asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he is aware of losses to cereal exporters caused by the effect of devaluation on forward grain sales; and whether he will take steps to assist them.

No. Exporters who sell short can cover themselves by hedging; otherwise they necessarily risk a rise in the market price.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he is taking to compensate farmers who sold cereals on forward contract last autumn at prices lower than they would now receive as a result of devaluation.

None. The terms of forward contracts for the sale of cereals are a matter for the parties concerned.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will now publish his calculations of the impact of devaluation on farmers' costs in a full year.

Information on total changes in farmers' costs will be published when the results of the Annual Review are announced. It is not practicable to isolate devaluation effects from the other factors which affect costs.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, what was the rate of growth of agricultural production in 1964–65, 1965–66, 1966–67 and his estimated rate of growth for 1967–68; and by how many times he estimates that it will expand before 1970.

The rate of growth of agricultural production is shown by the Index of Agricultural Net Output. At the 1967 Annual Review this was estimated as 127 in 1963–64, 137 in 1964–65, 136 in 1965–66 and forecast as 135 in 1966–67. A revised estimate for 1966–67 and a forecast for 1967–68 will be published in the 1968 Annual Review White Paper, but I cannot forecast the output beyond that year.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will now estimate the contribution to import saving of a £200 million increase in home agricultural production.

The import saving that might be achieved would depend on a complex of factors including the extent to which particular commodities were to expand and the levels of import prices. It is not therefore possible to make a meaningful estimate.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the Wise Report.

I regret that it is not yet possible to make a statement but I can assure the hon. Member that one will be made as soon as possible.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether, having regard to the current shortage of beef, he will seek to import beef from Rhodesia.

No; to do so would be contrary to the United Nations Resolution of 16th December, 1966, which imposed a mandatory prohibition on imports of meat from Rhodesia. Even if this were not so, such supplies would not be exempt from the temporary suspension of imports of beef from most sources that my right hon. Friend announced on 4th December, 1967.

asked the Minister of Agriculture Fisheries and Food what acreage of field beans was harvested in the season of 1967; and what estimate is available as to the average yield per acre.

The area of field beans returned at the June, 1967 agricultural census was 139,733 acres. The estimated average yield was about 24·4 cwt. per acre.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what investigations he has made into the possible spreading of foot-and-mouth disease by rats; and if he will make a statement.

It is well known that rats, like other wild creatures, can spread foot-and-mouth disease. My veterinary officers therefore look for signs of rats on every farm which is affected by the disease, and arrange for any infestation to be dealt with. The experts now conducting an epidemiological survey of the present series of outbreaks are looking into this factor.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will make a statement on the number of cases of foot-and-mouth disease in the present epidemic, since October, 1967; what are the number of beasts slaughtered to the latest convenient date, and the related cost of compensation for all slaughtered beasts; and how much imported Argentine and other meat has been denied entry into the United Kingdom following the imposition of the temporary imports ban.

Since 25th October, 1967, there have been 2,308 outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease up to 1.00 p.m. today. By midnight last night 204,000 cattle, 98,100 sheep, and 112,800 pigs have been slaughtered. £23,856,000 has already been paid in compensation and it is estimated that a further £1,750,000 is payable.I cannot say what tonnage traders would otherwise have shipped from countries from which imports are suspended.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what estimate he has made of the annual cost to public funds of special ploughing-up grants at £10 per acre, following foot-and-mouth disease; and what additional cereals and other agricultural output may consequentially be expected in 1968 and 1969 from these special grants.

My present estimate is that some 25,000 acres may be ploughed, representing a cost under this special Scheme of some £¼ million. This is not a recurring annual cost. I do not know what acreage, within the total ploughed, farmers will decide to use for particular crops, so I cannot assess what the extra output will be.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is his estimate of the financial loss to date by farmers in areas affected by foot-and-mouth disease restrictions, other than loss emanating from slaughter of animals.

I regret that it is impossible to make any precise estimate of such losses. This will no doubt be among the matters which will be considered by the committee of inquiry which is to be set up.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the approximate number of farm workers whose employment is currently affected by the slaughter of animals following foot-and-mouth disease outbreaks.

Census returns show that about 4,050 workers were employed last year on holdings where outbreaks have since occurred, but the information which is available does not suggest that many have been laid off. In Cheshire—the county worst affected—the latest Ministry of Labour estimate puts the total at 41.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what financial provisions he has made to enable farmers whose stock has been slaughtered as a consequence of foot-and-mouth disease to enable them to continue to employ their stockmen, until such time as re-stocking is permitted.

Apart from the compensation for stock slaughtered, we have given help by the introduction of the special £10 Ploughing Grant, the encouragement of improvement schemes, the payment of grant on account and the employment of farm workers on the disease operations. But any direct help for consequential losses would entail compensating the many thousands of people both in side and outside the farming industry who have also suffered from the epidemic

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what fixed rate per hour was agreed for farm workers engaged in clearing up operations following foot-and-mouth disease; whether this rate was uniform throughout the counties affected; and to whom this rate is being paid.

The Ministry employs contractors to bury or burn the carcases of animals slaughtered and to disinfect the farm premises after foot-and-mouth disease. When, with the agreement of their employer, farm workers are recruited for this work by the Ministry or the contractor, they are normally paid at the same rate as the contractor's workmen. Different contractors pay their workers different rates. A farmer may elect to retain his workers on his pay-roll and hire them out, in which case he claims reimbursement from the Ministry or contractor, together with an addition to cover his overheads.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether, owing to the importance of the questions involved and the necessity of sifting contrary evidence on many matters, he will take steps to obtain a judge of the High Court to act as the chairman of the committee which will consider all aspects of foot-and-mouth disease, including its prevention and cure by modern methods.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what form of inquiry he will establish to investigate foot-and-mouth disease; and what will be the terms of reference.

We propose at the earliest convenient opportunity to set up an independent Committee of Inquiry to review our whole policy and procedures for dealing with foot-and-mouth disease in Great Britain and to advise on changes. We will announce the exact terms of reference and membership as soon as possible, but I am not yet in a position to say more.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what action he proposes to take to assist farm workers who were prevented by his Department's officers from carrying on with their employment, because they lived in an area affected by foot-and-mouth disease, and their employment was on farms outside the affected area.

Farm workers living in an infected area can carry on employment in other areas.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will give clearer guidance to farmers outside the restricted areas on precautions against foot-and-mouth disease, and in particular on the use of disinfectant at farm entrances.

All farmers in the country received a copy of the Four Rules for Farmers which my right hon. Friend gave out in a television broadcast on 21st November. These Rules should be followed, particularly near infected areas.We have already stressed the importance of farm-gate disinfection, particularly in the infected areas.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will pay compensation to farmers who have had to accept much lower than average prices for fat cattle and sheep due to foot-and-mouth movement controls.

No. There is no evidence that average prices for fat cattle and sheep have fallen because of this. In any case, it is not our policy to pay compensation for conseqential losses due to foot-and-mouth disease controls.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will pay compensation for loss of profits to farmers who have lost stock through foot-and-mouth disease.

No. Numerous people both inside and outside the livestock industry have suffered serious losses of income or profits as a result of the foot-and-mouth epidemic. The Gowers Committee said that it would be impossible to compensate all of them. Like our predecessors, we have accepted their views and could not justify treating the farmers exceptionally.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what conclusions he has now reached on the source of the foot-and-mouth disease epidemic; and, in particular, whether he estimates that the whole. outbreak originates from one single source of infection or how many.

I have nothing to add to the reply given to the hon. Member for Oswestry (Mr. Biffen) on 18th January.—[Vol. 756, c. 676.]

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many veterinary surgeons from Scotland have been employed in fighting the foot-and-mouth disease epidemic; and what proportion this is of the total of the profession in Scotland.

A total of 105 veterinary surgeons from Scotland including members of my staff stationed therein, have so far been employed in combating this disease. This is about 16 per cent. of the veterinary profession in Scotland.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will give an assurance that the agricultural, fishing and forestry industries will be exempted from the cuts in Government expenditure; and if he will make a statement.

My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister has already stated on 16th January that we are not proposing any cuts in agricultural expenditure. This was made clear in the table published in HANSARD where the figures for agriculture (which includes fishing and forestry) showed no reductions.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received from the Meat and Livestock Commission about measures to encourage home production; and what reply he has sent.

None, but we will gladly consider any suggestion that arises from the Commission's general duty of promoting greater efficiency in the industries with which they are concerned.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will make a statement on the future of the Egg Marketing Board.

No. We are awaiting the report of the Reorganisation Commission.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he has studied the evidence contained in the December issue of the official organ of the Devon Trust for Nature Conservation, a copy of which has been sent to him, that more strychnine is being used for killing moles than necessary; if he is satisfied that enough care is taken in granting permits for the issue of strychnine for this purpose; and if he will make a statement.

I have seen the Journal of the Trust. I do not accept the figures given in it as evidence that unnecessary amounts of strychnine are being used. On the remaining parts of the Question I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave on 22nd March, 1967 to the hon. Member for Devizes (Mr. Charles Morrison).—[Vol. 743, c. 1706–7.]

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, what representations he has received, and from whom, regarding the probable effect of the Transport Bill upon the agricultural industry; what form they took; and what reply he has sent.

The National Farmers' Union and others concerned in agriculture have made representations about certain provisions in the Transport Bill. These refer to the difficulties which it is feared that the new legislation will cause for the industry and to increased cost. My right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport will consider all the points raised before detailed regulations are made.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was the annual cost of food to the nation in January, 1967 and January, 1968, respectively.

Consumers' expenditure on food in the United Kingdom was £6.015 million in 1966, and £6,156 million in the twelve months to the end of September, 1967, the latest period for which information is available.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what increase or equivalent increase in staff in his Department has been required to administer the agricultural investment grants under the 1967 Act; and whether any of these have been transferred from the Board of Inland Revenue or other Departments.

Administration of the agricultural investment grants under the Agriculture Act, 1967 is estimated to occupy the equivalent of about 100 staff. No staff have been transferred for this work from the Board of Inland Revenue or other departments.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he now has any fresh proposals for a more effective brucellosis eradication scheme; and if he will make a statement.

The Brucellosis (Accredited Herds) Scheme has been virtually in abeyance during the epidemic of foot-and-mouth disease. The urgent task is to get this Scheme re-started in order to provide a reservoir of brucellafree cattle essential for any future eradication scheme.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what changes have taken place in the whole- sale prices of New Zealand butter and cheese since devaluation.

None; these prices have remained steady for over eighteen months.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what further progress has been made with implementing the proposals made in September, 1964 for the more accurate and informative labelling of food.

The majority of these proposals, which were contained in the Food Standards Committee's Report on Food Labelling, have been implemented in the Labelling of Food Regulations, 1967. These were laid before the House on 21st December, 1967.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he intends to make a statement regarding the future development of the fishing industry.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given today to the hon. Member for Haltemprice (Mr. Wall).

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was the number of pigs slaughtered in 1967 compared with 1966 and 1965.

12·3 million pigs were slaughtered in the United Kingdom in 1967, compared with 14 million in 1965 and 13·5 million in 1966.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what will be the added cost of imported animal feedingstuffs due to devaluation.

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given today to the hon. Member for Derbyshire, West (Mr. Scott-Hopkins).

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what he now estimates will be the rise in the cost of food for human consumption due to devaluation.

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given today to my hon. Friend the Member for Portsmouth, West (Mr. Judd) and the hon. Members for Sudbury and Woodbridge (Mr. Stainton)and Torrington (Mr. Mills).

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has for increased food production in the coming year, in view of the balance of payments.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what estimate he has made of the contribution of grassland, in view of the need to increase home food production as a result of devaluation;(2) what estimate he has made of the contribution which can be made by the livestock industry to the saving of food imports following devaluation; and if he will make a statement.

I would refer the hon. Members to the reply given today to the hon. Member for North Angus and Mearns (Mr. Buchanan-Smith) and others.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what action he proposes in relation to Reports Nos. 33 and 46 of the National Board for Prices and Incomes, the Remuneration of Milk Distributors.

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland and my right hon. Friend have already taken steps to implement the Board's recommendations on the level of remuneration of milk distributors up to 30th September, 1968. Report No. 46 contains longer-term proposals which are being discussed with the organisations affected.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what were the number of calf slaughterings in the fourth quarter of 1967; and how this compared with the same quarter of 1966.

Apart from foot-and-mouth losses, 152,000 calves were slaughtered in the last quarter of 1967, 13,000 fewer than in the corresponding quarter of 1966.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list in the OFFICIAL REPORT the number of houses built for public authorities and for private ownership, respectively, in each of the last 12 years, and his estimate of completions for the year ended 31st December, 1967.

41,458 houses were completed in Scotland in 1967—an all-time record. Of these, 33,960 were for public authorities and 7,498 for private ownership. The figures for the previous 12 years are as follows:

		Public sector	Private sector	Public and private sectors
1955	…	30,546	3,523	34,069
1956	…	27,325	4,576	31,901
1957	…	28,924	3,513	32,437
1958	…	28,109	4,061	32,170
1959	…	23,061	4,232	27,293
1960	…	22,063	6,529	28,592
1961	…	20,083	7,147	27,230
1962	…	18,977	7,784	26,761
1963	…	21,595	6,622	28,217
1964	…	29,509	7,662	37,171
1965	…	27,563	7,553	35,116
1966	…	28,159	7,870	36,029

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland to what extent the hospital bed shortage has been reduced in the provision of hospital beds in the last five years.

The problem of hospital beds in Scotland lies not so much in a shortage in total numbers as in imbalances in distribution between specialties and between localities and the age of many of our hospitals. To help meet this problem, over 3,700 beds, mainly for replacement purposes, were provided between March, 1962 and September, 1967 in new or substantially converted buildings, and schemes in progress at present will provide a further 3,300 beds.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the total numbers of hospitals, hospital beds, and appropriate hospital staff in Scotland at the beginning of 1946, 1951, 1964 and at the latest available date.

Figures for 1946 are not available. The following information relates to 31st March in each year.

Year		Hospitals	Beds	Staff
1951	…	392	62,451	50,680
1964	…	369	62,529	69,140
1966	…	370	62,468	73,579

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what date he has approved for the start of the new old folks' home at Airdrie; and what is the nature of the accommodation to be provided and the estimated cost of the project.

I do not approve starting dates for schemes of this kind. The project is at present with the local authority which expects to have revised plans completed within the next three months. The home will contain 40 places, and the estimated cost, as approved in May, 1966,was £100,360.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the number of persons serving imprisonment for life who have been released under Section 21 of the Prison (Scotland) Act, 1952 for the nearest convenient date; and what is the number of such persons who had been detained in prison for more than 10 years.

Twenty-nine life prisoners have been released on licence under Section 21 of the Prisons (Scotland) Act, 1952. One had been detained in prison for more than 10 years.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will impose a 40 miles per hour limit on the East Kilbride Road between Fishercoates Road and Cathkin Road end.

I am still prepared to be convinced by Lanark County Council that this restriction would be justified, but I have had no further approach from the council since in August, 1966, I told it that I would be ready to reconsider the proposal after it had provided bus draw-ins.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will set up an inquiry into the present methods of refuse disposal in the south-west of Scotland; and if he will invite local authorities in the area to co-operate in joint disposal projects.

I do not see the need for such an inquiry, but if my hon. Friend has any particular problem in mind I shall be glad to examine it.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is satisfied that a weekly collection of refuse is adequate in areas which have been subject to smoke control orders; and if he will consider the appointment of a committee of suitably qualified persons to investigate the future of refuse collection services in Scotland.

The report of a working party on refuse collection recommended in 1967 that refuse should be collected at least once a week, and more frequently in some areas. I sent each local authority in Scotland a circular commending the report to their consideration. The frequency of service in any particular area is a matter for the local authority concerned to decide in the light of the report.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when the third secondary school in Castlemilk, Glasgow, will be completed.

I understand from Glasgow Education Authority that the target completion date is August, 1969 but that this date will be improved upon if at all possible.

asked the President of the Board of Trade, if he will now undertake to consider the application of import controls.

There is no need, or justification, for imposing restrictions on trade which would damage our international trading relations and possibly our exports.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what steps he is taking to alleviate the effects of the withdrawal of export rebates and Selective Employment Tax premiums upon those manufacturers with long export order books based upon sterling and who find themselves in difficulty as a consequence.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the Revenue Bill introduced on 20th December in accordance with the Answer by my hon. Friend the Financial Secretary on 8th December.—[Vol. 755, c. 411–2.]

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will take steps to provide ad hoc arrangements to offset the increase in the cost of importing newsprint, type metal, and other materials resulting from devaluation, in view of the further depressing effect the increases will have on the newspaper industry.

No. This industry is not alone in facing increased costs of imported materials and we would not think it appropriate to single the industry out for preferential treatment to offset these costs.

asked the President of the Board of Trade when he expects to receive the report of the Monopolies Commission on the supply of metal containers.

It is too early to say when the Report will be received.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many meetings of his departmental committee on Patent Law have been held; and when he expects it to report.

The Committee has held seven meetings. I cannot say at present when it is likely to report.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will give an estimate of the cost of paying investment grants to foreign-owned shipping companies in respect of new ships ordered before 8th January, 1968; and how much of that cost is attributable to ships built or to be built in foreign shipyards.

I estimate that over the next few years approximately £39 million will be paid in investment grant to the companies controlled by persons resident outside the United Kingdom on new ships ordered before 8th January, 1968. Some £35 million will be on ships built outside the United Kingdom.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is the area of industrial building in the Northern Region for which industrial development certificates were issued in 1967.

7,476,000 square feet.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will make a further statement on the location of an aluminium smelter works in the Northern Region.

I have now received the Industrial Reorganisation Corporation's report on the proposals submitted for smelters based on nuclear power. This, with certain other proposals, is being urgently examined.

asked the President of the Board of Trade which are the basic industries whose increased productivity he estimates will have an overall beneficial effect on the export trade.

All industries have a contribution to make to the general increase in productivity on which the expansion of our exports must be based.

asked the President of the Board of Trade why the Export Credit Guarantee Department is delaying approval of a £12 million project guaranteed by the Philippine National Bank for two sugar mills, of which the hon. Member for Brighton, Pavilion, has sent him particulars, in view of the fact that other countries, including Germany, are competing hard against Great Britain.

Relations between E.C.G.D. and individual exporters are confidential. It would be improper, as well as dangerous to the commercial interests of British exporters, to discuss a particular negotiation in public.

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) if he is aware that Wisdom toothbrushes have been, or are being, increased in price from 1s. 8d. to 2s. 0d., whilst, at the same time, Messrs. Addis Ltd. are offering free gifts of Japanese typewriters, value £17 17s., to retailers agreeing to buy six gross of Wisdom toothbrushes; if he will refer this matter to the National Board for Prices and Incomes Board; and if he will make a statement;(2) if he is aware that Great Britain's balance of payments difficulties are increased by firms who import expensive foreign manufactures as free gifts for retailers taking part in sales promotion schemes, which directly increase consumer prices; if he will take steps to prevent such imports; and if he will make a statement.

I understand that the toothbrush which is to be sold at 2s. is a new type and not directly comparable to that now sold at 1s. 8d. I also understand that the offer of Japanese typewriters has been discontinued. I see no reason therefore to make a reference to the National Board for Prices and Incomes.In general I would hope that, like other buyers, manufacturers who offer goods as a form of quantity discount to retailers will be able to meet their requirements from competitive home production.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is the number of applications outstanding with the Board of Trade Advisory Committee.

698 as at 18th January, 1968.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement about the 17 per cent. increase over November, 1966, in the sales of jewellery in November, 1967.

The increase was in the total sales of jewellers, watch and clock-dealers and repairers. It is difficult to reach any sound conclusion on the basis of one month's figures, but the subsequent trend of sales may throw light on the reasons for this large rise, among which could be some buying in anticipation of price increases, an earlier start to Christmas shopping and a revival after the somewhat low sales earlier in the year.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will state his policy with regard to the rehousing of the Patent Office under one roof.

I should like to rehouse the Patent Office in one modern office building in London, but it is not practicable to do so at present.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the figures he issues relating to aircraft noise are totals of complaints or of complainants.

As I informed the hon. Member on 4th May, 1967, these figures are not issued by me but are given to the Heathrow Consultative Committee by the British Airports Authority. Questions relating to them should be put to the Authority. I understand, however, that both totals are given.—[Vol. 746, c. 118.]

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether in publishing statistics on aircraft noise, he uses a statute mile or a nautical mile.

The Board of Trade does not publish statistics on aircraft noise which involve any specific reference to distance, but the distances of the various monitoring points from points in the airport are customarily expressed in nautical miles on, charts and the like.

asked the President of the Board of Trade during what hours aircraft operating from London Airport, Heathrow, are counted in the statistics he publishes of night flights.

We do not publish statistics of night flights. The night period used in the figures for landings on certain runways sent monthly to the hon. Member personally is midnight to 0800 hours G.M.T.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what assistance he is giving to independent airlines seeking to obtain traffic rights on the North Atlantic.

No independent airline at present holds an air service licence for a scheduled service across the North Atlantic. Various applications for such licences are now before the A.T.L.B. Several independent airlines who hold licences permitting nonscheduled services across the North Atlantic have been assisted in seeking similar permissions from the authorities of other countries concerned.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will set up an inquiry into the arrangements for snow clearance at Heathrow Airport.

No. As I informed the hon. Member for Woking on Friday, 19th January, this is a matter entirely within the competence and commercial judgment of the British Airports Authority —[Vol. 756, c. 684.]

asked the Secretary of State for Defence in which African States and territories, other than Libya and South Africa, there are ports and airfields freely available to Her Majesty's ships and aircraft in peace and war; and what are the relevant treaties and other agreements.

In none are the ports and airfields available in peace and war without any condition or restriction.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what has been the total cost of the Simonstown base since its establishment; what is now its annual cost; what purpose it now serves; and what proposals he has for reducing this expenditure.

The Simonstown Naval Base was transferred to the South African Government in 1957, and is their responsibility. Figures of total cost since its establishment are not available.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what consultations he has had with the trade in deciding how to dispose of 800,000 pairs of army boots which are surplus to requirements; and how many pairs he intends to put on the home market each year.

A meeting was held with the British Footwear Manufacturers Federation on 11th October, 1967, and we propose to arrange another meeting very soon.We intend to spread out sales of these boots over a number of years, but it is too soon to say just how many will be put on the home market each year until we have held the further meeting with the trade. These quantities will also depend on the outcome of our efforts to sell the boots in overseas markets.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence how many Royal Air Force aircraft were destroyed in flying accidents during 1967; and how many aircrew were killed or injured in such accidents.

It would be contrary to long-established practice to publish detailed statistics of R.A.F. accidents. The general trend has been one of steady improvement over the years and, in terms of flying hours, the accident rate of the R.A.F. in 1967 was the best ever achieved. I regret, however, that the number of aircrew killed in 1967 was greater than in some other years because there were three accidents to Shackletons involving aircrew fatalities and these aircraft carry a much larger crew than any other R.A.F. aircraft.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what will be the cost of maintaining the Polaris base and the four Polaris submarines when the programme is completed.

As the hon. Member has already been informed, the running costs of each submarine will be approximately £5 million per annum: this figure includes the cost of the base and all other support service.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what has been the total expenditure on the Polaris programme up to 16th January on the base at. Faslae and the missile depot at Coulport; and what further expenditure he estimates will be incurred.

About £33 million and £12 million respectively.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what recent review he has made of land held by his Department on behalf of the services; and what increase in this holding he estimates will be necessary for training a larger proportion of the services based on this country.

Our current review of training areas in the United Kingdom will take account of changes in the size and composition of the forces. Until this review is completed, I cannot say what extra training land, if any, will be needed.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what advice his Department gave to the South-East Economic Planning Council when the latter were preparing their report, A Strategy for the South-East, concerning land needs in the area.

Factual advice about our land holdings.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what was the total acreage of land held on behalf of the services at the end of 1966, and the end of 1967, respectively.

About 623,000 acres and 609,000 acres respectively.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he will make a statement about the proposed disbandment of the Territorial and Army Volunteer Reserve, Category III.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he will undertake not to dispose of the drill halls at present allocated for the use of the Territorial and Army Volunteer Reserve, Category III.

I am discussing with the Council of Territorial and Auxiliary Forces Associations the Government decision to put Home Defence on a care and maintenance basis and the proposed disbandment of the Territorial and Army Volunteer Reserve, Category III.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what is his estimate of the total weight of ammunition, medical supplies and other stores and equipment required to supply and maintain a brigade group transported by airlift from the United Kingdom to the Far East for two months duration.

This would vary widely with several factors—in particular, the nature of the operations.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what estimate he has made of the total expenditure on the arms programme in 1967–68 and in each of the five subsequent years at current prices; and whether in any of those years the total will fall below £2,000 million at current prices.

Budget totals for 1967–68, 1968–69 and 1969–70 at 1967 prices, which is the latest basis of price comparison at present available, are

Date			Ministry of Defence: from 1.4.64 Ministry of Defence (Central Staffs)	Admiralty: from 1.4.64 Ministry of Defence (Navy Department)	War Office: from 1.4.64 Ministry of Defence (Army Department)	Air Ministry: from 1.4.64 Ministry of Defence (Air Force Department)	Total
1.4.46	…	…	Nil	159,050*	118,900*	80,950*	358,900*
1.4.51	…	…	950	128,800*	10.8,800*	65,950*	304,500*
1.4.64	…	…	2,200	124,300	198,950	76,000	401,450
1.10.67	…	…	4,150	118,700	176,800	65,250	364,900
* Excluding locally engaged staff.

I should point out that the Ministry of Defence did not exist as a separate Ministry in April, 1946; that some 40,000 staff were transferred from the Ministry of Supply to the War Office in 1961; that some 50,000 staff were transferred from the Admiralty, War Office and Air Ministry to the Ministry of Public Building and Works in 1963; that some 400 staff were transferred from the Ministry of Aviation to the Ministry of Defence as a whole in 1965; and that there have also been numerous other transfers of staff between the four organisations.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence how many men are now employed on naval construction; how many of these are employed on the Clyde; and what is the total cost of the ships.

The latest available estimate made by the Ministry of Technology was for November, 1967, when 17,400 men were employed on naval new construction in the United Kingdom, of shown in the table published in Cmnd. 3515. For later years, my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister pointed out in his statement of 16th January, time will be needed to work out the precise implications of the new programme, and I am not at present prepared to add to the information given in that statement.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what were the total numbers of civil servants employed by the Ministry of Defence, and the Admiralty, War Office, and Air Ministry, respectively, as appropriate at the beginning of 1946, 1951, 1964 and at the latest available date.

:which 3,900 were employed on the Clyde. These figures exclude administrative, technical and clerical staff.The total value of naval shipbuilding orders on hand at that time was £233 million, of which £34 million related to Clyde orders.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what new ships he has decided to order; what is their cost; and for what are they to be used;(2) if he will publish a list of the new ships he proposes to order for the Royal Navy; what is their purpose; and what is the estimated cost.

I cannot forecast future orders until we have reviewed the rate of naval new construction in the light of our reduced defence commitments.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the placing of an order for a submarine depot ship; and what is the estimated cost of such a ship.

No order has yet been placed for a submarine depot ship and it is too early to give any estimate of cost for such a ship.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will publish a list of the ships for the Royal Navy which are now being refitted, reconditioned and repaired, stating the cost.

Thirty-two submarines and ships of frigate size and above are under refit in H.M. Dockyards. The approximate cost of the refits is shown below.A wide variety of smaller ships and vessels are in hand in H.M. Dockyards for reconditioning and repair generally of a more minor character; and a number of other naval vessels are being refitted by contract.

Ship				Approximate Estimated Cost
				£m
REFITS:
Ark Royal	…	…	…	30
Blake	…	…	…	5½
Tiger	…	…	…
Oberon	…	…	…	2
Opportune	…	…	…
Orpheus	…	…	…
Ashanti	…	…	…	2½
Berwick	…	…	…	2½ to 3
Londonderry	…	…	…
Lowestoft	…	…	…
Plymouth	…	…	…
Rothesay	…	…	…
Yarmouth	…	…	…
Exmouth	…	…	…	3¼
Dundas	…	…	…	1¼
Lincoln	…	…	…	2½
Salisbury	…	…	…
Kent	…	…	…	¾
Finwhale	…	…	…	1
Osiris	…	…	…
Opossum	…	…	…
Ocelot	…	…	…
Acheron	…	…	…	¾
Andrew	…	…	…
Arethusa	…	…	…	3/5
Cleopatra	…	…	…
Torquay	…	…	…	½
Rhyl	…	…	…	2/5
Lynx	…	…	…	½
Wakeful	…	…	…	2/5
Mohawk	…	…	…
Murray	…	…	…	1/5

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what consultations he has had with Brooke Marine Limited, Lowestoft, consequential upon the cancelling of the F111 and a revision of the off-set agreement.

The need for formal consultation with Brooke Marine Limited has not arisen.

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what structure exists within Royal Naval dockyards for securing contracts for outside civil work.

The normal dockyard structure is sufficient to secure the relatively small amount of outside civil work which the dockyards are able to take without prejudice to their naval task.

asked the Minister of Transport what inquiries she has made in connection with the breathalyser test into a product called Alcokill which is intended to be sprayed into the mouths of motorists to mask the smell of alcohol and whether she will make a statement

Devices such as this have been tested at the forensic science laboratories: the tests have shown that mouth sprays only mask the smell of small quantities of alcohol, and only for a short time. A driver who is over the limit is most unlikely to escape detection by using one.

asked the Minister of Transport if she will make a statement on the future of Thomas Cook and Son.

Thomas Cook and Son Ltd. are a valuable national asset which must continue to be maintained and vigorously developed. I have every confidence in the ability and determination of the Company's Chairman, his Board and staff to do this. The transfer of most of the Transport Holding Company's other existing assets to the new bodies to be set up as a consequence of the proposals in the Transport Bill now before the House may, however, later make it desirable to make new arrangements for the continued control in the public sector of the Holding Company's holdings in Thomas Cook. This is under consideration.

asked the Minister of Transport what are the estimated freight movements by road in Wales for each of the last six years by type of goods and class of vehicle.

The information available for 1962 will be found on pages 69 to 75 of the Ministry's published Report "Survey of Road Goods Transport 1962 Final results—Geographical Analysis". Figures for later years are not available, but figures for 1967–68 derived from a survey now in progress will be published in due course.

asked the Minister of Transport what is the cost to public funds of the current advertising campaign to draw the attention of motorists to the breath-test.

The total cost of the campaign, which ran from 25th September to 31st December, 1967, was £347,500.

asked the Minister of Transport how many road accidents have been reported between 1960 and 1967 which have involved vehicles carrying dangerous materials.

I regret that this information is not available.

asked the Minister of Transport if she is aware that in Norwich 63 drivers who have been issued with disabled drivers' badges are allowed to park for one hour in any two in streets where there is a single yellow line; and if she will consult with other local authorities with a view to seeing whether similar concessions can be granted.

My right hon. Friends the Ministers of Health and Transport issued fresh circulars in September, 1967, to local authorities and welfare authorities on the car badge scheme for disabled drivers and the kind of provisions which should be made to help them. In our circular, we suggested to local authorities that in the case of disabled drivers they should consider waiving time limits imposed by Limited Waiting Orders. But in general we believe that disabled drivers can be given most help through the use of discretion by police and others concerned with traffic regulation rather than by making special provisions in the traffic regulation Orders in respect of disabled drivers. We do not think therefore that any further guidance to or consultation with local authorities is necessary at present.

asked the Minister of Transport when a start will be made with the installation of traffic signals at the junction of Heather Park Drive and the North Circular Road, N.W.10.

Work on the improvement of this junction, including the installation of traffic signals, is expected to start at the end of March.

asked the Minister of Transport what is the estimated Exchequer expenditure to be incurred on new road construction and improvements in the current financial year.

£197·3 million.

asked the Minister of Transport whether she is aware of the growing concern, both as to the safety and the state of repair of the Lowestoft swing bridge, and the consequences to the people of Lowestoft of any breakdown; and why there are continuing delays in the provision of a new bridge.

I have nothing to add at present to the Answer given to the hon. Member on 15th November, 1967.—[Vol. 754, c. 118.]

asked the Minister of Transport whether she is aware that the weight limit for lorries passing over the Lowestoft swing bridge has recently been reduced; if she is satisfied about the safety of the bridge; and if she will make a statement.

On 13th October, 1967, a weight limit of 13 tons, with an exception for public service vehicles of 14 tons, was imposed on this bridge; we are satisfied that the bridge can be used safely by vehicles now permitted to use it. We imposed the new weight restrictions at the request of the British Transport Docks Board who are responsible for maintaining the bridge.

asked the Minister of Transport whether she will in future make public the information her Department receives from the regional economic planning councils when they are consulted in the process of considering railway station closures.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the Answer given to my hon. Friend the Member for Cheadle (Dr. Winstanley) on 15th November, 1967.—[Vol. 754, c. 101]

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will initiate a scheme of Government-sponsored loans for exporters at rates of interest lower than those now charged by the clearing banks, the difference between the proposed reduced rate of interest and those now charged being financed by Her Majesty's Government.

It would be contrary to our international obligations for the Government to bear part of the costs incurred by exporters in obtaining credit.Arrangements exist for the Export Credits Guarantee Department to provide guarantees to banks against which the banks lend at a fixed rate of at present 5½ per cent. for export credit of two years or more. There are similar shorter term guarantees, against which the banks lend at the current Bank Rate (with a minimum of 4½ per cent. and varying with Bank Rate over the term of the advance); this arrangement is available for credit of 30 days up to (but less than) two years where the transaction is backed by bills or promissory notes from the importer and for any period up to six months where it is not.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the discussions he is holding concerning housing finance in the public sector and the present housing subsidies; and if, in order to prevent additional rent increases and cuts in council house building, he will give an assurance that there will be no alteration in the provision of 4 per cent. loans as provided in the Housing Subsidies Act, 1967.

I have nothing to add at this stage to the remarks which I made on 17th January during the debate on Public Expenditure.—[Vol. 756, c. 1803.]

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

None.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will give figures showing at 1967 survey prices total public expenditure as defined in the National Plan Command Paper No. 2764, chapter 18, paragraph 1, and excluding investment grants and the effects of selective employment tax and regional employment premiums, in each of the years from 1959–60 to 1967–68, and the annual rate of increase from each year to the next.

The conceptual difficulties of expressing statistics of public expenditure (including transfer payments) for past years in terms of constant prices are such that I do not feel able to publish the absolute figures. However, the approximate successive annual percentage increases at constant prices are as follows:

			Per cent.
1960–61	…	…	4
1961–62	…	…	7½
1962–63	…	…	1
1963–64	…	…	5½
1964–65	…	…	5
1965–66	…	…	7
1966–67	…	…	1½
1967–68	…	…	7½
			(Estimate to Estimate)