

Freight Containers (Tenders)

Derailments

Suburban Rail Services (Losses)

Reshaping Report (Scotland)

Shipping

Irish Sea Shipping Services(Review)

Ports

Bulk Carriers

Board Of Trade

Industrial Development Certificates(East Anglia)

Concorde Aircraft (Airports)

Rhodesia (Tobacco)

Comet 4 Airliner (Accident)

Insurance Companies (Scotland)

Industrial Closures (Midlothian)

Aluminium Ingots (Imports)

Industrial Development (Scotland)

Industrial Estates

Apple Imports (Northern Ireland)

Prestwick And Glasgow Airports

Aircraft Carrier "Leviathan"

Footwear (Imports)

Welsh Industrial Estates Corporation

Advance Factories

Employment (Humberside)

Hearing-Aid Batteries

Cinematograph Film (Import Duty)

British European Airways (Aircraft)

Non-Ferrous Metal Mining (Wales)

Fishing Vessel "Refleurir"

Agriculture, Fisheries Andfood

Coarse Fishing Close Season